HELP- HASHI'S DISABILITY ACT? HYPO IS BUT MORE ... - Thyroid UK

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HELP- HASHI'S DISABILITY ACT? HYPO IS BUT MORE INFO NEEDED.work are being a pain in the neck.

Rmichelle profile image
83 Replies

Hi all can anyone help ive been off work for nearly 2 months now as ive been ill with hyperthyroid and hashimotos and still feeling rubbish- doc has signed me off for another 1 month on monday. Work have now started to pester me as tbey have received my sick note. I have been advised if you are hypo that comes under the disability act but what would this mean for someone who has hashis and would swing from one to another? Im going to be startibg block and replace carbi and thyroxine and i we all know the aim from endos and docs point of view would be to bring me to hypo as ive been told this. But what is out there for people who are off work and need extra ammunition to fight back with. I would love to feel fighting fit again and back to work.xx

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Rmichelle
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greygoose profile image
greygoose

Well, given than you haven't yet been given a definitive diagnosis, yet, it's rather difficult. We know you have Hashi's, yes, but have the Grave's antibodies been tested, yet? Are you really hyper or is it just a Hashi's 'hyper' swing? I vote for the latter, but it sounds like your endo is reluctant to admit he was wrong and is going to make you very, very hypo!

It's not true that you swing between hypo and hyper with Hashi's. It is, basically, hypo. You become progressively hypo after each swing. Yes, your thyroid hormones rise temporarily, but it's not true hyperthyroidism, because it isn't they thyroid gland that is making extra hormone. It's just the dying cells dumping their stock of hormone into the blood. The levels go down again by themselves, eventually. Whereas with Grave's, they don't.

You need to know urgently whether or not you have Grave's.

Rmichelle profile image
Rmichelle in reply to greygoose

Thanks greygoose, yes got test done for graves on tuesday, i think thats why useless endo is waiting for graves disease result befire block and replace starts? He was not interested in the hashi's just my results fir hyper. When argued he said thats too techical to get into, i do feel hypo today and starting to notice a pattern forming, like when on a period i get very hyper.

But i know the aim is hypo as he said it why else block and replace.x

Rmichelle profile image
Rmichelle in reply to Rmichelle

Just say graves comes back clear. Where do i go from here. I do think what you said is right with the later being the correct result but he is still going with hyper. He has increased carbi to 40mgs.

greygoose profile image
greygoose in reply to Rmichelle

If the Grave's comes back clear, it is my opinion that you should ditch all medication - come of it slowly - and ditch your endo, too! He obviously has no idea what he's talking about. Then wait six weeks on nothing, and test again. See where you are. Block and replace is not the right treatment for Hashi's. You don't want to be taking carbi if you don't need it.

Well, maybe I should modify that statement. Talk to your doctor - not the endo, he's useless - and explain that you don't want to be on the carbi anymore because you don't feel you need it, and you would like to come off and see how your levels settle down, and how you feel without it.

Rmichelle profile image
Rmichelle in reply to greygoose

Ok i will wait for bloods to come through 1st and i will post them on here. But with hashis ive noticed most people are on levo? Thats what ive got to take. I gavent upped my dose of carbi to 40mgs i was holding back fir results. Feel abit nervous about no meds though.xx

greygoose profile image
greygoose in reply to Rmichelle

Most people are on levo because they're hypo. So, that's understandable. It's very rare to put someone with Hashi's on carbi.

What do you think is going to happen without any meds?

Rmichelle profile image
Rmichelle in reply to greygoose

I will go very hyper like last time. Im just bit confused now as dont want to put myself at risk.

I understand that being on carbi is unusual as i did start to wonder a while back as everyone on different meds. Do you think i should just keep taking low dose of carbi until tests will be through and then post them here. Is it also unsual to have both immune diseases graves and hashi? Sorry greygoose but confused that why my test results keep showing hyper instead of hypo, endo kept emphasing the importance of not being hyper and being hypo and it was better to be hypo.😕

greygoose profile image
greygoose in reply to Rmichelle

I've now completely forgotten what your last labs looked like, and I can't find them. Can you remind me, please.

It's not unknown to have Hashi's and Grave's at the same time, although it doesn't happen very often. And, when it does, the Hashi's is usually dominant, I believe.

Rmichelle profile image
Rmichelle in reply to greygoose

Yes i will put them on.

Rmichelle profile image
Rmichelle in reply to greygoose

3vweeks ago.

Tsh still 0.5 lab range 0.35-5.50

T3 5.3 lab range 3.50-6.50

T4 17.9 lab range 11.00-23.00

Tpo 865 lab 0.00-60.00

Rmichelle profile image
Rmichelle in reply to Rmichelle

Endoc commented on t4 still high so uped carbi0

greygoose profile image
greygoose in reply to Rmichelle

Those labs aren't hyper. Your TSH is low in range, true, but your FT3 is only just over mid-range. Your FT4 a little higher. But, I can't see any reason for increasing the carbi. I would say they are euthyroid.

And, they could be even lower, now, after three weeks.

So, you're getting more labs done next week? Well, I would wait until after you've had them done, and see what happens, before making any decisions.

Rmichelle profile image
Rmichelle in reply to greygoose

Yes i will wait. I had bloods taken on tuesday so i will wait. But still feel poorly

greygoose profile image
greygoose in reply to Rmichelle

Well, the Hashi's antibodies can do that.

So, when will you get the results?

Rmichelle profile image
Rmichelle in reply to greygoose

I get results my monday he said he will ring and advice.x

Tristy profile image
Tristy in reply to greygoose

Hi greygoose, the last time I had antibodies tested they were in the 1000's. I asked my endo if they could be making me feel so rough and he said no. I didn't believe him for one minute. I felt (and still feel on some days) nauseous. Can high antibodies cause that?

Rmichelle profile image
Rmichelle in reply to Tristy

I believe they do.xx

Rmichelle profile image
Rmichelle in reply to Tristy

I have hashis and it does make you feel very poorly, i dont trust my doctor or endo they havent a clue.

Tristy profile image
Tristy in reply to Rmichelle

Thanks Rmichelle. I have some good days but there are days I just feel nauseous and slightly fluey. Do you get that?

Rmichelle profile image
Rmichelle in reply to Tristy

Sorry for late reply. Yes constantly i think im coming diwn with cild and flu, i might have symptons for a day then disappears, yes feeling slightly sick too but that does not last long.xx muscle aches weakness exhauston.x

Tristy profile image
Tristy in reply to Rmichelle

Yes and for some reasonthe nauseais mostly in the morning.

Rmichelle profile image
Rmichelle in reply to Tristy

It could be a bit of acid reflux as thats also connected with hashi aswell. Stomach related issues.xx

Tristy profile image
Tristy in reply to Rmichelle

ThanksRmichelle.

Pamela0362 profile image
Pamela0362 in reply to Rmichelle

Hi Rmichelle and Tristy I have been reading what u r both saying. I am on levo and don’t understand this T3 and T4. I am struggling and went to docs about what is happening. She looked at last test in July fine she said. Never asked about my symptoms. In the last 3 yrs I am not any better and I lost my job. I have very tired dizzy memory very poor to the stage I feel terrible if can’t finish a sentence! Have IBS flared up at the moment. I take d7 lack of sun. I have lost hair under arms and reduced on legs. Had urine problems. In my menapouse take tabs for that. But recently I started flushing more! My thyroid showed up on MRI. For months was testing but was fine! So blood tests not alway true. I had at the time to go and see i presume was Endo wish I had done that. If the docs says it is fine I will find it hard to see someone. What do think? X

in reply to Pamela0362

Hi Pamela - there have been cuts in prescription by the government so unless T3 is a necessity, you may not be prescribed the complete formulation. Some generic companies, may not be

following guidelines for replica original branded drugs, and may not have the same level of quality as the old drugs. You can tell if a drug is imported

by the leaflet, as those from the EU (ha ha )have to give a description of the tablet colour and shape but drugs imported through USA don't comply with this. As major companies are international based in the US or Canada they can distribute drugs made in India or the Balkans under their marketing

licence. However there are British companies which make the drug in the UK.

Think you need to ask your doctor about your prescription if it has T3 as well as T4 as T2 is synergised from T3. As you know the thyroid is closely linked to the endocrine system including gynaecology.

greygoose profile image
greygoose in reply to Tristy

They always say that, but in reality, they have no idea because they don't have it themselves, and they don't believe what their patients tell them.

I believe it would be rather difficult to do any research on the subject. But, when so many Hashi's people report feeling so bad, even when their hormone levels are in good places, you just have to conclude that they do. :)

Rmichelle profile image
Rmichelle in reply to greygoose

Yes i agree, i had a reply from DrRen which was nice of her, even she was confused . Ithink endo is holding back on the block and replace as this is for the graves result maybe. If that is clear then surely he wont do the block and replace then- i remenver him saying that they dont do titration in this hospital it will be block and replace- i am driving myself mad with this, i may call hospital later will it be his secretary i need to speak to?☺

greygoose profile image
greygoose in reply to Rmichelle

I'm afraid I have no idea! I've never rung a British hospital. But, probably, yes. Of course, we have to remember that endos - in the UK, anyway - know very little about thyroid. They are, for the most part, diabetes specialists. So, I expect he's a bit out of his depth. Just be aware that it might get it completely wrong!

Rmichelle profile image
Rmichelle in reply to greygoose

I know he's out of his depth! Professor greygoose, are you in uk?

greygoose profile image
greygoose in reply to Rmichelle

No, I'm in France. :D

Rmichelle profile image
Rmichelle in reply to greygoose

Oh right it just clicked when you said you have never had to ring a british hospital- so "bonjour" "ca va" just showing off now. Lol.😊

greygoose profile image
greygoose in reply to Rmichelle

lol Ca va bien, merci. Et toi?

Rmichelle profile image
Rmichelle in reply to greygoose

Ha. I cant say anymore dont want to put you to shame greygoose with my french language skills 😨Ha. No its been a longtime since i done french, im not that good.x

greygoose profile image
greygoose in reply to Rmichelle

And I can't speak one word of Polish! So, I think we're equal. lol

Rmichelle profile image
Rmichelle in reply to greygoose

Yes.😆😆😆😆😆😆

Tristy profile image
Tristy in reply to greygoose

Thanks greygoose.

greygoose profile image
greygoose in reply to Tristy

You're welcome. :)

Rmichelle profile image
Rmichelle in reply to Rmichelle

He did say t4 needs to come down more. I think he is unsure as told me to wait to take thyroxine. There is nothing i can do at moment so i will sit it out. Thankyou.x

greygoose profile image
greygoose in reply to Rmichelle

The FT4 is not high. Mid-range is 17, yours is just 0.9 above mid-range. I think he's floundering around trying not

to admit he's wrong. In any case, it's well over-range FT3 that makes you hyper, and yours is only 0.3 above mid-range. I'm no expert, but I cannot see any justification for increasing carbi. If he thinks it's easier for a patient to be hypo than hyper, he should try it for himself! He just doesn't know how to treat it.

greygoose profile image
greygoose in reply to greygoose

You were never that hyper, anyway.

Rmichelle profile image
Rmichelle in reply to greygoose

Greygoose how much would you consider for a private consultation professer greygoose.ha.x

greygoose profile image
greygoose in reply to Rmichelle

I have no idea! lol

greygoose profile image
greygoose

lol I'd be arrested!

greygoose profile image
greygoose

:D

Rmichelle profile image
Rmichelle

I agree its like she has a crystal ball and can see things and diagnose before idiotic medics can even say im full of crap.xx

helvella profile image
helvellaAdministratorThyroid UK

I think you'll find the act has been replaced by the Equality Act - with a summary here:

gov.uk/definition-of-disabi...

Rmichelle profile image
Rmichelle in reply to helvella

Great thankyou

in reply to Rmichelle

Auto immune disorders are considered to be a disability eg lupus -

as you have more than one with hashis, hypo or hyper thyroid and coeliac disease -are all immune diseases.

According gov.uk/definitions-of-disability.

Pernicious anaemia, and diabetes and arthritis are other autoimmune diseases

Cheery info to bring a smile to your face..

Rmichelle profile image
Rmichelle in reply to

Yes work have been told i have 2 auto immune diseases and will not be back until i am feeling alot better and on a dose that suits me. I had a call from occupational health the other day and they were very helpful. Thankyou for helpng me with info gadgrantg

in reply to Rmichelle

So pleased you have info - hope you will get B12 tested. Expect you had a long day with ultra sound - my daughter had an MRI scan the other day -

she felt she could not fit in the x ray machine - the staff played

Ace of spades music, whilst she waited for an hour - she felt like head banging with loud music - not exactly soothing. She could not see her toes - an utterly surreal experience.

Rmichelle profile image
Rmichelle in reply to

Yes it had been a long day but painless. Just wish they had given me some sort of indication of anything. Never mind.

Yes i had a mri scan a few years back and i believe you can bring your own choice of music- ha but Ace of Spades?? Bet she couldnt wait till that was finished but i felt the loud humming sound of mri quite relaxing !

Vit b12 i did have done back in july and were fine it was done in the full blood count ? I know doc has given me blood forms for ferritin levels to be done again.

Had rotten night woke up around 3am with cramp in my right leg and then restless legs. So walking around living room trying to stop legs from goin crazy😴

in reply to Rmichelle

Tip for you - I get this from time to time I eat a banana

and have a drink of tonic water. Within a few mins it goes.

Tonic contains quinine which is prescribed in tablets as

a prescription for cramp - but eating either a banana or having a glass of tonic or together will work.

My hubby gets it too so we have to remember to have tonic and bananas in case we have a spasm which can be excruciating. Did you get any feed back after

the ultra sound?

Rmichelle profile image
Rmichelle in reply to

Right tonic water here i come. I do eat 🍌every day. No feedback as sonographer never even spoke eben though i tried to talk as i can talk the hind leg of a donkey! i did say can you see anything? But her reply was " sorry you can pick up the results within 7 to 10 days. I think she was behind on her list, so a case of next one please.

Shame really as most people have said that they were talked through procedure and told a few things but none of that for me.x

Have you managed to work through your fan mail yet.😆

in reply to Rmichelle

|I've rejoined 4 times with welcome to but now

find it is "messaged locked.uk" so can't send private messages. Your wit and humour is wasted on the

sonographer - but as you have difficulty with talking it must be frustrating! The absence of information is a worry - when I had mine done, I was then referred to the specialist the same day, afterwards - he had a foreign accent - he said I had eight nodes, which would need biopsies - but he

never said you have a goitre - and your results are just below normal which indicates that you don't need surgery! The staff have to cover their backs - if they tell you something which is not accurate they might get into trouble - this is no good for patients. We need to know what is going on -

7-10 days is far too long - then you have to go on another waiting list with more stress .

Test results aren't straightforward with ultra sound they need interpreting - so guess you will keep the seat warm at the GPs!

Why did you get referred to a lipid limpet clinic?

What about your vitamin d? That can be a sign

of difficulty in absorption- never knew there was a D7 until I read a post from someone who had to take this for some complaint - intestinal I think.

Know about d123 - but have no idea how crucial all these vitamins are in metabolism and disease such as osteoporosis - your research is very good - you sound so confident and assured - think you've got your mojo back. Keep in touch - I will have fun bombarding you with snippets of information and vice versa.

Rmichelle profile image
Rmichelle in reply to

Ha yes you better had keep in touch with your daily bulletins. Yes have found my mojo but have had a few bad days whilst been on titration dose. Having bloods done tuesday 8am was trying to stretch it longer but feel the need to go sooner

It is a long time for results but im not worrying over it but would like to know something as other people have been given a insight but she wouldnt even let me see the screen. Miserable i thought.xx

in reply to Rmichelle

Ha the hidden files on you - had the same today - went for check up for skin cancer - the person who examined me gave me completely different info than others who agreed that justification of lesions along the spine, should be biopsied. I asked about mole mapping recommended by a dentist ha ha - no they don't know anything about it- my confidence has been rocked by misdiagnosis of skin cancer as sebaceous warts

- having had an excision of removal of 8cm by 8cm for melanoma, the person said that it was perfectly ok to leave any increasing

sized lesions . 8cm by 8cm excision along the spine if something turned nasty is rather a lot of tissue to complete a biopsy - as the melanoma was at stage three when it was discovered - I was not happy with this person's attitude. They all cover their backs - leaving things to last minute rather than make decisions which are based on the clinical history. As my father died of skin cancer I know full well the consequences of delay - no one even asked if there was a family history - so I am not convinced of the screening - no magnifying glass is used - light is poor, and they never feel the lesion - so a raised lesion looks flat until you feel it!

This is a bit boring - but am pleased that the specialists who helped were brilliant and am grateful for them for preventive measures. Looking at thyroid ablation in the uk where instead of surgery fine optimal light fibres are thread to the area and destroy cancer or nodules. Not sure if there are any specialists who do it in the uk -

but have heard that laser surgery is better than conventional methods and takes much less time and little bleeding. The recovery rate is much quicker too. Will send any information if you want it if I can find it.xxx

Rmichelle profile image
Rmichelle in reply to

Evening, i was waiting for my daily snippet from you. What a day you have had bht you are ok? Yes. I would love to hear more about thyroid ablation, havent thought about thyroid results at all until you just mentioned it. I off to get my bloods done tomorrow, i spend more time at docs and hospitals since hitting my forties!!.😊the joys off getting older.xx

in reply to Rmichelle

Wait till you are over 70- the creaking door lets you down all time - could you put a post out on thyroid ablation? I put one out yesterday evening but have had no replies yet - have seen posts somewhere so will dig for the treasure trove of info.

Cat sleeping on computer bag - had terrible storm last night with wind howling round. No general anaesthetic required for thyroid ablation so better for my age group. xx

Rmichelle profile image
Rmichelle in reply to

Ha that made me laugh eith tbe creaking door!! Wind door chapel let it rattle- thats a old saying my grandad used to say. 😊yes did see your post and i will follow with a new post.

Meant to go for bloods today but didnt go as daughter said she had felt sick so she has day off school but nothing as come of it yet!!

Its a awful day here too, raining cats and dogs and very dark.

Yes just spoke to my mum and her cats are all indoors snuggled up in the spare room all on their beds because its cold outside. X

in reply to Rmichelle

I'm locked out of reading old posts as I rejoined accidentally several times - the only way is to delete my account and start over but can't be bothered - I can't find my post so some how you have the advantage in technology - think you will do better than me for information - thanks

in reply to Rmichelle

could you send me a reply from my post to say you want info too?

Rmichelle profile image
Rmichelle in reply to

Yes. Onto it.

Rmichelle profile image
Rmichelle in reply to

I had this as an NHS inpatient, with radioactive iodine as part of my cancer treatment.

What are your circumstances?

Rmichelle profile image
Rmichelle in reply to Rmichelle

That was from silveravocado

Rmichelle profile image
Rmichelle in reply to Rmichelle

Hang on- can you not get into any replies from other people tben?

Rmichelle profile image
Rmichelle in reply to

Ive just put a ablation post out.

Rmichelle profile image
Rmichelle in reply to

Put post out and getting some controvesary over it, at first it was thought it was rai and i have said i think it is laser for benign nodules right.?

Rmichelle profile image
Rmichelle in reply to

Oh my god out of my depth here with wgat bantam and humanbean are saying.ha basically its RAI treatment but with laser treatment so very few people would have experience of this.xx

Hi. The aim with blocks

Me replace is not to make you hypothyroid. The block will make you hypothyroid and the replace aim is to make you euthyroid. I am confused. I ugh because hashimotos makes you hypothyroid. Graves' disease makes you hyperthyroid and we use Block and replace in Graves. You can get more information in my two VlOGs ;

One in hypo and on o hyper which might give you more information to use at work. You can find them here youtube.com/c/DrRenee

Hope that helps.

bantam12 profile image
bantam12 in reply to

Brilliant videos Dr Ren, everyone on the forum and all GPs should make some time to watch them 👍

Rmichelle profile image
Rmichelle in reply to bantam12

Im going to watch now. I dont have any faith in my endo.x

Rmichelle profile image
Rmichelle in reply to bantam12

Watched the videos very easy to understand and very informative. I can understand why endo is doing block and replace as he is going by hyper results but ignoring the hashi's!!

in reply to bantam12

Thank you so much. 😊

Rmichelle profile image
Rmichelle in reply to

Thankyou i seriously think endo does not have clue as i have hashis and yes my results do show im hyper even though they are improving. Youre confused, im confused! 😨

bantam12 profile image
bantam12 in reply to Rmichelle

Your results don't show you are hyper, your T4 and 3 are good.

Rmichelle profile image
Rmichelle in reply to bantam12

My god my head is spinning as i dont know where to go with this. Endoc said my t4 still needs coming down they are improving. I dont feel good at all, he wants me to start taking 40mgs of carbi but have held back to wait for bloods. He told me to get meds ready for levo but dont take yet has he will call on blood results first. I feel confused because still have symptons of hyper and also have hypo. I have been diagnosed as hashi but not on correct meds???😨

Rmichelle profile image
Rmichelle in reply to

Thankyou drren i have watched them and found them easy to follow, i can understand why my endo is doing the block and replace because he is going on my results for hyper and not considering the hashimotos, he has told me not to start the thyroxin treatment until my thyroid tests and graves antibodies have come back from the lab. Thankyou. So if the test comes back as graves then i will start block and replace but i also have high tpo hashis so what would be the treatment for that. Thats what is confusing me.

in reply to Rmichelle

Hi. I am glad you enjoyed them. The answer really depends on your results and if you are hyper or not. With Hashimotos, you should mainly be hypothyroid and so not need block, just replace. I hope you get some clarity soon!

Rmichelle profile image
Rmichelle in reply to

Thankyou for your time.☺

marin5 profile image
marin5

why don’t you research Thyro-Gold with Tammy Lowe whose is the Widow of John Lowe a brilliant Doctor who passed away not too long while researching the link between Fibromyalgia and Hypothyroidism, and his wife worked along with him! Go on google and get all info, you won’t be sorry! Make sure you read all testimonials! It is amazing that patients that start taking Thyro-Gold not only have such success with their thyoid but find they no longer have allergies, asthma symptoms, high cholestral, etc.her phone number is there and she answers the phone herself and helps with whatever questions you have! There has never been anything like it anywhere!

Marie Silva

gemjan5@gmail.com

Rmichelle profile image
Rmichelle in reply to marin5

Oh sounds interesting, im sitting up in bed with a cuppa so i will have a google now.xx🌸

Hi Greygoose

I've lived with Hashis and taken levo since 1999.I reached 14.13 stones. I struggled to get the weightdown by dieting. I am white female, 5.3. I am now 60. And till 2015 was taking 125mg. Then I decided to go vegan, and by 2016 was a size 12. UK size. My endo test put my levo down to 75mg! I felt amazing. I had blood tested for vitamin /minerals they were spot on. I was cycling 12 miles a day for exercise. Since then I returned to my original diet to see the effects. 12.13 stone. Size 16. Low energy feeling depressed. So. from today, I'm reverting back. Also having my blood test today. My question though is.. Does the menopause effect ranges? Ty x

Rmichelle profile image
Rmichelle in reply to

Hi rosewise1nice of you to join our little chat but i dont know whether greygoose will pick your message up from this chat, she would if you pressed greygoose's reply tab. If you dont get a reply you could private message her or send this message out on the main forum page.🌸

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