Recent Blood Result

[DarkHorseJen]

Hello ,all,

just looking for more of your brilliant advice.

So had some bloods done back in April. TSH Wasn’t done this time as the docs were only interested in full blood count and liver function, As there are raised or low levels showing up. Can anyone explain these results re raised ALT and low white blood cells also doc glossed over RDW %? I stopped all meds - ferrous fumarate and vitamin supplements (b complex b12 folate vit d magnesium) for a week before doing this latest blood test. Test was done as fasting before 8am

So I don’t really drink - so not understanding what’s going on with liver. Think level was around 75 on a previous test but has gone down to 45 on this one. Dr advised me to stop all vitamin supplements apart from vitamin D (I have not done this!)

I have put on about 20lbs since Christmas however this is probably because I managed to lose this amount last year - I used to be about 10stt 10lb but have slowly gone up to my biggest yet at 12st 10lb - would this affect my liver?

Thanks for any insights or advice.

[SlowDragon Administrator]

Ferritin is far too low

You need vitamin D, folate and B12 tested

Suggest you get full thyroid and vitamin testing done

How much levothyroxine are you currently taking

Do you always get same brand levothyroxine at each prescription

Exactly what vitamin supplements are you currently taking

Remember to stop taking any supplements that contain biotin a week before blood test

Only do private testing early Monday or Tuesday, ideally before 9am and last dose levothyroxine 24 hours before test

List of private testing options and money off codes

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...

[Sparklingsunshine]

HiRaised ALT can indicate there's a potential problem with the liver. Possibly non alcoholic fatty liver disease. If they suspect that they may want a scan of your liver to be sure. As the name suggests it's fatty deposits in the liver, that if left untreated can lead to liver scarring and cirrhosis.

However the liver is an amazing organ and has a fantastic ability to repair itself. NAFLD is caused in many cases by being overweight or eating a diet high in processed foods. However its only one cause of raised ALT, others being certain pain medications like ibuprofen, heart problems, hepatitis and statins.

[DarkHorseJen in reply to Sparklingsunshine]

Thanks for your advice. I don’t take any of the above medication part from the odd ibuprofen every now and again. I do have a begin heart murmur which I believe is quite common - I think I will just have to eat more healthily and try and lose a bit of weight and see if that helps. Thanks for input though. Much appreciated.

[klr31]

Abnormal liver results often go hand in hand with thyroid issues.

Karen

[DarkHorseJen in reply to klr31]

Thanks Karen I didn’t even think about it being part of a thyroid issue. I am still within range on blood tests however it is heading towards top end of that range. Drs just seem to want to tell me to drink more water and exercise. I felt like I’d been made out to be some sort of alcoholic when I hardly ever drink anyway. I’m disillusioned with drs advice regarding thyroid and I know they won’t entertain treatment until we’ll over range. I thought the idea of the nhs. Would be better if they went along the line of prevention rather than cure. You know nip it in the bud before the problem gets out of hand!!! Obviously that would be sensible who knows they may one day have a rethink on how to treat people. Thanks for your input.

[klr31 in reply to DarkHorseJen]

It would be best if you could persuade your GP to start you on thyroxine. It's a disgrace what they won't do as they think they know best! I still have abnormal liver results and have been on thyroxine for many years so it's a usual thing. I've seen consultants but they all say nothing to worry about.

Karen

[DarkHorseJen in reply to klr31]

I’ll give it a shot they can only say no can’t they !! They only treat what you speak about they don’t look at the whole picture do they!! Or they want you to book a double appt to talk about more than one thing. Your lucky if u can get one appt - you have no chance to get a double appt 😂 Thanks again though.

[klr31 in reply to DarkHorseJen]

Tell them how much your symptoms are affecting your life and start on a low dose, then say how much it has helped, slowly increase and keep testing every 6/8 weeks.

Good luck.

Xx

[Lulu2607 in reply to klr31]

Hi Kir31. Drs are scared of prescribing levothyroxin it seems to me and really don't like prescribing it unless it's blindingly obvious (to them, via a number on the computer screen) that it's needed. It's time the treatment of thyroid issues is shaken up. In general Drs seem to rely on the computer screen more and more, not just for thyroid. Drs kept telling me my full blood count was fine for many months whilst I got more and more ill. Only when I got to talk to a senior GP ( lockdown, all phone appts ie useless) did she say, 'why has your thyroid not been checked..?' She was right as TSH was right off the scale. Drs will tell you there's nothing wrong if they're looking in the wrong place!

[klr31 in reply to Lulu2607]

I agree, they don't know enough and don't treat quickly enough. I was left on 50mcg thyroxine for 4 years and became really unwell. It was only when I paid to see an endocrinologist that my dose was increased and I became more stable.

Karen