hypothyroidism

[staffylover]

Hi I am 42 and have been treated with levothyroxine for 10yrs as my antibodies were high in the thyroid. However my new doctor says my thyroid levels are ok and has reduced my meds, now I'm putting on weight, falling asleep all symptoms returning yet they don't listen

[Marz]

Sorry but your GP should not reduce your levo based on blood results. He should be listening to you - the patient. Do you have your latest results ? You are only over medicated if your FT3 is over range - bet that was not even tested If it was over range and you needed a reduction is dosage - then it is time to look at other things - like levels of B12 - Ferritin - Folate - VitD - Iron. All need to be at a GOOD level and NOT just in range - which keeps us all unwell.

Please post your latest results - maybe in a new post and people will be there to help you.....and then you will be well in no time

[staffylover in reply to Marz]

I have a blood test tomorrow so when the results come through I will ask for the readings. Honestly I feel so fatigued and to put on a whole stone in 2 months seems unreal because my diet/physical activity has not changed.

I phoned for a test as when I picked up my prescription they have only give me a months supply (normally 2). Basically I have been having night sweats (I had a hysterectomy 3 yrs ago) but apparently my hormone levels are normal and they think maybe too much med.

Thank you for your time

[shaws Administrator]

Change your doctor if possible but it might be hard nowadays to find one who really understands dysfunctions of the thyroid gland.

Email [e-mail] and ask for a copy of the Pulse Online article by Dr Toft who was President of the BTA.

Highlight question 6 and discuss with your GP the aim of the TSH which is to get it around 1 or below or suppressed or whatever makes you feel better. Doctors shouldn't adjust hormones to try to 'fit' the TSH within the normal range. They mistakenly believe too low a TSH will give us heart problems etc. but it's the reverse. That's why we get replacement hormones if the TSH goes above 5 (if lucky) or 10 (BTA guidelines) if unlucky because many patients feel awful without much of a rise in the TSH but doctors don't know the clinical symptoms of hypo - they are woefully undertrained as medical students.

[staffylover in reply to shaws]

I will send email, thank you for your advise. My mum went years undiagnosed and when I was 12 I nearly lost her, they thought her liver was failing, she actually had over active thyroid and it was poisoning her. She drank something at the hospital which killed off her thyroid and was then treated with levo.

I have no faith in docs, again my mum became ill, was diagnosed with motor neuron 4wks before she died. I research and knew she had it 2 months off her symptoms

[shaws Administrator in reply to staffylover]

staffylover

I am very sorry you lost your mother probably through neglect. She also developed a far worse condition which you had to research yourself.

My mother also died prematurely through medical negligence. My mother had pernicious anaemia and you have to have an injection for life. Around 6 years before her death her GP told her that her bloods were fine and didn't need injections any more. My sister and I said 'that's great' - we do (did) believe our doctors knew best. The result was that my mother died of stomach cancer a few years later brought about by the withdrawal of her B12 another hormone we cannot live without.

We are always wise after the event but due to the internet we can find out lots of information nowadays. Many doctors tell their patients don't look on the internet but where would be now without the input of members.

Regards

[staffylover in reply to shaws]

Well can you believe that I just went and for blood test. I asked nurse if she could tell me my antibody readings.....never been done under new doc.....she has done them today so I am hoping something will come out of this test

[shaws Administrator]

When you get a blood test for your thyroid hormones, leave about 24 hours between your last dose of levo and the test which should be as early as possible. You should also fast (you can drink water). Take levo afterwards. The TSH varies throughout the day and is highest earlier. Food also can interfere with the TSH result.

[staffylover in reply to shaws]

I have done this, I have test tomorrow morning at 9.50. I just cant understand, the other doctor was saying she was gonna keep me monitored as it was my thyroid antibodies but this new doc and nurse don't listen. They said thyroid problems are all anti body related. I have no energy and have put a stone on in 2 months

[shaws Administrator in reply to staffylover]

I don't have any antibodies so why have I got hypothyroidism? They don't know everything I am afraid. Put your results on a new post with the ranges for comments.

[staffylover in reply to shaws]

well I was just told that my thyroid itself is ok but my antibodies are destroying the thyroxine which is why I need the meds

[Hidden]

Look at some of the articles that have been written on dietary findings. It is a complicated disease as we all know, but some have found changing what they eat, drink and supplements have made positive changes. I am not suggesting any more than just a look at this as another source of knowledge.

Good luck ;))