Why do I still feel so poorly? :(: Why do I still... - Thyroid UK

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Why do I still feel so poorly? :(

Shazy-B profile image
9 Replies

Why do I still feel so poorly even though my TSH has come down from 11.2 to 2.5 and the lab still won't test my T3. My Anxiety is awful, haven't been able to get of the couch all weekend and feel like I'm full of a cold again.

Waiting for my GP to call me regarding referral to Endo.

I am at a loss

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Shazy-B profile image
Shazy-B
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9 Replies
rosetrees profile image
rosetrees

Hi Bellaboo. I'm laid up with the cold too - it's horrid, isn't it? Have you had your iron, folate, ferritin, Vit B12 and Vit D levels measured? If not, ask for them to be done and make sure you ask for a print out of the results. These all need to be well in range and it is quite common for hypo people to be low in one or more of them. Raising their levels can make a big difference to you you feel as well as improving the action of your thyroid meds.

puncturedbicycle profile image
puncturedbicycle

Is your tsh 2.5 at the moment (I mean are these recent test results six or more weeks after starting current dose of meds)? I assume you are on medication? T4? You might feel better if your tsh was lower. Stick with it and you will get better - it just takes time. x

Shazy-B profile image
Shazy-B

Thanks rosetrees and puncturedbicycle I am currently taking 100mcg of Levo and have done for the past 10 years I have started taking my HRT later in the day hence my TSH coming down (I think) my vit D is deficient and B12 low so I think the sooner I start to supplement these the better!

I'm just sick of feeling so lousy and wish this Anxiety would go away. Why does everything have to be a battle with health professionals? I want to ask for a 24 hour saliva test to check my cortisol but am scared incase I just get told no! I've tried to explain to the Dr that just because my TSH and T4 are showing within normal range that still doesn't necessarily mean I have enough T3.....but it's like talking to the wall!

puncturedbicycle profile image
puncturedbicycle in reply to Shazy-B

You have all my sympathy. I've had a similar experience. I totally understand your frustration and upset.

For me anxiety is a hypo symptom, and when my t4 is adequate it improves. At the very least it sounds like you need a higher dose of t4 but beyond that t3 might help too.

Have you seen the Dr Toft article in Pulse, where he says that some people feel better with tsh under 1? I brought it to my gp and he raised my dose.

shaws profile image
shawsAdministrator

Because your TSH has come down, it doesn't automatically mean you should feel better. The TSH is from the pituatary gland.

What makes us feel better is, 'the right medication' which may mean the addition of some T3 if the GP is amenable. A dose which may be higher than the GP wants to prescribe.

Sometimes even a change of make of levo can make a difference but some people only feel well with a very low or even suppressed TSH.

Shazy-B profile image
Shazy-B

Thanks shaws I think my GP feels out of his depth with prescribing T3 as I did mention it to him a few weeks ago, he said there is a reluctancy as it can have a negative effect on the heart. I think the sooner I see an Endo the better hence my phoning my GP this morning to make sure he has actually done the referral

Parbrook profile image
Parbrook in reply to Shazy-B

GPs know about the potential negative effect of T3 on the heart, but they do not seem to know that insufficient T3 also has a negative effect on the heart (and brain).

smith8577 profile image
smith8577

Can you post your recent labs with reference ranges? You can order the saliva cortisol test yourself. At mymedlab.com. You must rule out adrenal problems before getting thyroid optimal.

mumcat2 profile image
mumcat2

When you do get your vit problems sorted,if your GP still won't contemplate T3, I'd be tempted to buy online and try a small amount,maybe 10. I could physically feel a difference when I went back to T3, literally within two or three days. In my view, it isn't a foreign drug you are putting into your system and it is extremely unlikely to do any damage. Only my opinion, but knowing how lousy it feels being hypo, I opt for a better quality of life even if it is curtailed. Mind you, I am somewhat older than you and lucky to even be here!

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