Dealing with a TT

[Supernatural732]

Hi all, I had a TT in August due to follicular cancer. I now need to keep my TSH level at the upper end of normal to stop anything growing back. I have got quite a few symptoms now, but the one which I’m really struggling with is the hunger. Has anyone got any tips on how to deal with it. Also is there any vitamins that I should take and is t3 something that I should look into? Thanks for your help

[greygoose]

I think you mean keeping the TSH at the lower end of 'normal' - suppressed, even - to stop any remaining thyroid cells regrowing, and with it the cancer.

To know about supplements, you need the correct tests - there are no vitamins that are specific for people with thyroid problems, you need to optimise what is suboptimal. But, more is never better.

So, you need to get your

vit D

vit B12

folate

ferritin

tested, and supplement according to the results - we can help with that.

And, to know if you need T3, you should get your FT4 and FT3 tested at the same time, which will show you how well you are converting. T3 will only help if you need it.

[shaws Administrator]

All blood tests for thyroid hormones have to be at the very earliest, fasting (you can drink water) and allow a gap of 24 hours between your last dose and the test and take afterwards. This helps keep the TSH at its highest as doctors are apt to adjust dose according to a low TSH when we feel best when it is low or very low.

[Supernatural732 in reply to shaws]

Thank you for your reply. I will set some reminders, so I don’t forget what I need to do. Thanks

[Gcart]

May not help you but I found when I went gluton free I lost that awful hunger pang symptom .

I had TT for follicular cancer also.

Good luck

[Supernatural732 in reply to Gcart]

Thank you for replying, I will look into that.

[Supernatural732]

The surgeon definitely said the higher end

[Angel_of_the_North in reply to Supernatural732]

I'm pretty sure that is wrong. TSH needs to be suppressed to prevent return of cancer

[SlowDragon Administrator]

For full Thyroid evaluation you need TSH, FT4, FT3 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 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)

Come back with new post once you have results and ranges

[Supernatural732 in reply to SlowDragon]

Thank you for your reply. I will see how I get on trying to convince the Dr to give me all the tests, if not, then I will look into getting it done privately. Thanks

[SlowDragon Administrator in reply to Supernatural732]

Many, many people with thyroid problems find strictly gluten free diet helps

Ask for coeliac blood test just to rule it out first

Can help persuade GP to test vitamin levels too

[Supernatural732 in reply to SlowDragon]

Thanks, I will add it to my list

[Supernatural732]

I’ve just checked my copy of the letter to my Gp, it was actually ft4 that is higher end of normal, he didn’t actually say that though.

[Supernatural732]

😊

[Hidden]

You should be wanting you TSH at the lowest end of normal not the highest. Suppressed is the term for it.