Hypothyroidism - teste results

[Dakota1234]

Hi, can I run these few test results past the community, please? I went to have my first post-diagnosis blood tests at the end of June (about seven weeks post-diagnosis) and followed all the info on here about not taking the levo less than 24 hours before, also not taking the B12 supplements for a couple of days (although I don't take them religiously any way) etc. I asked to see the check-list the phlebotomist was working with and she had FSH on there. On July 3rd (ten days after the blood was taken) I rang for results because I could see nothing on-line. Was told the doctor had not looked at them yet (I was very surprised as this was my first ever dosage of levo and diagnosis of hypothyroidism!). Saw results on 7th July and this is the little they told me:

Serum ferritin level 56 ug/L [10.0 - 300.0]

Normal. No further action.

Serum folate vitamin B12 level 305 ng/L [180.0 - 1000.0]

Serum folate level > 24.1 ug/L [>4.0]

Normal. No further action.

No mention of FSH or anything else. This looks totally weird to me compared with other test results I have seen on this forum. I told the receptionist that the doctor had asked to see me when I had blood results and the response was that they were "normal" so there was no need to see the doctor. I did insist on getting a telephone appointment in a couple of weeks' time, so I just wondered if anyone has any ideas about questions I should ask (apart from "Is that it?"). As regards my health post-diagnosis and first couple of months on Levo 100 mg: I always had normal to slightly dry skin and hair (I have very fine fair hair) but now I have a rather (for want of a better word) greasy scalp and facial skin, leading to teenage spots - I grew out of all that donkey's years ago! Otherwise, I don't feel any worse or better than pre-diagnosis (and I didn't feel ill then). It's all still a complete mystery to me. I shall speak to the doctor in a fortnight, but in the meantime, has anyone any observations, please?

[SlowDragon Administrator]

Have you now got copies of thyroid test results from BEFORE starting on levothyroxine

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

patients-association.org.uk...

healthunlocked.com/thyroidu...

In reality some GP surgeries still 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.

You need TSH, Ft4 and Ft3 tested for thyroid, but because you started on 100mcg (likely full replacement dose) you probably want to wait 8-10 weeks before testing

important to know if TPO and TG thyroid antibodies were tested

If not these need testing at next test

Ferritin and B12 both on low side

You need vitamin D testing too

NHS easy postal kit vitamin D test £31 via

vitamindtest.org.uk

Are you currently taking any vitamin supplements?

[Dakota1234 in reply to SlowDragon]

Thanks for your very rapid reply. I got these results on-line from my doctor. That (apart from name of doctor/practice etc and one or two notes) was it. I have not seen pre-diagnosis test results as they were done at the hospital and are not on my practice web-site. Do I have to approach the hospital separately?

[SlowDragon Administrator in reply to Dakota1234]

Possibly

Ring your GP surgery and ask

Your GP must have seen hospital results otherwise GP would not have known to prescribe levothyroxine

[Dakota1234 in reply to SlowDragon]

I have rung the surgery and they are notifying the dr of my requests as there appear to be no prior test results on their records re thyroid. A propos of the vitamins, I do take B12 and B complex separately, cod liver oil for my joints, multi vitamin + iron, but, as I say, I don't take them religiously every day as no-one has ever told me/suggested that I should take them. Probably five days in a week and rarely on the same days. Randomly. Thanks. I'll just wait and see now what happens. As I said, I checked with the phlebotomist that TSH/T3/T4 was on her check-list and the B vitamins and the ferritin (which was a completely new one on me, I admit!); so why no results? Thank you again.

[SeasideSusie Remembering]

Dakota1234

followed all the info on here about not taking the levo less than 24 hours before, also not taking the B12 supplements for a couple of days (although I don't take them religiously any way) etc.

I just want to point out for you (and anyone reading who doesn't already know) that it's not B12 supplement that you have to leave off, it's biotin or any supplement containing biotin - typically B Complex - for 3-7 days before any bood test as it can give false results.

[Dakota1234 in reply to SeasideSusie]

Okay. Thanks for pointing that out to me - I'm very very new to this situation. I shall read properly in future!

[SeasideSusie Remembering in reply to Dakota1234]

No worries, there's a lot to take in

[SlowDragon Administrator]

there appear to be no prior test results on their records re thyroid.

Well there must be some test results somewhere at GP surgery

Your (new) GP told you you had thyroiditis and started you on 100mcg levothyroxine

Suggest you write a letter/email to practice manager to that effect If results are not forthcoming

Was your hand surgery for carpal tunnel?

Carpal tunnel is extremely common hypothyroid symptom and will almost always improve completely once on correct dose replacement thyroid hormones

[Dakota1234 in reply to SlowDragon]

It was for DuPuytren's Contracture.

[SlowDragon Administrator in reply to Dakota1234]

wa.kaiserpermanente.org/kba...

Although the exact cause of Dupuytren's contracture is unknown, risk for the disorder appears to be increased by alcoholic liver disease (cirrhosis) and the presence or certain other diseases, including diabetes, thyroid problems, and epilepsy.

[Dakota1234 in reply to SlowDragon]

And, according to my intended surgeon, being of Viking stock, which is actually about as likely as one of the other problems listed . . . I don't have diabetes, epilepsy and although I like a drink, cirrhosis. Spending 50 years at the typewriter-face day-in-day-out probably hasn't helped either. Golfers and cricketers are also prone to the disorder. I will bear in mind a letter to the practice manager when I get a response to my queries. Thank you.

[Dakota1234 in reply to Dakota1234]

I now have my original blood test (only TSH) from 9th May 2023, after which I was sent immediately to the doctor and put on 100 mg of (Accord) Levothyroxine. It reads "Serum TSH level 18.7 mu/L [0.27 - 4.2]; Above high reference limit".

Now I have the recent blood test from 24th June after about 7 weeks' 100mg Levo. It reads "Serum TSH level 0.29 mu/L [0.27 - 4.2]". Result: Normal. No Further Action and the comment (on the telephone) from the doctor "well, that looks all right. We can keep you on 100mg or lower the dose a bit if you want", I said I'd stick with the dose for the moment and wouldn't it be a good idea to have a further test because it suddenly, after only 7 weeks or so of medication, swinging back to normal was a bit "odd" to me after all I read here of other peoples' problems. So I will have another test done in a few weeks - the doc was quite prepared to leave it a years!. So we will see what we we will see. Am still baffled, as I never felt ill and still don't feel any different. I now worry that something has got c**cked up somewhere along the line.

[SlowDragon Administrator in reply to Dakota1234]

you need to click on blue reply button

Otherwise the person won’t get an alert

Serum TSH level 18.7 mu/L [0.27 - 4.2]; Above high reference limit".

Now I have the recent blood test from 24th June after about 7 weeks' 100mg Levo. It reads "Serum TSH level 0.29 mu/L [0.27 - 4.2]".

Get FULL thyroid and vitamin testing in another 6-8 weeks

Meanwhile test vitamin D now

NHS easy postal kit vitamin D test £31 via

vitamindtest.org.uk

[Dakota1234 in reply to SlowDragon]

Hi, I will ask the doctor in a few weeks for as many tests as they will do, but I have to say I am happy with the situation at the moment, especially as the thyroid situation only first appeared three months ago and I appear to be nearly normal now. I really appreciate all the advice. I am not being rude and you and others are very helpful and know your "stuff". But - I feel I am being made to worry now where there may be no need. Thanks, and I appreciate the information. At least I have the website address now.