Hey
Just curious to ask I'm currently being dignosed with RA and for a while now iv suspected a thyroid issues iv alot of symptoms however I had a blood tests a while back and doctor said my thyroid was normal , iv had low B12 and something else was low also I had bloods after 3 months however my symptoms still persist , is it possible to have normal bloods but still a thyroid issue ?
Ciaramarie123
We can make a more helpful reply if you post your test results along with their reference ranges.
Yes, it is possible to have a dysfunctional thyroid gland and it is not detected by doctors or any other medical professional.
Low B12 - before supplementing you must request a test that eliminates Pernicious Anemia as taking B12 supplements could prevent a proper diagnosis and P.A. is a serious condition if untreated.
Having one autoimmune disease makes other autoimmune diseases more likely
First thing is, do you have any actual blood test results? if not will need to get hold of copies.
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.
Link re access
healthunlocked.com/thyroidu...
In reality many GP surgeries do not have blood test results online yet
Alternatively ring receptionist and request printed copies of results. Allow couple of days and then go and pick up.
Important to see exactly what has been tested and equally important what hasn’t been tested yet
Far too often only TSH is tested and is completely inadequate
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 with autoimmune thyroid disease (Hashimoto’s or Ord’s thyroiditis)
Low vitamin levels tend to lower TSH as well
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 all relevant vitamins
List of private testing options
thyroiduk.org/getting-a-dia...
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...
NHS easy postal kit vitamin D test £29 via
Medichecks Thyroid plus antibodies and vitamins
medichecks.com/products/adv...
Blue Horizon Thyroid Premium Gold includes antibodies, cortisol and vitamins by DIY fingerprick test
bluehorizonbloodtests.co.uk...
Thriva Thyroid plus antibodies and vitamins By DIY fingerpick test
Thriva also offer just vitamin testing
If TPO or TG thyroid antibodies are high this is usually due to Hashimoto’s (commonly known in UK as autoimmune thyroid disease).
About 90% of all primary hypothyroidism in Uk is due to Hashimoto’s. Low vitamin levels are particularly common with Hashimoto’s. Gluten intolerance is often a hidden issue too
Link about thyroid blood tests
thyroiduk.org/getting-a-dia...
Link about Hashimoto’s
thyroiduk.org/hypothyroid-b...
List of hypothyroid symptoms
For someone with suspected or confirmed RA I think it would be imperative to test and optimise Vitamin D which has a major impact on muscle and joint pain and soreness. I would also suggest testing and optimising the other nutrients that get mentioned on this forum :
Vitamin B12
Folate
Ferritin (Iron stores)
If ferritin is low I would suggest that you get an iron panel done as well. Supplementing iron when there is no need for it is not a good idea at all because the body has no reliable way to get rid of an excess and it can build up in places it shouldn't be.
Some other nutrients that are important are zinc and selenium.
Never supplement calcium or iodine unless you have had them tested and know that you are deficient. Do a search for info on iodine and calcium on this forum - they are important but not good to supplement if you already have plenty of them.
If you are prone to cramp, muscle twitching, or muscle spasm then taking a daily dose of magnesium will help immensely, but this is only safe for people with functioning kidneys, which will get rid of any excess. Please search this forum for info on all the magnesium supplements there are available - some are good, some are a waste of money.
Although it is RA you are being tested for, the information given for people with osteoporosis might be worth investigating. RA will probably be worse if you are at risk of developing osteoporosis as well.
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