Thyroiditis

[Suey395]

Hi I hope someone can help. I have been struggling a while, I had a scan which revealed thyroiditis and a small grade 2 cyst. Drs won't give me any support as bloods are normal. I went back again, after prodding and poking my neck which was uncomfortable suddenly I am on the pathway for throat cancer (no signs) regardless of my family history of under active thyroid

[PurpleNails Administrator]

what has been tested? Normal means what ever was tested is somewhere in range.

So it might be 1) you haven’t had a complete test & 2) the results might only just be considered normal.

Recommend you obtain copy of blood test results with lab ranges & a copy of previous scan report.

[RedApple Administrator]

'bloods are normal'

That may be what your doctor says, but before anyone here can comment, we need to see the full details. i.e. numbers for TSH, FT4 and FT3 plus antibodies and all accompanying reference ranges.

Also, add in some details about any symptoms you're concerned about and any other medications you're taking. 😊

[SlowDragon Administrator]

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.

This currently only applies in England, not across the whole of the UK. Nether Scotland nor N.Ireland have released an NHS app for patients. (Scotland supposedly due in December '24.) Wales has an app, but only for booking appointments, repeat prescriptions and amending personal details

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.

Far too often only TSH is tested

For full Thyroid evaluation you need TSH, FT4 and FT3 tested

Also both TPO and TG thyroid antibodies tested at least once to see if your hypothyroidism is autoimmune

Very important to test vitamin D, folate, ferritin and B12 at least once year minimum

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

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)

Essential to test vitamin D, folate, ferritin and B12

What vitamin supplements are you taking ….if any

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

Post all about what time of day to test

healthunlocked.com/thyroidu...

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...

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

Only do private testing early Monday or Tuesday morning.

Tips on how to do DIY finger prick test

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

[Litatamon in reply to SlowDragon]

'20% of autoimmune thyroid patients never have high thyroid antibodies and ultrasound scan of thyroid can get diagnosis.'

Is there any extended meaning in this, SlowDragon? Meaning can a thyroid be diseased yet somehow still functioning fine?

I believe the answer is no but am curious regardless, as I had this play out.

Suey395 I had this outcome. I had to have a thyroidectomy due to the size and position of two of my nodules. Only two of them in the goitre were being little buggers. They were causing breathing and swallowing issues.

But out came a diseased thyroid - my surgeon's sight of it and then diagnosis on my pathology. My labs were in 'normal range'.