Just out of interest...endo recommendations?

[Schenks]

Hi, chapesses and chaps. Just a quickie. I've not used an endo for a long time now, but I'm wondering, are they still by and large wedded to the bible of the TSH levels, or has anyone found a good, knowledgeable and courageous endo willing to work with the patient? Or am I asking for hens' teeth?

I'm asking because I've just read that Naturthroid seems to be giving some people problems and I'd like to check my levels but the GP won't ask for T4 and T3 unless it's for an endo.

And any suggestions on private blood letting and tests? For someone with not a single decent vein left?

[SeasideSusie Remembering]

Schenks

For someone with not a single decent vein left?

Can you manage a fingerprick test? One tiny microtainer - 0.8ml of blood - is enough for TSH, FT4 and FT3 - Medichecks Thyroid Monitoring test - use code TUK20 for 20% off before the end of May.

[Schenks in reply to SeasideSusie]

Yay Susiecreamcheese! Shows how dull I've been - why didn't I think of a fingerprick test! Do they provide the lance, by the way?

[SeasideSusie Remembering in reply to Schenks]

Do they provide the lance, by the way?

Oh yes..... nodding Churchill dog ........... you get four lancets

[shaws Administrator]

There are several recommended labs that do home pin-prick finger tests. If you decide to do so, make sure you are well hydrated a couple of days before. You should also allow a 24 hour gap between last dose (if taking levothyroxine) and it should also be a fasting test (you can drink water).

Blood tests were introduced along with levothyroxine, i.e. T4 alone, therefore if we add in T3 or take NDT the blood test results may not equate. If on NDT it is usually about the relief of clinical symptoms which is the best judge.

thyroiduk.org.uk/tuk/testin...

[Schenks in reply to shaws]

Cheers, shaws. xx

[shaws Administrator in reply to Schenks]

I should also have said - the earliest possible appointment as TSH drops throughout the day.

[SlowDragon Administrator]

Getting full Thyroid and vitamin testing privately with option to pay for private blood draw at local to you private hospital, rather than DIY finger prick test is likely your best option.

You don't need an endocrinologist to do blood tests, just get private testing

Recommended on here that all thyroid blood tests should ideally be done as early as possible in morning and fasting. Last Levothyroxine dose should be 24 hours prior to test, (taking delayed dose immediately after blood draw). This gives highest TSH, lowest FT4 and most consistent results. (Patient to patient tip, best not mentioned to GP or phlebotomist)

If/when also on T3, or NDT make sure to take last dose 8-12 hours prior to test, even if this means adjusting time or splitting of dose day before test

Is this how you do your tests?

Private tests are available. Thousands on here forced to do this as NHS often refuses to test FT3 or antibodies or all vitamins

thyroiduk.org.uk/tuk/testin...

Medichecks Thyroid plus ultra vitamin or Blue Horizon Thyroid plus eleven are the most popular choice. DIY finger prick test or option to pay extra for private blood draw. Both companies often have special offers, Medichecks usually have offers on Thursdays, Blue Horizon its more random

Medichecks currently have an offer on until end of May - 20% off

thyroiduk.org.uk/index.html

Roughly where in the UK are you

There are a few endocrinologist who prescribe T3, and look at FT3 and FT4 results rather than TSH

Email Dionne at Thyroid Uk for list of recommended thyroid specialists

please email Dionne at

[e-mail]

[Schenks]

Brilliant. Thank you. I now have choices. xx