Starting investigation - Blood Test queries..

[OudMood]

Hi!

After my first post I managed to speak to a GP and mentioned to them that my most recent TSH was elevated (5.63) along with other stuff and he agreed that at the least I have subclinical hypothyroidism and agreed to do more bloods including a cortisol test to check for Cushings due to my symptoms.

He said he appreciated the research I’ve done and we agreed on the tests below.

What’s your thoughts on these?

Also.. before I go for my test.. any tips to avoid accidentally messing with Thyroid levels and cortisol during the test?! 😂

Anything that I should stay away (food/drink) from that either lowers or increases these values?

Any supplements I should avoid for x amount of time? (I think Biotin was mentioned so I’ve stopped that..)

Tests:

(I wrote EXACTLY as they appear on the form - I’m confused in the antibodies as I’ve specifically asked for TPO and TG)

- Full Blood count

- Serum Ferritin

- Serum Folate

- Vitamin B12

- Urine albumin:creatinine ratio

- Autoimmune profile (THYROID)

- N Terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide level

- Urea and Electrolytes

- Liver Function tests

- Fasting Blood lipids

- Hba1C

- vitamin D3 level

- Bone Profile

- Thyroid Function test

- Free T3 level

- Free T4 level

- Serum ACTH

- Serum Cortisol

Thank you!

[serenfach]

Foods high in Iodine could alter the results, but not to any significant degree. They usually just test TSH for the thyroid which does not give you a full picture, and as you suggested, they should do a T3 and T4 test. Tell the GP that as you expect the TSH to be elivated, you need the T3 and T4 tests to rule out other stuff. They will sometimes do the T4 if the TSH is low or high, but rarely do the T3.

Try for a Vit D test, you may be lucky. They also rarely do the Vit D test unless you have ostio problems. Good luck!

[OudMood in reply to serenfach]

Hi..

Here is the full list of tests:

- Full Blood count

- Serum Ferritin

- Serum Folate

- Vitamin B12

- Urine albumin:creatinine ratio

- Autoimmune profile (THYROID)

- N Terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide level

- Urea and Electrolytes

- Liver Function tests

- Fasting Blood lipids

- Hba1C

- vitamin D3 level

- Bone Profile

- Thyroid Function test

- Free T3 level

- Free T4 level

- Serum ACTH

- Serum Cortisol

So should I keep low salt for the time being? 🤔

[OudMood]

It is

There’s a list on the pic and a second one in my post as I was given 5 forms, so no point of screenshot them all 😬

Here is the full list:

- Full Blood count

- Serum Ferritin

- Serum Folate

- Vitamin B12

- Urine albumin:creatinine ratio

- Autoimmune profile (THYROID)

- N Terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide level

- Urea and Electrolytes

- Liver Function tests

- Fasting Blood lipids

- Hba1C

- vitamin D3 level

- Bone Profile

- Thyroid Function test

- Free T3 level

- Free T4 level

- Serum ACTH

- Serum Cortisol

[OudMood]

😂😂😂

[Miffie]

Looks like a very comprehensive list. Don’t be surprised if the lab refuse to do some, particularly the FT3. Where I live it happens all the time. Good luck

[OudMood in reply to Miffie]

Even with a note of sub clinical hypothyroidism?

How’s the lab got more say than the doc? 🥺😳

[Miffie]

It sounds wrong I know but other members have found the same in other parts of the UK. In some places only an endo can get T3 testing done. I did smile when I saw the list included all the standard diabetic checks them I remembered you have double diabetes. What progress are you making getting that sorted. Surely you should have been referred to an endocrinologist for that when initial treatments failed.

[OudMood in reply to Miffie]

Oh that’s a shame 😢.

Let’s see what the lab does..

I sometimes manage to get a bit of extra leverage thanks to my T1D 😁.

I have had T1 for 17yrs now so I have been under the care of several Endos in different countries..

When I was younger my Thyroid, a1C, coeliac blood tests and kidney function was being tested every 6months as standard (not UK) due to the strong correlations.

Then here I have had a long list of Endos and some good some poor, but it seems that overtime things become busy and they “forget about you” as more patients come through the door.

My results (Even just TSH and many vitamins) where out of whack for like 2-3yrs and no one said anything! 😵‍💫😵‍💫

I manage my T1D with insulin via an insulin pump and self fund a very pricy CGM (Continuous Glucose Monitor) as the NHS prefers to pay for test strips (which workout the same price 🤷‍♀️).

For the insulin resistance my weight and eating habits were blamed for a long time and I accepted it was PCOS fault that I am constantly gaining weight.

I was offered metformin for many years, but it’s a love hate relationship and it seems it’s more trouble that it is worth.

So I’m not taking it as the results aren’t really there.

Managing diabetes it’s really hard and it takes a lot of effort (it feels like a Fulltime job) but I’ve recently switched to Keto and I can definitely say it’s been much better (still hard, but much better!).

Usual a1C was oscillating between 81 and 67 for years, then the last blood test was 69 and I’m on track for a 32 now!

(This blood test will likely be higher than 32 as it takes 3 full months to show the change, but yes..)

I am however not very sure about my Endo being good with Thyroid as he’s a very respected professor and researcher but he 100% focuses on T1D and research.

I guess I’ll find out at our next review…

I really hope I’ll get all of the tests above done as prescribed 😥😥.

Do you know if I can “appeal” of fight so to speak the lab if they don’t test something?

As effectively they’re doing what they choose? Possibly without spending money for private testing… 😅