Bloods

[Pixielula]

Hi guys

Can you please help me understand my blood results

Free T4 2.9pmol/L range 7.9-20.0 pmol/L

Free T3 3.1 pmol/L range 3.8 a 6.0 pmol/L

TSH 4.98 range. 0.34 - 5.60 mu/l

My interpretation is T4 low T3 low and THS IS is on the higher side of the range. So does that mean my thyroid is struggling? And where should it be in that range

Thanks

[Joburton]

Well I'm aiming for keeping TSH below 1.0 and T3 and T4 in the upper third of the range... You must be feeling terrible!!!

[Jazzw]

If you're only taking T3, you need an increase. What are you taking now? I assume it can't be much!

[Pixielula in reply to Jazzw]

Hi jazz was taking 60mcgms then earlier this year my GP reduced the dose to 40 ( I have been on 60 for years. The next lot of test indicated that I was under medicated so she increased it to 50 then 12 weeks later, 50 one day then 60 the next. But I've been feeling pretty rough, dry skin, fatigue aching joints,viral symptoms, dry eyes. had my B12 shot last week and was hoping for some improvement then....... Pixie

[shaws Administrator in reply to Pixielula]

They should stop messing about with doses of meds according to the TSH. The result is an ill patient. Refuse to reduce again according to the TSH only. They are very badly educated in the 'skill' of determining how the patient is progressing by their temp/pulse/look/demeanor or happy and well and getting on with life when they are on the correct hormones and the optimum dose. It's not that difficult but they do make it so impossible.

It will take time for you to climb back up again as you've obviously been on the lower dose for weeks before you got a new blood test.

It is abhorrent that the willy/nilly adjust hormones without regard to what happens to our metabolism. If we take too much we, the patient, would feel the side-effects and reduce it ourselves.

[Pixielula in reply to shaws]

Thanks for your reply, in all honesty this is the first time I have ever asked for my blood test results, receptionist asked me why I wanted them (I felt like a criminal) so I told he I work for a consultant and she wanted to look over them, so until now I've never really known what they were, only since coming on here and you guys seem so knowledgeable..... Pix

[helvella Administrator in reply to Pixielula]

In the NHS "rules" it expressly says that you do NOT have to give a reason. Putting you on the spot by asking is, in my view, wrong. However, from your point of view, say whatever you like from "I don't have to tell you" onwards...

[shaws Administrator in reply to Pixielula]

I know how it feels but otherwise we wouldn't know how best to try to get well. Mine charge 30p for a copy but nothing if it's for a Consultant.

It's a big learning curve for us too when we're first diagnosed and its best to get knowledgeable but as you were doing fine for many years - the result is plain which has resulted in you looking for answers as many doctors/endos don't always know anything other than the TSH result.