Update following blood results, advice needed please

[Liggo22]

Hi. I posted a while ago to ask advice around TSH and T4 results I'd had back and have now had more detailed bloods back from Medichecks and have some questions...My results are:

TSH 3.82 (0.27 - 4.20)

Free Thyroxine 13.4 (12.00 - 22.00)

T4 74.3 (59.00 - 154.00)

Free T3 5.43 (3.10 - 6.80)

Thyro antibodies 381.000 (0.00 - 115.00)

Thyroid peroxidase 9.0 (0.00 - 34.00)

B12 177.000 (25.10 -165.00)

Folate 19.98 (2.91 - 50.00)

Vitamin D 229 (50 - 200)

Ferritin 25.4 (13.00 - 150.00)

I had an ultrasound about 3 weeks ago due to possible goiter (I'd doubled dose of iodine I'd been successfully taking for last 5 years due to other health issues but it obviously didnt suit my thyroid) and my thyroid was found to be inflamed. As I had started the new diet I told GP I wanted to hold off with the meds before I had my next blood tests, which she agreed with. I had that over a week ago and have not heard back so I'm pretty sure these have come back normal too but am seeing GP this week. I am getting an on/off sore throat but a pretty consistent blocked and uncomfortable left ear ... apart from that and sleep issues I dont have any other obvious symptoms.

My first bloods at start of January only tested TSH (which was 23 at time!!) and T4 (which was 6.4) so I am really pleased that these have changed as I have been following a really strict diet (Tom Brimeyer) and have upped my supplements.

The Medichecks doctor has said that my TSH, thyroxine and T3 are all in normal range suggesting healthy thyroid function but that my antibodies could be related to Hashimotos...I dont get it, how can I have Hashimotos with healthy thyroid function?? My plan is to keep on with the diet and supplements but if my ear and throat dont clear up then to start with the NDT. Please advise ... Thanks

[silverfox7]

I don't have antibodies so not the best person to comment but 90% of patients do so nothing unusual there. A gluten free diet helps and I think taking selenium but you will have flare ups from time to time hence the high antibodies. Someone will come along soon with more advice but it's very early days in your thyroid treatment so no reason you can't get to feel well on Levo. everything in the Thyroid world moves slowly, that's how it is, so patience is required but following good advice will get you on your way.

Have a look on the site of Thyroid U.K. who run this forum as lots of useful info as well.

[Liggo22 in reply to silverfox7]

Thankyou for responding. I will have a good luck

[Liggo22 in reply to Liggo22]

I mean 'look' 😂

[ShootingStars]

Liggo, not to scare you, but please stop taking iodine immediately! 5 years of double iodine? How horrible. Who told you to do that? Excessive iodine is what has contributed to your thyroid problem, goiter. Never ever just start taking a bunch of iodine if you have Hashimoto’s. Iodine causes thyroid damage and increased autoimmune activity if you have Hashimoto’s ( which is elevated antibodies attacking and damaging your thyroid ). This means iodine is contraindicated for Hashimoto’s. If a person doesn’t have Hashimoto’s, they should never take a bunch of extra iodine either, unless tests show they are deficient and they are under a doctors care. Never self medicating extra iodine. Our diets already contain iodine, especially diets containing salt, which is already iodinized.

You have elevated antibodies and your bloods show your thyroid is too sluggish. You clearly have have Hashimoto’s. That is what those antibodies mean.

That doctor is wrong and doesn’t understand Hashimoto’s. It’s not “could be related to Hashimoto’s”. It is Hashimoto’s. Your TSH is too high in the range. Should be under 2, closer to 1. Your FT3 and FT4 are both too low in the range. FT4 should be above half range. FT 3 should be half but closer to 3/4 range, but not over.

The throat and ear symptoms could be from your thyroid damage. Contact the doctor for your ultrasound results. You might need a thyroid biopsy. Doctor should have gotten back to you with results in a couple of days. Sounds like doctor let things fall through the cracks.

Sleep issues can be from autoimmune activity, edema, weight gain, even just a few pounds. Have you had edema anywhere or weight issues. Your goiter causes swelling in the neck and this can restrict airway while lying in certain positions. Once you are on the right level of medication, your goiter should get smaller. Nodules can also reduce size. Your thyroid hormones should get to optimal levels and eventually, your antibodies might decrease a bit. That is the most difficult part, once they are elevated. It’s very difficult to lower them.

[Liggo22 in reply to ShootingStars]

Thankyou for taking the time to respond. I'll speak to the doctor this week.