Thank you.

[Michaela_l]

Just wanted to say thank you to everyone that helped me sort out my thyroid. I'm not how I was but I'm definitely better, I'm back at work at least. I've dropped my hours because I am finding it challenging.

Being told there was nothing wrong and to go on antidepressants, which I didn't agree with, really affected my confidence. I've had to read so many pieces of research, books and take everyone's advice to get to where I am now.

I looked at my bloods, I can only go back to 2015, and I've had a raised tsh since then...so why wasn't anything done about it! I'm less than impressed! It explains an awful lot though. Anyone out there who doesn't have 'typical' hypothyroid symptoms, and your doctors say you're fine, please get your results printed off. I was made to feel as if it was all in my head; the collapsing, the tachycardia, tinnitus, numbness and tingling, headaches for years, eyes going funny, feeling dizzy and light-headed...the list goes on..I still feel funny from time to time, and I'm always a bit off in the morning but I'm getting there..I'm hoping it'll get better. I'm still scared to drive long distances just in case, I've been fine, but I do believe I now have slight anxiety secondary to this mess...it shouldn't be this hard!

My short synethen test showed I had an inadequate cortisol spike, which doctors told me didn't matter, because the test isn't very reliable..in which case, why are we doing it?

Looking at my bloods, I know my thyroid has been struggling for years, so I believe my adrenals took the stress...so over time I imagine they got worn out too...hence the dizziness when standing.

It has been so stressful getting this far; only one GP knows I run high on thyroxin, and others don't take my still high tsh into account..it has taken me far too long to get a diagnosis and far too long to now be on a standard dose of levo.

It ruined my wedding, lead us to cancel our honeymoon, and I've had a loss of earnings due to various omissions, over the past few years.

I have autoimmune hypothyroidism, but now anxiety is written in my notes..which it wasn't...that's all I get labeled with. I have the same argument every time I see a new Dr. Because I was going tachy after eating, I was told I have food anxiety! Like I say, I'm quite anxious to drive a long way, but anxiety and depression wasn't the primary issue.

At least I've made it back to work...like I say it's hard, but there's been many occasions were I thought I wouldn't make it back, so thank you to everyone who helped; not just with my physical health, but with support...which has been greatly appreciated.

Thank you.

Michaela

[Nanaedake]

I found hypnotherapy helpful to put the past in the past and move on. Check they are registered with a recognised professional organisation. I'm glad you're back at work and coping. Reducing hours sounds like a good move for now.

[Michaela_l in reply to Nanaedake]

That's a good idea thanks.

I'm not quite right, I still get waves of not feeling ok, but they come and go and I've learnt to deal with them. They aren't bad really, to say a few months back I didn't think I would ever be going back.

Thank you.

[Nanaedake in reply to Michaela_l]

Are you taking vitamin C to help support adrenal glands? I don't know for sure if it helped but I took 500mg twice a day for a few years and have now reduced it.

[Michaela_l in reply to Nanaedake]

I'm taking all sorts, everything was very low..which probably didn't help things. I try to eat within half an hour of getting up, reduce stress.....where I can...

[Sj005a]

Glad your on right road.

Stay on it. And stay connected in here.

[Michaela_l in reply to Sj005a]

I sure will thanks

[SlowDragon Administrator]

Sadly it's far, far too common to get labelled with "generalised anxiety " with Hashimoto's

So how much Levothyroxine are you currently on?

You will need retesting 6-8 weeks after each dose increase

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

Private tests are available. Thousands on here forced to do this as NHS often refuses to test FT3 or antibodies or vitamins

thyroiduk.org.uk/tuk/testin...

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)

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...

Always take Levo on empty stomach and then nothing apart from water for at least an hour after. Many take early morning, on waking, but it may be more convenient and possibly more effective taken at bedtime.

verywell.com/should-i-take-...

Other medication at least 2 hours away, some like HRT, iron, calcium, vitamin D or magnesium at least four hours away from 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

Are you on strictly gluten free diet? Surprisingly, This can help reduce anxiety, especially with Hashimoto's

[Michaela_l in reply to SlowDragon]

Thank you ever so much for your help, I do take it on board. Currently got leg pain...just in my right leg...kinda worried about a possible DVT, but I do bare in mind that it could just be thyroid related. Struggling with a gluten free diet. Was getting up at 4am so I could take levo before my other medication..but I'm gonna see how I go taking it together. I've stopped taking ranitadine and beta blockers since being on levo I'm hoping I can come off my hypertensive medication..which would be lovely!

[SlowDragon Administrator in reply to Michaela_l]

Levothyroxine must always be taken on its own

Can you perhaps try taking Levothyroxine at bedtime?

Many people find it actually works better taken at night

verywell.com/should-i-take-...

Other medication at least 2 hours away, some like HRT, iron, calcium, vitamin D or magnesium at least four hours away from Levothyroxine