I was diagnosed with autoimmune hypothyroidism about 8 years ago, although have had symptoms for as long as i can remember. Ive been on varying levels of eltroxin since. Currently I feel so bad, hair loss, no sleep, dizzy, blurred vision. I am on my highest dose of eltroxin and feel the worst I've ever felt. I have just returned from a visit to a new doctor. I had bloods taken with him on the 20th of August and today went in for results. He looked at me and said all is normal. My TSH is 4.19. When it was taken on the 15th of April, so four months ago it was 0.6. My free T4 is 18.8 and they didn't bother to test t3 as I am within normal TSH range (4.2).
He said he wouldn't change anything as I was within the normal range. I just started crying, He said "oh are you depressed"?
Damn right I'm depressed. I'm exhausted, I'm dragging myself around, I never sleep, I have bruises under my eyes, and the list goes on and on. I don't know what to do. He says There is only eltroxin in Ireland and that no other thyroid drug is available to my knowledge. I am trying gluten free but to be honest I am so worn out I don't even have the energy to shop for products. Is there anyone here in Ireland having success with any particular doctor or treatment. I can't live like this.
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Irishgirl79
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Look for details of DI02 Test. I say this because your TSH is still a little high (and we all vary) I still felt bad at TSH 4+. Your T4 of 18 is 'considered' OK but you may not be converting to T3 effectively.
There is lots of info on importance of B12 Iron D3 and more hormone and vitamin deficiencies that come with autoimmune thyroid conditions.
Also have you asked for Thyroid Antibody Test? Would expect with your history this should have been done.
Look for a recommended Endocrinologist on the above website.
In the meantime don't push yourself to do anything more than focus on better treatment. Get your R & R avoid stressful situations....except to go back to Doctor with a well researched plan of action to get well.
I am sorry you are feeling so down - and of course it is so understandable when it seems as if no one is helping or listening. Hashimotos is a very complex condition and can manifest differently in each person. Hence it is difficult for doctors to understand. Auto-immune illnesses of varying kinds usually start in the gut - so our gut health is of upmost importance. I think you are aware as you are trying to be gluten free.
I have just read an excellent book - Hashimotos Thyroiditis - Lifestyle Interventions for Finding and Treating the Root Cause - by Izabella Wentz....it's a tough read but so informative and if we want to make a difference then we have to put in the hard work required. Izabella is a sufferer. Also the book - Hope for Hashimotos - is another good read. Again about lifestyle... She lso has a website thyroidlifestyle.com
It is good that you have a diagnosis as so many people have difficulty in obtaining antibody tests. Just read up on as much as possible and try to discuss with your Doc. Maybe write a clear and concise letter with your findings. For a start I would mention that the TSH range was changed in the States back in 2004 I believe....the upper level in the range is 3.5 Also explain you could have a conversion problem and therefore it is so important for you to have a FT3 test done.
How about B12 VitD Ferritin Folates Iron - have they been tested ? Sorry have not read all your other posts. All those need to be high in the range for optimal health.
I am not a medical person but was diagnosed with Hashimotos in 2005 and also have other auto-immune issues - Crohns and FM. Everything under control having read and learnt from others both on this forum and from various books. You can borrow books from Thyroid UK by the way.
Thanks,I've had antibodies tested hence the diagnosis. Been through three separate labs and none will test t3 or t4 if yah is within normal range. I had to beg for t4 test. Was on vitd but took me off it as levels were to high. My endo passed me back to gp as levels were stable but now climbing rapidly. I just feel so unlistened to which is why I tried new doc
If your antibody test was done 8 years ago. It should be done again and even if in Ireland as it can be in England...little is known or done about this, you need to have these results for your own record/benchmark. Also helpful if you consult a private Endo.
Also consider the new DI02 test as mentioned. I could blether on about my journey for hours but it was not until I found thyroiduk.org and this site that I gained any semblance of normal life.
I especially feel for you as you are a young Mum and am sure you will find a case study you can relate to and direction to take on the thyroiduk.org website. Also on here there are lots of more knowledgeable people than me who will respond. Hope you manage to scim through the books mentioned and find ammunition for next Consultation.
Thanks a million for the advice. I appreciate it. Tested positive for antibodies in 2011. I'll definitely start doing more reading. Endo I saw was private but I guess I'll keep going until I find one who'll listen. It's just so expensive etc. Appreciate your advice
Get a booklet by Dr Toft from Amazon, also some local chemists may stock it too. Mark out what you want to discuss with your GP before your appointment. Your TSH is too high and the only maximum dose is one that makes you feel well or the addition of some T3 that Dr Toft also recommends.
I wonder why so many GP's are so ignorant. The 'normal' range he is talking about is for someone who hasn't yet been diagnosed. This is from Dr Toft's (of the British Thyroid Association) article in Pulse Online:-
6 What is the correct dose of thyroxine and is there any rationale for adding in tri-iodothyronine?
The appropriate dose of levothyroxine is that which restores euthyroidism and serum TSH to the lower part of the reference range – 0.2-0.5mU/l.
In this case, free thyroxine is likely to be in the upper part of its reference range or even slightly elevated – 18-22pmol/l. Most patients will feel well in that circumstance.
But some need a higher dose of levothyroxine to suppress serum TSH and then the serum-free T4 concentration will be elevated at around 24-28pmol/l.
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