Results help since taking combo of t4/t3….

[Pinky3]

Ive been diagnosed with undeceive thyroid over 1 1/2 years now and struggled to feel 'normal' even with 'normal blood results, I finally got an appointment with an endo, listed my symptoms and he put me on a trial of t4/t3, its been over 4 weeks and i have had a blood test to see if its working. I am feeling more agitated and have very sensitive ears and find it hard to stay awake now that I am taking the t3.

Here are the results PRE T4/T3 (Taking levo 150mcg daily):

Free T4 16.6 (9 - 22.7)

TSH 0.30 (0.35-5.5)

Free T3 - the doctor sing ask for this in this particular test so I don't have anything to compare.

Most recent blood test results taking t4/t3 (taking 100 levo and 20mcg T3):

Free T4 14.1 (9 - 22.7)

TSH <0.05 (0.35-5.5)

Free T3 8.1 (3.5-6.5)

B12 312 (211-911)

Can anyone tell me what seems to be going on as I don't feel right at all, I seem to swell with lots of water retention most days, weight gain, anxiety, lack of sleep etc etc on both sets of results and experience loss of energy on both.

Thank you in advance for any advice.

[greygoose]

Well, you're over-medicated, now. You need to reduce your T3 a little, bring it back to the top of the range, at least.

Your B12 is much too low. And that will cause hypo-like symptoms. It needs to be at least 500.

Have you also had your ferritin, folate and vit D tested? Because they could also be low.

[Pinky3 in reply to greygoose]

Thank you for your advice

I currently split the 20mcg t3 and take 10 in the morning and 10 in the afternoon, should i take just 10 mcg a day now? Do I leave the levo at 100?

My last ferreting test was back in feb and was 44 (10-291) and vit D was 83. 2 years ago I had B12 injections as my body couldn't absorb, but they say as I'm in the normal range I can't have anymore.

Thanks again

[greygoose in reply to Pinky3]

Given that you took your T3 before the test, it wouldn't be a good idea to change anything, because you don't know what your real level is. So, stay on the 20 mcg a day.

Your ferritin was suboptimal. Did you not supplement it? You really should. It should be at least mid-range.

Your vit d could be higher, too. It would be better around 100. Especially now, as it's winter.

They really are very ignorant about the effects of low B12. If they won't give you any more injections, you need to buy your own supplements : sublingual methylcobalamin (B12), and take a B complex with it, to balance the Bs. If your body couldn't absorb it two years ago, it probably still can't absorb it. And you need to supplement.

[Pinky3 in reply to greygoose]

Ive been supplementing Vit D with the better u spray 3500.

I took b12 tablets until the doctor said it was pointless? I have booked to see the nurse who is always understanding, so I will talk to her about my B12, otherwise I'll just deal with it myself.

Ferritin is something I will also look to deal with.

Fingers crossed this all comes together as I'd love a day without worry!

Thanks

[greygoose in reply to Pinky3]

As I said, doctors know nothing about B12! Why on earth would it be pointless???

[Pinky3 in reply to greygoose]

Very frustrating indeed, I have been numerous times to discuss my symptoms and each time I'm told I'm in the range. It like I enjoy my regular visits to the doctors and I have nothing better to do! I was glad after the 7th visit to be referred to the endo, I think they just got fed up with me in the end lol!

[greygoose in reply to Pinky3]

Well, that's one way of getting a referral! lol

[Hidden in reply to Pinky3]

Please forgive me but they give you B12 injections, tell you that you have absorption problems then tell you your B12 is within range so you can’t have anymore, pray tell what did they expect to happen when they gave you B12 injections, that your B12 would drop? Of course you’re in range you have been having injections, that doesn’t mean that it will stay within range, it’s like saying OH your TSH is fine we won’t give you anymore thyroid treatment then. What planet are these bloody idiots on? Also if you have absorption issues you can take B12 pills till the cows come home it won’t help because, wait for it, YOU HAVE ABSORPTION PROBLEMS. It’s called pernicious Anaemia and you need injections for life, it’s like a puppy not just just for Christmas!! I would pop over to the PA site and take some advice. Most of us with PA take care of our own needs get the GP to teach us to inject and then buy B12 on the net and inject as often as we need. GP’s have no clue about PA. Mine won’t even discuss it with me saying, “people with rare conditions always know more about them than their GP’s” Low B12 causes awful neurological problems and need treatment!!

[Pinky3 in reply to Hidden]

That's brilliant, thank you! I didn't realise that it was a life condition and I'd need ongoing injections, I was told I wouldn't need them when it was back in range, it's only ever been in the lower range but for gps this is all that counts, so the injections stop. I'm confident I'll explain and be told I don't need them, so I'm ready to do what I need to do just so I can feel somewhat normal again. I will definitely look into self medicating if I hit a dead end again. I'm feeling so awful that I just want something to work in the last few days I have the worst ringing in my ears, which I had when first diagnosed, it's hard to differienate what's wrong when the symptoms all seem connected to one condition or any other. Thanks again

[Clutter]

Lojosmelia_83,

Did you take T3 before your blood draw?

[Pinky3 in reply to Clutter]

I believe i did, would this change the results?

[Clutter in reply to Pinky3]

Lojosmelia_83,

T3 peaks in the blood for up to 6 hours so it would explain a high FT3 result. I wouldn't reduce dose, you probably aren't over medicated. Next time leave 12 hours between last dose and blood draw.

I agree with Greygoose that B12 is suboptimal. I would supplement 1,000mcg methylcobalamin with a B Complex vitamin.

Ferritin is optimal half way through range so you may want to supplement iron with Vitamin C which aids absorption and minimises constipation. Take iron 4 hours away from thyroid meds and retest in 4-6 months.

[Pinky3]

I do feel slightly hyper I have to say, Ive noticed a significant difference in strength as I'm a personal trainer and i struggle to even demo a push up without instant fatigue and my body hair stops growing which is very odd lol! but like you say i may be low on the other vitamins. Should I just carry on for another 4 weeks repeat the bloods without meds and see how that comes out? Such trial and error involved!

Can you recommend a good source of ferritin? I will supplement with the b/c and also I am going to visit my doctor to enquire whether Im absorbing B normally as I do suffer with absorptions problems and this could be why I feel sleepy even with coffee!

[Chrysblue]

i had swelling as well in the beginning on 75 t4 and 10mcg t3 ,,,so i took half the t3 dose for 2 weeks then gradually increased the t3 every other day until i felt ok over 2 months and now im feeling so much better stress at work sometimes brings on hot flashes and the heat in the building but all in all i am finally feeling normal I've read t3 has to be gradually added to avoid the over medicated feeling. And the swelling has decreased also! but 20 seems high to start off with , i felt really speedy on the 10