Toying with the idea of taking NDT....calling out for some guidance, please.

[SophiaR]

Background- had graves then RAI.

Was on levo only and felt awful. Doctor kept my blood results "within range".

Joined this group and well what can I say knowledge is power! I decided after careful consideration that I would self medicate and wanted to try T3 with levo. Over time I reduced my levo to 25mcg and again over time dosages of T3 were upped and currently take 75mcg. I felt really good initially but I am so so tired now and my body aches. Calf hurts. Stiffness and back ache. Feel miserable!

Decided to go back to my doctor and not only disclose all about me self medicating but also I have gained so much knowledge from this site that I really wanted my day with my doctor. Needless to say I left him rather speechless!! Immediate bloods were ordered and a stern telling off from my doctor followed. However referral to endo has been arranged. Yippee! (Appointment not for another 2months thou !)

Results were:-

TSH -0.02 (0.27- 4.20)

T4- 2.1 (12.00- 22.00)

T3- 3.14 (3.10- 6.80)

So I am happy I have an endo appointment but I am not sure whether I am going to get much joy from the endo. Finding a good one seems impossible. I hope he or she is willing to work with me.

I was wondering therefore whether I should implement the introduction of NDT with my T3 irrespective if the impending endo appointment.

What I want to know is where I can get NDT. How shall I add to my T3 (how much to reduce my T3 to). Lots of questions really.

Any suggestions...experiences....opinions ... All is welcome from you lovely people.

Thanks.

[Hidden]

Go for it! - do not bother trying to educate the nhs - they don't care. They still get extra funding for you being hypo, whether they treat you to not

We cannot tell you on here where to get it but i am sure some one will pm you

[SophiaR]

Thanks. I wasn't aware of that re funding and hypo.

Let's see what further responses I get to my question. Looking forward to perhaps introducing NDT.

X

[Hennerton in reply to SophiaR]

Hi, I also had Graves, followed by TT, then years and years of feeling ill with T4 only. Will not bore you with the rest but am currently on a mixture of T4, NDT (Armour) and T3 and beginning to see light at the end of a very long tunnel. To begin adding NDT to T4/3 combo, I reduced total T4 by 25mcg and added a quarter grain of Armour. I am not sure how other NDTs are measured but Armour is in "grains". After a few weeks I reduced T4 again and added another quarter grain Armour. Have now reached three quarters grain Armour and 75 T4. I gradually reduced T3 also by taking my temperature towards the end of the day (I take the others very early morning) and if it seemed fine, I skipped the evening dose and just took the bedtime one. Gradually the NDT has got into my system and I find I now need just 5mcg T3 at bedtime. Strangely I am on a much lower dose overall than when I was on T3 only for 10 months but I feel much better. I might even dare to have a blood test soon at my GP's. Have been avoiding it for obvious reasons. Hope that is not too complicated but go for it, because it def seems to have made a difference to me.

[RoloHibbs]

Hi! I've been on T3 only and have recently added NDT. Here's a link to a page from Stop The Thyroid Madness, which may help. Kxx

[SophiaR]

Hi!

Thanks.

Where's the link? X

[galathea]

I simply stopped taking t4 and t3 and started on NDT a few years ago. My initial mistake was starting on too lower dose of NDT. Once I got up to about 25 grains I felt much better.

[HarryE in reply to galathea]

Hopefully you mean 2.5 grains??

[cc120 in reply to galathea]

Hi galathea, what dosage did you start with and for how long did you stay on it, what did you increase to and for how long, how long after taking 2.5grains did you feel better, and have you stayed at that level of health since?

[galathea]

Lol! Yep. 2.5 though I take 4 now and have done for the past 15 months.

[HarryE in reply to galathea]

Wonder what 25 would do???? Maybe we could fly??

[SophiaR]

Thank you.

Can someone pm me with regards as to where to buy from.

Thank you guys!

[shaws Administrator]

If you are going to see an Endo, I would hold off with adding medication for your thyroid gland. If you email [e-mail] she may have the name of an NHS Endo/ private doctor whom you GP can refer you to.