Shingles

[Shinglesufferer]

I have had shingles 7 times - currently off work - and each time when I am ill and doctor sends me for a blood test it shows underactive thyroid. However, when I have the thyroid test comes back normal. So I have been on acyclovir for the past couple of years as had shingles 5 times consecutively from November to July so now taking a low dose daily to try to stop getting another episode of shingles. However, it obviously isn't working as had shingles twice this year - and this time have been off work 5 weeks and still feel awful. Has anyone had a similar problem and been put on thyroid tablets and found this to help? I am becoming desperate as cannot continue to be ill and off work with shingles.

[SlowDragon Administrator]

For full Thyroid evaluation you need TSH, FT4, TT4, FT3 plus TPO and TG thyroid antibodies.

Plus very important to test vitamin D, folate, ferritin and B12

Private tests are available. Thousands on here forced to do this as NHS often refuses to test FT3 or antibodies

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. This gives highest TSH 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. Low vitamins are especially common with Hashimoto's. Food intolerances are very common too, especially gluten. So it's important to get TPO and TG thyroid antibodies tested at least once .

Link about thyroid blood tests

thyroiduk.org/tuk/testing/t...

Link about antibodies and Hashimoto's

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

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

List of hypothyroid symptoms

thyroiduk.org/tuk/about_the...

There seems to be some suggestions on internet that acyclovir may possibly upset Thyroid

Suggest you have a good search around. Read your patient information leaflet etc

[Hidden]

When you say 'the tests came back normal' are you saying the term used by the person giving you the results was 'normal' or were you given specific numbers and ranges? There is a HUGE difference. Normal only means your results fell within the normal range set by that particular lab. Don't settle for this vague information. Demand a printout of your specific tests,numbers, and ranges. And then post them here.It is your right. And don't pay for the information. Also it would be interesting to know if there has been any research about patients who have hypothyroidism and also shingles. We might be surprised at the results. Of course the makers of the shingles vaccine might be in for some hefty financial losses.

[Shinglesufferer in reply to Hidden]

normal as in the fell within the limits but as I have an appointment tomorrow to discuss recent blood test and am expecting a thyroid test I will ask for a printout of the results as in numbers/range