Usually we can have gut problems and most probably due to being hypothyroid, as everything slows down. Also stomach acid can be reduced and as symptoms of low and high acid are so similar doctors usually prescribe antacids. Many on the forum supplement with digestive enzymes at meals and/or a good apple cider vinegar (with mother) dissolved in water or juice.
The aim is a TSH of 1 or lower but many doctors/endos believe if it is 'somewhere' in the range we are on sufficient. The aim is to have enough so as not to have clinical symptoms.
When you give numbers for test results you have also to put the ranges. The reason being that labs have different machines so ranges can also be different and they're need for responses to be made.
You have given a Free T4 result but we also need a Free T3 result (unfortunate that none of the medical professions understand the need for this). You can read on the following the reason for both FT4 and FT3.
I think the very first step is to draw a line in the sand for where you are now. Collect every bloody test you can, record temperatures and pulses for a couple of weeks, make a very good record of symptoms. Even consider making a timetable of the whole week and recording how much you can do or symptoms hourly or at least in 4 or 5 blocks for the day. This is all as a reference so you can compare in a few months or years.
Then make sure all vitamins and minerals are optimum, as advised all over the forum.
Then you need to decide what you want to try. On the NHS Levo will have been the only option, but this is the least popular for patients. A mix with T3, T3-only, or NDT are other options. There's also a strategic element. If you start Levo only you may have the long term goal of getting this on the NHS, but you will be unlikely to get any of the others on the NHS ever, so it's permanent self medication.
If you don't yet have an opinion on which option you'd choose, hang around and read the forums for several months, and get hold of some books. Stop the Thyroid Madness is a good start, I like Durant Peatfield's book. You will see other recommendations on the forum. You need to have a clear idea of why you've chosen a form of tablet, and how you will monitor and confirm that you're improving, or identify if you've become over medicated. We see people often on the forum that have started self medicating with very little knowledge.
Personally I was on the forum for roughly a year before I started self medicating. At the time I was too ill to do much reading, so I based most of my knowledge on the forum, links I followed, and skimming a few books. I also saw a few private doctors, became pissed off with them, and finally saw Dr Peatfield who started me off on NDT. I've been ultra cautious and had blood tests every 6 weeks, although the traditional way with NDT is to go on symptoms only.
First decide which thyroid medication you are going to use ie Levothyroxine or NDT. Start with a low dose either 25mcg Levothyroxine or 1/2 grain NDT (30mg).
After 6-8 weeks have a thyroid test including FT3 to check levels. thyroiduk.org.uk/tuk/testin... Medichecks offer #ThyroidThursday discounts. Post the results on the forum and members will advise whether to increase dose.
I’m off to the GP tomorrow, I’ve been feeling so poorly that I asked my husband to drive me there and speak the receptionist face to face.
I was informed the next appointment for my allocated GP was 18th January.
The expression on my face and maybe the bags under my eyes looking like of zombie must of prompted her to say that, that GP was in tomorrow and if I can go at 8am they will give me a time slot for that day.
I have heard lots of people can’t get on with Levothyroxine.
I am very doubtful they will give me anything as why would they overrule my Endocrinologist. I’m taking my hubby with me as well.
GPs are usually advised to refer patients to endocrinology for an endo's recommendation before prescribing Liothyronine (T3). NDT isn't licensed for UK use so it's unlikely your GP or end will agree to prescribe.
If you post your recent TSH, FT4 and FT3 results and ranges we can advise whether you need to reduce Levothyroxine dose when adding T3 if you intend to self medicate.
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low cortisol
Dissapointed & don't know what to do!
Where do I start
Would like to self medicate, but need some guidance
