I've been backwards and forwards to the docs. Various symptoms, numbness and tingling of hands, course hair, course skin patches, chilblains, weight gain, irregular periods.....the list goes on and on, and I've recently had a carpel tunnel op on my left wrist.
Over a series of years I have asked for blood tests to check my thyroid function due to family history and the sporadic things above.
My results are back today, they gave me the levels t3 = 4.8 and t4 = 15 and then said I have lower than normal calcium levels. They said the doc couldn't speak to me because he wanted to double check some things with another gp before calling me.
I have no idea what normal levels are, I wondered if someone could tell me what are the normal ranges ......I just wanted to understand what they may indicate as I don't want to be fobbed off as normal if I should be asking further questions.
Thanks
Written by
Dondons76
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Normal ranges differ between labs depending on the methods of the test. You will need to as at your surgery. The ranges are usually in brackets after you result so they must know them.
Mmmm, I don't know, they didn't read those out today, but it was the receptionist and I'm jumping the gun a little....I am going to ask for a print out of my actual results I think ....
It’s very common for GPs not to even consider testing B12 / folate / Vit D - they get distracted by offering fixes (like carpal tunnel surgery) instead of thinking about the cause.
You are legally entitled to printed copies of your blood test results and ranges.
The best way to get access to current and historic blood test results is to register for online access to your medical record and blood test results
UK GP practices are supposed to offer everyone online access for blood test results. Ring and ask if this is available and apply to do so if possible, if it is you may need "enhanced access" to see blood results.
Oh, and see if you can get B12 and folate tested. Looking at the list of things you’ve put above, I wouldn’t be at all surprised if one or both was low.
That's really interesting.....thank you for that. I just feel like I'm being fobbed off at the docs and I just feel I know something just isn't quite right if you know what I mean
Low calcium is STRONGLY linked to being vitamin D deficiency
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 levels and thyroid antibodies
Or test privately
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)
Private tests are available as NHS currently rarely tests Ft3 or thyroid antibodies or all relevant vitamins
Your surgery has a legal obligation to advise of your results when requested. Do not accept a verbal message or results scribbled on a piece of paper that risks omitting important info, but ask for a print out which will contain details of what you have been tested for and the ranges.
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Never delay seeking advice or dialling emergency services because of something that you have read on HealthUnlocked.
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