Understanding blood results

[Wendacox]

Need some urgent advice please. After suffering with hypothyroidism for 22 years and just plodding on with levo. Always been told I don't need to see a specialist as bloods always in normal range.. At times made to feel like I'm a hypochondriac if I dare question anything.. One being why do I still feel so ill all the time only to be told you need antidepressants which I've always refused as I know it is not all in my head or indeed just depression.. After becoming really poorly last year I insisted that I had more in depth blood tests I was told it was not necessary but I stuck to my guns.. That was last May I then found out I tested positive for antibodies.. First time in 22 years it was even checked also vitamin lvls which were all lover end of normal.. I then asked gp if I need different treatment or vitamins.. I was told just buy vitamins from chemist.. The max dose of levo I've ever been on is, 100 mcg.. Have recently seen a different Dr a locum at local surgery told her was unhappy with treatment and would like to see a specialist she agreed and confessed I know nothing about thyroid health.. SHOCK HORROR... I told her my main reason for referal is for me seeking new medication as I stopped levo in Dec as I believe I'm allergic to it I gave her list of symptoms and showed her the rash I have when I take levo.. Anyway this week to my horror I received a letter from Dr's saying I have been refused a endo app.. So was appealed and alarmed as to why.. After lots of arguing with practice manager she finally agreed to let me see the referal letter gp had sent... She failed to mention I am currently taking no medication or any symptoms I have other than I'm tired.. I am completely outraged by my treatment.. I am so sorry for such a long winded messae

[SeasideSusie Remembering]

Yes of course. Please include the reference ranges and list results so they're easy to read, eg

TSH: 2.5 (0.2-4.2)

FT4: 17 (12-24)

[Wendacox in reply to SeasideSusie]

Thank you just posted results.. These results are while still taking 100 levo

[SlowDragon Administrator in reply to Wendacox]

On 100mcg you were under medicated

You needed 25mcg dose increase

TSH should be around one and FT4 towards top of range

Vitamins likely dire

[SeasideSusie Remembering]

I've just looked back at your two previous threads. You were asked a few times for results for vitamins and minerals and you haven't given them. So how about you post these results, with reference ranges, and tell us what supplements you have or are taking. We can then advise if you are taking enough and make suggestions if not.

Your nutrient levels are extremely important because you have Hashimoto's (mentioned in your other threads) and Hashi's causes gut/absorption problems which in turn can cause low nutrient levels or deficiencies. No thyroid hormone is going to work properly unless nutrients are optimal. So we need to start there. SlowDragon gave you lots of information and links about this in your first thread healthunlocked.com/thyroidu...

Have you addressed the Hashi's by adopting a strict gluten free diet and supplementing with selenium and following the advice SlowDragon made?

**

Those results in your photo are from last November when you were apparently on 50mcg Levo. You were obviously very undermedicated. You were told to increase to 75mcg. Did you increase it? You say above you stopped Levo in December and you are allergic to it. As you have been Hypo for 22 years and presumably on Levo for that length of time, why do you think you are suddently allergic to it? Has your brand been changed recently?

[Wendacox in reply to SeasideSusie]

Yes it is not the first time it has been changed over the years and have been OK I did not make the connection until I started to read other people's post.. And began to notice itching and swelling in joints after taking levo also lots of itching. Asked gp if could be brand I was told absaloutley no way it could be.. I simply do not believe this to be true

[SeasideSusie Remembering in reply to Wendacox]

Of course it can be the brand. Check ingredients either in the patient information leaflets or online and see what ingredients are different. Sudden, new reactions after a change of brand will mean there is something in that tablet that doesn't suit you. If you have previously been fine on a particular brand then ask for that one to be dispensed. If your pharmacy can't get it then ask for your prescription back and ring round other pharmacies to see who can get it for you.

[SlowDragon Administrator in reply to Wendacox]

Loads of patients react to different brands

Especially Teva

Always insist on same brand

Gluten free diet has to be absolutely strictly gluten free

Watch for cross contamination on cutting board, butter, jam etc

Separate toaster too

Avoid all soya including soya lecithin if possible

Fluoride free toothpaste good idea as well

[Wendacox]

Yes I did follow advice given about gluten free diet and believe this has helped a little but still feel I did not get any energy from foods as I used to.. I have also tried suggested supplements but do not feel any different..i have requested full bloods to be removed done again this week including vitamin lvls '

[SeasideSusie Remembering in reply to Wendacox]

You wont be able to absorb nutrients properly because the Hashi's has most likely caused absorption problems, as already explained and in great detail in SlowDragon's reply to your other thread.

You say you don't feel any different with taking supplements. Again this will be down to absorption issues. Have you read SlowDragon's links, have you actually done anything other than go gluten free?

You can help us to help you by posting the information repeatedly asked for, what are the results of your vitamin and mineral tests, what supplements have you taken or are taking now - the actual supplement and the doses.

[Marz]

healthunlocked.com/thyroidu...

Your last post has good advice - we are still waiting for results with ranges for B12 - Folate - Ferritin - VitD - as suggested by SeasideSusie