It’s looking likely that I have had an overactive thyroid for quite some time. Had my first blood test in December after 4 years which showed that it was looking likely to be overactive. My GP & I were surprised as I have not had the usual dramatic weight loss, my appetite has increased but have an awful lot of the other symptoms. The 2 that are particularly bothering me are feeling incredibly tired and joint pain. I am in such a lot of pain in my lower back, hips, legs, achiles heel, ankles all the way down to my toes. Has anyone else experienced this? I have had a retest done which is still showing that i’m overactive but because the surgery didn’t take the correct bloods i.e. vitamin B12 & vitamin D I am having to wait another 2 weeks before I discuss things with my doctor. It would be great to have some feedback from anyone who is going through the same.
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Fokolatechu
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I didn’t think to ask them. I will call tomorrow for December’s results. I won’t get today’s until Friday approx. Do I just repost them? I’ve been told that it’s showing i’m overactive but I know tht my antibodies are normal. I don’t know what that means in regards to the tests??
Put them on a fresh post and more members will respond. We can be hypthyroid (too low thyroid hormones): hyperthyroid (too many hormones in blood) or have "hashimotos" the commonest form of hypothyroidism also called an Autoimmune Thyroid Disease. This is due to thyroid antibodies in the blood which wax and wane and at times some feel 'hyper' due to the surge of antibodies but treatment is the same as for hypothyroidism but going gluten-free can help reduce the antibodies attack on the gland.
To clarify if you have hashimoto's you need the thyroid antibodies checked.
Always get a print-out of your results, with the ranges, when you have a test for thyroid hormones for your own records and we are entitled by Law.
Doctor should also test, B12, Vit D, iron, ferritin and folate as deficiencies can also cause symptoms.
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. This gives highest TSH, lowest FT4 and most consistent results. (Patient to patient tip, GP will be unaware)
If TPO or TG antibodies are high this is Hashimoto's, (also known by medics here in UK more commonly as autoimmune thyroid disease) - hypothyroid (under active)
About 90% of all hypothyroidism in Uk is due to Hashimoto's
Graves' disease - hyperthyroid- (over active) is diagnosed by high TRab or TSI antibodies. Rarely tested by GP, may need referral to endocrinologist. Can also have mildly raised TPO and/or TG antibodies
Surprisingly early stage Hashimoto's can be confused or mis-diagnosed as Graves. So it's important to get full testing
Essential to test vitamin D, folate, ferritin and B12. Always get actual results and ranges. Post results when you have them, members can advise
UK GP practices are supposed to offer online access for blood test results. Ring and ask if this is available and apply to do so if possible, if it is you may need enhanced access to see blood results.
In reality many GP surgeries do not have blood test results online yet
Alternatively ring receptionist and request printed copies of results. Allow couple of days and then go and pick up. They can make nominal charge for printing but many will do so for free (£10 max and can not charge at all after May 2018)
I have hyper mobility, which I had blamed for 10 years of joint pain, but when my thyroid began to go supernova I had terrible joint pains in the way you describe and I was told its not uncommon with thyroid problems by my consultant. I found it very debilitating. However since being on Carbimazole the joint pain has all but gone. I do have awful muscle spasms though. I was diagnosed with Graves last year in May.
Thanks so much for your reply. I have been diagnosed with hyperthyroidism now and i’m on carbimazole and a high dose of vitamin D. The joint pain is still there and i’m still waking up tired. Hopefully things will improve as the treatment goes on. It’s only been a week.
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