Underactive thyroid

[bailey72009]

I am new today. Hello everyone. My dose was increased to 75 only 2 months ago, after 3 years. I have always felt I have not been on a strong enough dose. But what can I do. You are in the Doctors hands. I am seeking self help and I would like to loose weight stop the bloating. Which makes me look about to have a baby, and gain more confidence. This in turn could help me fight my own corner. Especially when talking to my GP. Any surgestions will be greatfully excepted.

[greygoose]

Hi bailey, welcome to the forum.

What can you do? You can learn about your disease and stand up to your doctor! Of course you can't do that if you know nothing about it. And, if you know nothing about it, your doctor knows he can get away with murder - sometimes literally! Learn all you can and you'll soon know more than him.

Start by reading on here. Read all the links, Read the recommended books. Read, read, read. And ask questions! There is no limit to how many questions you can ask here, so make the most of it!

Also start by getting hold of your lab results. If you are in the UK, it is your legal right to have a copy, under the 1997 Data Protection Act. Post them on here - with the ranges - and someone will explain what they are.

If you've been on 75 mcg for 2 months, it's time you had another test. The protocol is to test six weeks after every increase and increase again by 25 mcg. This process should be repeated until all your symptoms have gone.

You also want your nutrients tested :

vit D

vit B12

folate

ferritin

These must be optimal for your body to be able to use the hormone you're giving it. So, they need testing and supplementing accordingly.

You have been sadly neglected by your doctor, make sure it never happens again! Take charge of your health, and don't just passively wait for you doctor to do something, tell him what you want done. He is not in charge! I can't underline that hard enough. He is there to advise you, not to dictate to you. The problem, where thyroid is concerned, is that doctors don't know enough to advise you correctly.

So, no more Mrs Nice-Guy. OK? You are in charge, and you are going to get well! With our help, of course. lol

[bailey72009 in reply to greygoose]

Thank you for your valuable advise. Yes I will have bloods taken in October. Also too long to wait 12 weeks. This is exactly what I am up against. I will get copies of them all if I can. My problem is also I have Fibromyagia Chronic Fatigue and Clinical Depression. My confidence has been very low at times. I have many times took hold of my situation, but sadly my health stops this process. I look forward for any advise that can help. THANKS

[greygoose in reply to bailey72009]

Fibro, CFS and depression are all symptoms of under-treated hypo. Your T3 is probably very low.

October is too long to wait. You want those labs now! They should have been done two weeks ago. Tell your doctor you want them now, because you are not well, and you feel you need an increase in dose.

I know your confidence is low, it's part of the disease. We have to over-come that, I'm afraid. If you continue to let your doctor walk all over you, you will never get well. They are very low in compassion, I'm afraid.

[bailey72009 in reply to greygoose]

Thanks again I will ring after the bank holiday and insist. I have had FMS etc since 1994 and it took 5 years to get a proper diagnosis.

[greygoose in reply to bailey72009]

Good luck!

[SlowDragon Administrator]

I agree absolutely with everything Greygoose has said

If you can't face the battle with GP, and can manage to find £99 then like many of us, you can get the full thyroid tests done privately

thyroiduk.org.uk/tuk/testin...

Blue Horizon - Thyroid plus eleven tests all these.

This is an easy to do fingerprick test you do at home, post back and they email results to you couple of days later.

Usual advice on any thyroid test, (home one or on NHS) is to do early in morning, ideally before 9am. No food or drink beforehand (other than water) DON'T take Levo in 24 hours before (take straight after). This way your tests are always consistent, and it will show highest TSH, and as this is mainly all the medics decide dose on, best idea is to keep result as high as possible.

If you have Hashimoto's then you may find adopting 100% gluten free diet can help reduce symptoms, and lower antibodies too.

Like many others on here, I only started to get better when I took control, got my own blood tests and read, read and read, especially on here!

Recommended websites

thyroidUk.org

Thyroid pharmacist.com

Chris Kresser

[bailey72009 in reply to SlowDragon]

Hi I am receiving some great advice. I will go ahead and pay for private blood tests. I thank you very much. Also joining slimming world and going for gluten free diet. I had read that white flour isnt good for condition. kind regards bailey72009

[SlowDragon Administrator]

Best to avoid dieting until your levels are stable.....then you may find weight improves anyway

Gluten is in Rye, Barley and wheat

Gluten free also means no MALT vinegar - made from barley, (annoyingly in many things, ketchup, BBQ sauces, pickles) no malted barley - eg beers and lagers. No soy sauce. Obviously no pastry, cakes or buscuits, unless gluten free.

Oats are gluten free, but need to come from gluten free mill to avoid contamination

Seems daunting at first, but easier than use to be. Lots of gluten free alternatives and eating out pretty easy. Eating at freinds or family.....needs more diplomacy !!

[bailey72009 in reply to SlowDragon]

As always a big thank you for your advice. Its a big commitment to take. especially when suffering the symptoms at present. I have a real problem about my weight, and it occupies my mind each and every day. I hate being fat. I guess after gaining weight for 4 years I could wait a bit longer. kind thanks Bailey

[SlowDragon Administrator]

Yes, I gained nearly 5 stone over all. 😟

Since being gluten free, I feel so much better. Not dieting, but eating healthier choices I guess. Far more veg, protein and good fats, much less carbs

Weight has reduced very slightly - only about 4lbs over two months. But the best thing is everyone I see, says I just look so much better. Hair thicker and skin clearer, loosing solid mucin under the skin on upper arms. Live in hope that same might happen on legs 😃

[bailey72009 in reply to SlowDragon]

Dear SlowDragon

Its such a slow process for everyone. Do you feel that you are not bloated the same and maybe not retaining fluid. I have been thinking its no use worrying It wont help. Its the same with hair loss. I guess keep positive, and be patient. kind regards Bailey

[bailey72009 in reply to bailey72009]

P.S Hi again SlowDragon I have followed your advice and just ordered blood tests. thanks