Possible thyroid issues

[Foxesdiv1]

Hi everyone I am a new member my name is Sandra.I’m married with four children and nine grandchildren who are my world.

I recently had a thyroid test as have been feeling under the weather with many symptoms.My doctor seemed to think it could be a thyroid problem which my mother also had..I rang for my result last Friday and was told it was satisfactory not sure if that means it’s in the range but only just should I maybe go private and request a more comprehensive blood test.

[greygoose]

You should get a print-out of those 'satisfactory' results - it's your legal right to have one. You need to see exactly what was tested, what the results were and keep your own records. Doctors are notoriously bad at interpreting thyroid labs and what might be 'satisfactory' for him, could be devastating for you.

Welcome to the forum.

[PurpleNails Administrator]

Welcome to the forum

GPs rarely do a full thyroid function. Often just TSH, the thyroid stimulating hormone is tested. This is produced by the pituitary and rises when thyroid hormones are low. The NHS guidelines do not investigate further if in range and do not offer treatment until it far exceeds the healthy norm.

You are legally entitled to obtain your own results. Request a printout of your results via reception (don’t ask doctor). Don’t accept verbal or hand scribbled notes you need a printed copy with ranges (ranges vary between labs so essential). They shouldn’t ask why but if they do try to resist just say they are for your records. Or if possible arrange online access for GP records if your practice offers it, It’s really useful.

See what actually been tested and what the results are.

Full thyroid function>

TSH

FT4

FT3

Thyroid antibodies TPO & TG

Folate

Ferritin

B12

Vitamin D

[SeasideSusie Remembering]

Welcome to the forum Foxesdiv1

As Greygoose says, you need a print out of your results. Phone and ask the receptionist (not the doctor) that you would like a print out and can you pop along to collect it or will they email or post it to you (at my surgery it's possible to collect it). Or maybe if you are in England your surgery offers online access to results, ask about that and if so then register for that.

Once you have your results then make a new post with the results and the reference ranges - they will be on the print out and it's essential to have the ranges as they differ from lab to lab. We can then comment and suggest the way forward.

The tests that you need (but may not all have been done) are

TSH

FT4

FT3

Thyroid antibodies

and if you've been really lucky you might have had nutrients tested as these are important too

Vit D

B12

Folate

Ferritin

Don't consider going private, as in seeing a doctor privately, at the moment. If you haven't had a full thyroid panel we have recommended private labs which do fingerprick tests (or venous blood draw at extra cost) which many of us use. We can tell you about those in response to your new post with your results.

[shaws Administrator]

This is the method advised (by us) to get the best results possible:-

Always get the earliest possible blood draw - even if you have to make it weeks ahead. It is a fasting test (you can drink water) and allow a gap of 24 hours between last dose of levothyroxine (if prescribed) and the test.

Regards.

[DippyDame]

Welcome!You feel under the weather, your GP says things are " satisfactory". Not good enough!

I guess your results just sit within the ref ranges. Not helpful!

Your GP sounds clueless about thyroid disease. Sadly very common!

You need a full thyroid test as others have already suggested.

Members have been there and have learned from experience and much reading.

Arriving here saved me, after medics had failed.

Your journey to recovery starts here.

Good luck!