New here...: Unwell for decades. TONS better... - Thyroid UK

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Unwell for decades. TONS better after going grain free, the started sinking again last year. Thyroid test results 12 months ago:

TSH 2.3

Free T4 14.1

Free T3 1.3

Sourced T3 online a year ago: feeling lots but not completely better on 37.5 mcg per day. Online supplier now disappeared. Quoted £5.38 per tablet by pharmacy for private prescription. Down to my last few days.

Hi everyone :)

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maxart
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Clutter profile image
Clutter

Welcome to the forum, Maxart.

Can you post the lab ref ranges for FT4 and FT3? How much Levothyroxine are you taking in addition to 37.5mcg T3?

maxart profile image
maxart in reply to Clutter

I'll dig out my lab ranges. No Levo at all as it appears to be conversion issue as free T4 not so bad... (that's my understanding anyway)

Clutter profile image
Clutter in reply to maxart

Maxart,

I'm surprised you have so much FT4 when you're taking T3 only. I think you may be undermedicated which is why I'd like to see your FT3 range.

maxart profile image
maxart in reply to Clutter

Ah ok. That Ft4 reading was before I started on T3. Due to re-test soon...

maxart profile image
maxart in reply to Clutter

Right - just checked rather than relying on memory! Results a year ago:

FT4 was 16.7 (range 12-22)

FT3 was 1.3 (range 1.6 - 3.1)

TSH was 2.3 (range 0.27 - 4.2)

Trial and error with T3 since (and Vit D3 amongst other things)

Clutter profile image
Clutter in reply to maxart

Maxart,

You were undermedicated to have TSH 2.3 and FT3 1.3 but results will be different on T3.

How much Levothyroxine were you taking before you switched?

maxart profile image
maxart in reply to Clutter

None. Never been on Levo as could never get a diagnosis from the doc. An interested osteopath/alt nutritionist took my most recent bloods. Full panel not just thyroid. Found out all kinds of things! I'm having to find my own way with the T3 and am erring on the side of caution. Doing tons of reading and study to try and become knowledgeable...

Clutter profile image
Clutter in reply to maxart

Maxart,

Most people optimally dosed will have TSH 0.3 - 1.0 with FT3 in the upper third of range.

maxart profile image
maxart in reply to Clutter

Thank you. That's very helpful. I'll re-test and see where it is now...

maxart profile image
maxart in reply to maxart

Only started T3 after that set of results, so need another lot to understand more...

Kes8 profile image
Kes8 in reply to maxart

Was the nutritionist you saw registered with either BANT or anyone else? And did they at any point refer you back to your GP?

maxart profile image
maxart in reply to Kes8

I choose not to engage with a GP anymore. Controversial I know, but I spent so many years having utterly pointless conversations and being prescribed things I don't need, I've only started to feel better since taking my health into my own hands. For example, I've removed the symptoms of five different autoimmune conditions and stopped three types of long term meds since eliminating grains from my diet almost four years ago. The person who did my blood tests did so on my request. One useful outcome of that was finding out that the awful shoulder pain I've had for years was - unbelievably - the result of biliary dyskinesia, itself associated with hypothyroid. So much for the endless codeine prescriptions when what sorts it is apple cider vinegar. And so on...

Lily905 profile image
Lily905

Hello from Twitter I'm TheWhoFan515

Welcome to the forum. I'm pleased you joined. You can chat to people on this page or through PM private messages. I'll PM you Hello so you know how it works

maxart profile image
maxart in reply to Lily905

Thank you!

Rosy_Holly profile image
Rosy_Holly

Like you I have had decades of illness and can understand staying away from the GP. Although in my case my GP is very good the referrals have been patchy. It's not easy for the doctors. They are under pressure. Going gluten free helped me. For the last 10 weeks I have chosen to buy organic as much as is possible . Also No potatoes, occasionally use organic sweet potatoes instead. During this time I have been out and about, with more energy than I can remember. Being careful and Still taking it slowly . Now in my 70's Just amazed at the change. The other thing that was changed at the same time is wearing a stud that acupuncturist put in my ear. Hope you find something that helps for you. Best wishes xx

maxart profile image
maxart in reply to Rosy_Holly

Ahhh thank you! Yes - completely agree re GPs. I see the system is the issue rather than the individuals. :)

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