So last week I went to have a blood test at the GP to check my thyroid levels (or so I believed). However when I got the results back there was no thyroid check done, instead I had results for the following;
I waited for the GP to call but in the end it was the secretary who said I was to have another blood test in a month to recheck these parathyroid levels. Not talking to a doctor I was unable to ask any questions about this which was very frustrating. I then asked what about the review of my thyroid meds and I was told she would ask the doctor and let me know.
I really am shocked about this now and the fact it looks like I have parathyroid problems as well. It probably does explain why I have never felt well since my thyroid operation.
Has anyone else had these two problems at the same time?
Thanks in advance for your help. I have got much more help from this group than I have from any doctor.
Written by
Mionaonthehill
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Am no expert but this happened to me but it was due to very low vit D which caused my body to release calcium from my bones to compensate....so I was initially diagnosed with Hyperpar.... All settled once my vit D level was corrected after an intense course.
Its disgraceful no doctor has discussed with you your results! I was also under a bone specialist who diagnosed and treated.
If they havent already done it get them to check your vit D level.
No there was no Vitamin D test. As I said I didn’t even know they were checking got this until I got the results! I feel I am starting another fight to get the right treatment and am not happy.
You will have to be monitored with repeat blood tests and if there is a parathyroid problem confirmed you will need to see an Endo who is experienced in parathyroid disease, ultrasound and sestamibi scans will be done.
There are several causes of hyperparathyroidism, VitD deficiency, kidney disease and an adenoma being the most common.
I had parathyroid surgery a few years ago, slightly more complicated due to previous neck ops but it's usually a fairly easy op.
If it were me I would book an apt, even a telephone apt to discuss with GP and make sure the GP actions another blood test for vitamin D. Book the blood test yourself via reception if needs be. Definitely follow this up. I lost bone density which I'm sure was caused by poor vitamin levels which were not addressed and poor after care for thyroidectomy. Ask for a referral to a bone specialist but research it first. There is a UK charity for parathyroid conditions. It might be worth speaking to someone there.
Dear All thanks for your supportive replies. Slow Dragon I have not had Vitamin D tested but will get it done. Calcium was tested and I was over range. I downloaded the Parathyroid app and put in my results and it came out as having primary Hyperparathyroidism.
Last vitamins were beginning of November and Folate was 7.3 ug/L (>3.89) B12 was 80.3 ( >37.5) and ferritin was 109 (13-150) ugL
I want to change my GP because I was messed about most of this year with my thyroid issues and don’t want another year with parathyroid but where I live there is not much choice.
BEFORE seeing any consultant you need FULL Thyroid and vitamin testing
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
Low vitamin levels are extremely common, especially if you have autoimmune thyroid disease (Hashimoto's) diagnosed by raised Thyroid antibodies
You may need to get full Thyroid testing privately as NHS refuses to test TG antibodies if TPO antibodies are negative
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)
Private tests are available. Thousands on here forced to do this as NHS often refuses to test FT3 or antibodies
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
If antibodies are high this is Hashimoto's, (also known by medics here in UK more commonly as autoimmune thyroid disease).
About 90% of all primary hypothyroidism in Uk is due to Hashimoto's.
Low vitamins are especially common with Hashimoto's. Food intolerances are very common too, especially gluten.
So it's important to get TPO and TG thyroid antibodies tested at least once .
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 is in top third of range and FT3 at least half way through range
NHS guidelines on Levothyroxine including that most patients eventually need somewhere between 100mcg and 200mcg Levothyroxine.
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