Update on T4 result

[AleB]

Hi all

I've just spoken with my GP, who assures me that my results are correct with the FT4 level at 65.6 (12-22) range. As I have an endo appointment next Thursday I am slightly concerned what he will do. I did explain to the GP that I feel as though I have another UTI. Feeling cold, exceptionally dry skin, facial redness. I do struggle to focus my eyes at times and sleep has been disturbed for the past week. I wonder if the T4 does need to decrease. Any thoughts would be very much appreciated.

[SlowDragon Administrator]

Have you got access to your blood test results online

Obviously Ft4 at 64 (if that’s really the result) is definitely NOT normal

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

How much levothyroxine are you currently taking?

Do you always get same brand levothyroxine at each prescription

Can see you recently started T3

Bloods should be retested 6-8 weeks after each dose change or brand change in levothyroxine or T3

[AleB in reply to SlowDragon]

Thanks all for your responses, I have requested copies of the blood results... I did print out the results from my medical record. Doctor said the lab will not re-test the thyroid panel. I usually get my own bloods done... wish I had done so this time. I'll buy a test from medichecks, very much doubt the result will be back for next Thursday.

[SlowDragon Administrator in reply to AleB]

Doctor said the lab will not re-test the thyroid panel.

Does GP need to go to SpecSavers or back to medical school

A Ft4 result of 64 needs further investigation….urgently

Speak to different GP on Monday

[SeasideSusie Remembering]

I've just spoken with my GP, who assures me that my results are correct with the FT4 level at 65.6 (12-22) range.

I find that very hard to believe. I did say yesterday:

maybe ask for a print out of the results, just in case someone made a mistake.

I think there is every reason to consider this a suspicious result and if no mistake has been made (check by getting a print out as already suggested) then the test should be repeated before your appointment with the endo.

SlowDragon Ale B posted yesterday that she got this result from the screen and that the doctor also sent her a text message!

[SlowDragon Administrator in reply to SeasideSusie]

Then test should be repeated early next week

[greygoose]

But, you did say that you didn't stop your B complex before the test, didn't you? So, it could be that this is due to interference caused by biotin. A GP wouldn't know about that - your GP doesn't seem to know anything at all! Did he not comment on this strange result? Did he think it was 'normal'?

[AleB in reply to greygoose]

Not surprisingly he only said the FT4 was too high FT4 and TSH, you guessed it... Normal!! Yes, foolishly I had not stopped B-complex and iron prior to testing! I have ordered a full thyroid test from medichecks.

[greygoose in reply to AleB]

OK, well, don't forget to stop the biotin one week in advance!

[greygoose in reply to greygoose]

Incredible that your GP knows so little about thyroid that he didn't realise that result had to be false. It's just not possible to have an FT4 that high on the dose you're taking.

[AleB in reply to greygoose]

No quite, I remember this time last year trying to get on to T3, and was taking 75mcg Levo and taking a speck of T3 and my results were blooming awful! I realised along time ago that some of the medical professionals leave me heavily in debt to the swear jar! X

[greygoose in reply to AleB]

I can't bear to have anything to do with them anymore. They are all so ignorant, yet come across as being the font of all wisdom!

[AleB in reply to greygoose]

Thank you GG, will do.