Levo

[Rach69]

Hi,, I'm new to thus site and in looking for some advice,, am I right in thinking that levothyroxine is the only drug available in the uk,, this is wht my doctor is telling me!!???

[Ansteynomad]

Technically he's wrong, but even if you need them you will struggle to get liothyronine (T3) or natural dessicated thyroid (NDT) on the NHS.

[Rach69 in reply to Ansteynomad]

Thanks,, how cld I get hold of these can I buy them??

[Ansteynomad in reply to Rach69]

My first question would be why are you looking at alternative medications? Levothyroxine works for something like 85% of people, if they take enough of it. Would you like to give us some background?

[Rach69 in reply to Ansteynomad]

Sure,, diagnosed 6 yrs ago with under active thyroid been on 50,100,150,200 levo and not felt any differnt been back and forward to the doctors with no real joy,, thy have lowered it to 100, and the last 3 months put me back up to 125 having blood test next week to review it!!!!! I feel exhausted most of the time,, and all the other symptoms tht go with it,,,,, really need some help coz I feel like I'm losing my mind!!!

[Ansteynomad in reply to Rach69]

OK, this is a very common story. Have you got any test results (with reference ranges) that you can show us?

[galathea]

There are loads of reasons why levothyroxine doesn't work for some people. There are also conditions which mimic low thyroid. First you should see what is eing measured... Ideally you want to know tsh, free t4 and free t3. If your doctor won't or can't arrange a proper thyroid profile you can get one done by dealing direct with the lab. Details under tests on the home page. thyroiduk.org.uk

Reasons why Levo doesn't work are linked to non uptake, and non conversion of t4 to t3. You need to measure, iron, ferritin, b12 abnd d3, for starters.

Hopefully not confused you too much.. Keep posting your results on here, most of us get well eventually, its a matter of fitting the jigsaw together...

G x

[Rach69 in reply to galathea]

Hi thanks for the replies,, going for a test next week do will ask for all of the above to be tested then will post the results,, if honest thy totally baffle me,, also when ever I've phone up to get the results thy just say ,, oh just pop in and we will up your meds slightly!!! So thus time I'm going to ask for a print out!!! X

[shaws Administrator in reply to Rach69]

Have your blood test as early as possible and don't take your medication until afterwards if you usually take it in the morning. If you take it at night, miss this dose and take after blood test.

Ask also for vitamin B12, Vitamin D, iron, ferritin and folate. Ask for a copy after about 3 or 4 days and make sure they have the ranges (we are entitled and they may ask for a nominal sum for ink/paper) and post on a new question.

[Rach69 in reply to shaws]

Thank you I will ask for all of this,, need this sorted xx

[Linda_57]

Get yourself a copy of "Stop the Thyroid Madness" by Janie Bowthorpe which explains in detail why we should be offered natural desiccated thyroid. It is chock full of useful information and highly recommended.