Hello, newcomer hypothyroid

Hello, I am new to this site, I am recently diagnosed with hypothyroidism. Grateful for any advice

[SeasideSusie Remembering]

Hi Hidden and welcome.

If you would like to give us some background, test results (with reference ranges), medication and dose, and tell us what you'd like help with, members are always happy to respond and help where they can

[Hidden in reply to SeasideSusie]

Hello, thanks for the reply. I am on 100mg of levothyroxine. Have recently had a blood test that was satisfactory, told to repeat in 3 months. I don't know exact levels. Should I ask for a breakdown? I was suffering from chronic fatigue, repeated infections, the infections have reduced but I still get tired very easily. I get pins and needles all the time, wakes me up at night as well. I have gained quite a bit of weight. I don't feel I am gettin very good follow up care. Do you have a specialist that you see?

[SeasideSusie Remembering in reply to Hidden]

Hidden First of all, yes please do get your results from the surgery. Ask them for a print out of all your results. You are legally entitled to them (Data Protection Act) although some surgeries make a small charge for printing but that should just be a few pence.

Once you have your results, make a new post and include them (and as much info as possible, eg when diagnosed, starting dose, when retested, increase in dose, etc) and make sure you include the reference ranges which are probably in brackets after the result.

A doctor telling you 'normal', 'fine', 'satisfactory', doesn't mean anything, it's the numbers that are important and we can tell you whether you are optimally treated, need an increase, or whatever.

Pins and needles are a sign of B12 deficiency. It would be a good idea to ask your GP if he would do the following tests as well (we can give details of private testing if your GP refuses)

B12

Vit D

Ferritin

Folate

Thyroid Peroxidase Antibodies

Thyroglobulin Antibodies (probably wont do that)

Vitamins and minerals need to be optimal for thyroid hormone to work, particularly ferritin.

The antibodies will tell you whether or not you have autoimmune thyroiditis aka Hashimoto's disease (it's better if you don't )

I don't have a specialist, no. In fact I don't even bother with my GP now. Most doctors seem to go by TSH result only and that really doesn't tell them anything, and mine does that regardless of any symptoms I may have. So I keep an eye on things myself, have had private tests and am tweaking meds to suit. Some members find that they need to self treat but very many people do absolutely fine on Levothyroxine, let's hope you do too. Oh, and once your meds are optimal you will probably find your weight will start to shift.

Anyway, come back with your results and take it from there

[Hidden]

Thank you so much for the advice, I really have felt lost and alone without any proper support or advice. I forgot to say my name is Clare . I wil call my doctors and ask for print outs of my results and gather as much info as poss.

[Hidden]

Be back soon xxx