'Routine' appointment to discuss thyroid results?

[Lemonandginger1]

I had some blood tests about 10 days ago, one of which was thyroid function. I've had the same in the past and usually no follow up call. Today I've had a call from the GP to book a 'routine' appointment to discuss the results. Is this something they start doing after a certain age? Or could it mean my thyroid'S not right this time?

[greygoose]

If you're taking thyroid S, your doctor probably doesn't like your low TSH and thinks you must be over-medicate. Does he know what you take?

[Lemonandginger1 in reply to greygoose]

Hey, grey goose! I don't take anything currently. This is the first time/experience with getting asked to come in for a 'routine' appointment to discuss thyroid results. I will ask about TSH levels though

[greygoose in reply to Lemonandginger1]

Oh, I'm so sorry! lol I saw this: Or could it mean my thyroid'S not right this time? And thought you were saying you take thyroid S! 🤣

Don't just ask about the TSH - yours is probably high, and that's why he's called you in. Ask at reception for a print-out of all your results. It's your legal right to have one and you cannot have a meaningful discussion with your doctor without knowing what was tested and what the results were.

[SlowDragon Administrator]

Are you in U.K.

was test done early morning

Approximately how old are you

Do you have any symptoms?

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.

Bloods should be retested 6-8 weeks after a first abnormal test

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)

If TSH is over 10 = clinical hypothyroidism and should be started on levothyroxine

If TSH over 5 ……retest again in another 6-8 weeks

If have symptoms, especially if thyroid antibodies are high, start on levothyroxine

Starting levothyroxine - flow chart

gps.northcentrallondonccg.n...

[serenfach]

Get your results as soon as you can - they are free - and then come back here with them and we can advise you what to ask your GP. Lots of brilliant knowlege here to help you.

[Lemonandginger1]

Thanks everyone! I've requested the results but they won't be available until Monday when my appointment is. What questions should I ask when I go?