are my results normal?

[stinkypoo]

I had partial thyroid removal due to a growth on it and a family history of thyroid cancer.

Fortunately I was lucky and it wasn't cancerous but I've felt lousy in the couple of years after and gained a lot of weight.

I asked to be tested, they have sent me 2 results and said my results are perfectly normal.

I've no idea and my doctors aren't great tbh, are they normal please?

Result - Free T4 level 13.3 pmol/L - Range for FT4 is 12-22

Result -TSH 3.05mlU/L - range for TSH is 0.3-5.5

[greygoose]

I don't know about the FT4 because you haven't given a range - they vary from lab to lab. But a TSH over 3 is not normal. A 'normal' TSH (euthyroid) is around 1 but they say it is normal because it is within the so-called 'normal' range. It's the range that is wrong.

[stinkypoo in reply to greygoose]

range for TSH is 0.3-5.5

Range for FT4 is 12-22

[greygoose in reply to stinkypoo]

In that case, your FT4 is very low. A euthyroid FT4 would be about 50% through the range. Yours is only 13%! That is not normal. The problem is that doctors don't understand how to interpret blood test results and believe that anything that is anywhere within the range just has to be good. It isn't. You are hypo.

[jrbarnes]

I had a partial removal due to a hurthle cell adenoma. Made it two years before I was placed on Levothyroxine by the endocrinologist. At that time my TSH was 5 and had some slight fatigue. He never told me before the surgery but only two years later that most people who have partial removals will need to be on levothyroxine. The surgeon said the other side should pick up the slack. Well he was wrong.

[stinkypoo in reply to jrbarnes]

Have you had regular check ups from your endocrinologist. My op was just over 2 yrs ago and only saw the surgeon 2 weeks after to check how I was healing.

Have not seen anyone other than that since.

Apart from doctors when I have complained about not being able to control my weight. I asked for the thyroid test but they insist its normal.

[jrbarnes in reply to stinkypoo]

This was in 2010. After the surgery I lived my life for two years before the slight fatigue set in. That's when I went back to the endo. The endo and surgeon never made a follow up appointment for me after my surgery. At that time, in my young mind, you have surgery and life goes on. So now I'm stuck on Levothyroxine for the rest of my life. I've changed physicians a lot but I'm in the US and easy to do. Currently see a GP for my hypo. It makes no sense they won't put you on Levothyroxine . After all, you've lost half your thyroid and if you had thyroid problems before the surgery it doesn't make the hypo go away. Like my surgeon they probably also think your other half is picking up the slack or perhaps they don't think a TSH of 3 is that bad. My TSH was 5 and I didn't feel bad, only had some slight fatigue but I didn't want to risk more growths so I went on the Levo. If it were me I'd try to get scheduled with the original endo and note all the symptoms you've had since the surgery. They don't care about weight but if you mention fatigue perhaps that will get their attention. "ever since my surgery I feel more and more fatigued, lacking energy, my body feels heavy and I have difficulty completing everyday tasks."

[SlowDragon Administrator]

was this test done early morning?

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

Also both TPO and TG thyroid antibodies tested at least once

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

About 90% of primary hypothyroidism is autoimmune thyroid disease, usually diagnosed by high thyroid antibodies

Autoimmune thyroid disease with goitre is Hashimoto’s

Autoimmune thyroid disease without goitre is Ord’s thyroiditis.

Both are autoimmune and generally called Hashimoto’s.

Low vitamin levels are extremely common when hypothyroid, especially with autoimmune thyroid disease

20% of autoimmune thyroid patients never have high thyroid antibodies and ultrasound scan of thyroid can get diagnosis

In U.K. medics hardly ever refer to autoimmune thyroid disease as Hashimoto’s (or Ord’s thyroiditis)

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 relevant vitamins

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

bluehorizonbloodtests.co.uk...

Only do private testing early Monday or Tuesday morning.

Link about thyroid blood tests

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

Link about Hashimoto’s

thyroiduk.org/hypothyroid-b...

Symptoms of hypothyroidism

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

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