Advice please.

[Diddums]

Diagnosed on May '17 with TSH of 7.50 referred (reluctantly) to an endo who recommended I take 50 mcg of Levo. Had 1 surgery blood test (Told I would need to wait six months for next one) so I joined Forum and discovered I needed a more regular test! I had a recent blood test with Blue Horizon and doctors comments said" the TSH is slightly elevated at 4.27 and T3 is 3.3(normal range is 3.1 -6.8 pmol/L I believe ) so maybe an increase in dose is needed. It is possible that your dose is too low or you have forgotten to take on occasion.' (NEVER HAVE)

Questions:

1)Should I still be feeling bad?: Cold, Tired, Overweight, Constipated, Unsteady with slurred speech and Brain Fog!

2)Can I retrospectively ask GP for previous blood test results? I believe there are 8 outstanding and as GP "was keeping an eye" on TSH readings (for almost 5 years) I am just interested to know what readings were?

3) I have recently had a fasting (my choice)Hashimotos and TSH blood test at surgery and presume I can have that as well? (awaiting results)

[Nanaedake]

Yes, you can ask for copies of retrospective blood tests or you can register online for access to all previous blood tests and future ones. Ask at your GP reception for a password and make sure you request enhanced access to blood test results.

[Diddums in reply to Nanaedake]

Thank you.

[Nanaedake in reply to Diddums]

It looks like you need a dose increase. Most people don't feel well until their TSH is near to 1.0 or slightly lower. You also need to optimise vitamin levels to feel well as Levothyroxine doesn't work well until vitamins are all optimal.

When you get vitamins blood test result post on this forum for advice. Dr's often say all normal when they could be bumping along the bottom of the range which is fine as far as NHS is concerned (you're not going to keel over and die) but won't make you feel well or help your body to utilise levothyroxine properly.

[Diddums in reply to Nanaedake]

Have requested all test results from GP who rang and advised he was increasing Levo from 50(mgc) to 75(mgc) .......From tomorrow! Seems my readings from last weeks blood test are "T4-17.2 and TSH 5.2............which we need closer to 2.0"With no mention of T3 unlike Blue Horizon blood test at end of August(which GP hasnt yet seen) BH Dr considered "slighly raised".......results read:

TSH-4.27 mIU/L0.27-4.2

'free thyroxine' 17.6 pmol/L12.0 -22.0

'FREE T3" 3.3 pmol/l 3.1-6.8

Questions: Can TSH increase whilst on Levo?

I usually take 50mgc of Levothyroxine 1/2 hr before breakfast. if I collect extra 25mgc of Levo tomorrow.......when do I take it?

[Nanaedake in reply to Diddums]

Yes, TSH can increase whilst on levo. If you have Hashimotos or thyroid antibodies then blood test results might fluctuate. Have you got the results for thyroid antibodies TPO and TgAb yet?

Your thyroid may increasingly fail even without antibodies and you may need dose increases or other factors may interfere with levo absorption etc. You should leave one hour after taking levo before eating or drinking anything other than water for best absorption. You should not take any other meds or supplements for 4 hours afterwards as many medication can interract with levo.

[Diddums in reply to Nanaedake]

Thank you and should I book a blood test for 6 weeks after taking Levo increase?

[Nanaedake in reply to Diddums]

Yes, until you reach TSH of 1.0 or a little lower and feel well. Then you should not need to retest for 6 months unless you feel unwell.

[crimple]

your last TSH result of 4.27 is too high and you need an increase in dose. No wonder you still have symptoms. Once you have been diagnosed as hypo you need to get TSH down to 1 or even less. You need a blood test 6 weeks after each dose increase, not have to wait 6 months! Another doctor who knows nothing about thyroid! If you are positive for antibodies a gluten free diet will probably help and suggest you have Vit B12, Vit D, iron, ferritin and folate blood levels tested. They are often low due to guts not being able to absorb properly. Post your results on here for help and advice.

[Diddums in reply to crimple]

Read somewhere that UK have the lowest of vitamin levels . Seems the Vit B12 test you need to get your Active B12, Homocysteine and MMA checked as these are better indicators of B12 Deficiency than serum B12)

Thoughts?

[Diddums]

Thank you I appreciate your time.