NEW! FIT tests in colorectal cancer- NICE guidance

[@trasylol100]

I'm a fellow GP. This is really good. It's clarified a few things 👏🏾

[@practicalgp]

Thank you very much for the encouragement. I really appreciate it 😃

[@AHB-tl2bp]

Thank you 👍

[@practicalgp]

Thank you for your comment. It really helps 👍

[@radhwanabdulla6806]

Thanks great

[@practicalgp]

Thank you for your comment. It really helps 🙏

[@illusions9605]

My iron stores came out under value 10 (Uk) & my fit test came positive value 38. My only sumptom is anal itching and anal skin tag just recently, had an episode of severe itching all over my body just this month. I have been referred for colonoscopy, my query is what are other tests that I should get done? Do they offer antibodies testing for such patients? Bcz I have hashimotos and I know I do have inflammation in my body. (Taking levo n its controlled though)

[@practicalgp]

Thank you for your comment. Given your symptoms and test results, it's good that you're being referred for a colonoscopy. I think that this is the best way to identify the potential cause of your iron deficiency. I cannot really offer medical advice here, because your medical management really depends on a multitude of factors and only your doctor would be in a position to advise you correctly. From a general point of view, I would say that given your history of Hashimoto's thyroiditis, it may be beneficial to check for specific autoantibodies (like anti-TPO and anti-thyroglobulin antibodies) to assess autoimmune activity and, in addition, antibodies related to celiac disease might be considered too, especially since your symptoms could suggest an underlying gastrointestinal issue. I hope that this helps 🙏

[@illusions9605]

@practicalgp I requested my gp to do my antibodies as its been a year but she refused saying its not a standard practice we only check TSH while giving levo. Do you think I can request them a full antibodies panel now?

[@illusions9605]

Alrhough I have no symptoms of hypothyroidism by now and im taking 50mcg levo which Im tappering off slowly as im taking natural sea-kelp and other things to heal my body. My TSH free T4 levels are in range. Im generally active n feel healthy.

[@practicalgp]

@@illusions9605 I cannot give advice without full access to your medical history but, from a general point of view, if you have had them checked in the past, there is not much point in repeating them. These tests are used for diagnostic purposes and not for monitoring. Once you have had your diagnosis confirmed, there’s no benefit in continuing to check them 🙏

[@practicalgp]

@@illusions9605 I’m pleased that your thyroid function is well controlled. It looks like you are on the correct treatment. Tapering off the dose should not be the aim, but rather having it nicely balanced on the correct dose. Trying to reduce the dose more than your body can cope with could make you feel unwell🙏