Within the space of a week.....

[gracegirl78]

Im feeling terrible, basically.....just over 5 weeks pregnant and even though my bloods were good last week i know they werent reliable as i took my thyroxine a couple of hours before.

Im due back for bloods on monday, should i ride it out till then or ring up to speak to her about increasing myself? I dont thibk she will let me without doing bloods, so it could be another week before im increased. Does it make that much difference in early pregnancy?

Really appreciate advice and help xx

[Hennerton]

From what I have read on here, you are definitely supposed to increase thyroxine in pregnancy. Have you done so yet? If not do phone your GP to ask, as I think even early weeks are vital.

[gracegirl78]

I havent yet because my tsh 11 days ago appeared suppressed, 0.04...but i took meds beforehand. I just feel like my levels have suddenly dropped

[Jackie]

Hi it may be expensive but if it was me, I would have a test for tSH, T4 and Free T3 from Blue Horizon, main site. A well known Lab to docs, so suitable to show the doc for treatment, if you decide to. There is a finger prick test which uses a small phial of blood.All DIY, quick results on line, they send all the kit etc.Do not go through a private hospital, expensive that way. Quote tUK 10 for a discount.It is unlikely to effect the pregnancy , just how you feel.

Best wishes,

Jackie

[gracegirl78]

Thanks jackie, im in ireland so prob wouldnt be able to do that test, also i cant afford it.

Im supposed to be at docs every 2 weeks, in fairness she is taking excellent care of me, but thats not till monday. Im going to ring up today and see what she says

[humanbean]

It is absolutely vital that you take sufficient thyroxine for yourself AND your baby in early pregnancy. Increase your thyroxine by 25 - 50mcg per day now - don't wait.

This is from the NICE Clinical Knowledge Summaries (in other words, they are guidelines) that a UK GP should always follow :

" At diagnosis of pregnancy, immediately increase the levothyroxine dose and check TSH and FT4 levels while waiting for referral to a specialist:

The dose should be increased usually by adding at least 25–50 micrograms levothyroxine; the size of the initial increase in dose will depend on the dose the woman is already taking and the TSH and FT4 concentrations. A 30–50% increase in dosage may be required. If there is any uncertainty about what dose to prescribe, seek immediate specialist advice so that there is no delay in the woman receiving an adequate dose of levothyroxine.

Check TSH and FT4 levels every 4 weeks until stabilized, aiming for a TSH concentration in the low-normal range (0.4–2.0 mU/L) and an FT4 concentration in the upper reference range."

It makes it clear that waiting for the results of tests is not necessary - the levo has to be increased immediately.

Edit : Since you haven't already increased I would suggest going up by 50mcg rather than only the 25mcg.

Edit 2 : Your baby's brain is depending on this and needs this - please don't delay.

[ejh1]

Hi. I increased my own during pregnancy (by 25mcg) after an argument with my GP who refused. When I saw my endo a few months later he said I'd done the right thing. It is in the guidelines, as pointed out above.

It is also important to realise that pregnancy can make you feel dreadful anyway. Everyone is different, but don't expect to feel anything like 'normal' until at least 3 months, and possibly 7 or 8 months. That is all perfectly OK!

[gracegirl78 in reply to ejh1]

Thanks...this is my third pregnancy so i know whats pregnancy and whats thyroid, thanks for replying tho x

[ejh1 in reply to gracegirl78]

Ah, OK! Well, good luck with it all!! Maybe my pregnancy symptoms were really thyroid!!

[Samsox]

Hi, sorry to hear your worried, I'd insist on a specialist referral from your GP you can never be too careful... I had weekly bloods done while pregnant by hospital... Bit of a pain but worth it to have a beautiful healthy baby girl... Good luck and try not to worry. Sam

[gracegirl78 in reply to Samsox]

Thanks sam, she sent an urgent referral to an endo which im waiting for x

[Samsox in reply to gracegirl78]

Good, I'm glad to hear it...keep your self healthy and baby will be fine... Keep a diary of how you our feeling, maybe what your eating too x

[silverfox7]

I had my pregnancies before I had a thyroid problem so no advice there but I wondered if you could be starting with morning sickness which I had all day! But I would think you should ring doctor for peace of mind and say you think last test result wasn't accurate because ....

[gracegirl78 in reply to silverfox7]

No morning sickness yet.

I just spoke to the receptionist and made an app for morning. I mentioned about the last tests not being accurate and she said "oh the doctor doesnt think taking your meds first makes any difference" which has annoyed me a little! Course it does. Grrr.

[silverfox7 in reply to gracegirl78]

Share your concern on that. Sorry sort of assumed first baby though pregnancies can vary but very pleased at least doctor going to see you. Hope it goes well.