Feeling the cold

[Jasmol]

Not had this feeling before upper body so cold to the touch start when I came off my shift this morning lasting until now called work not going in as not able to focus the cold seems to be elbows up across my upper chest and around upper back I am on 50 levo

[Clutter]

Welcome to the forum, Jasmol.

How long is it since your last thyroid test? If you post the results and ranges I will tell you whether you are optimally dosed.

[Jasmol in reply to Clutter]

Hi clutter

January 2017

Next March 2018

I never asked what my results were last time

When I was told I was board a-line I requested meds as most of my family (females) have the same condition put on 25 then I January moved to50

Next time I will ask for print out

[Clutter in reply to Jasmol]

Jasmol,

Thyroid tests should be every 12 months at the most. As you feel unwell ask for a thyroid function test now and post the results and ranges in a new question for comment.

[Jasmol in reply to Clutter]

Sorry 😐 test done in January 18 doc says he’ll test me every 3 months until it settles down

[Clutter in reply to Jasmol]

Jasmol,

Ask your GP receptionist for a printout of your Jan results and ranges and post them in a new question for advice.

[Jasmol in reply to Clutter]

Will do

[Jasmol]

Thank you got a telephone call from doctors Tuesday next week so hopefully he’ll do different blood too

[SlowDragon Administrator]

50mcg is only standard starter dose, most patients need dose increased in 25mcg steps until TSH is around or just under one and FT4 towards top of range and FT3 at least half way in range

Nice guidelines saying how to initiate and increase. Note most patients eventually need between 100mcg and 200mcg

cks.nice.org.uk/hypothyroid...

Essential to get hold of copies of recent results and ranges , you are legally entitled to them.

For full Thyroid evaluation TSH, FT4, TT4, FT3 plus TPO and TG thyroid antibodies. Plus vitamin D, folate, ferritin and B12.

Essential to test thyroid antibodies plus vitamins

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 ideally be done as early as possible in morning and fasting and don't take Levo in the 24 hours prior to test, delay and take straight after. This gives highest TSH, lowest FT4 and most consistent results. (Patient to patient tip, GP will be unaware)

If antibodies are high this is Hashimoto's, (also known by medics here in UK more commonly as autoimmune thyroid disease).

About 90% of all hypothyroidism in Uk is due to Hashimoto's, essential to know

Official NHS guidelines saying TSH should be between 0.2 and 2.0 when on Levothyroxine

(Many of us need TSH nearer 0.2 than 2.0 to feel well)

See box

Thyroxine replacement in primary hypothyroidism

pathology.leedsth.nhs.uk/pa...