I have been having annual blood tests for around 3 years after they picked up that my thyroid was borderline. Usually they just book another test in for a years time but this time they invited me in to discuss.
I had been feeling fatigued, do get dry skin, cold hands and feet. With some of the other symptoms when explaining to the GP it could have been numerous factors I.E. it’s been winter so feeling the cold might be normal.
In February of this year I did my annual blood test again and the results were:
I had my consultation recently at the GP surgery and they asked if I wanted to trial Thyroxine as this was the suggestion. I agreed to a four month trial as the GP had recommended that with a further blood test to be arranged in 3 months time. They have started me on 100mg (bodyweight 60kg) once day and first tablets seems to be Accord from pharmacy. The journey with tablets starts today…
I’m early 30s, would generally say I was quite healthy with no previous underlying health issues known about. The GP didn’t specialise in this area but reading other people’s messages on here I’m not sure if they’ve just jumped in with the guidance (I’ll be honest it didn’t really feel like a shared decision in a rushed appointment).
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HealthKick2
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Has GP tested thyroid antibodies or vitamin D, folate, ferritin and B12 levels
New modern guidelines are to start at full dose (rather than starting on low dose and increasing slowly)
Some people are fine starting straight in at high dose, others find it too much too soon and do need to build up slowly. Typically starting on 50mcg and retest after 6-8 weeks before increasing to 75mcg and repeat testing before increasing to 100mcg
Thanks SlowDragon. My last blood test I don’t think they did, but I got my full bloods done last year due to a family history of heart disease and nothing was raised about those. I might request when I’m due my next bloods if they could check the above.
Sadly I’ve had a different GP each year and the appointment this week she asked if my antibodies had been checked but I’ve never been informed if they have. They’ve only prescribed 28 days worth of tablets so I’ll have to ring in 3 weeks anyway so will raise the above unless I feel out of sorts.
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.
I’ve been feeling okay on the 100mcg dose that I’ve been taking as suggested for the since the end of February.
I had my bloods done today to check how things were going and now they’re going to reduce my dose to 75mcg as I’ve went the other way (over supplemented). Results were abnormal:
Serum TSH level < 0.01 mlU/L [0.3 - 4.5]; A low TSH may indicate over-replacement with thyroxine (it was 5.8 back in February)
Serum free T4 level 33 pmol/L [10.0 - 22.0]; Above high reference limit (it was 16.9 back in February)
I have bloods arranged again for three weeks time and start new dose tomorrow all being well. I will have a face to face follow up with GP where I will ask about information provided above.
Good advice from SlowDragon. Start reading up on your condition. Actually sounds like doctor has been decisive. I was diagnosed by a friend, confirmed by a GP who under medicated me on 25ug of Levothyroxine, (a starter dose for a child) for 6 months and made very ill.
I would get printouts of EVERY test, irrespective of gaining access to patient records. My friend's patient access only says 'NORMAL' 😱 about as much use as a chocolate fireguard. I keep a file and recorded symptoms on a month to view when getting onto full replacement dose - just the odd note, as and when required, not a dear diary daily entry. Interestingly this allowed me to identify symptoms I had not even realised were related to the underactive thyroid.
Also re patient access, if they feel you may be distressed about your records they can restrict access - preventing you from seeing stuff.
This happened to me when I commented on the mismanagement early on. The records strangely disappeared. However, I have before and after screenshots and my printed records. No good getting older if you don't get wiser. 😉👍
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Advice on levels for hypo pls?
Medication for subclinical hypothyroidism 
new, seeking advice re test results
Hypo Dr lowered dose!
