I just would like to quickly describe my story and possibly get some advice. I had a Graves' disease and had total thyroidectomy done in Nov 15. I'm on levothyroxin 150mg per day every other day 125mg. Last 6 moths I became very tired and developed nettle rash on my back which comes and goes. Apart from that I have a itchy skin on my shoulders. And the worst is I gain 10kgs. I went to the doctor and ask for thyroid blood test to check t3 and t4. But he said he can't give me that kind of the test. He can do tsh and if that will come out wrong then he will refer me to endocrinologist. But in my opinion the blood test will be ok for the UK standards. I would like to have closer picture about my situation. Can you advise how should I go further to get proper check up? Or anything what can help me not feeling crap all the time and stop gaining weight. Thanks
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epep
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We have recommended labs who will do all the tests required and I'll give you a link. You can have TSH. T4, T3, Free T4, Free T3 and thyroid antibodies (if antibodies haven't been tested.
Your GP should check B12, Vit D, iron, ferritin and folate.
Always get your blood test for thyroid hormones at the very earliest, fasting and allow approx 24 hours between dose and the test and take afterwards. This keeps TSH at its highest and may prevent doctor unnecesarily adjusting dose.
I feel sorry for those who have had to have their gland removed and given levothyroxine alone. I have my gland but could not get better on levothyroxine and was far more unwell than before I was diagnosed, Research has confirmed that levothyroxine can cause weight gain and many doctors don't increase dose and keep TSH 'within the range' when we need it around 1 or lower and some need it to be suppressed. Doctors appear ignorant that T4 is inactive and it converts to T3 (the only active hormone required in our receptor cells).
The NHS has withdrawn the very original thyroid hormone replacement. It was first used in 1892 known as Natural Dessicated Thyroid Hormones, made from pigs' thyroid glands which contain all of the hormones a healthy gland would produce, i.e. T4, T3, T2, T1 and calcitonin. Before that date we died.
They have recently also stopped prescribing the active hormone T3 due to the cost but I think they were looking for some excuse. Many have been caused immense worry as T3 made them feel much better and relieved symptoms. Of course, NDT or T3 may not suit all just as levothyroxine suit some but not all.
We have to read, learn and ask questions if we've to have a healthy life without disabling symptoms. Doctors are apt to give other prescriptions for the symptoms instead of decent thyroid hormones.
Don't worry and the more we learn the better we become and then we are angry that things weren't explained to us more fully and also restrictions of thyroid hormone replacements.
I am not medically qualified as are most on this forum but I think you will get better assistance from the members to help you get better.
I just called the doctors surgery and as per my blood results there's no action required. So annoyed. Obviously I'm absolutely fine. Just hypochondriac probably.
We do not now phone the doctors surgery. We go along to the surgery and ask for a print-out and they should have the ranges as well as the results. We are entitled by the LAW to have copies of our blood test results. You can tell them you are going to do this from now on. Some do charge a nominal sum for paper/ink.
We have to have a strategy now and if we've to get well, or get diagnosed, we have to do so ourselves with the help of members of our forum.
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