Am I being too premature in hoping for relief from extreme tiredness.

[Eviepeevie]

In November 2012 I was diagnosed with PA. Since then I have had adequate shots of B12 supplemented with FerrousvFumarate. Recent blood tests show good levels of each in my system. Howev, it has recently been oted (approximately 3 weeks ago) that my thyroxine tablets should have been increased from 100mg to 125mg. I requested copies of all blood tests going back the past 2 years. Looking at these results I can see that the problems with my red blood cells and thyroid hormone production date back this far but were not picked up. I have been taking the new dose of thyroxine for the past three weeks, but quite honestly do not yet feel any benefit. I doesn't matter how long I lie in for extra sleep, after about 4 - 6 hours aft getting up I feel completely drained and just want to climb back into bed. This is so unlike the usually energetic me. I feel and look like rubbish. Any ideas?

[PerniciousAnaemiaSociety]

Hi, your levels of B12 may be clinically 'fine' but not adequate for your needs. You may not have enough 'active' B12. Our forum and website has lots of information about this, such as information you may wish to discuss with your GP. Alternatively, if you become a member you can ring our office for help and information such as local doctors who may prescribe infusions or other treatment. If you had neurological symptoms your loading doses should have been every other day until no further neuro improvement. It is best to discuss all treatment with your GP and air your concerns, but our forum, website and Martyn's book may direct you to information and questions you hadn't discussed with them first.

I hope this helps and that you feel much better soon.

[Hidden]

I know very little about thyroid meds, but believe it does take time to get the dose right and feel right..Marre.

[PinkNinja]

Part of the problem with your fatigue may be that you aren't on a high enough dose of levothyroxine, even though it has just been increased. Like B12, good levels in the blood don't necessarily mean you have good levels of thyroid hormones in the cells. Also the ranges or "normal" are quite wide and what is considered normal for one person is not necessarily considered normal for another. As a guide, most people need their TSH to be below 1 (sometimes even suppressed) and their T4 at the very top of the range. It is also essential to have good B12, and iron levels in order for your cells to use the thyroid hormones well.

It usually takes 4-6 weeks for a dose increase of levothyroxine to have it's full effect. It would be a good idea to get your thyroid test results from your GP with the reference ranges (they vary a lot from area to area) and see if they meet the criteria above.

As for B12, I'm sorry I can't advise on that. I'm new here and was pointed in this direction from the Thyroid UK forum as I have macrocytic anaemia and many symptoms of low B12, but my GP won't test B12. I am only just realising just how important it is and how much damage a deficiency has probably already done to me.

I really hope you start to feel better soon.

Carolyn x

[PinkNinja in reply to PinkNinja]

Please note that I am not a health professional. Just thought I'd better throw that in there! The above is a suggestion of what may be contributing to your fatigue and other symptoms