Feeling rubbish, gaining weight, who should I m... - Thyroid UK

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Feeling rubbish, gaining weight, who should I make blood test reflect that

Bellsonit profile image
7 Replies

Hi I wrote about 6 weeks ago regarding my doctor reducing my thyroxine. He'd proposed I reduce by 50mg but we managed to agree on a 25 mg reduction as I was top of range for t4 but marginally below for my TSH.

Since I have gained 5 lb and despite rigidly following slimming world for the last 2 weeks (was maintaining on plan before that but went back to basics and even slimming world SP for 5 days - speed and protein which is basically low carb and lots of veg and protein) and haven't managed to lose a dot.

I've been really tired, now I'm normally tired as have 2 boys below 4 and work 4 days a week but I feel more tired and twice this week and twice this week had 2 spells early afternoon where I've been so tired I've been woozy and feeling like I could just fall asleep there and then.

The weigh gain is making me irritable and I've not been as regular as normal or even when able to go I've still felt bloated after and laxatives haven't helped shift that feeling?

My concern is as my results were as they were that I'll come in range for my blood test on 30th so just want some advice on what I should do to make them show how I'm feeling. Cos I am pretty sure my doc won't put the back up

Clearly that doesn't mean stop taking the tablets just I read something about time of day and fasting??

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Bellsonit profile image
Bellsonit
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7 Replies
Bellsonit profile image
Bellsonit

My last results before they were reduced were

Free T - 6.7 (range 3.1-6.8)

Tsh - less than 0.02 (range 0.3-5)

And did the blood test around about 11am that day and had eaten breakfast

Clutter profile image
Clutter in reply to Bellsonit

Bellsonit,

Unfortunately some GPs think that TSH below range means the patient is over medicated which isn't true as long as FT3 remains within range.

Read Treatment Options in thyroiduk.org.uk/tuk/about_... Email louise.roberts@thyroiduk.org.uk in the New Year if you would like a copy of the Pulse article to show your GP.

Arrange your next blood test early in the morning when TSH is highest and fast (water only) as TSH drops after eating and drinking.

Bellsonit profile image
Bellsonit in reply to Clutter

Thanks for your reply. I will definitely do that I have an 8.40 appointment whereas the last was about 10.40 ish and I'm sure I'd had breakfast so fingers crossed the results reflect how I'm feeling?

Otherwise I've an uphill battle on my hands :(

I've emailed for a copy of the article too

Just really worried and feeling exhausted right now

Clutter profile image
Clutter in reply to Bellsonit

Bellsonit,

Remember to take Levothyroxine after the blood draw, too.

shaws profile image
shawsAdministrator in reply to Bellsonit

I do wish doctors would stop adjusting hormones due only to the TSH. It's ridiculous and makes patients more unwell.

SlowDragon profile image
SlowDragonAdministrator

If you remain unhappy then (as per my reply to previous post) suggest you get your antibodies, vit D, B12, folate and ferritin checked

When you get results suggest you make a new post on here and members can offer advice on any vitamin supplements needed

If you can not get GP to do these tests, then like many of us, you can get them done privately

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

Blue Horizon - Thyroid plus eleven tests all these. £99

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 ALL thyroid tests, (home one or on NHS) is to do early in morning, ideally before 9am. No food or drink beforehand (other than water) If you are taking Levo, then don't take it 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 really help reduce symptoms, and lower antibodies too.

Selenium supplements can help improve conversion and reduce symptoms too

chriskresser.com/the-gluten...

chriskresser.com/the-thyroi...

Bellsonit profile image
Bellsonit

Hi thanks for all of your replies have my blood test at 8.40 tomorrow morning, so 3 hours earlier in the day than my last one. So will hopefully know the results fairly soon then have the battle to try and get him to put them up again. I've asked for the article to be sent so hopefully will have that to bring with me. Really nervous. Have worked so hard for my weight loss so gutted to be piling it back on and feeling drained and just generally really heavy legged :(

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