More blood tests required?

[Bayoubilly]

Hello all, I am waiting to have a blood test in 7 weeks for Thyroid Function and Antibodies to determine if I have Graves or not. As I am being treated for OVERACTIVE thyroid, can someone please tell me If should ask my GP to schedule me for other blood tests (available on the NHS), such as iron, ferrite, vitamins? I dont know normally happens or what I have to ask for. I have a phone consultation with my GP on 23 September, so I'd like to have a list of my requirements/needs to ask for when I speak to my GP. Thanks very much. This forum is soooo helpful. Cheers.

[pennyannie]

Hey there again :

When metabolism is running too fast as in 'hyper ' or in fact too slow as in ' hypo ' the body struggles to extract key nutrients through food no matter how ' well and clean ' you eat .

So, yes, it is essential to keep your core strength strong and solid to support you through this phase of ill health and sensible to maintain your ferritin, folate, B12 and vitamin D at optimal levels - which we can advise on - once you have the results - rather than compromise your health further.

[Bayoubilly in reply to pennyannie]

thanks very much.

[Bayoubilly in reply to pennyannie]

hello Pennyannie, many thanks. Very helpful

[Bayoubilly in reply to Bayoubilly]

pennyannie, just wondering IF NHS GP's/endo's are dismissive or OK about findings obtained form a private clinic. Sorry if it seem like a silly question but I know that we are responsible for our own knowledge and health but just wondering if it can be challenging to get buy in from the NHS when because of he lack of services we are forced to go private for certain tests.

[pennyannie in reply to Bayoubilly]

I'm not sure what you are asking me but the NHS are not obliged to accept private blood tests - and from what I've read on here - when shown private blood tests apart from showing a level ' surprise ' that you took some control of your health - it can sometimes force the NHS to follow through and run the relevant tests themselves.

[Bayoubilly in reply to pennyannie]

Ok I understand. I'm clear now. By the way, up until now, I have Not had many dealings with the NHS or Private clinics. Always been in best of health. So the whole process is new to me. Thanks again for your responses.👍 .

[SlowDragon Administrator]

For full Thyroid evaluation you need TSH, FT4 and FT3 tested

Very important to test vitamin D, folate, ferritin and B12 at least once year minimum

Low vitamin levels are extremely common, with autoimmune thyroid disease …..Graves disease or Hashimoto’s

Recommended that all thyroid blood tests early morning, ideally just before 9am, only drink water between waking and test

This gives highest TSH, lowest FT4 and most consistent results. (Patient to patient tip)

Private tests are available as NHS currently rarely tests Ft3 or all antibodies or relevant vitamins

Link about thyroid blood tests

thyroiduk.org/getting-a-dia...

Link about Graves’ disease

thyroiduk.org/hyperthyroid-...

Graves Disease antibodies test

Only available by blood drawn, not DIY finger prick test

medichecks.com/products/tsh...

Also recommend getting both TPO and TG thyroid antibodies tested at least once for Hashimoto’s. These can be slightly raised with Graves’ disease too

Link about Hashimoto’s

thyroiduk.org/hypothyroid-b...

Symptoms of hypothyroidism

thyroiduk.org/wp-content/up...

List of private testing options and money off codes

thyroiduk.org/getting-a-dia...

Medichecks Thyroid plus TPO and TG antibodies and vitamins

medichecks.com/products/adv...

Blue Horizon Thyroid Premium Gold includes TPO and TG antibodies, cortisol and vitamins

bluehorizonbloodtests.co.uk...

Only do private testing early Monday or Tuesday morning.

Tips on how to do DIY finger prick test

healthunlocked.com/thyroidu...

Medichecks and BH also offer private blood draw at clinic near you, or private nurse to your own home…..for an extra fee

[Bayoubilly in reply to SlowDragon]

Hi SlowDragon, many thanks for your response. Very helpful.

[Bayoubilly in reply to SlowDragon]

Hello again SlowDragon in your experience...do NHS GP's recognise findings and work with patients ref medication based on results obtained from Non NHS private clinics? JUst wondering. I'm definitely going to get tested privately but would like to know just how understanding or dismissive NHS doctors will be when I have to discuss my situation/condition with them based on findings from a private clinic.

[Bayoubilly in reply to Bayoubilly]

Sorry SlowDragon, realisd now that I was kinda thinking out aloud when I asked the last question to you. I think I know the answer. apologies. I realise now that info obtained from a private clinic is leverage to keep one informed and be better appraised of the condition. Pls ignore my last question.Thanks👍

[SlowDragon Administrator in reply to Bayoubilly]

Thyroid results…..knowledge is power

Gaining understanding yourself of what issues might be

GP might be happy to accept results

If vitamin results are deficient GP will be obligated to treat

If vitamins are within range but not optimal down to you to supplement

[Bayoubilly in reply to SlowDragon]

Absolutely spot on!. Thanks a lot.👍