Confused but convinced

[mummyslipper]

I'm new here. I'm 64 years old and have NOT officially been diagnosed with Hypothyroidism. I've had blood tests which show that I'm 'within the normal range'. My main beef is that I cannot lose weight, nor do I put it on, despite diet changes.

I KNOW my metabolism is very slow due to various other situations i.e. medications don't kick in until at least a fortnight after they are supposed to etc. I have many symptoms that when put together, are associated with hypothyroidism. Symptoms such as loss of body hair, hoarse voice, tiredness, high cholesterol, unable to regulate body temperature, Carpal Tunnel syndrome, I could go on. Plus, I have a 'Thick neck' which is a bit like a goitre.

I've had a battery of tests for heart, liver, stomach all either A1 or sorted. My GP is very good really but I feel the need to see a specialist who can define a diagnosis. Can you advise on how to go about it? This has been affecting me for many years and I need to get it sorted once and for all.

[SeasideSusie Remembering]

Welcome to the forum mummyslipper

Have you had a full thyroid/vitamin panel done by your GP? To be honest, it's unlikely because they don't normally do the full thyroid tests, and some will test vitamins, some wont unless they feel symptoms warrant it.

For a full picture we need:

TSH

FT4

FT3

Thyroid antibodies

Vit D

B12

Folate

Ferritin

If you have any of these, perhaps you could post them and include the reference ranges (ranges vary from lab to lab), if you have online access to test results the ranges should be there, otherwise they would show on a print out of your results which you can ask the receptionist at your surgery for.

If you can't get all these done, we have recommended private labs who do them all as one test bundle and you can do an at home fingerprick test (or venous blood draw at extra cost). Please ask if you would like details of these labs.

You wont get to see an endocrinologist on the NHS if your results are within range, and before spending money on a private one it's best to get the tests done first. Also remember that private endos also usually work for the NHS so you may not get much joy even if you do pay to see one. ThyroidUK do have a list of thyroid friendly endos which you can send for, then you could ask on the forum for feedback by private message on any that you can travel to, but do get the tests done first.

Email for endo list - [e-mail]

[pennyannie]

Hello Mummyslipper

Welcome to the forum :

In order to receive a considered opinion it is necessary to post some blood test results :

You may have had these done recently at the doctors and if you haven't copies to post the results and ranges on here now, you are entitle to all copies of your blood tests so you could ask at the doctors to action this for you.

Considering the current climate it might be easier to arrange the blood tests we need, privately yourself. there are private companies listed on the Thyroid uk website and the initial blood test we generally work from is a full thyroid panel to include TSH, T3, T4, the antibodies, plus ferritin, folate, B12 and Vitamin D., and I believe both the major two companies offer a home visit from a nurse if this suits you better.

Once with some detailed information start a new post to include the results and the ranges and people better able than myself will talk you through all that it means, and try to solve your symptoms, which do, read very likely to be thyroid related.

[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.

Important to see exactly what has been tested and equally important what hasn’t been tested yet

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...or test privately

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

Add any results you do have...or come back with new post once you get full private testing

[Marz]

Always remember when a Doctor says Fine/Normal/OK - it is only an opinion and not a result. Docs seem happy if results are just on range - but it is where you are in the range that is key !

So do request your results that are legally yours to see what has been tested and what has been missed ! We have to take control of our health - especially with thyroid.