Working towards improving thyroid levels and vitamin levels - but I've got so much to be getting on with! Confused...

Hi, well I’ll mention my problems so far and what I’ve done about them:

Weight/digestion issues – Since I’ve eaten more, sometimes double what I usually eat, I’ve had a lot of trouble gaining weight. At the start of the year I weighed 7.3 stone. I now weigh 7.10 but I haven’t yet reached my target weight of 8.5 stone. I don’t look as though I need to gain any more weight as I’m petite but my mum and stepdad have made comments about me being skinny.

Coeliac has been ruled out from the autoimmune blood test so what I’ve now done is start to eat four 300 calorie meals a day so I can reach my ideal amount of calories burned. At the moment I eat small snacks but then eat a large dinner later on. Weight doesn’t come off or on, but when I do eat a lot more the weight comes off more noticeably. Tonight I went for a mushroom risotto – it has a lot of calories in as well as carbohydrates so hopefully that will help.

Vitamin levels – I’m low in Vitamin D, folate, ferritin, Vitamin B12 and possibly magnesium, so what I’ve decided to do is invest in some magnesium and a Vitamin B12 spray and continue taking the Spatone and Vitamin D meds.

Thyroid levels – I’ve continued taking the thyroxine at 125mcg a day but I’m now looking into consuming Brazil nuts as they’re said to be high in T3 – as long as I don’t take too many from what I’ve read!

Well, my next blood test isn’t until January 20th to check my thyroid levels. Last time they were abnormal at 4.6 (0.27-4.2) but the Free T4 was in range at 15.6 (12-22). Is the GP testing me too soon as I was tested back on the 5th December? I have been tested before for thyroid function but I’m sure there were a few more weeks apart than this!

Also if the Brazil nuts do contain T3 and improve thyroid function, would this show in the blood test results coming up? Or is there going to be some delay before this change is noted?

Raynaud’s symptoms – I’ve now decided using the hot water bottle on my core area (tummy/chest) and this has helped with the numbness/tingling in my toes so I will be continuing to use the hot water bottle as this for now.

Am I doing too much right now? I don’t know what I should be doing first or in what order!

Thanks

Jo xxx

[Jessiepup]

Hi, I too struggle to gain weight . Although I am not diagnosed Coeliac I am totaly intolerant to wheat and my Gastroenterologist says it is the reason i have osteoporosis due to malabsorption .

He sent me for an iron infusion a coupe of months ago and my appetite has improved greatly. It can be a vicious circle, I know. Hang in there xx

[Hidden in reply to Jessiepup]

Hi Jessiepup, thanks for your reply.

Yes, I think I might be wheat intolerant as I get a bowel movement (sorry for sounding graphic!) within 20-30 minutes of eating anything with wheat in and I have to strain to get it out. I was so sure the Coeliac test would have come back flagged up and I was surprised when it didn't. Do you get any other symptoms like itchy/dry skin after eating wheat? I seem to get that after eating bread, mostly on my hands or front of neck/thyroid area.

I have no appetite issues - but because of the goitre I have had to be extremely cautious when eating anything in case it hurts/gets uncomfortable. So it makes other people think I'm not hungry or I'm trying to starve myself - which I'm not!

An iron infusion might be a good idea, but I think that's probably something my GP is going to have to mention.

Thanks and happy new year.

Jo xxx

[Jessiepup in reply to Hidden]

If the Coeliac blood test came up negative they should still send you for a biopsy to make sure (the blood test is not conclusive, just a guide) don't cut wheat out until you have had biopsy though.

The Coeliac uk website is very informative and there is a very good helpline you can call.

Sounds as though it is definitely an issue for you. I had bowel, skin reactions on face mainly, asthma, aches, aneamia , uti's, Lactose intolerance. Mostly all under control since being Gluten Free for 5 years

[Clutter]

I think its selenium that Brazils contain, not T3, Jo. The RDA of selenium is 100-200mcg, which is approx 2-4 Brazils.

Is it just wheat bread that upsets you? Have you tried rye bread or pumpkin bread, crackers or rice cakes?

A cos lettuce leaf is nice as a base for sandwich fillings, cold meats, cheese etc.