ADVICE

[JGBH]

Hello,

Apologies for such a short notice in requesting advice about taking Levothyroxine and Liothyronine therapy before a blood test on Wednesday 7 August at 12.20 pm at my surgery.

I am aware the tests should be done before 9 am but this is an emergency test so they could not give me an early morning slot.

I usually take both together at 6 am everyday. So should I take Liothyronine on Wednesday morning at 4 pm giving a gap of 8 and half hours before the test but what about the levothyroxine? Should I take it tomorrow morning at 6 am but no levothyroxine on Wednesday morning, but take it after the blood test? I feel quite stressed about this.

I would value your advice. Many thanks.

[helvella Administrator Thyroid UK]

Hopefully this blog might help a bit?

helvella - Scheduling Blood Draws

Factors to consider when choosing time for blood draws. Includes links to several documents/webpages and previous HealthUnlocked posts.

Last updated 31/07/2024

helvella.blogspot.com/p/hel...

[JGBH in reply to helvella]

Thank you so much. I know it won’t be the best time for having tests.

[tattybogle]

personally i would delay taking tomorrows levo until lunchtime ( giving 24hr gap ) and take wednesday mornings T3 at midnight on tuesday ( giving 12hrs)

[JGBH in reply to tattybogle]

Thank you. That sounds like the best option. Not happy about the timing of blood test though.

[Panda_26]

It's really not ideal in my experience . If you don't have the tests at the same time of day with the same timings of taking your meds I'm not sure how they think that's ok to compare levels ?! Just bear that in mind when you get the results and you may want to mention that if they make suggestions re any dose changes you're not happy about!

[JGBH in reply to Panda_26]

Thank you for replying. Yes I agree but that’s how the NHS works… These are urgent tests (a series of tests including thyroid function) so the practitioner nurse I saw at a urgent appointment last Wednesday afternoon clearly has no understanding of such problems. Also I mentioned to her that TSH wasn’t the only test required, telling her I needed FT4 and FT3 tested too because I am on combined therapy and needed to know their levels. When I got home and checked the blood test form she gave me I noticed that only TSH was requested! She obviously had no idea what FT4 and FT3 are… It is incredible that we are in the hands of such ignorant people who do not even ask if they do not know. So I phoned the surgery reception and explained the problem, asking for a new form to be issued including FT4 and FT3, again explaining the reason. Then I phoned again the following day to check these had been included on the form.

One has to check absolutely everything can’t trust the ability of people to do what is necessary. I despair.

[JGBH in reply to JGBH]

Have PMed you.

[Panda_26]

So true , - I always have same problem, - checking they've done T3 and 4, thyroglobulin ( I had thyroid cancer) and tsh . Most nurses or phlebotomist see the T4 and tsh and think it's all that's required. We have to constantly be on top of our game, which is often a challenge when our thyroid hormones aren't right! Good luck , hope you get on ok.

[JGBH in reply to Panda_26]

Have sent you a PM.