Preparing for thyroid blood tests

[Helensville]

This is my first posting so please forgive me if this sounds confusing. I am slated to have NHS knee replacement surgery but following my pre-op assessment have been dropped from the list because of abnormal thyroid levels. No information has been offered about the levels, what is abnormal about them or what they would like my levels to be. After several blood test instigated by my GP I am about to see NHS endocrinologist to resolve the problem and hopefully get myself back on the list - again with little information or guidance about the consultation although I do know that I have to have an MRI scan of my pituitary in late September. I currently take 20 micrograms of Liothyronine Sodium twice a day and have done so for over fifteen years and felt relatively healthy despite having knee issues and lipoedema. I am presuming that they will want to test my blood during the consultation and my question is how to prepare for these tests and do I need to stop taking the Liothyronine Sodium on the day of the consultation or even the day before to enable the correct results. I am also extremely anxious that I will be off Liothyronine Sodium because of the current debate T3 or T4 debate. Thank you

[Judithdalston]

I too have been waiting over 2 1/2 years for a knee replacement following a fall…just got the letter end of the week saying come in for the anaesthetic assessment but I am rather assuming the op will be called off. I also have 4 1/2 years Long Covid the main symptom being high BP/HR. and was put on 5 hypertensive drugs, until this Jan.when diagnosed by specialist with postural hypotension after faint(s)…she removed/ recommended removal of some of the BP drugs and discharged me. But I was left with higher BP/HR…my GP has unilaterally decided it’s due to ‘over medication with levothyroxine’ shown by my low TSH ( 0.02), ignoring that I take T3 too ( last 6 years 100 levo./5x3 T3 daily). And despite seeing him 1:1 where we agreed to disagree next day he changed the prescription to 75 levo ( the Thybon Henning comes from Roseway Labs following private endo.dosing). Doubt it will change the TSH ( as for last 22 years been well under range even on levo.only), but seems to making HR consistently higher over 100. I have for the very first time been referred to an NHS endocrinologist ( having argued that I am not paying hundreds of pounds more to the private endo.just to get an updated letter to one I know is on my medical notes saying the 100/15 combo dose and supressed TSH ok), but that might take months/ years! Sorry for rant, partially linked to your post! I had searched Healthunlocked site(s) for similar refusals to operate…general opinion was that it wasn’t anaesthesists who objected to low TSH, but others like cardiologists( didn’t find a ref.to orthopaedic surgeons)! It’s ridiculous, good luck.

[Hidden]

Hi

I have been waiting for my knee replacement since 2019 so I know how you feel, has your GP told you nothing at all about the Thyroid levels as this is where you need the answers to find if you are under or overactive, however it seems if they do not have a clue which is why this subject should be compulsory whilst they are training.

I have been under active from birth in 1959 and my late mum was told I would never feed myself, Crawl, Walk or attend mainstream school. And you can guess her reaction to their diagnosis.

Yes I proved them wrong and passed my O' Levels no mean feat for a Cretin/Retard so don't let them treat you like an imbecile, bombard them with every question that comes to your mind as the more knowledge you have regarding this the better as they will be more shocked that you are controlling the issue's thrown at you and your knowledge will blow them away.

Please let me know how you are getting on as I will keep an eye open for updates on this and stay strong willed as this will definitely be a very trying time for you.

You must carry on taking your med's throughout because they need to sortout the correct medication that is needed.

Regards

Trina