Hi everyone! Despite having symptoms suggestive of hypothyroidism (heavy periods, tiredness, brain fog, cold intolerance) my GP has said my symptoms are in my head and she has sent me away with antidepressants.
Advice welcome on below bloods, thank you.
Nov 2017
TSH 5.8 (0.2 - 4.2)
FT4 15.7 (12 - 22)
FERRITIN 27 (30 - 400)
your GP is a sadist and what is she doing about your low ferritin levels? Have you any other results such as Vit B12, Vit D, ferritin, folate, TPO antibodies. T3 would also be useful but they are unlikely to test that. Can you pay for private blood tests, fingerprick type from Blue Horizon or Medichecks. M checks have offers on thyroid Thursdays? hope you get more info soon and then some treatment.
Is there a different GP you can see. This one is incompetent
What has been prescribed for your very low ferritin?
Have you had full iron panel?
Would recommend getting full private blood tests done
For full evaluation you ideally need TSH, FT4, FT3, TT4, TPO and TG antibodies, plus vitamin D, folate, ferritin and B12 tested
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. This gives highest TSH, lowest FT4 and most consistent results
Link about antibodies
thyroiduk.org.uk/tuk/about_...
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...
Vitamindtest.org.uk - £28 postal kit If just want vitamin D test
Detailed supplements advice from SeasideSusie here on similar levels
healthunlocked.com/thyroidu...
GP not doing anything about ferritin.
TPO antiibodies 1700 (<34)
See a different GP urgently
Can you take supportive friend or family member along
You clearly have Hashimoto's and iron deficiency
Get vitamin D, folate and B12 tested too
Lets us know how you get on
Folate 2.1 (4.6 - 18.7)
Vitamin B12 99 (190 - 900)
Vitamin D 13.8 (<25 severe vitamin D deficiency. Patient may require pharmacological preparations)
Take these results to any other GP in the practice and ask to have them treated correctly
You are extremely ill due to gross mismanagement by your GP
What if anything are you prescribed for these?
You definitely should ask for Coeliac blood test
Will speak to GP about what he should be doing
Post these on PAS healthunlocked too
They can advise on B12
You need full testing for Pernicious Anaemia before starting B12 injections
You need loading dose of vitamin D
Look up your local CCG guidelines
Eg Oxfordshire
No one from my family will come with me to appointments they call me a hypochondriac
I suggest you show them this forum
You are very unwell. You clearly have Hashimoto's and terrible vitamin levels as a result
Please find a friend who can come with you, for moral support if nothing else.
I am shocked by your results and the negligent response from the GP. Unfortunately, we are seeing many cases like yours now, with severe hypothyroidism, and both iron deficiency and B12/folate deficiency anaemias.
Only thing flagged up from complete blood count was MCV 78.5 (80 - 98) and MCHC 398 (310 - 350)
This shows you have iron deficiency i.e. Anaemia
Hashimoto's affects the gut and leads to low stomach acid and then low vitamin levels
Low vitamin levels affect Thyroid hormone working
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
Ask GP for coeliac blood test first
thyroidpharmacist.com/artic...
thyroidpharmacist.com/artic...
amymyersmd.com/2017/02/3-im...
chriskresser.com/the-gluten...
Your TSH is between 4 and 10, your T4 is within normal range, so under NICE guidelines, your doctor can prescribe Levothyroxine (starting dose is usually 50 mcg per day), as you have symptoms suggestive of hypothyroidism. Here is the link to the guidelines:
cks.nice.org.uk/hypothyroid...
Print this off, show it to your incompetent doctor and ask for a trial.
TSH in August was 66 (0.2 - 4.2) FT4 10.3 (12 - 22) treatment refused thanks
That sounds like a formal complaint is in order. You must see another doctor!!!
I was misdiagnosed since I was in high school with hyperthyroidism. After my eyes bulged out, my Dr. gave me every possible test thinking I had tumors and he still said I didn't have thyroid disease. I finally went to an Endocrinologist and just by looking at me, the Dr. said I have Graves disease that turned out to be correct. I had it radioactively removed 15 years ago and it's still a nightmare !!!
Not yet diagnosed
not yet properly diagnosed but really struggling with mental effects
getting diagnosed - not
Not diagnosed but worried
