Looking for information on hypothyroid

[Liz89]

Hi I am looking for information on hypothyroid and worried I will never ever feel better. I have ongoing symptoms despite being on adequate treatment. Diagnosed 7 years ago. Thanks

[ITYFIALMCTT]

I'm sorry to read you're feeling unwell despite "adequate treatment". Unfortunately, "adequate treatment" assessments tend to be grounded solely in blood work ranges for some GPs rather than paying attention to how a hypothyroid patient is feeling or responding to treatment. The experience of members here is that there needs to be a watchful eye on the levels of thyroid hormones and vitamin and mineral levels because there's a difference between something being within a reference range and being in a part of the range that is optimal for effective use of thyroid hormones (whether our own or supplemented/prescribed ones).

If you have the results of your recent blood work (TSH, FT4, FT3, thyroid antibodies etc. plus any vitamins and minerals like iron, ferritin, folate, vitamins B12 and D), please post them, along with their reference ranges, as it will help members to comment.

If you don't have the results, please obtain a copy by contacting your GP's reception, and then post them, with details of your levo. dosage etc. and that might allow members to make helpful observations or suggestions.

[Liz89 in reply to ITYFIALMCTT]

Thanks I have been having trouble getting results from my GP surgery. I asked for them before and the receptionist got angry with me and refused to let me have them. Will try again

[shaws Administrator in reply to Liz89]

You can inform this person that it is against the Law not to give you a copy as all patients are entitled to have them.

[shaws Administrator]

Welcome to our forum and most of our members have had similar treatment.

First get a new blood test if you've not had a recent one. It should be the very earliest, fasting (you can drink water) and allow a gap of 24 hours between last dose of levothyroxine and the test and take afterwards.

Ask GP for a Full Thyroid Blood test. TSH, T4, T3, Free T4, Free T3 and thyroid antibodies. If you've not had minerals/vitamins tested recently as for:

B12, Vit D, iron, ferritin and folate. All have to be optimal. TSH should be 1 or lower, FT4 and FT3 have to be towards the upper part of the range.

Your GP or lab may not do all of these if TSH and TSH are 'in range'. You can, if you wish get your own blood tests and we have two recommended labs who do home pin-prick tests.

Seven years on levothyroxine and not feeling too well, is seven years too long. Members have to know your FT4/FT3 to comment.

Theoretically if on an optimum dose we should feel well with no clinical symptoms. I am one of the lucky ones and it is down to the help/advice of Thyroiduk.

Get a print-out of your results with the ranges, for your own records, and to post for comments. Ranges are important to enable members to comment.

thyroiduk.org.uk/tuk/about_...

[Liz89 in reply to shaws]

I have been getting trouble getting my results done 3 weeks ago, receptionist got angry with me and said I couldn't have them.

[shaws Administrator in reply to Liz89]

I think if you tell her it is against the law she'll should give you them.

Or write a note to GP and say that from now on you want your blood test results with the ranges as you are attempting to improve your health and if he could inform the receptionist that from now on you want the results of your blood tests along with the ranges.

[Treepie in reply to Liz89]

Do not put up with such rudeness.