hi
My local hospital refuses to test for free t3 but now the hospital where my endocrinologist is refuses also.
This is upsetting to me, as I have DIO2 polymorphism so I need to monitor my levels. I also have Hashs and would like to keep an eye on my antibodies but that is deemed unecessary so now I’ll have to pay a private firm.
My latest t4 result was 12.3 Range 12 - 22. So I’m not in the optimal position of mid range. It’s so frustrating that these aren’t recognised as being important.
It's certainly frustrating and it seems that its the labs that are directing the move away from a full thyroid panel, also NICE guidelines. Eventually things might change but it will take a long time no doubt.
Despite it not being palatable we do at least have the choice of private testing which as you say is all you can do if your hosptial & GP surgery are in denial.
See link for companies offering private blood tests & discount codes, some offer a blood draw service at an extra cost. thyroiduk.org/help-and-supp...
There is also a new company offering walk in (includes free blood draw) & mail order blood tests in London, Kent, Sussex & Surrey areas. Check to see if there is a blood test company near you. onedaytests.com/products/ul...
Only do private tests on a Monday or Tuesday to avoid postal delays.
Hi thanks for the heads up on sending tests early in the week.
Is it only with thyroid disease that one had to resort to private blood test to manage their chronic disease?
It’s really quite despicable and so tiring when one battle is overcome another appears on the horizon.
Is anyone fighting’ this? Does anyone really care?
This is why thousands of U.K. patients are forced to test privately
How much levothyroxine are you currently taking
Ft4 obviously very low
Recommended that all thyroid blood tests early morning, ideally just before 9am, only drink water between waking and test and last dose levothyroxine 24 hours before test
This gives highest TSH, lowest FT4 and most consistent results. (Patient to patient tip)
If also On T3 - day before test split T3 as 2 or 3 smaller doses spread through the day with last dose 8-12 hours before test
Generally most members get full thyroid and vitamin testing annually…..and just TSH, Ft4 and Ft3 if need to retest after any dose or brand changes in levothyroxine or T3 …..or starting/stopping HRT or gluten free or dairy free diet
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
Just TSH, Ft4 and Ft3 test - £32
monitormyhealth.org.uk/thyr...
10% off code here
thyroiduk.org/getting-a-dia...
Monitor My Health also now offer thyroid and vitamin testing, plus cholesterol and HBA1C for £65
(Doesn’t include thyroid antibodies)
monitormyhealth.org.uk/full...
10% off code here
thyroiduk.org/getting-a-dia...
Hi
Thanks for you extensive reply. I take Levo 75mcg od and Liothyronine 20mcg &10mcg on alternative days
Like you say I fast (drink water) before the test and only take meds after so as I usually take them at 4am - well over 24 hrs without.
Obtaining an early blood test is difficult as the journey to the hospital takes 3 hrs by bus. The last test was taken at 10.20.
Your right that the t4 is too low. I’m emailing my endo to remind him again about the optimal level. Unfortunately it’s not easy due to the Liothyronine.
Thanks so much for giving me the monitor my health site. When I looked earlier for private blood tests they didn’t come up. I don’t need all the other tests just these 3 as the others have been done.. Although it would be good to see what my antibodies are doing.
Thanks again I’m very grateful.
You MUST always take EXACTLY same dose T3 every day
You can’t take different dose T3 on different days
Take 15mcg every day instead…..perhaps as 3 x 5mcg doses spread through the day
On T3 - day before test ALWAYS split T3 as 2 or 3 smaller doses spread through the day with last dose 8-12 hours before test
Which brand in levothyroxine
Which brand is T3
Suggest you increase levothyroxine to 87.5mcg daily
Retest in 6-8 weeks
Hi Slow Dragon,
Unfortunately the meds arn’t scored. I know it’s nots good to have a different brand but I’m only too glad to get any meds with the many shortages and economic pressures.
You just cut with pill cutter or sharp scalpel
Hundreds of U.K. patients are prescribed 20mcg tablets and cut into 1/4’s to get 3 x 5mcg or 2 x 10mcg
Ideally would be prescribed 3 x 5mcg tablets but 20mcg tablets are vastly cheaper than anything else
Current prices here
I usually take them at 4am - well over 24 hrs without.
Obtaining an early blood test is difficult as the journey to the hospital takes 3 hrs by bus. The last test was taken at 10.20
So last dose levothyroxine 30 hours before …..so Ft4 likely slightly higher if tested at 24 hours but still plenty of room to increase levothyroxine to 87.5mcg daily
Although it would be good to see what my antibodies are doing.
Why? What do you think they're doing? They're just doing their job - i.e. cleaning up your blood after and immune system attack on your thyroid.
Antibodies fluctuate all the time so their level is no indication of the seriousness or otherwise of your disease. They tend to be highest just after an attack but as there's nothing you can do about it anyway, what's the point of knowing? The antibody levels are the least of your worries. 
Help finding T3 doctor
GP No Longer Prescribing T3
T3 and TFT advice needed please
How to get T3? 
