Trying to cope with hypothyroidism

[Wendacox]

Hi I'm new here

[SeasideSusie Remembering]

Hi Wenda, welcome to the forum.

If you post your latest test results, with reference ranges, members can comment. Thyroid tests, vitamins and minerals, anything you have.

Also ask questions so specific help and suggestions can be made.

[Wendacox in reply to SeasideSusie]

Thank you so much for speedy reply I just feel so alone and depressed right now.. Had full blood works done back in May just because I was feeling so ill was told everything fine but when I asked for printout was sligshtly confused as everyhing

[SeasideSusie Remembering in reply to Wendacox]

Don't worry, you'll find lots of help and support here. Depression can be a sign of Hypothyroidism, and going by your other thread you are undermedicated and have a fair way to go.

Hopefully you've not been given antidepressants.

[Wendacox in reply to SeasideSusie]

I'm always offered antidepressants.. But like I tell him I'm not clinically depressed just sick and tired of the response I get from them the complete lack of care and knowledge they seem to have is so disheartening

[SeasideSusie Remembering in reply to Wendacox]

Wenda

You obviously know that it's your thyroid causing you problems but, like a lot of members, you appear to have a doctor who doesn't have a clue. Hopefully you've not taken the antidepressants.

[Wendacox in reply to Wendacox]

As everything was lower end of so called normal range.. When I question Dr I was told just take vitamins from chemist which I have done for many none of these help.. Currently trying thyroid support formula with iodine and selenium.. Also tried iron as always have really heaving periods but this is not being absored properly

[SeasideSusie Remembering in reply to Wendacox]

Wenda

"Vitamins from the chemist" is not the answer. The answer lies in testing the various vitamins and minerals, see where levels are low or deficiennt, and supplement accordingly.

Thyroid support formula wont help in the long term. Selenium is good but not iodine, unless known to be deficient. And I see in your other thread that you have positive antibodies so iodine is definitely not a good idea due to it can make antibody attacks worse. I'll respond to your other thread.

[Wendacox in reply to SeasideSusie]

Dr not happy to prescribe me any form of supplement.. I've been told many times that thyroxine is the only treatment needed despite never having any improvement in symptoms.. Now I have migraine

[Wendacox in reply to Wendacox]

This just adds to my anxiety and feelings of exhaustion.. I just do not know what to do to move forward with new or different treatment

[Wendacox in reply to Wendacox]

Sorry no I will not accept the constant offer to take antidepressants I do not believe they will help me

[SeasideSusie Remembering in reply to Wendacox]

And you are correct Wenda, it's not antidepressants you need.

I've mentioned in reply to your other thread that you need proper vitamin and mineral testing to see what your levels are like. Post the results and suggestions can be made for improving any low levels or deficiencies.

If your GP can't or wont do them, we have recommended labs that a lot of us use, fingerprick or venous blood tests we can do at home. If you need details, just ask.

[Wendacox in reply to SeasideSusie]

Will ask for printout on Monday.. Thank you so much for all of your much appreciated help.. So lovely not to feel like I'm just mad or a hypochondriac x

[SeasideSusie Remembering in reply to Wendacox]

So lovely not to feel like I'm just mad or a hypochondriac

No, you're definitely not those Wenda. You are, unfortunately, part of a growing number of people who are badly let down by doctors who have no understanding of thyroid disease. Stick with the forum, the collective knowledge of members is far more than most doctors

[Wendacox in reply to SeasideSusie]

Yes it is lovely to be able to share knowledge like you do.. But so sad that the health professionals that we are supposed to trust are completely failing us.. And treating us with a complete lack of understanding and empathy.

[SlowDragon Administrator]

Hi Wenda

First thing is to get actual blood test results and the ranges. You are entitled under data protection laws.

You may be able to view test results online - ring and ask about this. If you can then apply for online access to your account. All GP practices are supposed to offer this, in reality very few have blood test results available online.

If not then ask for print out of recent tests. Pick up in a day or two. They may make a nominal charge for paper.

You need to know results for TSH, FT4 and FT3.

You say in your other post have high thyroid antibodies, so this confirms you have autoimmune thyroid disease also called Hashimoto's

Essential to test vitamin D, folate, ferritin and B12. Always get actual results and ranges. Post results if you have them, members can advise

Low vitamin levels stop Thyroid hormone working

About 90% of all hypothyroidism in Uk is due to Hashimoto's. Over 2 million people in the UK take Levothyroxine so you would think GP's would have some idea how to treat. But if you read here regularly you will see that appears to not be the case, you are definitely not alone in having had very poor treatment

There are almost 70,000 members on here!

Hashimoto's is a complex disease, affecting our gut as well as the thyroid

Poor gut function can lead leaky gut (literally holes in gut wall) this can cause food intolerances. Most common by far is gluten

According to Izabella Wentz the Thyroid Pharmacist approx 5% with Hashimoto's are coeliac, but over 80% find gluten free diet helps significantly. Either due to direct gluten intolerance (no test available) or due to leaky gut and gluten causing molecular mimicry (see Amy Myers link)

But don't be surprised that GP or endo never mention gut, gluten or low vitamins. Hashimoto's is very poorly understood

Changing to a strictly gluten free diet may help reduce symptoms, help gut heal and slowly lower TPO antibodies

thyroidpharmacist.com/artic...

thyroidpharmacist.com/artic...

amymyersmd.com/2017/02/3-im...

chriskresser.com/the-gluten...

scdlifestyle.com/2014/08/th...

drknews.com/changing-your-d...

Other things to help heal gut lining

Bone broth

thyroidpharmacist.com/artic...

Probiotics

carolinasthyroidinstitute.c...

For full evaluation you ideally need TSH, FT4, FT3, TT4, TPO and TG antibodies, plus vitamin D, folate, ferritin and B12 tested

See if you can get full thyroid and vitamin testing from GP. Unlikely to get FT3

You don't need antibodies retesting

Private tests are available

thyroiduk.org.uk/tuk/testin...

Medichecks Thyroid plus ultra vitamin or Blue Horizon Thyroid plus eleven are the most popular choice. DIY finger prick test or option to pay extra for private blood draw. Both companies often have money off offers.

All thyroid tests should be done as early as possible in morning and fasting and don't take Levo in the 24 hours prior to test, delay and take straight after. This gives highest TSH, lowest FT4 and most consistent results

I see you normally take Levo at bedtime, which many of us find helps.

So night before any thyroid test, don't take it, keep it and take immediately after blood draw in morning

Link about thyroid blood tests

thyroiduk.org/tuk/testing/t...

Print this list of symptoms off, tick all that apply and take to GP

thyroiduk.org/tuk/about_the...

See Box one in this article, shows that low vitamins affect thyroid

onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi...

[Dewberry1 in reply to SlowDragon]

Sorry abit off topic but I see the thyroid pharmacist quoted alot. Does this mean she’s actually on to something? And not just another one of these ‘health specialists’ out to get out money

[SlowDragon Administrator in reply to Dewberry1]

Thyroid Pharmacist is Izabella Wentz. She has Hashimoto's herself.

She wrote best selling book Hashimoto's the root cause. Also The Thyroid Secret video series on YouTube.

Along with growing number of experts (mainly in USA) she looks at cause, usually gut and diet is involved

Doesn't cost much to try many of the suggestions. The main one being strictly gluten free diet

[Wendacox in reply to SlowDragon]

Thank you will check it out.. I have been taking apple cider vinegar with honey for about 8 months now as it is supposed to help with migraines.. Would you know if this would be OK with thyroid meds. after today I feel very naive they I have also taken iodine supplements recommended by health professionals.. I realise I need to take much better care now.

[SlowDragon Administrator in reply to Wendacox]

Apple cider vinegar is good for thyroid. It helps keep stomach acidity.

When hypo we tend to get low stomach acid

Apple cider vinegar with "mother" is recommended as it's live and has good bacteria

thyroidpharmacist.com/artic...

drmyhill.co.uk/wiki/hypochl...

scdlifestyle.com/2012/03/3-...

healthunlocked.com/thyroidu...

[Wendacox in reply to SlowDragon]

Thank you slow Dragon that's good to know

[Wendacox]

Wow thank you so much for reply.. I do seem to be getting lots of lower abdominal pains after eating this seems to be happening more and more which does worry me alot on top of all the other symptoms I seem to suffer with now a days.. I sadly crave sugar now and tend to eat badly especially cards but I think because I'm struggling so badly with complete fatigue.. Working full time is now a nightmare and I think my body is producing cravings to gain false energy from somewhere.. Will read up on your links.. Will post results of all levels from full blood works done in May

[Dewberry1 in reply to Wendacox]

Hi Wenda

Your definitely not alone. Its hard to keep positive but things will get better . Unfortunately you just have to keep ontop of it as the docs won’t.

Maybe try talking to your employers? When they find out about your condition they will have to help you even if it’s temporary. Or even a sick note?

[Wendacox in reply to Dewberry1]

Hi thank you for reply.. Sadly I'm self employed so can't really take time off although I feel like I could just lay in bed all day. Yes it is really hard to stay positive at the moment.. But going to start my fight now as it is having such a negative effect on my life

[SlowDragon Administrator in reply to Wendacox]

Craving sugar can be candida, SIBO and H Pylori are also possible

All are more common with Hashimoto's and/or low stomach acid

holistichelp.net/blog/candi...

Low stomach acid

thyroidpharmacist.com/artic...

drmyhill.co.uk/wiki/hypochl...

scdlifestyle.com/2012/03/3-...

healthunlocked.com/thyroidu...

[Batty1 in reply to Wendacox]

Im in a bad sugar loop as well .....why ?