Help with my TSH and fT4 blood tests

[savery8753]

Hi Everyone

I would be really grateful if you lovely people could help with these 2 recent blood tests.

I visited a private Endo in Warickshire who was interested in my TSH and FT4 bloods. I was wondering why she would only test for these and not the panel of tests recommended by Thyroid Uk, can anyone advise please.

fT4 is 14.1 (11-26

)

TSH 1.22 (0.35 - 4.50)

She has asked me to go to my gp to test for iron, antibodies and Vit D. Im basically starting from scratch with any medication and have not taken anything for nearly 8 weeks. She has given me a prescription for NDT, not to start until these results came through.

I have been taking Levo since 2011 but I seemed to become extremely unwell with it.

Thank you in advance

[Clutter]

Savery8753,

The results are euthyroid (normal). Had you been off Levothyroxine for 8 weeks when you had the blood test?

I don't know why your endo won't test FT3 but I wouldn't be satisfied that s/he didn't.

[savery8753 in reply to Clutter]

Hi Clutter

Thank you for your reply, yes I had been off Levo for 8 weeks.

Ive become so breathless, fatigued , gained loads of weight, swollen belly and legs. Feeling cold (I know the weather has dropped). I also now have severe hip pain and my left wrist is unbearably painful, all symptoms I experience when undermedicated, in y case no medication at all at the moment.

The private endo has emailed me to ask if I will pay for the following test TSH receptor Antibody or TSHRab, not sure why she 'wasnt bothered about FT3.

She has said that she's happy for me to begin the NDT, what would be your advice please?

Thanks

[Clutter in reply to savery8753]

Savery,

TSH 1.22 and FT4 14.1 are euthyroid (normal) so I'm surprised your endo has prescribed NDT. How much NDT has your endo prescribed?

TSHRab is a test for Graves Disease which causes hyperthyroidism. Did your endo say why she is ordering this?

It was vitamin D deficiency which caused the hip and knee joint pain I experienced. Ask your GP to test.

[Nanaedake]

There could be a number of reasons why you became unwell with Levothyroxine. Are you in the UK? If so then there were problems with the quality of Levothyroxine until 2015 or thereabouts. See the MHRA 2013 report, Clinical and Quality Considerations.

[shaws Administrator]

I sympathise with you as I was worse when taking levothyroxine than I was with a TSH of 100 and that was bad enough but when you are told you have to take levo for a lifetime ...........

As you were diagnosed six years ago now you should now have been feeling well with relief of symptoms.

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

It is good she is prescribing NDT for you and do hope you feel better quite soon. Not to have taken any hormones for 8 weeks you must be feeling worse now and I hope you begin it quite soon.

GP should also test B12, Vit D, iron, ferritin and folate. Everything has to be optimal. I don't see why you cannot take it as soon as you have bloods taken.

[savery8753 in reply to shaws]

Hi Shaws

Thank you for your reply, yes I had been off Levo for 8 weeks and now starting to fell awful.

Ive become so breathless, fatigued , gained loads of weight, swollen belly and legs. Feeling cold (I know the weather has dropped). I also now have severe hip pain and my left wrist is unbearably painful, all symptoms I experience when undermedicated, in y case no medication at all at the moment.

The private endo has emailed me to ask if I will pay for the following test TSH receptor Antibody or TSHRab, not sure why she 'wasnt bothered about FT3.

She has said that she's happy for me to begin the NDT, what would be your advice please?

Thanks

[shaws Administrator in reply to savery8753]

You are very hypo with all those severe symptoms. I am surprised Endo told you to come off levo. You urgently need thyroid hormone replacements.

I think I'd be apt to start NDT. I've never heard of TSH receptor antibody but I am not medically qualified. The more I read the forum I doubt the Endocrinology has a clue of how to treat patients. FT3 is the most important as it is required in all of our receptor cells. When we were given NDT long before the blood tests and levothyroxine were introduced. We were given NDT and gradually increased dose until we had relief of clinical symptoms. So much less trouble than 'trying this, trying that.

When you start NDT you begin on a dose equal to what dose of levo you took, i.e. 1 gr is around 100mcg levo. You start and every two weeks increase your dose by 1/4 tablet until your symptoms are relieved. If pulse or temp goes too high drop back to previous dose.

web.archive.org/web/2010103...

The above doctor only took a blood test once and thereafter it was how the patient 'felt' and dose adjusted accordingly.

[savery8753 in reply to shaws]

Thank you Shaws, I will have a read.

I understand that I should have more tests, which I will do, what are your thoughts on my levels? Should my Ft4 be in the upper range?

Thanks