I have had serious reflux for years and haven’t really taken anything as doctors ppi make it worse but this year I am in so much pain incl stabbing under ribs so I am persevering with lanzoprazole but no joy as yet , I did a home bicarbonate of soda test and I have low stomach acid , I think I have ulcers as they diagnosed them before along with Esophagitis, I am gonna for endoscopy and colonoscopy on Monday , what I was wondering is can I take betamine hcl enzyme with my complaint or is there something else I need first, the doctor usually says take lanzoprazole for at least 4 weeks to see a difference , any advice please
Many thanks
Kayla
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Kayla1967
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Common hypothyroid problem, especially if you have Hashimoto's also called autoimmune thyroid disease diagnosed by high thyroid antibodies
Suggests you are not adequately treated for your hypothyroidism
How much Levothyroxine are you currently taking?
Do you always get same brand?
Always take on empty stomach and then nothing apart from water for at least an hour after?
Do you have recent blood test results and ranges to add?
For full Thyroid evaluation you need TSH, FT4 and FT3 plus both TPO and TG thyroid antibodies tested. Also extremely important to test vitamin D, folate, ferritin and B12
Low vitamin levels are extremely common, especially if Thyroid antibodies are raised
Recommended on here that all thyroid blood tests should ideally be done as early as possible in morning and fasting. Last Levothyroxine dose should be 24 hours prior to test, (taking delayed dose immediately after blood draw). This gives highest TSH, lowest FT4 and most consistent results. (Patient to patient tip, best not mentioned to GP or phlebotomist)
Is this how you do your tests?
Private tests are available. Thousands on here forced to do this as NHS often refuses to test FT3 or antibodies or all vitamins
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 special offers, Medichecks usually have offers on Thursdays, Blue Horizon its more random
If antibodies are high this is Hashimoto's, (also known by medics here in UK more commonly as autoimmune thyroid disease).
About 90% of all hypothyroidism in Uk is due to Hashimoto's. Low vitamins are especially common with Hashimoto's. Food intolerances are very common too, especially gluten. So it's important to get TPO and TG thyroid antibodies tested at least once .
I haven’t got thyroid problems I don’t think just gastritis and probably ulcers , ppi not working think causing worse symptoms tbh , many thanks for response really appreciate it
If you have low stomach acid you will almost certainly have low vitamin levels
Low vitamin levels can hide a thyroid problem
You need to consider what the root problem is that is causing low stomach acid
Most GP's only test TSH or TSH and FT4 to consider diagnosing a thyroid problem. This is completely inadequate. Thyroid antibodies, FT3 and vitamins also need testing
Ah that sounds like a good idea , I will ask gp first I’m not convinced though they will go for it as they said all blood tests normal but that was usual ones , do you recommend private site for testing ? I have had private stuff done before it was so expensive they wanted me to take 100s I mean 100a Of vitamins and minerals that didn’t agree with me
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 special offers, Medichecks usually have offers on Thursdays, Blue Horizon its more random
Bring results back here on new post and members can advise on next steps
I have an appointment booked for 28th with doctor and if no joy will go on those sites and order tests , sounds a lot better to me , thanks so much for helping me
If you get a blood test for thyroid hormones always get the earliest test, fasting (you can drink water) and if diagnosed and given levothyroixine (which is usually taken first thing with one full glass of water and wait an hour before eating).
A Full Thyroid Function Test is (GPs usually only do TSH and T4) is:-
TSH, T4, T3, Free T4, Free T3 and thyroid antibodies.
Fab I hope they do it , if I went private and it showed a thyroid problem would doctors then prescribe meds regarding the private findings do you know ! Sorry for all the questions 😞
Reasonable doctors should take notice of your results. They may even want to take more or don't trust the results from private labs but remember always the earliest and fasting. Food reduces the TSH result (I doubt they know that) and if you were taking thyroid hormones - food also reduces the uptake of the hormones, that's why it is recommended to take hormones on an empty stomach and wait an hour before eating.
That sounds fab and such good advice thank you so much you have really helped me no end I can’t thank you enough , I will hopefully get the bloods and remember to fast so that’s a very good point 👍😀 thank you so much once again
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