Go me

[Hamble]

I had my thyroxine reduced last week, (125 mcg down to 100 mcg) despite my begging the GP not to and saying I didn't feel overmedicated. Today is the first day since then I haven't had to go to bed in the afternoon for a rest. True, I did lie on the sofa, but at least stayed downstairs. Can I ask to see someone who actually listens to me and doesn't just read numbers of a screen to tell me how I should be feeling?

[SlowDragon Administrator]

Can you add these "over medicated " results that made GP insist on reducing dose. They are very often TSH obsessed, instead should look at FT3 and FT4

Do you have Hashimoto's also called autoimmune thyroid disease? Diagnosed by high thyroid antibodies

Important to regularly test vitamin D, folate, ferritin and B12 as well

Suggest you get full testing after 8 weeks on reduced dose

Private tests are available if GP unhelpful. 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. When on Levothyroxine, don't take 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)

Post results and ranges once you have them on a new post

[Hamble in reply to SlowDragon]

I am taking Vit D, thanks to blood test last year, when I refused to be fobbed off with the "It's your depression" line. The blood test was a surprise as I had gone to GP about something else, I do normally fast/delay taking dose if I know I'm having blood test. GP did say they would retest in three months.

[Aurealis]

You can, but I’d try pestering the dr that reduced it first. What explanation do they have for the downturn in your health? What are they going to do about it? Are they sure their actions are consistent with the hypocratic oath?

[humanbean in reply to Aurealis]

Doctors only recite the Hippocratic Oath (HO) these days if they want to. There is no requirement for them to do it. I don't think bringing the HO into the conversation will help.

[Hamble in reply to Aurealis]

Yaeh, I can't find the bit of paper just now where I wrote the numbers down. I'll have to go back onto GP website again - I know I only saw TSH and T4 results. I've also had another blood test to check B12 and iron. There was an abnormal note on one of those too. And I went for a chest xray. Will do it tomorrow. Nighty night & thank you all for your replies.

[Muffy]

Can you remember what time of day you had your blood drawn?

[Hamble in reply to Muffy]

I'm not sure. I think it was the middle of the day (late morning or early afternoon).

[silverfox7]

So he's cut down your dose because you took your medication before you arrived? Have I understood that correctly? If so then make sure he is aware of that at your next visit and yes it can peak and give inaccurate readings!

[shaws Administrator]

Levothyroxine has a long half life so it might take a number of days before you 'really' feel an affect. We are recommended to have the earliest appointment, fasting (you can drink water) and allow a gap of 24 hours between last dose and test and take afterwards.

[shaws Administrator]

Maybe give him a copy from this doctor:-

hormonerestoration.com/PCon...

hormonerestoration.com/Thyr...

[purple64]

Doesn't matter if you are hypo or hyper they only go by the numbers. Went with a list of bullet points for hospital appointment but she wasn't interested just said my levels were normal when in fact they had dropped from last test but they are in normal range 😂😂

[Chriskisby]

I had the same issue with my gp. I sent him the Dr Toft article explaining about blood test results and, thankfully, he put my dose back up after a telephone appointment, which I had to wait 10 days for! By then I was feeling pretty ragged, but since getting back on my full 125 mg of levo I am back to normal for me! Lately I have been alternating between 100 and 125mg, which I take last thing at night and so far so good. If I am expecting a particularly busy day, like grandchild minding, I tend to make sure I have my 125 dose the night before. It seems to work. Good luck with yours.

[Muffy]

Try o have your next blood test as early in the day as possible, 9 am absolute latest and don't take medication 24 hrs before blood is drawn. This wil give a much clearer picture as TSH is highest early morning.

[Hamble]

Thanks Muffy. If I had known I was going to have a blood test I would've been prepared but I went to see GP about depression medication, and she decided to do thyroid blood tests. It is difficult for me to be at GP for 10 am let alone 9!