6 monthly thyroid checks via gp

[Sophie2009]

I have just came across an old letter from rheumatology. From Aug 2018 where 6 monthly thyroid checks are recommended. They haven't been done by the gp since then and I completely forgot all about it. I think rheumatologist requested it due to the high tpo antibodies which were >1000 at the time.

I have been doing blue horizons tests every 4-5 months which is quite expensive. So hoping now when the surgery opens up to blood tests then my Dr will do the tests. I know it's only the basic tests and will get the full panel done privately maybe not quite as often as it's getting too dear now.

[SeasideSusie Remembering]

Sophie2009

Medichecks is usually cheaper than Blue Horizon, and they use the same labs to process the tests. Every Thursday Medichecks has a thyroid related test on special offer, frequently the full thyroid/vitamin panel for £79 (Thyroid Check ULTRAVIT) but if you want a more basic thyroid test they offer those as well. If not on offer you can use code THYROIDUK for 10% discount.

[Sophie2009 in reply to SeasideSusie]

Hi thank you. I just thought it might save me some money as I didnt want to keep going back to my Dr's before. But now i know it's been recommended by rheumatology they can't really refuse, can they?

[BrynGlas in reply to Sophie2009]

I'd be inclined to book an appointment, take the letter and ask him to read it while staring him straight in the eye!!!!!! I realise that that would be difficult, but it makes you almost want to spit in his eye!

Total up how much you have spent on private tests and take an invoice with you too, that might wake him up!

GGgrrrrrr!!!

[Sophie2009 in reply to BrynGlas]

With everything going on with covid 19 i wouldn't get an appointment just now. But will call my Dr when they're back up and running. Just glad i came across the letter now. So I can chase it up.

[Fruitandnutcase in reply to Sophie2009]

Your doctor may already have seen it. I know my rheumy copies me in to his letters to my GP.

[Sophie2009 in reply to Fruitandnutcase]

Yes i think mine does too. So i will ask her when things are back to normal if she will run the tests. Hopefully it won't be a problem.

[shaws in reply to BrynGlas]

I agree with you.

[posthinking01]

Hi there - GPs get paid to look after thyroid patients - not sure if it is just across the board or when they actually start with the process of looking after you. When it went from consultant led treatment - GPs were supposed to pick up the needs of the patient not leave them high and dry. Although what GP's actually do for us is debatable !!!

[Sophie2009 in reply to posthinking01]

Hi sorry if i wasn't clear. I haven't got a diagnosed thyroid condition. I think my rheumatologist advised the 6 months checks to keep an eye on it as my tpo antibodies were very high at over 1000 with symptoms.

[posthinking01 in reply to Sophie2009]

Hi there - oh sorry I understand now - but when things are safer push for a blood test - I am glad the Rheumy knew it could be a problem makes a change for them to admit that high antibodies are not something to be ignored as 'normal' as mine were - over 5,000 when I first got ill. Still running at 700 plus - can't get them down any further.

[Sophie2009 in reply to posthinking01]

Hi thank you i will do. Yeah i know what you mean about that. The private blood tests i had done show a rising TSH (which I know that's all the Dr's will look at anyway)

It will be a long way ahead as i know it can take a while for things to change on a blood test 😔

[posthinking01 in reply to Sophie2009]

Good luck hope you get it sorted and you know where we all are !!! Keep safe and well

[Sophie2009 in reply to posthinking01]

Thank you. I will post any results on here. This is a great forum for help and advice 😊