FT4 of 19

[blue4peace]

I have been hypothyroid for around 40 years. I was 31 years old at diagnosis, now 73 years old.

For the last year I’ve been taking 125mcg Levothyroxine daily and feeling well.

My recent test results came back as TSH: 0.12 and T4 as 19. GP who has never met me (new GP) put my levothyroxine dose down to 100mcg daily. I have not been feeling well since.

I have tried to get an appt. with this GP but cannot so far get to see him.

Would these result figures be acceptable without alteration? Both are within the UK parameters. I feel very concerned because until the dose was lowered, I felt really well.

Thank you.

[Nanaedake]

Could you see a different doctor in the practice and ask them to increase your dose again? You haven't posted the laboratory ranges for your results but it looks like FT4 is within the lab range if it's similar to most lab ranges in the UK. You need to check you lab results to confirm this. If it's within the lab range, you have a good argument for a dose increase due to new symptoms.

[blue4peace in reply to Nanaedake]

In the UK we don’t have Lab Results, everything’s down to the NHS and is universal all over the country. I got the normal parameters from my previous GP who has now left the Medical Centre. I have found over the years I feel at my best around T4 of 19. The TSH does seem rather high, but both results are in the correct range. The NHS is under great pressure and no appt. is ever available when I ring. Thanks for your reply.

[SeasideSusie Remembering]

blue4peace

You need to get your lab ranges. There are no "UK parameters", each lab has it's own ranges. My lab's range for FT4 is 7-17, we also see on here 9-19 and 12-22, and others, so you could be over range with my lab, top of range with one and nicely placed in the upper quarter with the other.

[blue4peace in reply to SeasideSusie]

In the UK we don’t have Lab Results, everything’s down to the NHS and is universal all over the country. I got the normal parameters from my previous GP who has now left the Medical Centre. I have found over the years I feel at my best around T4 of 19. The TSH does seem rather high, but both results are in the correct range. The NHS is under great pressure and no appt. is ever available when I ring. Thanks for your reply.

[Treepie in reply to blue4peace]

You are wrong .I am also 73 .Believe me ,both the other answers are from UK based folk as I am.That the re ceptionist or GP do not give you the results or ranges does not mean " we do not have Lab results".

You have the right under Data Protection regulations to have the results and the ranges. Demand them and do not be put off.

But you probably will not get FT 3 as the GP and the Lab usually refuse to test it and as this is the active hormone you need the result to see if you are over medicated. Many use private testing for this reason.

On the face of it you should have refused to lower your dose as it suited you.

[SeasideSusie Remembering in reply to blue4peace]

blue4peace

You are incorrect. Reference ranges vary from lab to lab in the UK. Ranges are based broadly on local population.

As I said, UK members on the forum have reported ranges of 7-17, 9-19, 12-22 and others.

As Treepie has said, we in the UK are legally entitled to a copy of our test results. Ask at your surgery's reception desk for a print off - don't accept verbal or hand written results as mistakes can be made, ensure it's a print off. The results with the ranges should be on there.

[pennyannie]

Welcome to the UK forum -

Thyroid ranges vary from lab to lab within the UK.

You can ask for the ranges - they are less vague than " parameters " -

and will probably still be in the " parameters " what ever they are -

but as you have experienced, with a dose drop you do not feel as well as you need to be.

Ask to go back onto previous dose where you felt well.

There is some thinking that as one ages the T4 dose should be reduced a little.

It is an opinion, and you know, for a fact, that the higher dose suited you better.

Please go back and explain how you are feeling, and have the original dose reinstated.

[blue4peace in reply to pennyannie]

Thank you Penny, your reply makes sense. The word parameter is my word, I use it to describe the top end and bottom end. I believe the correct word is range. Getting an appt. has proved impossible thus far. I cannot take that extra 25mg as the GP has removed that dose from my prescription. I am left with only the 100mcg. I will continue to ring attempting to make an appt.

Thanks to everyone.

[blue4peace]

21st August: I have tried again to get an appt. instead I was offered that the GP who lowered my thyroxine speak with me by phone. He has agreed to the higher dose in view of my reaction to the lower dose. I am to have a blood test next week to see how my thyroid is at present. Therefore, I cannot up the dose until after that. But - this is a good result not offered to me before. Thank you.

[FancyPants54 in reply to blue4peace]

Thank goodness for that. When you have had your blood test, ring up for the results and tell them you want a printed copy. If they argue tell them it is your right as a patient under the data protection act. You will then have to go and pick them up. From then onwards, always get a print out and keep them in a file so that you can track what's going on for yourself.

[whispers in reply to blue4peace]

I would ring back and ask the receptionist to have a print out of your results ready, including the lab ranges, i would also ask if they have the online patient access yet, quite a lot do, this means that you can see all your results etc on there, you can also ask for your repeat prescriptions, book appointments etc. I am wondering if your 25 tab was up for periodic review, which would stop it until you had seen or spoken to a doctor, it seems rather odd that a doctor you have never seen would just reduce your dose.

[Hidden]

You should have refused I would have I don't know what to suggest, sorry you feel unwell.

[Hidden]

Good for you I am pleased.

[pennyannie]

Good that you have made some progress since this morning -

Would it be an idea to request that the 125 dose be reinstated with a new prescription, to be picked up by you at the blood test appointment. This will save time and money and not leave you undermedicated for longer than need be ?

[blue4peace in reply to pennyannie]

The GP sent a prescription to the Chemist electronically while we were on the phone. Having never met this GP, I am now favourably impressed with his actions over this, after I was able to speak to him. Result!