Puzzled!

[Gran123]

In 2017 I was found to have a large benign Nodule in my Thyroid which has been FNA'd and showed Lymphocytic Thyroditis. My TFT's are tested 3 monthly but continue to be within normal limits. My last test before /christmas came back as normal, Serum free T4 level 9.6 Range 7.00 - 1700pmolL and Serum TSH 2.36 Range 0.20 - 4.50. The GP does not ask ask for any other tests although I have had other Vitamin and B12 tests in the past which was 457. I have a few symptoms ie cold numb legs, restless legs, brittle nails and a few sudden nervy type pains but otherwise fine. My question is should I be having any other tests? Is it likely that the Thyroditis will remain as it is and the goitre will go with me to the grave?

[greygoose]

Serum free T4 level 9.6 Range 7.00 - 1700pmolL and Serum TSH 2.36 Range 0.20 - 4.50.

Sorry, but neither of those are 'normal', if by 'normal' you mean euthyroid. When a doctor says 'normal', all he means is 'in-range', but just being 'in-range' is not the same as euthyroid. Your TSH says your thyroid is struggling to make hormone, and your FT4 says it's not succeeding very well. But, the NHS insists that the TSH has to be over ten before they will diagnose hypothyroidism. And, your doctor obviously doesn't know enough about thyroid to realise how wrong that is.

The odds are that the situation will slowly get worse until they are forced to take notice and do something. But, unless you can get antibodies tested, I don't think other tests will reveal anything likely to change your doctor's mind. But, do ask for antibody testing, anyway.

[Gran123 in reply to greygoose]

Thankyou for your advice, I'll request an antibodies test next time.

[greygoose in reply to Gran123]

You're welcome.

[Marz in reply to Gran123]

Have you had the suggested tests above ?

[Gran123 in reply to Marz]

I did some time ago, I will check results and come back

[Gran123 in reply to Gran123]

I am in a position to have private blood tests, Thankyou! I'll let you know results

[SlowDragon Administrator]

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

Ask GP to test vitamin levels and 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 .

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

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

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

monitormyhealth.org.uk/thyr...

Come back with new post once you get results