Help

[LJGUTH73]

I had a thyroidectomy 2 yes ago. They have been tweaking my meds on and off. My tsh is high or t3 and t4 are too low. I've gained about 30lbs in the past two yrs. I'm very depressed. Constantly hurt my joints and physically tired. I can see Endocrinologist until the 7 of January

[Marz]

Sounds as if you are not well medicated. Do you have any results to share so people can help with suggestions ...

B12 - Folate - Ferritin - VitD ? Have they been tested and what were the results?

[SlowDragon Administrator]

First thing is, do you have any actual blood test results? if not will need to get hold of copies.

You are legally entitled to printed copies of your blood test results and ranges.

The best way to get access to current and historic blood test results is to register for online access to your medical record and blood test results

UK GP practices are supposed to offer everyone 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 tested. Also EXTREMELY important to test vitamin D, folate, ferritin and B12

Low vitamin levels are extremely common, especially if conversion of FT4 to FT3 is poor. Many people after complete thyroidectomy need addition of small dose of T3

Ask GP to test vitamin levels

how much Levothyroxine are you currently taking?

Guidelines are 1.6mcg per kilo of your weight....as minimum. Some need more

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

Cheapest option for just TSH, FT4 and FT3 £29 (via NHS private service )

monitormyhealth.org.uk/thyr...

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

For thyroid including antibodies and 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

Strongly recommend getting FULL Thyroid and vitamin testing BEFORE seeing any specialist endocrinologist

Is this referral to a recommended thyroid specialist endocrinologist from the Thyroid UK list?

If not got list, email Dionne at Thyroid Uk for copy

thyroiduk.org.uk/tuk/About_...

What was reason for thyroidectomy? Thyroid cancer or Graves' disease?

If Graves' disease....are you on strictly gluten free diet? This helps or is essential for many