Tests

[Stongwave]

Hello, can someone enlighten me on exactly what tests I am entitled to, because when I go to the GP she starts to bargain with me and ask me why and who told me to explore what I want?

[helvella Administrator Thyroid UK]

There is no specific entitlement to particular tests.

The GP must decide what to request - then the lab might do additional tests or refuse some that were requested.

Both the GP and the lab would appear to have a duty of care to you - but that does not obviously translate into individual tests being required.

Much of the problem of thyroid treatment lies in the area of tests. Doing tests that are not particularly relevant. Not doing tests that are relevant. How results are interpreted.

[Stongwave in reply to helvella]

Thanks for reply, The problem is, they only TSX and t4 explore, and i need t3 at least to see, not to mention something else, otherwise the above are in my lower limit, which is not good, and I do not feel good either.

[helvella Administrator Thyroid UK in reply to Stongwave]

You don't have to persuade me that they should always test FT3 (as well as FT4 and TSH)!

Just that it is extremely difficult to argue your case - or the case for all of us.

We simply cannot go through all the evidence and properly present the case with each and every bit being properly assessed.

[Stongwave in reply to helvella]

That's why I've taken out insurance so I don't have to convince anyone of anything, and to do what I think is necessary, because more tests, I think, give a clearer picture. Having more tests, I could have done without a doctor.

[very_ginger]

You should be entitled to any test you need to check your body is functioning correctly. GPs in UK don’t test T3, they look at TSH & T4 levels & prescribe.

I have just had a private test advanced thyroid test where all vitamins are checked alongside TSH, T4 & T3. My results are vitamins are poor so my GP is retesting: full blood test, MMA, Thyroid function, diabetes, liver & kidney. To get a broader scope of my nutrients/deficiencies before I supplement / he will increase thyroid meds.

Has your GP offered any advice or can you request a full MOT type bloods so they can get a broader picture of your current health & work your way up from there?

I’m sure some of the experienced members will be along soon with some solid advice & guidelines to back it up xx

[Stongwave in reply to very_ginger]

Thank you, I went to a health insurance option so I could test whatever I wanted, because I can't get along with the GP. There are questions about why, what and who told me so, and they don't think it's normal that people are advising each other on the Internet.

[FancyPants54 in reply to Stongwave]

Sadly it's perfectly normal that we are advising each other, because they are so bad at their jobs where hormonal issues are concerned.

[Stongwave in reply to FancyPants54]

Yes, it is, unfortunately.

[Billyboy2u in reply to very_ginger]

My GP has been ever so helpful and if they are unsure they ask me to take a seat in waiting room and ring the endo at the hospital.

I have a full MOT. Each 4 month

[Stongwave in reply to Billyboy2u]

You're very lucky. There are those like you, but obviously not many.

[very_ginger in reply to Billyboy2u]

Well that’s a rarity sign me up for your GP practice 😂😂 I saw the endo less than 5 times and then I’ve been under GP care for 18 years. Absolutely dire!

[Billyboy2u in reply to very_ginger]

Wow 18 years. I suppose eventually they get to a point where in there opinion they’ve came to an end.

My case has only been going on for around 2 years so there trying to help me. I’ve seen my endo 3 times in such a short time period too.

But either way I’m happy so far with my GP.

[very_ginger in reply to Billyboy2u]

Sounds very progressive! I hope this a sign of things to come. I was a teen when diagnosed so I didn’t get a great understanding of it. Just kind of went along with their requests

[SlowDragon Administrator]

With Hashimoto’s low vitamin levels are extremely common

How much levothyroxine are you currently taking

Do you always get same brand and which brand is it

What vitamin supplements are you currently taking

When were vitamin levels last tested

For full Thyroid evaluation you need TSH, FT4 and FT3 tested. Also EXTREMELY important to test vitamin D, folate, ferritin and B12 at least annually

NHS rarely tests more than TSH.

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 .

Last dose of Levothyroxine 24 hours prior to blood test. (taking delayed dose immediately after blood draw).

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

Is this how you do your tests?

Private tests are available as NHS currently rarely tests Ft3 or thyroid antibodies or all relevant vitamins

List of private testing options

thyroiduk.org/getting-a-dia...

Medichecks Thyroid plus antibodies and vitamins

medichecks.com/products/adv...

Thriva Thyroid plus antibodies and vitamins By DIY fingerpick test

thriva.co/tests/thyroid-test

Thriva also offer just vitamin testing

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

bluehorizonbloodtests.co.uk...

If you can get GP to test vitamins and antibodies then cheapest option for just TSH, FT4 and FT3

£29 (via NHS private service ) and 10% off down to £26.10 if go on thyroid uk for code

thyroiduk.org/getting-a-dia...

monitormyhealth.org.uk/

NHS easy postal kit vitamin D test £29 via

vitamindtest.org.uk

Have you had coeliac blood test done

Are you on strictly gluten free diet

[Stongwave]

Hi, thanks for the detailed guidance,I ve been taking 50mg of levothyroxine from the NHS, but I increased it to 75 mcg because I see that t3, T4 and tsx are in the lower limit. Every time, levothyroxine is the same to me, except for the one I bought myself from an online pharmacy, Vitamins and iron panel are normal. Right now I've been taking vit A, C, D3, K2, I take aspirin, adrenal cortex, because my morning cortisol is low, I've taking B complex and once a month B12 by injection, also in the evening- glycine, magnesium+garlic and oregano oil,sometimes both NAC and capsules collagen. I also drink apple natural vinegar with water and enzymes after eating. I last tested vitamins in October, but now I'm going to test them again because I have health insurance. The tests I try to do on an empty stomach, but sometimes they give me an hour late in the afternoon and I've had breakfast early in the morning. I haven't done test for Celiac disease, but I ll keep it in mind. I'm not on a strict gluten-free diet because I've tested myself for food intolerance, and I was told that I had an intolerance only to yeast. I forgot to mention that I've been taking the amino acid L-Tyrosine for a while.

[kittyelen in reply to Stongwave]

I don't know if you need to test vitamins that often. I think it is just the doc will do the tests they deem appropriate which is why they were asking you those questions For eg I asked my endo doc why is she not sending off for a vitamin or ferritin test (As people on here advised) but she advised they are not required she tested all the thyroid and anti bodies etc

I think consultants/GPs etc will have a course of action, and if something does come up that requires further tests they would request when needed rather than testing every single thing at once.

You are taking a lot of supplements! Eek I take nothing, You sound pretty educated on that side. Aspirin can thin your blood so is there another medical reason why you need this? I am thinking of getting a private vitamin test at some point as they are reasonably priced for private ones.

[Stongwave in reply to kittyelen]

I try everything regularly because I obviously have a stomach problem and it also needs to be optimal, and not just within limits, especially hormones. Doctors don't even know these things at the risk of offending someone. I take aspirin because it strengthens the intestines and contributes to better sleep. I'm also taking K2, so it's fine.

[Stongwave]

I know these things, but it all depends on the policy and the company and the kind of insurance itself.

[Charlieboots in reply to Stongwave]

I am in the same situation with GP so I empathize. I haven't contacted my insurance yet but since Covid they have added private GP consulting to my policy. Just feel overwhelmed. Been depressed and referred to psychiatrist who now are asking GP to do thyroid tests again. It seems some GPs and Endocrinologists really don't understand how ill people really are. Good luck. Am thinking of having Blue Horizon test after I have stopped taking supplements.

[Stongwave in reply to Charlieboots]

Don't get depressed, there are always other ways, we just have to find them. For example, I will touch a doctor who goes to people who have been to other doctors and have not received help. This doctor is a normal doctor, but also homeopathy and naturopath. I like the drugs with which it heals, they are new, but for every single problem in the human system, not broad-spectrum like classic homeopathic drugs. He also has 10 years of experience in this field.

[Stongwave in reply to Stongwave]

Besides, it won't take too much tests, and even if they're needed, he can appoint them without a problem, because he's also a classic doctor, among other things.

[Charlieboots in reply to Stongwave]

Thank you. It is so difficult when you are so unwell. I appreciate your elf and encouragement.

[Stongwave]

OK, thanks

[Charlieboots in reply to Stongwave]

My insurance had a moritarium, where existing conditions were not covered in first two years. I have been with them for 4 now . (Axa On line Health)

[Stongwave in reply to Charlieboots]

Well, it's terribly unprofitable, I wouldn't do it.