Hi, I'm new. I've been unwell for 20 years.
Extreme fatigue, jelly legs, dizzy, stiff getting up, sore hips,, problems with co-ordination and balance, nervousness.
Major depression which has been treated with lofepramine and lithium.. limited success.
Recent thyroid levels : TSH 0.03, t4 29. Have had thyroid antibodies taken. No results yet.
Please advise.
Welcome to our forum Jane357
First, I am sorry you have had an awful time for 20 years with regard to your thyroid gland.
Next, tick off your symptoms on the following link:-
thyroiduk.org.uk/tuk/about_...
I bet, with regard to your depression - a common symptom - that not one doctor or specialist tested your Free T4 and Free T3.
All blood tests for thyroid hormones have to be at the very earliest, fasting and you should allow a 24 hour gap between last dose of levo and the test and take afterwards.
Levothyroxine is T4 only. It is an inactive hormone and should convert to T3. T3 (liothyronine) is the only active thyroid hormone required by billions of our T3 receptor cells. It is the 'battery' in our cells and allows us to function.
You should ask your doctor for a full thyroid blood test and if he or lab wont do all of them you can get those privately. We have private recommended labs and they are home pin-prick tests.
You've suffered enough for twenty years of your life so this is a positive step for you - not always easy but most of us have had to read, learn and ask questions and many of us have improved or recovered.
Following the advice given above ask GP to test:-
TSH, T4, T3, Free T4, Free T3 and thyroid antibodies. He should also test B12, Vit D, iron, ferritin and folate. All of these have to be near the top (optimum) and not in the middle or low in range.
thyroiduk.org.uk/tuk/about_...
Several of our members have been misdiagnosed and because the 'modern' method is reading the TSH alone and ignorance of clinical symptoms, we the patients, suffer.
Get a print-out of your results with the ranges and post for comments.
Thank you. I remember being suspicious about my thyroid 5 years ago and asked to have my free t3 and free t4 tested. Was told these were normal at the time. Going to get my medical records so I can see what was happening over the years with the thyroid. Recently had my bloods taken and will check once I receive my records what those results were. When I was first ill the only thing they found then was very low ferritin. It took a very long time to get it back up with ferrous sulphate. In fact for some reason it didn't become normal until I had my first breakdown?
I am waiting to see an endocrinologist about my current hyperthyroid state. I think this may be due to lithium or lofepramine, which I've been taking for 3 years?
It's important to have good nutrient levels for hormones & our body in general. Iron & ferritin, magnesium, & vitamins B12, folate & Bs in general, & D. Do you have blood test results for these, as well as the ranges for the blood tests you've written? People usually like to see these so they can tell where your results are within the laboratory range. Post your results the same way when you get the results back re your antibodies.
I recently read somewhere that lithium can cause hypothyroidism. This is
a c**p as depression is a side effect of low thyroid hormones. My son & I were very poorly as a consequence of taking antidepressants.
I'm a fan of probiotics & especially kefir for improving my gut health to help me feel better. Lots of other people have success with gluten avoidance. Whilst you're waiting for someone clever to reply, here's a few things to read re both:
chriskresser.com/heal-your-...
chriskresser.com/the-thyroi...
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