Results confusion 😕

[andie25]

So this is my latest blood results ...they don't seem to have done the t3 which was really high last time ..im currently on 15mg carbimazole and propranolol when required ....what do these results mean ...also attached last t4 results

[andie25]

Last t4 results

Results

[andie25 in reply to andie25]

And this was my last tsh result

Results

[PurpleNails Administrator]

When there’s no FT3 result that’s frustrating as your FT3 was disproportionately higher than your first FT4. Your original FT4 was in range. Now the FT4 below range. it’s possible the FT3 is now in range or slightly over. Your TSH has responded well and now in range (it can often stay suppressed). So the TSH isn’t reliable.

Did they suggest you reduce or stop your carbimazole?

Your not had TSI or Trab tested to confirm your hyper is continuous & by the look of it the 15mg dose has hastened declaiming level rather than bring them into range.

How long were you taking carbimazole? It should be reduced and have a retest in 6 weeks. If not stopped entirely.

[andie25 in reply to PurpleNails]

I was on it for 4 wks . ..im worried its now made me underactive ...is this the case ???

[PurpleNails Administrator in reply to andie25]

Yes hypothyroid if looking at FT4 as it’s now under range. It is possible your FT3 is above range or still high. But based on how low FT4 in a month I think the carbimazole should either be stopped completely until TSI or Trab has been tested or reduced to 5mg.

[andie25 in reply to PurpleNails]

Spoke to my doctors today ...couldn't get a appointment but the receptionist spoke to someone who told me to continue with my 15mg carbimazole....I politely told her I wouldn't be continuing until a doctor told me to ...so going try get a telephone appointment for tomorrow

[PurpleNails Administrator in reply to andie25]

If you get a doctor who looks solely at TSH they may say the same answer. Doctors are taught low TSH = hyper and hyper can be immediately dangerous whereas hypo must be severe & prolonged to be of concern (to doctors).

So, if the say - stay on same, you must point out that with under range FT4 staying on same dose isn’t really appropriate. Perhaps if FT3 had been tested and we had the entire picture which clearly showed FT3 was very high it might be different, but as it wasn’t - with the information you have - you don’t want to become more hypothyroid.

If they don’t agree, you can’t be forced to take a medication you don’t want to, but your doctors may not agree to prescribe a lower dose. You could always collect the prescription (15mg) & “forget” to take every day (perhaps remember every other day)….or spilt the pill, using a pill cutter & take half daily.

This will be awkward & you will have to “fess up” later to explain the results so the following adjustment can be appropriate.

But it might be a better plan than an pointless argument and taking no medication at all.

Hope you get an appointment & make progress tomorrow.

[andie25 in reply to PurpleNails]

Yea im going to try and speak to a actual trained medical person instead of a receptionist tomorrow and see what the doctor says ...thank you for your reply its very much appreciated

[SlowDragon Administrator]

You need Ft3 result

GP can contact lab and request they run it ….if blood still on file

If not needs retesting

See/contact GP Monday to discuss reducing Carbimazole

Have you had vitamin D, folate, ferritin B12 tested

[SlowDragon Administrator]

GP should test thyroid antibodies ready for your hospital appointment

TPO and TG antibodies for Hashimoto’s

TSI or Trab antibodies for Graves’ disease

Hashimoto’s frequently starts with transient hyperthyroid results and symptoms before becoming increasingly hypothyroid

Similar post earlier today

healthunlocked.com/thyroidu...

[andie25]

I'm supposed to be picking up more carbimazole tomorrow as I've ran out so think I'm going leave taking them as I don't want pay prescription fee to then be told on Monday to stop taking them ...got my consultant appointment on the 29th or 30th (I've forgotten ) so going speak to him about getting everything tested

[helvella Administrator Thyroid UK]

If your TSH has been very low (whether or not 'suppressed'), it can take a while for it to recover.

Indeed, people who have had high thyroid hormone levels for quite a long time might never see their TSH return to the values expected. Even if they become profoundly hypothyroid.

That is a very important reason not to rely on TSH alone.

Also, have you considered the possible advantages of paying for a prescription charge prepayment certificate?

nhsbsa.nhs.uk/help-nhs-pres...

(Do not feel the need to answer that point - we know nothing of your personal circumstances and don't expect you to reveal them here.)