Blood test

[Rosie2m]

Hi guys 😁

The drs just called me and told me I need to have my thyroid blood test on Monday, this came as a shock as the drs sent me an automated one in March (annual bday test) and I did that and my tsh level was the lowest I’ve had at 0.85. I was led to believe that as the last 2 have been ‘in range’ I won’t get another test for 6months. Anyway my question is.... they can’t do my blood test until 9.10 and I normally have it done at 7.45/8am at the hospital but for covid reasons the hospital I work in is doing appt only patient specific tests so I can’t go there. Is there anything I should do to make sure my level is high as possible at that time? Last thing I want is for it to be any lower and them stop my meds as I’m only on 50mcg as it is. Tia xx

[fuchsia-pink]

Hi Rosie

Take your previous dose of levo 24 hours before your appointment. 9.10 isn't that bad - although I accept it's later than you usually have it. Try and see if they will check free T4 and free T3 while they're at it - and the key nutrients (ferritin, folate, vit D and B12) if you possibly can. I got lucky when I said they're the tests recommended by Thyroid UK. Good luck x

[Rosie2m in reply to fuchsia-pink]

I did ask on the phone about the other tests but she said because they came back fine when I last had them checked they have to pass through the dr and they likely won’t do it atm because it’s not essential for my treatment and I don’t have a history of needing treatment for those 😔 basically I have to wait to see my dr or speak to them in person to get one. Hopefully they will come back ok 😬

Thankyou xx

[Wetsuiter in reply to Rosie2m]

i wouldn't like someone on the phone telling what was or was not relevant for my treatment b4 they d even taken the blood

[Rosie2m in reply to Wetsuiter]

I got the impression she’s been told to say it to anyone who requests anything outside of what the drs are requesting probably to minimise any work needed on their behalf and probably knowing that I won’t request a consultation or get one in time! X

[Rosie2m]

Ok so hopefully that time will be ok then, as long as they’re running on time that is. Lol xx

[greygoose]

Did they say why you needed to have your thyroid retested when you only had it tested a month ago? If your TSH was 0.85 - which has just got to be in-range - there can hardly be any urgency. Why don't you just refuse?

[Rosie2m in reply to greygoose]

Well I had it tested the first week of March, I’m happy to have it retested as my hr has dropped again and I’ve been suffering with some odd things that I hadn’t had before so it would rule that out for me if it comes back ok. I just don’t want it to come back too low because of the time and my dr (who is awful) to stop my meds x

[greygoose in reply to Rosie2m]

But, that was only four weeks ago. Did you have a change of dose after the last test? If so, it's too soon to retest. It should be after six to eight weeks. And, if you didn't have a change of dose, I can't see any possible reason for taking the risk of going to the surgery. But, if you don't mind, then it's up to you. But, personally, I would want to know why. I'm very suspicious by nature! lol

[Rosie2m in reply to greygoose]

No it would be 8 weeks as I had the test in the first week on March and will be having the test on the 4th May. I haven’t had a dose Change but the difference between my last two tests was quite a drop so I wonder if she is concerned as to what’s happening with my levels to make sure I’m medicated correctly 🙄 if I hadn’t been having some weird symptoms I would try and put it off but to be honest my doctor will just refuse my prescription without me having it anyway so I’ll be no better off. To be honest I am still having to go to work in a hospital so I’m already at risk as it is, the doctors are doing a one in one out and no extra people are allowed and no belongings that aren’t needed are allowed to be taken in. I’m very cautious and meticulous with hygiene so I imagine I’ll probably be at less risk than when I go to the shop for bread and milk. X

[greygoose in reply to Rosie2m]

OK, yes, your right, eight weeks! lol I've completely lost track of time with lockdown.

But, your doctor sounds like a right Tartar! How long have you been on a starter dose of 50 mcg? Not surprised if you're having symptoms on that tiny dose! Sounds like she's a TSH freak. And that is so, so wrong! And, the problem with TSH freaks is, they don't even know what it is!

[Rosie2m in reply to greygoose]

Haha the lockdown is getting to us all! As much as I wish I didn’t have to work it is keeping me up to date with what day it is luckily! Lol! I’ve been on the 50mcg since I started on the 26th nov! The dr refused to up it to 75mcg when one of my previous tests came back ‘in range’ tbh I’ve had treatment from 2 drs there and tho one is marginally better than the other they are both shocking xx

[greygoose in reply to Rosie2m]

That is sad. Can you not move to another surgery? Or are they all much of a muchness?

[Rosie2m in reply to greygoose]

From what I believe they are all much of a muchness however I will definitely try and move somewhere else if I’m consistently having trouble with them. I wouldn’t mind but I’m not an awkward patient, I only go when I really need to so it’s not like I cause issues for them they are just ignorant to the thyroid and it’s symptoms and don’t want to learn I suppose x

[greygoose in reply to Rosie2m]

I sometimes think the awkward patients get the best treatment because the doctors are so eager to get rid of them!

[SlowDragon Administrator]

If taking any supplements that contain biotin remember to stop taking these 4-7 days before any blood tests

Last dose levothyroxine 24 hours before test

Are you always getting same brand of levothyroxine?

[Rosie2m in reply to SlowDragon]

No, I was having mercury pharma and then 2months ago the chemist gave me actavis, that is when I believe the other odd things started happening but I was also ill throughout March so it could coincidentally be remnants from that 🤷‍♀️ or it could be my actual thyroid I really don’t know. I have just started back on the mercury brand today after having a few discussions with the pharmacy and them finally agreeing to make sure I stick to the same brand. I do still have a handful of the actavis left and am now wondering if I should just continue with them til Sunday 🤷‍♀️ xx

[SlowDragon Administrator in reply to Rosie2m]

Perhaps.... that would be 8 weeks on constant unchanging brand and dose

Then ....if supposing GP wanted to reduce dose you could argue to stay on current dose but back on MP ...retest in further 6-8 weeks

Obviously just testing TSH is totally inadequate

[Rosie2m in reply to SlowDragon]

Yes I think I’ll do that then, I don’t imagine one day of the mercury brand will make any difference xx