Some advice please for a hypochondriac

[Winniepoo15]

Went to GP this morning to ask for another thyroid test as only had two tests this year. I’m feeling like a hypochondriac - have everything wrong with me😩, well that’s how I feel. So, my GP told me I had thyroid checked in August & all normal. I had bloods done then a was diagnosed with gout, didn’t even know about thyroid results. My results are as follows; TSH 0.68 (0.3-5). T4 11.2 (7.9-16). He told me to up the levo 25mcg every other day & tested again in six weeks. Does this sound right as I have no idea. 🤔

[SeasideSusie Remembering]

Winniepoo

I think you're quite fortunate that your GP increased your dose, many wouldn't with your levels.

TSH: 0.68 (0.3-5) - most doctors wouldn't want to see this go any lower, increasing your Levo even by the equivalent of 12.5mcg daily might do so

FT4 11.2 (7.9-16) - this is 40% through range and shows the need for an increase in Levo.

The aim of a treated hypo patient generally is for TSH to be 1 or below or wherever it needs to be for FT4 and FT3 to be in the upper part of their respective reference ranges when on Levo if that is where you feel well.

Post your new results when retested, and it would be really helpful to have FT3 done at the same time but rarely done unless the lab deems it necessary. It would also be useful to have thyroid antibodies tested.

I would also ask for

B12

Folate

Ferritin

Vit D - joint and muscle aches and pains can be indicative of low levels of Vit D or deficiency. You mentioned something about pain in joints in your first post.

[Winniepoo15 in reply to SeasideSusie]

Hi SeasideSusie. Thank you for your speedy response. I’m finding this so difficult to understand. I thought by increasing the levo, the tsh would drop even lower & the T4 would increase. Ive only just returned from my hols & am desperate to get myself sorted. Im going to order the online blood testing now so will have a better picture with what’s going on.

[SeasideSusie Remembering in reply to Winniepoo15]

Winniepoo

Yes, you should see a drop in your TSH and an increase in Levo, but I'd wait the 6 weeks after the dose change before you test.

[SlowDragon Administrator in reply to Winniepoo15]

Don't test until 6-8 weeks on increased dose

Suggest you get weekly pill dispenser too. It easy to forget which dose on alternate day dosing

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.

Important to include vitamin D

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)

[Winniepoo15 in reply to SlowDragon]

Hi ladies. I ordered the blue horizon plus 11 last night. Would it make sense for me to do this test before increasing the levo or starting any supplements? I know I’m low d3 & am desperate to find out my other vit levels as feeling quite unwell. Gp wouldn’t check my d3. Once this test has been done I will know exactly what I need to take, I can then start to supplement & increase my levo, then have the GPs blood test in six-eight weeks time. I do hope this makes sense to you. Pill dispenser is a great idea as don’t know if I’m coming or going at the moment.

[SlowDragon Administrator in reply to Winniepoo15]

Yes you could do, or you could just order a vitamin D test for £29

vitamindtest.org.uk

Test that now. So you can get started on vitamin D supplements

Then use Medichecks test in 6-8 weeks for all vitamins and thyroid

We should only add one supplement at a time and wait at least fortnight before adding another...which could be vitamin C or magnesium

[Winniepoo15 in reply to SlowDragon]

Thank you SlowDragon & SeasideSusie. I wouldn’t know where to begin without your support. Just ordered the Vit D test. 😊

[SlowDragon Administrator in reply to Winniepoo15]

Did you get vitamin D tested?

[SlowDragon Administrator in reply to Winniepoo15]

What were the Blue Horizon results?

[Winniepoo15 in reply to SlowDragon]

Hi, I’ve only just seen these messages from you. Sorry, I did get the vit D tested last November & have been following the protocol from the vit d3 deficiency site since. Had such relief from joint & muscle pain, but recently, joint pain has returned with a vengeance. To be honest, I did forget about the private test kit for full thyroid testing. I have had terrible depression since last Oct/Nov & feel as if I’ve been living in a bubble. I will test mon & get back with my results. Really looking forward to making some progress. Thank you for taking the time to reply to me.