I really am fed up 😢. I take my Levothyroxine at night and I did all my prep for a finger prick blood test at home on Monday and I’ve just been told that it failed. I don’t want to do it again at home because by the time I’ve received it, I won’t be able to do it again until Monday the 13th September and I’ve already changed my original NHS blood test to the 17th anyway … I had to do it at home because my blood test got cancelled due to the tube shortage. It’s my first one since going on Levothyroxine so it’s quite an important one, now I’ve got to go through all the prep again, but I don’t know how soon to do it either cos I don’t want to mess my system up too much. Should I just leave it until the 17th now, although I have just left a message with the doctor asking if I could be classed as urgent now.
Just as an aside, I also had to ‘diet’ on Monday last as I had a Small Intestine Bacterial Overgrowth breath test done at the hospital yesterday so it’s been quite a week, all that whilst already feeling rubbish for the last 18 months - unfortunately Covid has got a lot to answer for as I had to wait a year for this test 😢😢😢 x
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Was it Medichecks by any chance? They seem to have a bigger percentage of “failed” tests than other private blood test providers (though that could just be my perception). Every time I’ve seen someone report here that they’ve had a failure it seems to be them…
Are they going to send you a new kit for free?
I think given what you say I might leave it until I’ve had the NHS check done (assuming they’ll do to with the tube problems they have). You could always do it on the same day.
Aww thank you for that Jazzw. I appreciate that. It was Medichecks - I’d done one with them once before and it was ok but I think I’ll request a replacement kit (yes they do that for free) as a back up just in case things don’t work out in the 17th, then never use them again! I knew I should have just waited until then, but with it being my first check I was keen to know what my levels are (and keen to get back to feeling something like normal after a total 8 years of feeling unwell), although looking at posts from other people some have suffered for longer, bless them.
That’s a good point about the weather! I wouldn’t have thought of that, and yes I’ve decided to get another free kit just in case my appointment gets cancelled again 🙄
I thought about the private blood draw but hopefully things will work out on the 17th, otherwise it’s another option.
Quick question - as I take my Levothyroxine in the evening, would it mess my system up much with having to do the pre blood test protocol again so soon?
Big hugs and we know exactly how you feel! On the subject of blood test tubes, there aren’t shortages of ALL test tubes, just some apparently. And I read that thyroid test tubes are ok. So check with thyroid uk and challenge your GP on that one. BTW thyroid tests are essential! Especially newly diagnosed patients.
The NHS test will only be for TSH. I started on levo in June and had a blood test 6 weeks later.. disappointingly it was only the TSH, and no additional checks for T4. My TSH was above 100, it did not give me the specific value.
The NHS dont check for T3 either, so a private blood check is a good idea. It'll give you more information about levels and a better benchmark for change.
Hi. Just to say thank you to everybody 😀. My GP has finally agreed that my blood test now needs doing urgently, am I’m having it done on Monday morning at 8.00 am. I should have my second (free) Medichecks pack by then so will be cheeky and ask if they would kindly put some in their tube as well. For info, my NHS blood test is for:
TSH
B12
Ferritin
Folate
Thyroid Peroxismol Antibodies
Vitamin D
so will be good to do the Medichecks one for T3.
Thank you once again, your help and support is much appreciated x
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Update I had a discussion with the endocrinologist today I think I need to be more assertive next time . Will I NEED T3 
Poorly controlled hypothyroidism and a susceptibility to viral infections. 
I need a private blood draw
Should I increase my Levothyroxine?
