Off to see the Dr...

[Joant24]

...although I’ll probably get more help with the Wizard in the land of Oz!

I’ve got my private test results I previously posted and that those that replied said I’d need an increase in medication even though I don’t take any yet. Also got my symptoms sheet ticked and the Pulse article by Dr Toft.

Anything I should be saying to Dr to try and convince her I should be medicated?

Thanks and wish me luck.

Joan

[Clutter]

Joan24,

I don't think you will get a diagnosis of hypothyroidism until TSH is over range or FT4 below range. Good luck, anyway!

[Joant24 in reply to Clutter]

You are right. She read the tests (previous one little lower) and said she wouldn’t consider anything. Instead sending me back to rheumatology for chronic pain as I said my muscles and bones ache a lot. Also considered fibromyalgia or ME and has given me very low dose of amiltriptomine to see if that will help. Told me to take it at bedtime as it makes you sleepy! I’ll sleep til noon!!!

She also told me nicely that having antibodies meant very little and that even though I’d had hyperthyroidism as a youngster and a family history on both sides that it doesn’t mean squat and I should stop worrying about them rising.

So after walking the dog Eddie I’m having a glass of wine and waiting for hubby to make some food as I’m fed up. Not such a bad life I suppose 🙄

[Clutter in reply to Joant24]

Joant24,

Have you had vitamin D, ferritin, B12 and folate tested? Vitamin D deficiency and low ferritin/iron can cause joint and bone pain.

Which antibodies do you have? Elevated TPOab and/or TgAb usually cause hypothyroidism but it may take years to damage thyroid sufficient for hypothyroidism to occur.

[Joant24 in reply to Clutter]

Sorry for delay in replying, I have some vitamin levels but I’m on my way out now. I’ll post them when I get back. Also have my antibodies etc.

Can I post a picture of the results in a reply box?

Thanks for your help, I really do appreciate it.

Joan

[Joant24 in reply to Joant24]

Okay, my antibodies

Thyroglobulin antibody 45.0 (0.00 - 115.00)

Thyroid peroxidase 155 (0.00 - 34)

B12 93.1. (25.10 - 165)

Folate serum. 9.5 (2.91 - 50.00)

25 OH Vit D. 80.2 (50 - 200)

Ferritin. 54.1 (13 - 150)

There you have it.

I’ve been taking Vit D 800 as a maintenance dose for a few years due to osteoporosis (borderline) and upped it to 1800 for a little while.

For the past month I’ve been taking folic acid, not through the Dr, as some of the symptoms of low folic acid mirror my own.

I’ve also just started Spatone iron supplements to see if that helps.

I must admit to feeling slightly better since taking the folic acid and upping the Vit D. Too early to comment on the iron supplement.

I also think I should let the thyroid issues go for a while before I get overwhelmed with it. However it isn’t easy as I seem to have so many of the symptoms.

As an aside, I am also taking probiotics due to bloating, wind and an iffy tummy. I’ve taken so many antibiotics over the years, especially when I was younger and over the last few years, due to bladder infections which have got worse lately. So my bacteria is a mess and I’m trying to improve it. Maybe I’m just not getting the nutrients I should be.

Oh well onwards and upwards as they say!

Oh and thanks for listening

X

[Clutter in reply to Joant24]

Joant24,

Thyroid peroxidase and thyroglobulin antibodies are positive for autoimmune thyroid disease (Hashimoto's). There is no cure for Hashimoto's which causes 90% of hypothyroidism. Levothyroxine treatment is for the low thyroid levels it eventually causes. Many people have found that 100% gluten-free diet is helpful in reducing Hashi flares, symptoms and eventually antibodies and may delay progression to hypothyroidism.

chriskresser.com/the-gluten...

thyroiduk.org.uk/tuk/about_...

Active B12 is good.

Folate is on the low side. Supplementing folic acid for 3-4 months will boost folate as will eating more leafy green veg.

Ferritin is optimal halfway through range. Taking Spatone will help raise ferritin but it will take time as there isn't much elemental iron in Spatone. Take 1,000mg vitamin C with each sachet of Spatone to aid absorption and minimise constipation.

VitD 80.2 is replete but needs supplementing Oct-Apr to maintain levels.

[Angel_of_the_North in reply to Joant24]

Maybe the rheumy will be more knowledgeable - might even be able to recommend treating your thyroid as it si far more likely to be a thyroid problem (or a vitamin deficiency) than a basically made-up illness like fibro (which is not supposed to be considered until everything else has been eliminated and is just a set of symptoms not a real disease)

[Joant24 in reply to Angel_of_the_North]

Thanks for replying. This is not the first time I’ve been sent off to rheumatology! It’s a waste of an appointment in my world. I gave up after realising the dr picked up on my aching bones and muscles and didn’t ask about any other symptoms she was on a roll. I’m thinking of getting my vitamins tested privately and sort out if deficient.

Eventually things will deteriorate but in the meantime I can only try and keep myself as well as possible.

Joan