Blood Test Query

[vintagebella]

Hi, I have a query about blood tests for thyroid antibodies. I had TSH and FT4 tests done a while ago which came back as normal, well within range. My GP has taken advice on other symptoms I have and has agreed to do further tests - specifically FT3 and antibodies as an auto immune thyroid condition is suspected.

My question is; as I'm feeling much better in myself (the debilitating fatigue has subsided, my throat/neck isn't so swollen and my widespread pain has calmed) would any antibodies show up?

I guess I'm worried that as I'm feeling a bit better, I won't be able to get a diagnosis from blood tests as my body's not noticeably attacking itself. I'm pretty fed up with feeling rubbish, are my worries unfounded?

It's impossible to say. You could feel fine and come back with having an underactive thyroid, or feel like shit and everything be normal... But thyroid antibodies do fluctuate.

If you feel better though, isn't that a good thing?

What else have they tested? You're entitled to copies of your blood tests. Free of charge since GDPR came in too I believe.

Vitamin D, B12, folate, ferritin are four important things they should be testing outside of routine tests.

Also, did they test you for glandular fever? (Fatigue, swollen neck etc are signs of it)

9amTrain Thanks for the response.

Not been tested for glandular fever as it's not likely to be the issue. This is a longstanding problem (years) where the thyroid hasn't been considered until now. Each 'symptom' has been treated as an individual issue until a cholesterol level of epic proportions has been highlighted. The lipid clinic has asked the GP to rule out thyroid problems.

To be fair, the GP is taking advice and although the TSH and FT4 results don't indicate problems she has now ordered these further tests.

B12, folate and ferritin are 'in range' but I've been supplementing for years so that doesn't really tell us anything. I stopped the supplements 8 weeks ago and will get a full range of tests (privately if I have to) in a few weeks.

I think, like everyone, I just want an answer

But I'm now fretting that the tests won't show anything, I'll have missed my chance and be back at square one! Probably over thinking again.

NHS ranges are often too vast. B12 for example can start as low as 140 yet someone can start to be symptomatic at 550.

Do you know your actual numbers of B12, folate and ferritin (with lab ranges)?

And was vitamin D tested?

There are a lot of very knowledgable people on the thyroid, health unlocked forum. It’s very quick to sign up. Might be worth asking your question there as well. healthunlocked.com/thyroiduk

Pinook - thanks, I've been on there for a good read. It's where I first discovered the link between high cholesterol and thyroid issues and recognised a lot of my issues could be thyroid related. I shall go and ask my question there too.

9amTrain I haven't had any Vit D tests. B12 was 755 (180-2000) so good but I have been supplementing for 3 years due to tinnitus. Folate was 16.8 (2.8-20) so again very good. Don't have any other relevant results.

Great. Hope you get some helpful replies.