Off to the Docs again

[Jarica]

I have been diagnosed with an under active thyroid for almost 2 years now and have followed the docs advice and have been waiting and waiting for that moment that I start to feel better. Its never happened.

I am on 150 mcg and take it daily in the morning before food.

I dont have many symptoms but the ones that do massively effect me are:

Constant Fatigue

Very bad memory

Brain Fog

Aches

Stomach discomfort

Acid Reflux - On Omeprazole for this.

As you can probably tell I am new here but what else can i get the doctors to do except for the standard TH blood test?

Any help is greatly appreciated.

Regards

James.

[SeasideSusie Remembering]

Jarica Do you have any blood test results that you post to give members a better chance of advising you. If not you can obtain a print out from your surgery, you are entitled to them under the Data Protection Act. Then post them, with reference ranges, in a new post.

In the meantime, you also need testing for Vit D, B12, ferritin and folate. All these need to be optimal for thyroid hormone to work. Also, have you be tested for antibodies - TPO and TG - that will tell you if you have autoimmune thyroid disease (Hashimoto's) if they are raised.

When having blood drawn for your thyroid test, book the earliest possible appointment (no later than 9am) and fast (water only), and leave 24 hours since last dose of Levo. Take your Levo and have breakfast when you get back home. That will give the highest TSH which is what you need when looking for an increase in meds. Also, ask for FT4 and FT3 as well as TSH although not all labs will do them.

You can get all these tests done privately for a reasonable cost through Blue Horizon if you can't get them done through your GP.

One thing you can do is wean yourself off the Omeprazole, chances are you have low stomach acid not high, many hypo sufferers have low stomach acid and this stops absorption of nutrients and will most likely affect the Levothyroxine. Instead of Omeprazole try taking organic Apple Cider Vinegar with Mother (build up to one tablespoonful in warm water with honey to taste) before meals. You could also consider taking Betaine HCl & Pepsin as that works for some people.

[Jarica in reply to SeasideSusie]

"When having blood drawn for your thyroid test, book the earliest possible appointment (no later than 9am) and fast (water only), and leave 24 hours since last dose of Levo. Take your Levo and have breakfast when you get back home. That will give the highest TSH which is what you need when looking for an increase in meds. "

I have always gone first thing but always take my meds before going. I will do this next time.

[Mangodog]

James

Sorry to hear you are having trouble with acid reflux. I too was on Omeprazole years ago when I had issues with acid reflux, vomiting and basically not being able to keep any food or fluids down. I have now having been diagnosed with an under active thyroid the jigsaw pieces are fitting together.

In addition to the advice given one thing that I found to be helpful in my case of reducing the acid reflux was eating more frequently (smaller meals) and cutting out processed and fatty foods (I was a student at the time and lived on potato waffles) until my stomach had sorted itself out. Clean lean meats (no sauces or coatings) and lots of green veg should certainly help reduce the reflux whilst your thyroid is being sorted out.

Good luck, it is not easy living with acid reflux long term.

[Bluemaxx]

Hi I have got my acid reflux due to low stomach acid sorted out by cutting out sugar, alcohol and wheat - not fun but I know for sure they are causing the problem! No only did I have acid reflux but I also get bad migraines when I eat any of the following. These are symptoms of hypothyroidism but, as I said, diet has made a huge difference and it has allowed me to give up the Omeprezole which is NOT a good long term solution as it further suppresses your stomach acid to the point where you are not absorbing any nutrients hence most Hashimotos sufferers are low in Vitamins B12, D & folate & ferritin.

So try to follow the autoimmune Paleo & gluten free diet and it should start to sort itself out. You also need to find out what individual food intolerances you have.

[greygoose]

healthunlocked.com/thyroidu.......

Essential reading!

[Jarica]

Thank you all for your replies I have my list ready to go to the docs now.

I did come off the Omeprazole a while ago and had a Gluten Free diet and that seemed to work really well but then I missed foods with Gluten so went back to the Omeprazole. I want to drop this now as I hate taking tablets and its causing me way to many issues.

[Jarica]

So I went to the Docs. I am being sent for VIT D, B12, Ferritin, Folate and TSH tests. So that is a good start.

I have been told to take my Levothyroxine and Omeprazole separately so trying that out right now. As the Omeprazole helps me they have said that its a case of excess stomach acid so need to make dietry amendments to help with this. I have cut out bread and that has helped

Just got to get my tests booked then I will get my results and post them.

Thanks for all your support and advice.