Thyroid readings

[cjbroon]

So despite all my thyroid issues and my ENT being of the opinion from my previous blood tests that my thyroid function was off. My latest blood test has come back with readings of 17.4 and 0.9 which my GP says is fine. My GP thought last time my lower reading was suppressed. I'm at a bit of a loss now.

[SeasideSusie Remembering]

Cjbroon

In order for members to comment please add the reference ranges for your results as these vary from lab to lab.

It may be useful to post previous results as well as you have referred to them.

[cjbroon in reply to SeasideSusie]

Sorry I have no idea about reference ranges. My tests were just through the NHS and that's the readings my GP secretary gave me over the phone. I'll need to find my previous post to my last readings.

[SeasideSusie Remembering in reply to cjbroon]

cjboon

We can't interpret results without reference ranges as they vary so much from lab to lab, eg my GP tests come with a range of 7-17 but we also see on the forum 9-19, 11-23, 12-22 plus others.

We always advise asking the receptionist for a print out of results, never hand written or verbal results as mistakes can be made and reference ranges generally aren't given. Print outs have the reference range at the side of the result. It would be a good idea to ring the surgery and ask the receptionist to arrange for a print out for you and say you'll pick them up the next day or whenever is convenient.

[cjbroon in reply to SeasideSusie]

My higher reading last time was 19.4 which I saw on the screen when I saw my ENT. I didn't get my lower reading but both my GP and ENT thought my lower reading was suppressed last time but I'm not sure what it is.

[greygoose in reply to cjbroon]

Just giving a reading doesn't help us very much. We need to know the name of the test and the range. I'm guessing that the 19.4 is an FT4 and the lower reading was TSH. Because that's what they normally test. And, your TSH could well have been suppressed - meaning very low, around 0.1 - but on its own, that doesn't give you any sort of diagnosis.

Were you thinking you had hypothyroidism? Or Hyperthyroidism? A suppressed TSH suggests hyperthyroidism, but it depends on FT4 and FT3 readings. Now, the latest readings you're giving, on the surface, look euthyroid (so-called 'normal'). But, again, we needs names and ranges. So, I have to ask, were both blood draws done at the same time of day? What time were they done? And, have you ever had your antibodies tested? Because with changes like that in results, one has to suspect Hashi's - aka Autoimmune Thyroiditis. But, what you need is complete thyroid testing:

TSH

FT4

FT3

TPO antibodies

Tg antibodies

vit D

vit B12

folate

ferritin

They will give you a more complete picture of what is going on.

[cjbroon in reply to greygoose]

I'm not actually sure what I thought I had as it's all been quite complicated. Back in late 2015 my thyroid swelled up a fair and it was all drained with a needle. A kind of dark brown liquid came out. Straight after that I developed alopecia and all my hair fell out. It hasn't really returned and I'm convinced it's linked to my thyroid. Then in 2017 I was diagnosed with an Thoracic Ascending Aortic Aneurysm. During scans for that cardiology picked up that thyroid was still swollen. Now was re referred by my Cardiologist to an endocrinologist, however he said the thyroid was the least of my worries and it put on the back-burner.

April 2019 I had open heart surgery twice to repair the Aneurysm and spent a month in hospital. Followed by various infections including Pneumonia/ Sepsis and most likely covid in late 2019 both leading to hospital stays. I also suffered Afib and Tachycardia with both infections and immediately after my surgery.

I had a follow up scan about 6 months later with still showed a large swelling ony thyroid.

Follow ups were again delayed due to Covid and myself then developing a Cranial CSF Leak. But I eventually got referred and a 1 inch lump identified. A biopsy was done which came back clear for cancer. Deemed no further action. Never met the Consultant or spoken to him due to Covid. A couple of letters and spoke to his Secretary.

I then got my CSF Leak repaired, another repair is due as soon as is possible as I still have a CSF Leak. I've since suffered odd heart rythms again. Diagnosed as Tachycardia but they're not altering my medications or taking action just now.

My ENT scans picked up the swollen thyroid again and my Consultant thought reading indicated problems with my thyroid and she recommended I contact my GP to get referred to an Endocrinologist. She said my lower reading had been consistently dropping and my higher one had continually rising with every test. She also felt it could cause my irregular heartrate.

Tests were done and the Endocrinologist basically said because I had had scans at the start of June with iodine that's why my readings were off. And he recommended my bloods were checked again last week.

I've never actually darken to the endocrinologist.

As you can see it's all very complicated and confusing. I've few Consultant's and my GP all with varying opinions.

[SlowDragon Administrator]

Alopecia is autoimmune

Therefore autoimmune thyroid disease is more likely

For full Thyroid evaluation you need TSH, FT4 and FT3 plus both TPO and TG thyroid antibodies tested.

Very 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 common as we get older too

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)

To make progress thousands of U.K. patients need to get full thyroid and vitamins tested privately

Just testing TSH and Ft4 is completely inadequate

List of private testing options

thyroiduk.org/getting-a-dia...

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...

If TPO or TG thyroid antibodies are high this is usually due to Hashimoto’s (commonly known in UK as autoimmune thyroid disease). Ord’s is autoimmune without goitre.

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

thyroiduk.org/if-you-are-un...

[cjbroon in reply to SlowDragon]

My tests were done just after 10 in the morning and I'd had breakfast etc along with the medication I take. I had also taken Vitamins which I've been taking for a good few years. Just over the counter ones I buy from the health shop. Vitamins D, Mens over 50 multivitamins and Omega Fish oil.I'm going to phone my GP again today to get a more accurate reading of the test and reference range and to find out exactly what my previous results at my GP were.

When I got tested back in May in hospital my bloods were checked daily. Not sure of the time but I was only on my prescribed medication and taking any of my Vitamins.

[SlowDragon Administrator in reply to cjbroon]

Recommend getting full thyroid and vitamin testing done privately as next step

Stop any supplements that contain biotin a week before ALL BLOOD TESTS