Blood test result and impact of GP's decision

[SarahReed11]

I was taking 200mcg Levo and have been for obverse 2 years. Had my routine annual blood test last month and the results came back - don't ask for more as thisbis all I got.

Serum psg level 0.04 and serum free T4 25.1

My GP decided to reducebmyndosevtom175mcg and since I've been on the reduced dose, i ve felt dreadful. Had bad cold and cough twice in 3.5 weeks, frozen toes, knees and fingers,maching muscles, poor sleep, just everything is warped.

Have a bother blood test booked on this wed but would appreciate all yourbthoughtsbon this. Many thanks in advance.

[Clutter]

Sarah, Ask for a print out of your results with the lab ref ranges next time you get your results as it helps with interpretation of results.

Don't take your Levothyroxine until after your blood draw or you'll get a false low TSH and false high FT4.

Tell your GP how reducing dose has affected you and ask for 200mcg to be reinstated.

I'm hazarding a guess that your TSH is below range and your FT4 slightly above which is why your GP reduced your dose. Some people need a low or even suppressed dose to feel well and this may mean FT4 is slightly over range. Read Dr. A. Toft's comments about treatment and thyroid levels in Pulse Magazine thyroiduk.org.uk/tuk/about_... If you want a copy of the article to show your GP email [e-mail]

[shaws Administrator]

Email [e-mail] and ask for a copy of the Pulse Article and in it you will see question 6 and give a copy of the whole article to your GP. It's by a doctor who is a member of the British Thyroid Association. He says we can even have a suppressed TSH if it makes us well or the addition of some T3.

Go the the date July 15, 2006on this link - you can also take a copy of this to your GP too. It will spell out the harm it can do if they adjust the medication on your TSH result alone. I would now ask your GP to replace the reduction he has made with some T3. When you get your blood tests, ask for a print-out as it will then have the ranges (usually). We ask for the ranges because laboratories differ throughout the country and it makes it easier for comments to be made.

web.archive.org/web/2010103...

[SarahReed11 in reply to shaws]

I have given that article to the GP A FEW YEARS AGO.MSHEBHAS CHISEN TO WEAR HORSE BLINKERS SO ITS REALLY FRUSTRATING AND MY HEALTH IS SUFFERING.

IF I DONT GET 200mcg reinstated or supplement with T3 to make the shortfall, Should I ask to be referred to the specialist? What kind of specialist?

[shaws Administrator in reply to SarahReed11]

Ask to be referred to an Endocrinologist but before that email [e-mail] and ask for a list and there may be one who is in a hospital near you who is sympathetic.

Phone the surgery and leave a message for your GP to say you are very ill due to the reduction of levothyroxine and you have increased it again and that you want to make another appointment with him. Then ask for a referral if he doesn't add some T3. He will probably reduce (which is right) some levothyroxine.

[SarahReed11]

Yes I did. More than one person here has told me I shouldn't have so I realise This. So I will not take my meds tomorrow in readiness for bloods to be taken on Wed morning. thanks!

[Glynisrose]

Your GP cannot reduce your dose unless you agree. If you say nothing this is regarded as agreement NEVER agree anything without discussing it first!!

[SarahReed11]

I can't believe it. My blood test results came back normal!!!! how can it be? I didn't take any meds for a bit more than 24 hours yet it's normal? I did increase my dose back to 200 straight after and felt so much better. Whats going on?