Blood Test Results—Is More Information Needed? And Request For Insights/Opinions
I am overdue for my next blood test, so I'm about to book an appointment with my Nurse Practitioner to get my next requisition. This got me wondering if, based on my last blood test I did with her from late last December, there are any other things I need to ask to be added to my blood test that weren't there in the last one. I have read many posts in this subreddit about the blood results, but I get really confused about it all, so I was hoping for input.
I will add a little backstory. I was diagnosed with hypothyroidism over a decade ago, but based on this last test that I have linked, my NP said in our last appointment as we were going over the results, "You know you have Hashimoto's, right?" Her casualness surprised me. I have been suspicious of Hashimoto's, but didn't realise you could be diagnosed so easily, as I only knew of people receiving said diagnosis after seeing a specialist. Since then, I have been in this subreddit, reading through a lot of your posts and responses to learn a bit more, but it's overwhelming, and some information conflicts.
Currently, I'm feeling super crappy again. Highly anxious (I already have an anxiety disorder, so anytime I find my medication to be off or my iron low, or something else I haven't yet figured out, it shows itself by ramping up my already anxious self), extremely tired, tension headaches, have been having significant heart palpitations for 3/4 a year (yes, have looked into this with EKG's and 24 hr monitor—NP didn't seem concerned and stopped looking into this, despite it persisting), very low mood, etc.
I just started taking magnesium again at night, ferritin some days, and omega-3s and vit. d some days (I have no idea when I should be taking these and whether some can be taken together or not, so I've been inconsistent). Have been changing my diet a bit as well, figuring that it may help with the heart palpitations, given that I usually get them after eating, sometimes in the night, or when I'm gently moving or stressed. I noticed the palps to be especially present after a high-carb, high-fat meal. I know I need to be more conscious about protein intake and fibre, likely. Also, I started doing some easy morning movements for lymphatic drainage, since I have been quite sedentary the past decade and have issues now with chronic joint and muscle pain and edema in the lower body (the movements are a very easy way for me to start some movement again and gently get blood flow going). I've also gone back to meditating 2x daily, focusing on the nervous system to lower stress (I am in constant fight or flight). So far, these are all the changes I've made recently. Next, I am going to crack down on my sleep schedule since I find that I am incredibly affected by reduced sleep, or going to bed a little later than normal. It's often the difference between functioning and not functioning for me.
I am 38, have too much weight on me (size 2-3XL US women's—don't know my weight). So, my goal is to work on getting my numbers in a better place (blood test, I mean), lower inflammation, and feel healthier, mentally and physically.
Any insights from those who are well-versed and experienced would be appreciated—thank you!
