Symptoms returning after a short reprieve post op...

[Springy1]

Hi there,

I had a partial thyroidectomy in December and was found to have had a papillary cancer which thankfully hadn't spread.

All blood tests I had before my operation showed my thyroid function to be in the normal range although I had lots of symptoms of hypothyroidism - constant fatigue, always had cold hands and feet, muscle aches, muscle spasms, and some areas of numbness.

Immediately after the op in December, whilst I felt tired, it was different and a more natural tired, and most of the symptoms I mentioned either disappeared or improved greatly.

In recent weeks, however, they have been creeping back in again and the fatigue is quite overwhelming. My GP sent me for blood tests and I have today been told that they are all normal.

Just wondered if anybody could please have a look and give me any advice:

Serum vitamin B12 - 221 (200-910)

Serum TSH level 3.48 (0.35-5.00)

Serum free T4 level - 11.1 (9.00-22.00)

Serum folate - 3.9 (3.00-20.00)

Serum ferritin - 49 (10.00-200.00)

There is one reading that is outside of the normal range on the results. It is within the Full Blood count - Lymphocyte count 0.9 (1.00-3.5010). I'm not sure if that's in any way relevant but thought I'd mention it, just in case.

I'd really appreciate any feedback.

Thank you so much,

Springy

[Clutter]

Springy1,

TSH >2.0 indicates your remaining thyroid lobe is struggling and FT4 11.1 is low in range. NHS is unlikely to diagnose hypothyroidism until TSH is >5.0 or FT4 <9.0. Supplementing 200mcg selenium may help thyroid function.

Folate is low in range. Eating more leafy green veg will improve folate.

B12 is low in range. If you have symptoms of B12 deficiency b12deficiency.info/signs-an... pop over to healthunlocked.com/pasoc for advice.

Ferritin is optimal half way through range. You can raise ferritin by supplementing iron which should be taken with 1,000mcg vitamin C to aid absorption and minimise constipation.

Low lymphocytes are explained in labtestsonline.org/understa...

[Springy1 in reply to Clutter]

Hi Clutter,

Thanks so much - that's all incredibly helpful.

I do have symptoms of B12 deficiency and since posting yesterday have noticed that I have a mean corpuscular volume of 99 (84-98) which I believe indicates that too.

I have also found blood test results from March 2016 - at that point my TSH level was 0.6 so there's been quite an increase post surgery.

I've made an appointment with my GP and hope that she may be able to help. Do you know if GPs can use their discretion re diagnosis if patients are within the NHS's set ranges or are they set in stone?

Thanks again,

Springy1

[Clutter in reply to Springy1]

Springy1,

They are supposed to be guidelines but most GPs and endos seem to think they are set in stone.

[Springy1 in reply to Clutter]

Thank you, Clutter,

I really hope that my GP may be the exception to the rule then.....

[Springy1]

Thanks so much beginner 1,

I have a lovely GP and really hope that she will go by symptoms rather than the figures.....