I was diagnosed with an underactive thyroid 2 years ago... It all started soon after the birth of my first child. It has been a 2 year whirlwind of tests, misdiagnoses, Endocrinologist appointments, 7 different doses of levothyroxine, med suppression that led to temporary OVER active thyroid, now possible Hasimotits and Thyroid antibodies. All of this...and I have still never seen my doctor in person,(since 2017) as they are too busy for face to face consultations.
So my next step is trying for another baby. I cant get into the doctor to discuss this, so I am hoping someone on here has advice. I am so scared!!! Initially, I was waiting to feel generally better on a day to day basis, but I dont think that will ever happen. I have done research and know I will need my dosage of Levothyroxine raised and will need steady blood tests throughout pregnancy. I am worried about what the risks are. But I am 33 and not sure how long it may take to conceive. So I dont want to wait anymore.
I am currently on a dose of 100mcg of levothyroxine (have been for 4 months). I see the Endo every 6 months.
I am planning to update this post with my latest blood test results, but I am having a hard time trying to get GP practice to give them to me.
Thank you for any advice!!!
Written by
Mirbzy
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You are legally entitled to printed copies of your blood test results and ranges.
UK GP practices are supposed to offer online access for blood test results. Ring and ask if this is available and apply to do so if possible, if it is you may need "enhanced access" to see blood results.
In reality many GP surgeries do not have blood test results online yet
Alternatively ring receptionist and request printed copies of results. Allow couple of days and then go and pick up.
For full Thyroid evaluation you need TSH, FT4 and FT3 plus both TPO and TG thyroid antibodies tested. Also EXTREMELY important to test vitamin D, folate, ferritin and B12
Recommended on here that all thyroid blood tests should ideally be done as early as possible in morning and before eating or drinking anything other than water .
Last dose of Levothyroxine 24 hours prior to blood 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)
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
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
The aim of Levothyroxine is to increase the dose slowly in 25mcg steps upwards until TSH is under 2 (many need TSH significantly under one) and most important is that FT4 in top third of range and FT3 at least half way in range
Thank you so much for the detailed response. My GP doesn't have the patient access yet. The receptionists have questioned me twice as to why I needed a copy of my results. Told me they would leave a note for the doctor, but also said he would be too busy for my request. I tried to tell them I am legally entitled. I have bad anxiety and they made me feel terrible, so I hung up in a panic.
I do get my blood test done in the morning, but only recently read on here about not taking my morning dose first.
We are entitled by the LAW in the UK to get print-outs of our results (some may charge a nominal sum for paper/ink). Make sure that ranges are also stated so that members csn respond. Labs differ in their machines and so do ranges.
Without our results, with the ranges, members wont be able to respond to your queries. We have to read and learn ourselves of what is best for us, the patient, to recover our health. It is slow and gradual but we can get there eventually.
Quite a number of patients develop hypo after the birth of their child.
You can inform the receptionist that, from now on, you will require a copy of your blood test results - for your own records - and some surgeries may charge a nominal sum for paper/ink. Mine doesn't, yet, charge.
Also take thyroid hormones on an empty stomach with one Full Glass of Water and wait an hour before eating.
If the receptionists are being difficult, and not responding to reasonable requests, then it's time to be unreasonable. Go into the surgery and tell them that you want your results and you want them now. And, you will sit there until you get them. After all, how long can it take to access your results and print them out? A matter of minutes!
Remind them that you are legally entitled to have them because they are yours. And they are NOT entitled to ask you why you want them. You do not have to tell them why. And, that if all else fails you will get an access order and make things nasty, and you're sure they really don't want that, do they.
The GP is amazing...only if you can get through the terrible receptionists. To be fair, I get more out of seeing the Endocrinologist every 3-6 months, rather than a telephone appointment with the GP
do blood tests privately on thriva as your gp is not testing T3 any way probably. I think if you use discount code: CYCLESCHEME you pay £30 less...but your total order must be £45 at least (minus £30 = £15), otherwise if you just add thyroid test the place to add discount code does not appear.....
Once you test your FT3, FT4, TSH...you could add ferritin as well...please post your results here.
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