Query levels

[Gcart]

New here thyroidectomy 2016 feb . Levothyroxine 75mcg not so good muscle pain sleep problems etc. Latest lab test. TSH 0.07. (0.27-4.20). T4. 22.4. (12.0. 22.0). T3. 4.1. (3.1 -6.8). Please advise me on thoughts on the levels I have.

[puncturedbicycle]

My layperson's opinion is that you're on enough meds but not converting very well, which is to say your levo is adequate but not being used very well. Your t4 is a bit on the high side and your tsh is quite low but you still have a less-than-impressive t3 level.

What's your relationship with your gp like? I'd ask for a trial of t3 to see if your symptoms are alleviated.

[Heloise]

Hi Gcart, I think puncturedbicycle is right. The Levothyroxine, which is T4, is in your bloodstream in sufficient amounts but it needs to convert to FT3 which is a process that needs good cortisol levels and adequate iron. Your FT3 should be much higher than 4.1 with the over range T4. You need to find out about your ferritin.

stopthethyroidmadness.com/l...

[Gcart in reply to Heloise]

Thank you for taking the trouble to reply. I am seeing GP Tue. Dont hold out much hope as I mentioned T3 a couple of months ago and hesaid 'no one ever needs it' After what I have read i will try to obtain from abroad. This is no life. It seems quite a scandal from what Im finding out!! You say ferritin. My HB had neen low all my life

[Clutter in reply to Gcart]

GCart,

Your GP is wrong. People who are poor converters and people who are allergic to Levothyroxine need Liothyronine (T3). Thyroid cancer patients are prescribed T3 exclusively to suppress TSH while they are awaiting radioactive iodine ablatement. Some CCGs insist that T3 is recommended by a specialist before GPs prescribe so perhaps you can tackle it with your surgeon or endocrinologist.

There is research showing that thyroidectomised patients peripheral conversion is insufficient without thyroidal conversion and the addition of T3 to Levothyroxine can be very helpful.

eje-online.org/content/161/...

thyroiduk.org.uk/tuk/TUK_PD...

endocrineconnections.com/co...

journal.frontiersin.org/art...

[Gcart in reply to Clutter]

Can you tell me how to post my results. How do i open so it goes to top

[Heloise in reply to Gcart]

I feel as if we are in a battle with endocrinologists, GPs and the entire profession which is supposed to be helping us. I would dispense with the whole lot for this particular condition. But we shouldn't give up as there is a lot we can do for ourselves. It's difficult to concentrate when you are ill so don't hold back from asking any questions you have. We have good resources. Many times iron is low because you need good stomach acid to strip out nutrients and especially minerals like IRON. It's better to know your levels as too much iron is not good but it is so hard to build up I wonder if it really is a danger. B vitamins are very important and extra B12 and folate may need to be supplemented. (methylcobalamin and methylfolate) He explains.

youtube.com/watch?v=14aoImF...(Not working as expected?)

[Gcart]

Iron levels as a child , when pregnant and Whenever done I am alway a bit below the range. Meds from docs etc tried. I will again explore. Is ferritin isually included. 2 days ago had privTe blood tests, Bluehorizen . Hppe to post for more thoughts. Thanks a million for taling the trouble. What would I and others do without this support. 🙂

[humanbean in reply to Gcart]

When people ask doctors for test of their iron levels the only test usually done is ferritin. It might be adequate in people who are generally healthy, but isn't in those who are ill. You can have good levels of ferritin and still have low serum iron for example.

I pay privately about twice a year for a full blood count and a full iron panel. I've never had a full iron panel done on the NHS in my life as far as I know despite having iron problems myself and throughout my maternal relatives. Some of my anaemic relatives are men, and that is not common!

[Gcart]

Thanks human bean. I will get private test I think because my hb is below range and go from there