Confused by blood test results

[shyanne]

I have raynauds and am very tired most of the time. My tsh is 5.9 and my free is 13 but doc says no need for medication yet but to have another blood test in 6 months. My sister has an underactive thyroid; should I wait 6 months or ask to see another doctor?

[Starfish123]

You could ask for a referral to an Endo as you are above range for TSH and have lowish ft4 and you have a close relation with hypo.

Is raynauds auto-immune? If so ask for your thyroid antibodies to be checked.

[shyanne in reply to Starfish123]

Thank you for advice. My antobodies were tested in 2011 and were 285 (normal 0-80) and still nothing been prescribed. Had letter from endo who also advises repeat test in few months I just don't know what to do next.

[RedApple Administrator]

With a TSH that is most probably over the range, I wouldn't wait more than three months. And if things get worse, go back sooner. If you feel a different doctor would be more helpful, then don't hesitate to see him/her instead.

[shyanne]

Thank you both very much for advice; I'll make another appointment with my doctor.

[ChemicalAngel]

Go and see another doc. I have seen endo and he has refused to treat until TSH gets nearer to 10!! Hope you get a sympathetic doc xx

Ann xx

[shyanne]

Thank you Ann I am so tired and cold now so dread to think how bad it may get.

[Jackie]

Hi Raynaulds is autoimmune, so if you have autoimmune thyroid disease, very common, You also need to have your Glucose tests, diabetes is very common too, autoimmune and hormonal and same symptoms to start with more or less. I would pay for a TSH, T4 and Free T3 test for a proper evaluation for treatment ,then show the results to GP, perhaps a more sensible one in the surgery?If that fails, find a good endo (not the GP`s choice but yours!

Best wishes,

jackie

[shyanne in reply to Jackie]

Thank you so much for your advice.

[puncturedbicycle in reply to shyanne]

I'll add to Jackie's thorough reply that they should test you for antibodies. Raised antibodies will 'prove' you have Hashimoto's and support your request for meds. (In other words, if you have it, it will need treatment eventually so why wait...)

[shyanne in reply to puncturedbicycle]

Thank you for advice. My antobodies were tested in 2011 and were 285 (normal 0-80) and still nothing been prescribed. Had letter from endo who also advises repeat test in few months I just don't know what to do next.

[richard123]

I have raised antibodies 650 range 0-60 and a

TSH of 4.01 and Gp says no need to treat, despite

The fact I feel crap!

Good luck

[shyanne in reply to richard123]

Thank you for advice. My antobodies were tested in 2011 and were 285 (normal 0-80) and still nothing been prescribed. Had letter from endo who also advises repeat test in few months I just don't know what to do next.

[Hidden]

Here's a BMJ article from 2008 - I was going to print out the flowchart to take to my upcoming appointment as my TSH was 5.12 .... ready at last to ask for a trial...

bmj.com/content/337/bmj.a80...

"Sub-clinical (mild) with TSH 5-10: If patients have symptoms consistent with hypothyroidism and the increase in thyroid stimulating hormone persists, then a therapeutic trial of levothyroxine for three to six months is a reasonable approach. If the patient feels improved by therapy—as a third to one half do—it is reasonable to continue treatment." (BMJ clinical review 2008) ..

Plan scuttled 'tho as my recent TSH lowered to 1.69 (range here 0.3 to 5.5) don't know why as I feel just as cr@p. J

[shyanne in reply to Hidden]

Thank you very interesting article. Best of luck.

[Starfish123]

Hi,

If you have raised TSH lowish FT4 and thyroid antibodies you do need treatment now rather than in the future. Make a list of your symptoms, there are very good lists to check on thyroid sites. Take them with you when you see the dr and if they won't listen ask for a referral to an Endo of your choice but make sure you leave a copy of the sypmtoms to be placed on your record, drs don't like that. I had borderline TSH saw an Endo who started me on Levo without seeing new bloods, still feel tired etc but not as bad. Since found out I have raised antibodies so at least I now know why I feel so bad.

Hope it helps

[shyanne]

Thank you so much it's good to speak to someone who actually seems to understand. Will keep in touch.