Hi, could anyone help with an opinion on my results? Newly Diagnosed Hashimoto sufferer. Thanks.

[Scarlett71]

I didn't get a reply on the Hashimoto's forum, so I will give it one last try here!

After lots of different tests, I have my final results. A thyroid scan showed some heterogeneous echo texture which I understand is in line with Hashimotos. My Thyroglobulin antibodies (TgAB) are 36.9.

My TSH was 3.04 three months ago, but in latest result done last week it was 2.78.

The ones I really don't understand are Total T3 the range says 1.00-3.00 (nmol/L) and my result is 1.32.

My Free T4 in a range of 7.0-16.0 (pmol/L) is 10.9 and my Ferritin is 25 in a range of .7-100 (ng/ml)

My Endocrinologist gave me a prescription for 25 mg of Thyroxine, but she is to confirm that based on these results.

I would be most grateful if anyone could give me their experience of how these results seem, because on the surface they seem alright to me, apart from the Thyroglobulin antibodies which I know are high.

I am just so exhausted all of the time and I am desperate to get something to help me. Any advice greatly appreciated as this is a whole new world to me. Thanks so much.

[HarmonyAngel]

I'm no expert as I'm still learning myself but thought I'd reply. (I've just posted the same reply on your other post).

Your TSH is still a bit high, you should be aiming to get it down to the bottom of the range, usually below 1.0. Your FT4 range is weirdly wide (most ranges are between 10.0/12.0 - 24.0 pmol/L) & although your result looks ok, it too is low as it should be up around the top of the range, i.e., 22.0 pmol/L. I've yet to persuade my GP to take no nonsense from the lab & insist my T3 is tested but from what I've read, I believe that too should be close to the top of the range.

Your ferritin is definitely low & this will be another reason why you feel rubbish. You need your ferritin upto 100 & never less than 75. Either ask your GP for a prescription for iron tablets or buy them over the counter at your pharmacy. (You can get natural iron in the form of Spatone but in my personal experience it's no good for raising such low levels though might be ok for maintenance later on).

25mcg of Levo is just a starting dose, I've been told most patients are on approx. 175-250mcg & you should go back for a full thyroid function test every 6-8 weeks until your levels start to rise & expect to have your Levo increased (it takes 6 weeks for Levo to optomise).

Have you had any other blood test's done, i.e., Vit D, B12, folate? If not then you should ask for these to be done.

I've been on Levo for a year now, just gone upto 175mcg daily & I'm still no where near close to getting sorted out (I also have Hashi's). I'm also still struggling to get my ferritin & Vit D within range but I've just discovered that the pain medication I have to take each day will be interferring with everything & my GP should know better!!

My fatigue is still frustrating & I'm fed up with never having any energy to do anything. If it weren't for my dog's making me get up each morning then I'd rarely leave my bed/the sofa (& I'm fairly confined already). When I was first finally diagnosed last year I was told it would take at least a year to get on top of things & at my last appointment last month my GP warned it could be another year yet!! :o(

I hope to have been some help & I wish you all the very best :o)

Lyndsay x

[shaws Administrator]

Welcome,

I am hypo so some others who have hashi's will comment.It is a bit of a minefield trying to learn how best to understand what is going on and how to get better.

This is a link which may be helpful too:-

thyroidlifestyle.com/#!

[Scarlett71 in reply to shaws]

Wow! I have just checked out that website. Looks great and I have ordered the book. Delighted to find a comprehensive guide to what for me was a very scary diagnosis. Thanks a million.

[shaws Administrator in reply to Scarlett71]

I think because the author herself is a sufferer she will certainly be knowledgeable.

[difisky in reply to shaws]

Like you I have only recently been diagnosed. Feeling so tired and down today with bad head so had a day off work (not like me) and studying as much as I can on the internet. I have also bought this book today and after I have ready this can hopefully manage my eating in a better way as it seems food can aggravate Hashimoto's Disease and just learn more about it. I am finding my head just get's so foggy and can not do a simple task on some days when I feel like this. Off to doctors also today to see if blood test results have altered. Started on 25mcg and now on 50mcg Levothyroxine but my skin has improved - its not as dry around my eyes and mouth.

[Scarlett71]

Thank you so much. I will definitely go and have a look at it. There does seem to be a huge amount of resources, so narrowing it down to the good ones is very useful. Much appreciated. Cheers.

[Scarlett71]

Difisky I hope you find some relief. I do agree that diet plays a huge role. I have been off gluten for about six months now but intend to stay off gluten for the rest of my life. I am still waiting to hear from my endo as to what my dosage is to be. It is frustrating me no end that she hasn't returned my call yet. Will try again! Best of luck with your health.