Just had first blood results since starting Erfa, your help please.

[lizzie1]

Hi to everyone

I started Erfa about 3 months ago and am taking 1 and half grains ( statrted with half grain.) Had blood test yesterday. The private doc asked me to take my meds before i had the test, so had the test in the afternoon as he suggested.

Still have loads of hypo symptoms, mainly balance probs, awful detached feeling and joint pains.In fact I think I feel worse now than when I stated treatment. Having said that at least I can tolerate Erfa.

Results as as follows.

TSH 2.21 (0.27 - 4.2)

FT3 4.8 (3.1-6.8)

FT4 12.0 (12-22)

Do you think I need an increase in meds. Wont be able to speak with private doc as he is on leave for 2 weeks.

Thank you

L x

[Clarebear]

Hi Lizzie - did you take your full dose before the test? If so I would definitely think you are likely to be under medicated. When optimally replaced your TSH is likely to be suppressed and ft3 top of the range or above (considering you had taken your meds) and ft4 mid range. It looks like you have a way to go and I'm not surprised you feel unwell. Xxx

[lizzie1 in reply to Clarebear]

Thank you clare, yes the doc said I was to take my full meds before the test. I was surprised but he said he wanted to see if my blood would show what the T3 was doing as on a previous blood test when on levo i had a slightly over the limit t3 result.

I was beginning to think that i was going loopy as I still have so many symptoms.

He did say that if my T4 was low he might start adding 25mcg of levo. (anything over 50mcg gives me headaches.)

xxx

[greygoose in reply to lizzie1]

Did you have this test at the same time as the last one? If not, no comparision is possible because levels fluctuate during the day.

As you had the test in the afternoon, the TSH would have been higher in the morning, so not really surprising you're still having symptoms.

Hugs, Grey

[lizzie1 in reply to greygoose]

Hi Grey

I had the first test first thing in the morning without meds. The test yesterday in the afternoon and after meds. I really dont understand the docs thinking?? He kept on about wanting to see the levels once I had taken the meds.

Feel so very low, trying to reclaim my life.

[greygoose in reply to lizzie1]

I don't really think he understands his thinking, either! lol There's absolutely no way you can compare the two results or draw any conclusion from them.

Anyway, I definately think you need an increase. I'm sure it would help you no end.

Hugs, Grey

[lizzie1 in reply to greygoose]

Thanks Grey - I think I need an increase too.

xx

[Clarebear in reply to lizzie1]

I don't understand the doctors thinking either, but I guess it really does confirm you are on too low a dose. Even if you hadn't taken your dose before the test, these results would indicate the need for an increase. But a you had taken them, I would say you are likely to need several increases.

Oh ho lovely o have a vill in the south of France ... Xxx

[lizzie1 in reply to Clarebear]

Thanks Clare

Yes I think I will benefit with an increase. He anticipated me still having low T4 so suggested I take 25 mcg levo.I have a telephone consultation with him in 2 weeks when he is back from hols. I always like to ask you guys your advice as I trust you

I have read your blogs and they have been really helpful.

He was telling me all about his villa, that is inbetween telling me about doing up his 28 room house.Me thinks we are in the wrong buisness!!

[waveylines]

Hmm am not sure what the doc was thinking too! Ah well. It does sound like you are not on your optimal dose yet. Am not sure why on earth he would add levothyroxine in. The logical step would be to increase the Erfa (which already has T4 in it). Increasing it would give you a little more T3 too. It all has to be done very slowly Lizzie to give your body time to slowly adjust.... Shame he is away on hol... xx

[lizzie1 in reply to waveylines]

I'm not sure about the doc's thinking either. Bless!! I think he thinks that as my T4 is bottom of the range the quickest way to increase that is to take straight T4, but as you say NDT contains both T4 and T3.

He is on hol in his villa in the South of France (alright for some !!) He must have loads of spending money knowing what i have forked out.

x

[waveylines]

Maybe your T4 is low because your body hasn't had a chance yet to catch up on itself......

I hear they have been having torrential thunderstorms and rain in France.......

[Heloise]

Absolutely. stopthethyroidmadness.com/l...

[lizzie1 in reply to Heloise]

Many thanks for the link - very useful.