First Medichecks results - Show new problems, since discharge from Endocrinologists and self medicating.

[Ivorheadache]

I ordered a Thyroid check ultravit. NHS hasn’t checked my Vit D, B12, Ferritin, Folate for years. I also did a Rhematology profile as feel awful and still trying to explain my proximal muscle weakness. I have not been on any supplements for several months. Rhematology everything ok except some red blood cells.

Haemoglobin 148 g/L (115-155)

HCT 0.504 (0.33-0.45)

MCHC 294 g/L (300-350)

ESR 2 mm/hr (1-23)

Thyroid check

Ferritin 208 ug/L (13-150)

CRP - High sensitivity 1.21 mg/L (00.0-5.00)

Vitamins

Active B12 76.600 pmol/L (25.10-165.00)

Folate (serum) 3.96 ug/L (2.91-50.00)

25 oh Vitamin D 46.7 nmol (50.00-200.00)

TSH 0.04 irrelevant as secondary hypothyroidism

Free T4 7.110 pmol/L (12.0-22.00) on NDT & Liothyronine

Free T3 4.86 pmol/L (3.10-6.8)

TGA <10 iu/mL (0.00- 115.00)

TPO 41 iu/mL (0.00-34.00)

I need advise, as getting worried about non thyroid blood results.

I understand high Cholesterol levels are a sign of under treated thyroid from endo.

My high Tryglycerides have reduced from 5.8 mmol/L (0.4-1.5) to 4.6 since back on T3.

But serum Cholesterol has stayed at 6.7 no range given.

After obtaining a print out of NHS results I saw a HBA1C result of 39 mmol (20-48)

I had never heard of it but my research revealed 39 is the level they diagnose pre diabetes in USA. In UK they don’t have a pre diabetic level but diagnose type 2 diabetes at 48 or above. The only info I was given was eat healthier and exercise more, get retested in 3 months. GP didn’t ask what I eat or exercise I do already.

So many things seem to be wrong at the same time, and probably the cause of me feeling light headed and dizzy on a regular basis. Also breathless. I can walk my dog, but my heart rate goes crazy fast when I’ve tried Gym cardio machines. They switch off and gym staff not happy, me worried, so I don’t go. My previous GP just said if that happens don’t do it!

I’ve got vitaKruid 6,000 B12 combo with 400 ug Folate and 3.5 mg B6 (formulated after research in the Netherlands.) they are sublingual and worked well before.

Soft gel Vit D3 capsules 2000iu and Vit K2 mk7 with coconut oil.

I was thinking of increasing my Liothyronine from 12.5 half a tablet a day to three quarters as I’m a poor converter.

I’ve taken copies of blood test results to GP practice to scan in my notes. I have a telephone consultation booked at his request re cholesterol results on 13th August. Medichecks suggest test for high iron load with one month. Maybe GP will do it or is that too much to expect.

Other than that I’m lost really. I would be grateful for your thoughts and advise. I’m feeling a bit overwhelmed. I’m now not surprised I feel ill.

Apologies this post is more like an essay!

[Nanaedake]

Your ferritin is too high, are you supplementing? Vitamin D is too low. Were you taking supplements before these results or have you just started?

[Ivorheadache in reply to Nanaedake]

Hi Nanaedake, Thank you for your reply. I haven’t taken any supplements for several months. I’ve never needed to supplement ferritin. I eat a varied healthy diet with some vegetarian meals. I’m surprised to be low on Vit D as I do spend some time in the sun without protection.

[humanbean]

After obtaining a print out of NHS results I saw a HBA1C result of 39 mmol (20-48)

I had never heard of it but my research revealed 39 is the level they diagnose pre diabetes in USA. In UK they don’t have a pre diabetic level but diagnose type 2 diabetes at 48 or above.

In the UK they have defined an HbA1C result of 42 - 47 mmol/mol as prediabetes.

Source : diabetes.co.uk/pre-diabetes...

[Ivorheadache in reply to humanbean]

Thank you Humanbean. I read a lot of info on diabetes Uk I must have been in the diabetic section as it just mentioned 48 and staying under it.

[humanbean in reply to Ivorheadache]

There are two diabetes sites of major interest in the UK :

1) diabetes.co.uk/

2) diabetes.org.uk/

The first one is patient-led, has over 600,000 members, and the site is absolutely packed with useful info.

The second one is heavily dependent on pharmaceutical company sponsors, and is the one that the NHS is likely to direct people to.

I did take a look at the second one and didn't find any really obvious references to pre-diabetes. (I may just have missed them, I wasn't looking very hard.) So, perhaps they want people to become diabetic and therefore become customers? The second link still quotes cereal, toast, and low-fat yoghurt as an ideal breakfast for someone with diabetes. Aaaaagh!

[silverfox7]

Concentrate getting Vit D, B12, folate and ferritin optimal ( see SeasideSusie's posts for levels and how to improve them). They help your thyroid to work better, can improve conversion and rid you of some symptoms but it can take time to reverse.

[Ivorheadache in reply to silverfox7]

Thank you silver fox I will have a look at SeasideSusie’s posts.

[SlowDragon Administrator]

Your FT3 is on low side. Improving this will also likely help vitamins

Vitamin D is far too low. Aiming to improve to around 100nmol.

Vitamin D mouth spray by Better You is good as avoids poor gut function. Suggest you supplement at higher level than you have been for 2-3 months and retest.

It's trial and error what dose each person needs.

Once you Improve level, very likely you will need on going maintenance dose to keep it there.

Retesting twice yearly via vitamindtest.org.uk

B12 and folate also not very good. Supplementing a good quality daily vitamin B complex may help

If you are taking vitamin B complex, or any supplements containing biotin, remember to stop these 3-5 days before any blood tests, as biotin can falsely affect test results

endo.confex.com/endo/2016en...

endocrinenews.endocrine.org...

Ferritin is not very high. It might improve once the other vitamins are optimal




Cholesterol likely high because you are still slightly hypothyroid

nhs.uk/conditions/statins/c...

[Nanaedake in reply to SlowDragon]

It looks like ferritin at 208ugL is 68 ugL above lab range or have I made a mistake?

[Ivorheadache in reply to Nanaedake]

No mistake it is above range. Medichecks have advised further testing for high iron load. It’s been at top or just over range before but NHS haven’t said anything.

[SlowDragon Administrator in reply to Nanaedake]

Yes ...It's over range....but for hemochromatosis they would be expecting it to be much higher.... like 500-1000

[Nanaedake in reply to SlowDragon]

OK.

[Ivorheadache]

Hi Slowdragon, thank you for the advice. The links are much appreciated. I will be surprised if I am not offered Statins.

I am currently taking 2 grains of NDT and 12.5 Liothyronine I was thinking of increasing the Liothyronine by a quarter of the 25mcg tablet. Does that sound like a good plan?

[SlowDragon Administrator in reply to Ivorheadache]

Yes, only slowly increase and retesting in 8 weeks

[Ivorheadache in reply to SlowDragon]

Thank you everyone I feel more confident and reassured now. My GP hasn’t got a clue.

[Ivorheadache]

Sadly I’ve seen lots of conflicting advice, Yes probably companies seeking customers. The 8 week blood sugar diet/recipe book seems sensible. I already have everything they use in my cupboard, so planning to try that.

[Portia1974]

Hi there!

2000iu d3 is more of a maintenance dose whereas you want to address a deficiency. So 6000iu a day (with k2 and magnesium as cofactors) for 3 months would be a better level for this, and then retest in 3 months. Aim for a level around the 150nmol/L mark.

Likewise, folate needs to be mid to upper part of the range. And 2-5mg of folate a day is recommended for this. Whereas your supplement contains only 400ug (mcg). So it may be beneficial for you to top this up...

Elevated ferritin can be a sign of issues around chronic inflammation (although your esr doesnt suggest it) and the liver I believe. Has your doctor done a liver function panel? I don't know a great deal about elevated ferritin as I have the exact opposite...but if I were in your shoes I'd definitely look into that.

[Ivorheadache in reply to Portia1974]

Hi Portia1974, thank you for your suggestions. I had forgotten about magnesium and I have a spray one. Since moving house and packing my supplements in a nice basket I haven’t taken any. I stopped so I could get an accurate baseline blood test and it’s taken me a long time to get round to it!