Hi, this is my first post. I have had my Levo reduced by half (100mcg from 200mcg) for hypothyroid diagnosed 2012. My endo has said I am a hypochondriac because of symptoms of dry skin, constipation, gripping pains in joints, easy weight gain and swollen feeling in neck (ultrasound in 2017 confirmed hypoechoic and enlarged thyroid)
Any ideas how best to speak to him next week at my consultation?
Thank you in advance.
(200mcg Levo)
TSH 0.03 (0.2 - 4.2)
FREE T4 20.1 (12 - 22)
FREE T3 3.9 (3.1 - 6.8)
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Zoey2202
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Well, he might try to say you were overmedicated when you were on the dose of 200mcg but if these were your results when you were on 200mcg you could point out that FT4 is in range and FT3 is at the bottom of the range. If you were overmedicated then FT3 would be high and over range which it is NOT. And FT4 would be high and over range which it is NOT.
You might have been feeling unwell because of low T3 and now you will be feeling even worse as it's bound to be lower but you'll need another blood test to find out. Why don't you get your GP to do one before you visit the Endo or get one done from an online lab like medichecks, then you'll be armed with all the information.
T3 is the active thyroid hormone and T4 is simply a pro-hormone from which your body has to convert T3 to utilise it. TSH is not even a thyroid hormone but a pituitary hormone. It looks like your body is not producing enough T3. I wonder why?
Have you got thyroid antibodies because if so then results can fluctuate anyway and the Endo should know that. Has he actually told you he thinks you're a hypochondriac? If so, I'd tell him to take a hike, he knows nothing about living with a thyroid condition.
Have to say I'd have a Blue Horizons home fingerprick Thyroid 11 blood test. It tests antibodies, B12, ferritin, folate, vitamin D, CRP as well as TSH, T4 and T3 and something else I might have missed., it costs £99 but finding out what's going on in your body is worth every penny.
You order the test one day, it normally arrives the next day, I do my test early the following morning, post it off get the results back in my inbox next day
That way you will know a lot more about what is going on before you even reach the endo.
I was on 200mcg at the time yes. Endo says I am not over medicated but GP does, endo just says my symptoms aren't low thyroid and wrote in my letter I am a hypochondriac. Thyroid blood test done 4 days ago, haven't heard back. I was on T3 before. Thyroid antibodies were raised. Thanks
Have the following been tested - B12 - Folate - Ferritin - VitD. All need to be OPTIMAL for the T4 to convert into the Active T3 .... and for you to be rid of some of those symptoms
All your vitamin levels are far too low BECAUSE you have had T3 removed. These low vitamins stop you using your thyroid hormones, then they reduce you T4 and it's a vicious circle
We have had loads of similar posts and similar crash in vitamins.
There is a battle going on between endo's who recognise we need T3 and those that don't and the hike in price.
We just the poor s..ds left in the middle having medication changed
Zoey2202 you are not a hypochondriac. It's probable your symptoms are vitamin deficiencies caused by hypothyroidism and lack of nutrient absorption. Removing T3 won't have helped. I think it's very unprofessional of your Endo to write that you are a hypochondiac. Is that a diagnosis because if so I don't think an Endo is qualified to make that diagnosis. They are specialists in hormones not behavioural problems. Write to the Endo and copy your GP into the letter to refute his statement. All your vitamin levels are low and it's likely this that is causing your symptoms and the evidence is staring them all in the face so why hasn't anyone helped you with the correct treatment?
They removed your T3 and left you without sufficient thyroid hormone to absorb nutrients efficiently so now you are vitamin deficient. 800iu is not enough as your vit D level has not risen sufficiently. The GP or Endo should have treated you according to NICE guidelines with loading doses and then sufficient maintenance to raise your levels adequately.
MCV is below range and ferritin needs to be at least 70 and better half way in range for thyroid meds to work well.
All in all, I have to say your Endo is ignorant about thyroid conditions and care and your GP has not helped you much either. Could you see another GP in the practice and point out that since your T3 was removed you've become vitamin deficient and your vitamin deficiencies have not been addressed according to NHS guidelines and that you are not happy about being blamed for being a hypochondriac when the doctors have failed to give you the correct treatment so it's no surprise that you have unresolved symptoms and you now want the correct treatment and supplements.
If endo says you are a hypochondriac tell me you think he’s a rubbish endo and you want a second opinion. Calling you names is not helpful and only reflects on his lack of ability. You might want to name drop and mention you will report him to the GMC that might focus his mind a tad.
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Am I a hypochondriac?
Endo says results normal
Endo says Free T3 not important
Hi
