After 6 months of very high antibodies my endo has advised my GP to start me on 25mg thyroxine.
My TSH is 4.3 and free T4 is 13.57. They wouldn't check T3 but I'm going to ask again.
My B12 is 301 and vit D is 88. I do supplement vit D but probably need more. GP thinks my B12 will improve once meds help my thyroid but I'm not so sure. He has said that if the endo recommends B12 injections, he will arrange that.
Does anyone think I should start any other supplements before I go back to the endo in 5 weeks?
From what I've read here, I should aim to raise B12 significantly. I'm struggling with tiredness and and back, leg and hand pain plus pins and needles and it's been going on so long😕
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Greentrees1
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And my ferritin was 10 6 months ago but when up to 46 about 2 months ago. I think it should have been retested as I'm not on supplements for this anymore.
My endo's hospital lab won't analyse FT3 unless it is suppressed <0.1.
Endocrinologist is not the specialist for B12 and is unlikely to be interested in B12 levels. 300 is low in range but is not deficient so it's unlikely you will get B12 injections. You can raise B12 level by supplementing 1,000mcg methylcobalamin sublingual lozenges, spray or patches. Good idea to take a B Complex vitamin too.
VitD 88 is in the replete 75-200 range. Most people are comfortable around 100. I would continue supplementing to maintain your level during the winter when ultraviolet light is too low to stimulate vitamin D.
It's likely your low thyroid hormone which is causing your symptoms. They should improve when you've been optimally medicated for a few months.
Thyroid peroxidase antibodies are positive for autoimmune thyroid disease (Hashimoto's). There is no cure for Hashimoto's which causes 90% of hypothyroidism. Treatment is for the low thyroid levels it causes. Many people have found that 100% gluten-free diet is helpful in reducing Hashi flares, symptoms and eventually antibodies.
For maximum absorption Levothyroxine should be taken with water 1 hour before or 2 hours after food and drink, 2 hours away from other medication and supplements, and 4 hours away from calcium, iron, vitamin D supplements and oestrogen.
It takes 7-10 days for Levothyroxine to be absorbed before it starts working and it will take up to six weeks to feel the full impact of the dose.
You should have a follow up thyroid test 6-8 weeks after starting Levothyroxine. Arrange an early morning and fasting (water only) blood draw when TSH is highest, and take Levothyroxine after your blood draw.
I am not a medical professional and this information is not intended to be a substitute for medical advice from your own doctor. Please check with your personal physician before applying any of these suggestions.
I'm normally gluten free but did eat some in the week leading up to the test for celiac, which was negative. I know gluten makes me ill so I'm back to GF now.
My thyroid antibodies were in the '000s
I'll start the B12 and B complex supplements and carry on with D3.
You need to be eating 'normal' amounts of gluten daily for up to six weeks prior to a coeliac screen otherwise results will be normal whether or not your have gluten-intolerance. As you feel ill eating gluten it makes sense to eschew it.
Gluten-free doesn't reduce antibodies in all Hashi patients and may take several years to reduce in those for whom it does help.
Ok, thanks. I'd really struggle to eat normal amounts of gluten for 6 weeks and still function and go to work. I'd feel very sick and have chest pain constantly. I guess I should try again though.
Yes that what I did years 10 years ago, when I discovered the issue through trialling eliminating food groups. It's just that my GP said I should check for other autoimmune diseases, especially coeliac! That's the only reason I started eating it again but it just isn't possible.
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