Trying to source T3

[LIZ268]

hi all. Really needing help. Having had my thyroid removed two years ago I wish I hadn't underwent surgery. I have put on about 2stone in weight.My go just keeps telling me that my blood tests are fine but I'm not convinced. I would rather have a slightly high level of thyroxin than a low one as it might stable my weight. My go wont give me my actual levels 😡. Can someone please tell me where I can get T3 that is a reliable source. I'm tired all the time and feel so down due to my weight.bi know that sources can't be posted on this site so if anyone can help please PM me please. I'm currently taking levothyroxin and also have other health issues.Thank you all x

[shaws Administrator]

Welcome to our forum and am sorry you had your thyroid gland removed and I assume it was due to cancer.

They don't warn you about the after-effects of having your thyroid gland removed otherwise many wouldn't do so. If it was cancer, of course it has to be removed but they should know how to bring patients back to good health with decent thyroid hormones.

Blood tests do not speak to the doctor, the patient does and tells doctor how unwell they feel and the response is probably, 'but your tests are fine'.

They fail to realise that a dysfunction of the thyroid gland renders us hypothyroid with disabling clinical symptoms - the purpose of thyroid hormone replacements is to relieve all of the clinical symptoms. Not just get our blood tests 'somewhere' in the range.

First thing to do is go to the surgery and ask for a print-out of your most recent results, with the ranges. We are entitled by law to get our own copies.

Do you have your blood tests at the very earliest possible, fasting (you can drink water) and allow a gap of 24 hours between last dose of hormones and the test and take it afterwards. If not results wont be true as taking hormones before test or eating lowers the TSH and food also interferes with the uptake of hormones that's why we leave 1 hour or more after taking hormones before eating.

You can have a private blood test and a full thyroid function test is TSH, T4, T3, Free T4, Free T3 and thyroid antibodies. FT4 and FT3 are necessary to know how we are converting T4 into T3. T3 being the only active thyroid hormone needed in our billions of receptor cells. We have private labs that do home pin-prick tests.

We have to read, and learn in order to recover our health and relieve all symptoms.

GP should test B12, Vit D, iron, ferritin and folate. All of which have to optimum too.

Post all of your results and members will respond. It's no use rushing without having a background of your results/vitamins/minerals.

I do know how desperate you feel at present but there is a way forward and it is we, ourselves, who do so when doctors/specialists appear not to be knowledgeable about symptoms but only the TSH.

[LIZ268 in reply to shaws]

many thanks for your reply. I did not know that my levothyrocin would interfere with the tests. I have had bloods done in the morning about an hour (usually) after taking my meds. I am on 120 mg per day. I will make an appointment to see my go and ask for a printout of my last tests. Many thanks for your input.

[shaws Administrator in reply to LIZ268]

Ask if you can have a new blood test as your results will be skewed (I am sure the doctor is unaware that pre-dosing can skew results). They don't seem to be aware of this and it can mean the difference between getting an increase, or worse having your dose reduced.

[Clutter]

LIZ268,

The Data Protection Act entitles patients to their results. Contact the practice manager or senior receptionist and ask for a printout of your recent results and ranges. There should be no charge other than a nominal £1-£2 to cover the cost of printer ink and paper when requests are made within 40 days of test results. If they refuse tell them you will write making a formal subject access request and they will have to do so within 40 days. ico.org.uk/for_the_public/t...