Hello again,
To cut a long story shortish, I was diagnosed with an undifferentiated connective tissue disorder (with raised CRP) a few years ago. Hydroxychloroquine did very little and I was tested for underactive thyroid. I was diagnosed as marginal (TSH 5.2, low T4, T3 not tested) but put on low dose of levo. I was then told in June 16 that I was over medicated and told to stop levo. I still felt unwell. I know now that my Jine 16 results were actually very promising but the GP stopped the drugs because of suppressed TSH despite my having low T4 (12.2).
I felt very let down by consultants and GPs and after blood tests in December 16 which I thought showed underactivity, but was told were normal (TSH 2.29 (0.27-4.2), T4 12.2 (12.0-22) no T3 tested), put myself on the following:
Levo 100mcg
Thiroyd 60 x 2
Progesterone-only pill (I realised that my symptoms coincided with my stopping the pill and all my symptoms stopped during pregnancy when my oestrogen and progesterone balance was different. I wondered if I had too high an oestrogen level compared to progesterone and have since learnt progesterone helps thyroid function).
Occasional vitamins and iron
Within a month I had lost a few pounds for the first time in 6 years. I've now lost about 16lb which had been totally impossible before. I'm still about 16lb overweight and have plateaued a little. I have far more energy and for the first time in years the constant aching in my ribs has disappeared. To me, this is all down to the medication I have been taking since January as nothing had improved for 6 years prior to that.
My latest results take whilst on the above drugs are:
TSH 0.014 <0.27-4.2
T4 21.6 <12-22
T3 7.8 <3.1-6.8
I see T4 is normal but T3 a little high. The consultant was only concerned about the suppressed TSH, saying it means I am at risk of cardiac issues. He said the T4 and T3 results were less important than the suppressed TSH.
I've not felt this well in a long time but the consultant has told the GP to reduce me to 50mcg levo and stop taking the Thiroid NDT because I am "significantly overmedicated". I'm terrified of going back to square 1.
Any guidance very gratefully received as I intend to send a long email to the GP and consultant.
Thank you
Kate.