Advice about my 13 year old son - possible hyperthyroidism

[FriedStuffWithCheese]

Hi

My son is 13 and was diagnosed with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome about 2 years ago. He'd had all blood tests etc. But he's not been well and a long story short we were referred back to paediatrician.

Paediatrician very dismissive, said it's probably just my son not being as fit as other children. Son is very hypermobile but just dismissed that as well, One of my son's symptoms is constant tremors, again tried to dismiss this but begrudgingly noted my son's eyes also twitch and said he is possibly showing symptoms of hyperthyroidism. My husband took him to the appt and they went straight to have a blood test afterwards at around 2.30pm.

I have underactive and always have blood tests early morning, is this as important for suspecting underactive? You can probably tell I'm not too happy with the paediatrician and I think if results come back negative he will be discharged, despite obviously not being right.

[jimh111]

Early morning blood test is sometimes recommended by patients because TSH is higher early morning and they hope this will improve chances of getting a hypothyroid diagnosis which is often made on the basis of a high TSH. In the case of hyperthyroidism TSH is likely to be close to zero and probably (not certain) doesn't change much during the day. The fT3 and fT4 results are equally important.

He needs to have TSH, fT3, fT4 all measured and if hyperthyroidism is indicated they should also test for TPO antibodies and Graves' antibodies TRAb. His symptoms could be hypothyroid although hyperthyroid is much more likely. If his results are abnormal make sure he is referred to a paediatric endocrinologist.

[FriedStuffWithCheese in reply to jimh111]

Thank you, I don't know what tests were requested but they took quite a lot of blood so hopefully it's the full Thyroid.

Looking at the symptoms for hyperthyroidism he has the majority but will just have to see what the results say.

Thanks again

[SlowDragon Administrator]

If they don’t do full testing, Blue horizon will allow testing of children

Hashimoto’s frequently starts with transient hyperthyroid results and symptoms

So if Graves’ disease is suspected they should test TSI or Trab antibodies to confirm Graves

Full testing

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, with both Graves and Hashimoto’s

Ask GP to test vitamin levels

Recommended on here that all thyroid blood tests should ideally be done as early as possible in morning

This gives highest TSH, lowest FT4 and most consistent results. (Patient to patient tip)

Blue Horizon Thyroid Premium Gold includes antibodies, cortisol and vitamins by DIY fingerprick test

bluehorizonbloodtests.co.uk...

Graves Disease antibodies test - Medichecks. They don’t allow testing of children

medichecks.com/products/tsh...

[sobs1962]

I think that the paediatrician is a disgrace to the medical profession and obviously doesn't really care, why be a doctor if that's the case. Ask to be referred to a different paediatrician as this one appears to be pretty useless.

[FriedStuffWithCheese]

Thanks for all the supportive and helpful responses. My husband said the blood test results are going back to the paediatrician rather than our GP and the paediatric dept will contact us but no indicated timescale.

I'm rather keen to get a full copy of the results asap because I don't feel we can't trust this paediatrician to give us all the information. He made comments that my son isn't fatigued just not as fit as other children his age(!) , Perhaps he was making his hands shake himself or was just nervous. Once he accepted tremors were genuine (due to eye twitching in neuro tests) he tried to say it was allergy medication side effects, even though it's not a listed one. Only when my son said he hadn't taken it for 2 months did he then say about blood tests, he'd wanted sin to come off the medication then review in a couple of months.

I'm furious tbh but my husband took him and says doesn't want to complain

Would I need to do a Subject Access Request to get them?

Many thanks

[lucylocks in reply to FriedStuffWithCheese]

Hi

Your paediatrician should send a copy of the results to your G.P. so if the paediatrician will not give you the results you can ask your doctor for a copy of them, you are entitled to them by law.

Post here when you get them and you will receive lots of help and advice.

Good luck.