I am 70 years of age & pretty much alone

[Floral777]

I have had one sided thyroid problem for 25yrs & tests say its working fine but I gained 21 pounds over 3 weeks, all the usual underactive thyroid symptoms but no meds. All that's on offer is surgery, I have been told for many years you have abnormal cells, not cancerous but could turn that way. I have nit had a full nights sleep since it appeared, fighting the weight which gained a little more over the years. Next week I have another ultrasound to see if the nodules have changed then 3 days later I will again be pushed for surgery. They cannot define anything wrong & fear my hurting joints etc from the weight will get worse with surgery.

I have been my husbands carer for 25 yrs, (the onset of my problem) & trying to get my health together as it's just him & me.

[SlowDragon Administrator]

welcome to the forum

First thing is, do you have any actual blood test results? if not will need to get hold of copies.

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.

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 TPO and/or high TG 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.

Significant minority of Hashimoto’s patients only have high TG antibodies (thyroglobulin)

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)

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

Low vitamin levels also much more common as we get older

Are you currently taking any vitamin supplements

If yes, what exactly

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

Testing options and includes money off codes for private testing

thyroiduk.org/testing/

Medichecks Thyroid plus BOTH TPO and TG antibodies and vitamins

medichecks.com/products/adv...

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

bluehorizonbloodtests.co.uk...

Only do private testing early Monday or Tuesday morning.

Link about thyroid blood tests

thyroiduk.org/testing/thyro...

Link about Hashimoto’s

thyroiduk.org/hypothyroid-b...

Symptoms of hypothyroidism

thyroiduk.org/signs-and-sym...

Tips on how to do DIY finger prick test

support.medichecks.com/hc/e...

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

[pennyannie]

Hello Floral and welcome to the forum :

I'm so sorry to read your story and can identify with being undiagnosed hypothyroid :

I'm afraid you will need to get some thorough blood tests as detailed below by Slow Dragon.

It's where we all start and then through advice and support from other forum members we can start to reclaim some health and well being.

Please register for online access to your medical records held at the surgery and lets us try and explain any thyroid blood tests that may be there so you are better equipped to ask questions of your medical team.

[Margo]

Good luck with everything. I know how hard it is to be a Carer and being alone, but there is a lot of help out there, and plenty of good advice on this forum. Take care of yourself.

[Agitator23]

It's very stressful being a long-term carer. I really feel for you. Keep strong. This group is here for you 🤗