Renaud's

[janiebell]

I think im adequately medicated and feel ok but today I saw the return of an attack of renauds in my fingers. It didn't last long but unpleasant, nonetheless. I know it's a secondary to Hashimotos. Does anyone else still suffer from this but feel they are ok otherwise or do you think this is a sign I need to tweak my meds? I'm having my bloods checked on tues. My Tsh is around one and lab refuses to test my t3 and t4 even if doc requests it. Currently on 125mcg of levo. My hands and feet have always been cold and remained so even with medication and my tsh below 1.

[shaws Administrator]

I wonder if your GP will let you have a trial of T3 to a reduced T4.

Excerpt from Dr Toft's article in Pulse Online:-

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.

This ‘exogenous subclinical hyperthyroidism’ is not dangerous as long as serum T3 is unequivocally normal – that is, serum total around T3 1.7nmol/l (reference range 1.0-2.2nmol/l).

Even while taking the slightly higher dose of levothyroxine a handful of patients continue to complain that a sense of wellbeing has not been restored. A trial of levothyroxine and tri-iodothyronine is not unreasonable. The dose of levothyroxine should be reduced by 50µg daily and tri iodothyronine in a dose of 10µg (half a tablet) daily added.

[janiebell in reply to shaws]

Thanks for that. I've been wondering about t3 or even swapping to naturethroid although I can't afford to buy it and would have to do named patient. I can ut ask!!!

[shaws Administrator in reply to janiebell]

If you need a copy of the article for your GP, email [e-mail].

[janiebell in reply to shaws]

Thank you!

[Jackie]

Hi Do you mean Raynaulds disease? If so this is different, only relation ship with Hashi is both autoimmune, diseases.When you have one autoimmune disease, others usually occur gradually. You have to wait for them to start but be aware. This is why when have Hashi etc important to have the autoimmune hormonal tests, B 12+ Foliates, and diabetes. Also vit D, hormonal, and ferritin/iron.The test for Caeliac disease which is also autoimmune, is linked, but not a fool proof test.

Raynaulds, there are drugs, but quite potent, most of us prefer to just put up with it.

Best wishes,

Jackie

[foxglove]

hi janiebell'

I have Raynaud's and find a product - CIRCULEASE, manufacturer Healthspan - helps a lot . Check it out and maybe worth a try? It kicks in quickly. Good luck

[scatterbrain]

I have had reynauds syndrome all my life (49 years) but never associated it with hypothyroidism which I was only diagnosed with 7 months ago (auto-immune type). Levothyroxine makes no difference to my reynauds symptoms. I take nifedipine 3 times daily which makes a big difference, I can't use my hands without it.

[janiebell]

Thanks everyone!

[Babette]

I've had Raynauds for 20 years (and take a good quality gingko biloba over the winter) but only diagnosed with thyroid problems 18 months ago.

[janiebell in reply to Babette]

Does ginkgo help? I bought some recently for memory! It's by solgar and haven't tried it yet.

[Babette in reply to janiebell]

I won't go through a cold winter without it now! One year I ran out and thought I'd be fine but my toes turned into chillblains.

I didn't notice any improvement on my memory though

[janiebell in reply to Babette]

Ha ha! I will give it a whirl for my circulation and not hold out any hope for the memory!