I'm new to this site and looking for some advice after NHS GP surgery not being able to provide further support.
I've experienced the symptoms associated with low thyroid/IBS/low b12 for a good 10+ years now. I've had blood tests done two weeks ago by my GP who said I was fine, didn't want to research further and has prescribed me IBS meds instead. Whilst I'm aware it could be IBS, I would rather know for sure after ruling other out potentials.
My recent blood results:
B12 - 272 pg/mL (197 - 771)
TSH - 1.81 (0.27 - 4.20)
Free T4 - 12.9 (12.0 - 22.0)
Liver function (serum total bilirubin) - 20 umol/L (0 - 20)
Liver function (serum albumin) - 49 g/L (34 - 50)
I've included all past results below, that may be relevant? - any I noticed were either borderline or 'abnormal':
---- 2018
MCH - 32.1 pg (27-32)
---- 2016
liver function (serum albumin) - 44 g/L (33 - 48)
liver function (serum total bilirubin) - 19 umol/L (2 - 21)
---- 2015
liver function (serum albumin) - 49 g/L (32 - 45)
liver function (serum total bilirubin) - 28 umol/L (0 - 21)
TSH - 3.2 mu/L (0.5 - 3.6)
---- 2014
TSH - 3.0 mu/L (0.5 - 3.6)
If anyone can see shine any light on these results I would really appreciate any advice on what my best move is. I'm considering seeing someone privately - although I'm not sure whether I should see a private GP or straight to a private endocrinologist? (Don't have endless money to spend).
Thank you!
Written by
LLr1
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Please tell us what medication and supplements you may be taking.
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 D, folate and ferritin levels Plus 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 as NHS currently rarely tests Ft3 or thyroid antibodies or all relevant vitamins
Thank you, that’s helpful. I will definitely try to get some full thyroid testing done privately. I’m a bit lost looking for a private GP/endocrinologist in London. I don’t know which of the two is best to go for? I’m willing to pay around 100 for a consultation but hopefully not too much more..
I’ve received thyroid uks list of GPs and practitioners, but I find it quite hard to chose without any recommendations. If anyone does have any for specific doctors/specialists I’d really appreciate it.
Ok, thank you! Maybe I’ll order a full thyroid panel test from somewhere like Genova diagnostics then before looking for an endocrinologist..
I’m not sure how I feel about paying for tests to do from home with a finger prick that could go wrong/not draw enough blood, and I’ve heard you can somehow get the blood drawn at a place even if your order and sending the test to a lab yourself? Do you have any info on how this works? Especially during current times.
We mostly use finger prick home tests. They are fine. Be sure to read all the instructions well first. I do mine before 9am, but I make sure I have a good drink of water about an hour beforehand so that I'm not dehydrated. If you are, it's harder to get the blood out.
You don't need much and you can take your time. You will get enough. Getting a draw done at the moment will be hard.
I saw a private endo in London at the end of last year and it cost around £300 ...
Not sure you'll find one for £100-ish. But most private endo's have an NHS practice, so you may prefer to see one for free at their NHS practice.
The one I saw doesn't "do" T3 meds at his NHS practice, so I don't know if that rules him out for you. If not, send me a PM and I'l give you his details - but you'll need your GP to refer you ...
My GP doesn't seem likely to refer me anywhere at the moment so I might have to go private. Not really sure what the difference is between all the meds if I'm honest ! so not sure what the drawbacks to not offering T3 meds would be..
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