Misery is taking hold - help required please

[Fellpony77]

I have had an underactive thyroid for 15 years, and am on 200mg of Levothyroxine. After the last three weeks of feeling miserable, cold, and all the other varying symptoms ( half of which I didn't know were symptoms!) I have had a couple of days of melt downs, hissy fits and temper tantrums! So in desperation I have been on the phone to the doctors this morning (telephone appointment as can't get a face to face appointment with being either a) dying or b) booking about a month in advance!)

So on Thursday this week I have a blood removal appointment.

This is where I could do with some assistance. What should they be testing for? I have learnt so much in the past 20 minutes reading on this site but really have no idea! I am shocked it's taken me 15 years!

Thank you in advance!

[Hidden]

Hello Fellpony77

Welcome to our forum and sorry to hear that you are feeling unwell.

Hypothyroidism can be caused by a number of conditions.

To obtain a clear picture of what is going on you will need tested

TSH - T4 - T3

However, most GP surgeries don't test T3 and some not even T4.

Also ask for thyroid antibodies to be tested

TPOAb - TGAb

As this will determine Hashimotos or not.

Also ask for

Vit D - Vit B12 - folate - ferritin

These are commonly deficient in people with thyroid issues and insufficient levels can affect how thyroid meds work.

If your GP is resist there there is a link belowto get testing done privately.

Post all results with ranges (numbers in brackets) for members to comment. Remember a doctors "normal" is not the same level as members have found to be beneficial in alleviating symptoms.

Good luck on thursday

Flower

thyroiduk.org.uk/tuk/testin...

[shaws Administrator]

I hope the appointment is as early as possible for drawing blood and fast also but you can drink water. Do not take levo before it - having left about 24 hours between your last dose of levo and the blood test. Take levo afterwards.

Ask for a print-out of your results, with the ranges, a few days after your blood test. We are entitled to them although some receptionists may not have many who ask. Just say you need them for your own records and post if you have a query.

I would discuss with your GP - due to the fact you have been diagnosed 15 years ago for the addition of T3 to a reduced T4 . Guidelines change but maybe not some GPs. When you get your results and post them advice will be given if you should reduce T4 and add T3. I felt much better when T3 was added to a reduced T4 but am now on T3 only.

They will automatically do TSH and T4, but ask for a Full Thyroid Function Test, i.e. TSH, T4, T3, Free T4 and Free T3, Vitamin B12, Vit D, iron, ferritin and folate. I think after 15 years your entitled to a full thyroid checkup.

Some labs wont do FT3 if TSH is 'normal range' so you might have to have that done privately and Thyroiduk.org.uk have a list of reputable labs.

[Fellpony77]

Thank you, I will ask for them to be done.