Hypothyroid - TSH has dropped to 0.2 after severe bout of Hepatitis E

[Shelley1954]

I had half a thyroid removed in 2001 and high antibodies discovered in 2007. I was on 125mg of Levothyroxine until I moved GP practice in 2008 and was reduced to 100 following blood test.

Have suffered the symptoms, every time I raised it with a GP was told results in normal range!

In January I had Hepatitis E, on a follow up appointment I moaned again to GP re symptoms, reminded her re half thyroid removed and antibodies, none of this was on my electronic record although she assured me it would be on paper files ( not that any GP's have ever looked up paper files.) She listened to my symptoms and said I could be hypo and suggested a blood test that day and gave me a prescription for another 25mg of Levothyroxine.

Just rung for blood test and TSH is 0.2, it has never been this low, the surgery are saying normal.

Will the GP now take me off the extra 25mg and could the liver episode have anything to do with it going this low?

Thanks all

[shaws Administrator]

Don't worry too much about 0.2 TSH. I am sorry you have no thyroid gland and they have only prescribed levothyroxine for you. The very least they should have given you some T3 with the T4. No wonder you've not felt very good since 2001.

You are symptomatic and not one doctor has come to your aid. T3 (liothyronine) is the active hormone which is required by our receptor cells and we have billions in our body. Our body can only function with sufficient T3. Levothyroxine is T4. T4 has to convert to sufficient T3 otherwise we cannot feel well or develop other symptoms.

Refuse to lower your dose and ask her instead to do a Full Thyroid Function Test as you've been unwell ever since you've had your thyroid gland removed.

A TFT consists of T4, T3, Free T4, Free T3. If you've not had your B12, Vit D, iron, ferritin and folate checked ask and have it all done together. Always get a print-out of your blood tests with the ranges (labs differ throughout the UK) and post on a new question for comments.

The appointment for the blood test should be the earliest possible and don't eat before it although you can drink water and take levo after the test. (approx 24 hours should elapse between your last dose of levo and the test).

You said:-

She listened to my symptoms and said I could be hypo

Well. if you have been diagnosed since 2001 and now, 2016 by the phrase 'you could be hypo' you have been underdosed for a long time I should imagine.

[Shelley1954 in reply to shaws]

Thank you so much for your response. I have had half my thyroid removed in 2001 not all of it although the surgeon did tell me at some stage it would pack up altogether. Not sure if this affects your response.

[shaws Administrator in reply to Shelley1954]

It doesn't affect my response as I am fit and well on T3 only and I have a thyroid gland.

I think everyone should have T3 added to levo.