New to this and suffering

[PETEACHERCLAIRE]

Hi I've been suffering terrible symptoms, tiredness and fatigue plus lots of others. I was tested and my results were;

TSH 0.10 and T3 4.8 and I gave high thyroid antibodies. My next appointment is July. And they have not offered me anything to help? Does anyone have any ideas? My quality of life is awful. And my career is suffering. Thank you.

[SlowDragon Administrator]

So you have high antibodies which means you have autoimmune thyroid. But as your thyroid results are still within range they won't treat you

See Thyroid UK main site for lots of info on how to proceed

You need vitamin D, folate, B12 & ferritin levels checked asap. These tend to be low when we have Hashimoto's as the gut is affected reducing nutrient absorption. Improving these will help.

Very very common to also be gluten intolerant as a result as well. Suggest you try strictly gluten free diet for at least 3-6 months to see if it helps.

See also The Thyroid Pharmacist website for masses of info about Hashimoto's

And by same girl - Isabella Wentz on You tube - The Thyroid Secret- excellent docu-series about Hashimoto's

[PETEACHERCLAIRE in reply to SlowDragon]

Thank you! Will go try suggestions as I feel just awful.

[Clutter]

Welcome to the forum, PEETeacherClaire.

Can you tell us which antibodies were tested and do you have the T3 lab ref range (figures in brackets after the result) and was T4 tested?

[PETEACHERCLAIRE in reply to Clutter]

It didn't say? And I don't have any other numbers? For T4.

[SlowDragon Administrator in reply to PETEACHERCLAIRE]

You are entitled, by law to copies of your own blood tests. Ring receptionist and ask if you can pop in and pick up printed copy of your recent blood tests. You do not need to explain why, it makes sense to keep copies for your own record and understanding of your own illness and progress.

Allow 2-3 days before you go, they have to check with GP before they hand them over.

[PETEACHERCLAIRE in reply to SlowDragon]

Can I get treatment if it's just high antibodies as the weight gain and chronic fatigue is debilitating. I also have freezing cold feet, heart palpitations and yellow skin?

[SlowDragon Administrator in reply to PETEACHERCLAIRE]

These symptoms could be low vitamins- best get checked

Private blood tests available

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

Medichecks Thyroid plus ultra vitamin or Blue Horizon Thyroid plus eleven are most popular £99 from either company

You can also email Louise at Thyroid Uk for list of thyroid friend doctors

[e-mail]

[shaws in reply to PETEACHERCLAIRE]

Yes, you can be treated for hypothyroidism if you have high thyriod antibodies. Get a print-out of the results from the surgery with the ranges and post on a new question.

Unfortunately, few doctors are aware of this but we will provide a statement. GPs are poorly trained and have no knowledge except to diagnose hypo if the patient's TSH reaches 10 (in other countries we'd be diagnosed if it reaches 3). I shall give you a list of clinical symptoms and I doubt GPs know one of them.

thyroiduk.org.uk/tuk/about_...

thyroiduk.org.uk/tuk/about_...

thyroiduk.org.uk/tuk/about_...

Also ask for B12, Vit D, iron, ferritin and folate to be checked too.

Always get a print-out of your results, with the ranges for your own records.

Blood tests for thyroid hormones have to be at the earliest possible, fasting (you can drink water) and if you were on hormone replacements you'd allow a 24 hour gap between last dose and test and take afterwards. This helps keep TSH at its highest and may prevent an adjustment in dose.