weak posture

[adonia]

I was diagnosed with underactive thyroid over 20 years ago and on thyroxine. I am recently widowed and have been feeling much worse regards muscles weakness, I find that after walking just a short while I feel my mid back muscles tighten and find it very difficult to hold myself upright. I start sweating and become exhausted. I have never felt really well even though the dr says my blood tests show I am on right level of thyroxine. She put me on anti depressants after my husband died but I still fel very depressed, the weakness I feel is getting worse, I have always looked after myself and exercised to my best ability. Does anyone else have weak posture problems.

[Scazzoh]

Adonia, sorry that your are not well and grieving at the moment. Do you have your recent blood test results to post on this forum? It would help the knowledgeable people on this Forum to know what the numbers are, including the ones in brackets e.g. TSH 4.5 (.5 - 5.5), as these are different depending on where you live. You are entitled to a copy of your results, although some surgeries will charge a small fee. If you have thyroid problems, you should also have your T4, T3, folate, ferritin, B12 and D3 tested as these can all produce unpleasant symptoms if they are on the low side. In addition, you should be tested for thyroid antibodies, Tpo and TGa, to see if you have Hashimoto's which is the autoimmune version of thyroid disease.Your doctor telling you that your blood results indicate your are on the correct dose of levothroxine is meaningless if you feel ill. If your doctor is not willing to test these, there are a number of private companies who will carry out these tests.

Once you have posted your results you will get some good advice on where to go from here.

[adonia in reply to Scazzoh]

Hello Scazzoh, Thank you for your reply and advise, I don't know what my results were, When I was diagnosed it was noticed I had vitiligro and blood tests showed that my antibodies are destroying my thyroid. The dr has recently given me a blood test form to have my ferratin levels also FBC ESR U&E LFT CRP and bone profile.I still have some wasted muscle in side of leg above knee, I will definately ask my dr for tests for the other things you have mentioned. Kind regards.

[SlowDragon Administrator]

Very sorry for your loss. Stress and grief may have affected your thyroid levels. Thyroid is very sensitive to stress

Ask GP to run thyroid tests and also to test vitamin D, folate, ferritin and B12. These are often too low with thyroid issues and can cause symptoms in their own right or can also affect the way thyroid hormones work

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

Private tests are available very many of us on here have to get tests privately as NHS is increasingly difficult and refuses to test FT3

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

[adonia in reply to SlowDragon]

Hello SlowDragon, Thank you for your reply and advise, My Dr is checking me for ferratin, bone profile, FBC, U&E, LFT, ESR, CRP. When I was diagnosed it was noticed I had vitiligro and told that my antibodies are destroying my thyroid. I still have some muscle wastage on inside of leg above knee. I told my Dr that I just don't feel well at all, I haven't for a long time now but feel much worse since my husband passed away. It was sudden death and I was with him and I keep getting flash backs which I think is why the Dr put me on antidepressants. I will certainly ask for tests you have mentioned. Kind Regards.

[SlowDragon Administrator]

I meant to add that antidepressants can mess up thyroid levels too

[Scazzoh]

Adonia, you have positive antibodies, which is called Hashimoto's disease. Giving up gluten has helped many people here, as gluten can 'mimic' thyroid antibodies and cause a 'flare up', with symptoms such as anxiety and palpitations, as thyroid gland tissue floods the system with hormones. Some people also find that giving up dairy helps as well.

Vitiligo is thought to be an autoimmune disease, and people often have more than one. The Paleo Autoimmune Protocol - AIP, is a lifestyle program aimed at reducing antibodies and increasing wellbeing. It involves a strict elimination diet at the beginning, with sleep hygiene and stress management as important aspects. If you want to find out more the following websites are good: Paleo Mom, Phoenix Helix and Autoimmune Wellness.

[adonia in reply to Scazzoh]

Hello Scazzoh, Many thanks for more info you have sent me, I will look at those web sites you mentioned and change my diet, I do eat a lot of bread and dairy. I am very grateful for your help. kind regards Glynis.

[Scazzoh]

You're very welcome. The circumstances of your husband's death sound very traumatic. You may have already heard of this organization, but CRUSE provides support after the death of someone close. You can have email, telephone or face-to-face contact. Here is the link to their website:

cruse.org.uk/?gclid=EAIaIQo...

[adonia in reply to Scazzoh]

Hello Scazzoh, I am waiting to see someone from cruise, Thank you for your help. Kind regards.