I am on 100mcg of Levothyroxine and have been for some years now and doing relatively ok. Over the last couple of months or so I have been suffering with terrible anxiety all the time that I am awake and palpitations constant with the heart beat coming out my ears. It is becoming very distressing and caused 2 bad panic attacks which I was able to control as I suffered those many years ago when I was going through a difficult time. I went to my GP last week who was understanding and offered anti-depressants which I refused as I am not depressed!! Sleeping tablets were another option but I have no problem sleeping when I can get to sleep so again useless. My GP seemed to think it was psychological as my blood results were all good especially my last thyroid results he said which I had in January 2018. He said I could have another test as I might have gone overactive? which may be causing the current symptoms however at the end it was decided that I take a piriton at night as all antihistimines have a sedative action and that may help me relax!! Needless to say I have not done that either. I have been referred for a cardio-echogram. I previously had an ultrasound on my heart and results he said were all ok. Has anyone else had anxiety creep on them very suddenly with palpitations and is it connected to my Thyroid. I do have sub clinical cushings syndrome which is being conservatively managed for the time being as I dont have all the symptons required for an adrenalectomy (hope spelling correct). I am finding the anxiety and palpidations very distressing and annoying all day, even at work where I am now. I have also gained 11 pounds in the last couple of months going from 46k to 51k. I had a bi-femoral angioplasty 6 weeks ago and am still recovering but back to normal routine and work etc. This anxiety and palpitations however are new to me and I just dont know what to do with myself as I feel I am wired up like a coil spring. Sorry if this is long winded but any advice would be very welcome from the wonderful knowledgeable people on here.
Ann
Written by
norwood1
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You need to obtain your thyroid results from your GP.
Your GP stated they look good, there are endless posts on here where GP's state blood tests are normal or look good when in fact they are not, what they mean is they are within lab ranges.
It could be you may not be on the correct dosage of Levo.
If you obtain a copy post them on here, TSH, T3 & T4. It is recommended that thyroid testing is carried out before 9am in the morning, taking levo after your blood tests, no eating and drinking water only.
If the GP will not do all the thyroid tests, you may have to do those privately.
I see a link has already been provided for this.
I am afraid it is a case of having to do your own investigations sometimes in order to feel well. I say this from my own experience on this thyroid journey.
Have you had your FT3 tested yet? Doctors are so ignorant that they don't realise the importance of the FT3. It could be that your FT4 is fine but you aren't converting it to T3. And, low T3 would cause anxiety and palpitations.
And how about your ferritin? Have you done anything about that yet?
Many thanks for your reply. No, I did not have my FT3 re-tested. I am going back to see my GP on Thursday and will ask to be re-tested including FT3. I have written myself a note so that I dont forget when I attend to ask about my ferritin levels always being so low and supplement etc. I believe my Vitamin D is also low but I do supplement myself but probably not enough. Once I get my bloods done and the results I will post them on here for advice. My GP is good but when it comes to the Thyroid I believe he just goes by the guidelines like a lot do, unfortunately. Many thanks again
You need another blood test, preferably TSH ft3 ft4... Am I really reading right that your GP is going by blood test done in January? You could be now over medicated or under medicated, how the heck could he know one way or the other without doing blood tests????
If he won't do them you can get them done for about £39 privately via thyroid UK. thyroiduk.org/index.html
Do you know your b12 , folate, ferritin and vit d levels?
Many thanks for the link. I am seeing GP on Thursday if he wont do the full test then I will get done privately. I have B12 injections every 3 months, ferritin and vit D are low so I have written myself a note so I dont forget to discuss the levels of these when I attend on Thursday. Thank you again for replying.
Just wondering if you had change of brand of Levothyroxine?
Many people find Levothyroxine brands are not interchangeable.
Once you find a brand that suits you, best to make sure to only get that one at each prescription. Watch out for brand change when dose is increased or at repeat prescription.
Many patients do NOT get on well with Teva brand of Levothyroxine. (Though it is the only one for lactose intolerant patients)
For full Thyroid evaluation you need TSH, FT4, FT3 plus TPO and TG thyroid antibodies and also very important to test vitamin D, folate, ferritin and B12
Low vitamin levels can badly affect Thyroid
Private tests are available. Thousands on here forced to do this as NHS often refuses to test FT3 or antibodies
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, take last dose 24 hours prior to test, and take next dose straight after test. This gives highest TSH, lowest FT4 and most consistent results. (Patient to patient tip, GP will be unaware)
Did you have anaesthetic for recent angioplasty procedure? This can sometimes lower B12 levels
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And good luck with the GP! I'm pretty sure you have a conversion problem. 
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