Thyroid and B12

[Gillybabe]

I am taking 75 mgs for thyroid trouble. Although my tests are apparently in range now. I still do not feel right. Could it be I am lacking in B12.

[greygoose]

It's not about just being 'in-range', it's about being 'optimal'. Sadly, doctors don't know the difference. Do you have the actual numbers - results and ranges? If so, post them here, and let's have a look.

[Gillybabe in reply to greygoose]

Tsh 0.2 (range 0.35 to 5.5) t4 17 (range 9.0 to 22) and t3 4.9 (range 3.5 to 6.5). The last result the doctor wanted me to drop due to 0.2 tsh. But I said no I would prefer to stay on 75mgs as I felt better on 75mgs but still not optimal in my opinion as my back is sore and aching everyday and still constipated. So that is why I am thinking maybe B12 is at fault since my daughter was diagnosed with B12 deficiency. As symptoms seem alike.

[greygoose in reply to Gillybabe]

Well, your FT3 is still under mid-range, so it's rather doubtful that is optimal for you. Most people need it up the top of the range to feel well.

[Gillybabe in reply to greygoose]

How on earth do I get this through to my doctor as they seem to go on Tsh and t4. Frightened to be insistent as they have slapped up a "low tolerance notice in the waiting room" and a "one problem one appointment" notice too. So you can see they are not approachable.

[greygoose in reply to Gillybabe]

'low tolerance' of what?

There is still plenty of room for an increase in levo, according to your FT4. Have you tried asking for an increase?

If you really cannot get through to them, then you have two choices : find more intelligent doctors, or start learning enough about your disease to self-treat.

[Gillybabe in reply to greygoose]

I know. When my t3 was 5.2 my tsh was 0.03 and when it was 6.0 my tsh was 0.03 and they panicked and said I was overmedicated!!!!!! All three doctors in practice say the same.

[Gillybabe]

Yes I have heard that but I doubt my new doctor would go along with that. I have enough difficulty getting my repeat prescription on time. They work on a 28 day refill. So if a month has 30 or 31 days I miss one or two doses. Cannot seem to make them understand. Since the practice was taken over by College Health it has gone downhill. My old doctor if he was in doubt about anything he would tick most of boxes with full blood count and calcium and found my husband was deficient in calcium and he now has a calcium supplement and D3.Maybe they are trying to keep work down for local hospital which is very stretched here in Medway.

[crabapple in reply to Gillybabe]

Gillybabe, did you mention this 28day / one month discrepancy in a previous post? If not you, then there's another member with the same problem.

In a previous existence I regularly had to deal with people who, on investigation, thought they were paying monthly when they were being billed every 4 weeks. It was always necessary to spell it out. I do not know what tactics you have used so far, so please, please do not take anything I say the wrong way.

Sometimes it was enough to point out that 52 divided by 4 is 13 not 12. This usually worked with solicitors.

Is it your GP or the admin staff who are saying you have to get repeats on the same day of the month?