Can You Pay For Private Blood Tests for Underactive Thyroid?

oopsadaisydoddle

BobQ wrote: »

I would be surprised if your GP had not done a blood test on you thyroid level before concluding youb had CFS/ME. Since the causes of CFS/ME are largely unknown, ruling out all the other possible causes of tiredness such as thyroid activity is a routine procedure. Also the tests do work!

Also do you have any of the other symptoms of an underactive thyroid such as itchy skin.

Yes, I have had bloods done over the years that have all come back normal. As i said in an earlier post, my most recent set show a 'normal' FSH level of .82.

I have itchy scalp (occasionally I get really itchy all over with no rash though). I often feel cold, apart from when asleep and then i get the sweats.

I'm not sure which tests you are referring to when you say "they do work". It would seem from people's experiences on here (and my old school pal's) that has not been the case. This is why I asked in the first place.

It is probable/possible that my thyroid is absolutely fine, but as I have been given the CFS diagnosis, I thought it was worth checking out.

heartbreak_star

I also would be surprised if they had neglected blood tets before CFS.

I have myxodema (hyopthyroidism) and have been being treated for years. It runs in my family. Levothyroxine is not a cure-all and can be dangerous if administered incorrectly, which is why I was not treated until I was firmly under normal and not just borderline. Docs are also wary of people using it as an excuse for being overweight - sadly, this does happen.

Oopsa, every time I read a thread of yours I just want to make you better *hugs*. Try eating more iodine-rich food such as kelp, strawberries and cranberries. They can help your thyroid function more efficiently

Good luck!

HBS x

MOGGYMALONE

I'm no medical expert but i've had similar probs - might be worth getting your Vitamin D3 levels checked as the symptoms of lack of Vit D3 seem similar IMHO as those of ME chronic fatigue etc. Keep trying for the thryoid diagnosis or get a second opinion. I'm trying GP again but if i dont get sorted im going private (if i can afford it).
I find staying off caffeine helps a lot. Decaff tea/coffee etc no carbonated drinks. Hope this helps . regards moggy

oopsadaisydoddle

heartbreak_star wrote: »

I also would be surprised if they had neglected blood tets before CFS.

I have myxodema (hyopthyroidism) and have been being treated for years. It runs in my family. Levothyroxine is not a cure-all and can be dangerous if administered incorrectly, which is why I was not treated until I was firmly under normal and not just borderline. Docs are also wary of people using it as an excuse for being overweight - sadly, this does happen.

Oopsa, every time I read a thread of yours I just want to make you better *hugs*. Try eating more iodine-rich food such as kelp, strawberries and cranberries. They can help your thyroid function more efficiently

Good luck!

HBS x

Thanks HBS (again lol)!

Like I said, I was just curious if anyone else was the same as my pal. And although I would LOVE a magic wand to lose weight, I know that that just ain't gonna happen. I certainly wouldn't want to be taking meds that were no good for me. I was looking at this from the energy and 'get up and go' angle. I would just love to have some of that!

My DH has started running again and I would love to go out with him as something we could do together - big DS is happy to mind the kids. I just know it would wipe me out and it's not even like I could walk instead!!!x

MOGGYMALONE

i think the problem is the range at which UK docs decide someone's thryoid is underactive. It's very different in the US and so many more people are diagnosed there. I think there are lots of people with undiagnosed thyroid probs in uk but then that probably saves the health service money in the short term. This is just my opinion.

heartbreak_star

Try the iodine-rich foods - my nan said they really helped her while she was borderline (plus she discovered she LOVED cranberries haha!).

HBS x

oopsadaisydoddle

heartbreak_star wrote: »

Try the iodine-rich foods - my nan said they really helped her while she was borderline (plus she discovered she LOVED cranberries haha!).

HBS x

I know you eat alot of meat but do you eat fruits too?x

oopsadaisydoddle

MOGGYMALONE wrote: »

i think the problem is the range at which UK docs decide someone's thryoid is underactive. It's very different in the US and so many more people are diagnosed there. I think there are lots of people with undiagnosed thyroid probs in uk but then that probably saves the health service money in the short term. This is just my opinion.

Thanks for posting. I type a reply but little Oops got my phone and now it has disappeared!!

I only drink water, no fizzies or juices (apart from on the odd occasion). I don't do alcohol either.....however I do do coffee!! I LOVE my espresso machine!! I should probs look at trying decaf but am scared I will get the withdrawl symptoms on top of my other ones. And I am worried it won't taste as nice.

heartbreak_star

oopsadaisydoddle wrote: »

I know you eat alot of meat but do you eat fruits too?x

Yep, mostly berries and citrus, some apples

HBS x