Hi all, I was diagnosed with interactive thyroid in my late 30s and am now in my early 50s. I've spent the entire period feeling exhausted. I have been to my GP many times but every time i'm told that my blood tests are fine, and I just need to loose weight. Despite my protests I've never been referred to an Endo, and I'm now falling asleep during the day.
I'm at my wits end and want to feel better. I'm currently on 137.5 mcg (GP wanted me to reduce to 125 from 150 and this was the compromise). Any advice in relation to alternative treatment and private Endo near Birmingham will be gratefully received.
Thanks
Written by
Tired_Badger
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Please get a copy of your blood test results including most recent ones and post them here. If possible include FT4, FT3, TSH, Thyroid antibodies TPO and TgAb and any vitamin levels tested such as ferritin, folate, B12 and vitamin D. We can help best if you give your test results. You are entitled to copies from your GP surgery, ask at reception or ask to register online for access to blood test results.
I can't advise on private Endo's but you're unlikely to get better help from an Endo than from this site if you can get hold of a copy of results and seek advice here from experienced people and the administrators.
First thing is, do you have any actual blood test results? if not will need to get hold of copies. You are legally entitled to printed copies of your blood test results
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 no longer charge for printing out, rules changed after May 25th 2018
For full Thyroid evaluation you need TSH, FT4, TT4, FT3 plus TPO and TG thyroid antibodies and also 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 or all vitamins
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)
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 extremely important to get TPO and TG thyroid antibodies tested at least once .
Sorry Tired_Badger, the point of treatment is to make you well, not get test results in range. Your test results have to be at the correct place in the range for you - at the place where you feel well.
I think you should increase your dose as soon as you have test results on your current dose. Adjust until you feel well then have another test and see where in the range you feel well.
Oops so sorry you lost your last bag of tablets on way home (left on bus / on roof of car when you drove off / theft etc). Tackle GP when you’re feeling stronger. All the best x
Hi do you have a very good diet also? I try to eat salmon and protein everyday. Also maybe look at gluton and yeast foods that could be slowing you down? I was the same.
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(left on bus / on roof of car when you drove off / theft etc). Tackle GP when you’re feeling stronger. All the best x
Blood test results - help needed please 
Help needed 
Advice needed re Levo.
Help needed 
Help needed evaluating bloods.
