hi guys
I have just had some recent blood test and have the results but didn't get the reference ranges. my TSH was 1 which if I remember the ranges were {1.2-2.0} from previous test. My Vit D is quite low at 32. and my potassium levels are high which needs to be re tested in 2 weeks. is this normal to have these low/high results when you have thyroid problems. or anyone else experienced these sorts of results.
thank you
Jenny
my TSH was 1 which if I remember the ranges were {1.2-2.0}
That's not a TSH range, it will be more like 0.2-4.2 or similar.
We really need to see a proper thyroid panel to help, TSH, FT4, FT3, Thyroid antibodies, with results and reference ranges.
As for Vit D, if you can confirm if it's nmol/L or ng/ml then we can interpret your result.
Hi seasidesusie
The print out that they have are new and they don't come with ref ranges, I did ask them but they told me its all they can do. The vit D level is in nmol/L and is 32(-) last one was 75 so its come down quite a bit. My T4 was 17 (pmol/L) but no ref range. My potassium level was 5.5 and I have to stay away from high potassium food and re test in 2 weeks.
thank you for your reply
Your Vit D at 32nmol/L is just 2 points above where loading doses would be prescribed for Vit D deficiency.
Is your GP going to prescribe anything? He may only be able to prescribe 800iu D3, in which case it's nowhere near enough. I'll work out what you need if you let me know what's happening there.
Your FT4 can't be interpreted as the ranges vary. My surgery's range is 7-17 so you would be at the very top of that, but we also see 9-19, and 12-22 so with that one you'd only be 50% through range.
You really do need the ranges, so if your surgery can't provide them then I'd be calling the hospital lab. We really can't help much at all unless we have full thyroid results with ranges, and know what thyroid meds you take.
Ok thank you, I am at the doctors on the 19th so I will ask if he can tell me the ranges. He has prescribed me tablets 20,000 3 times a week for 10 weeks. And have to be re tested for potassium in 2 weeks. I know I have to stay off bananas but is there anything else I need to stay away from. I have looked on the internet but it is conflicting info.
Thank you
I know I have to stay off bananas but is there anything else I need to stay away from.
I don't know any of the top of my head, I'd have to research it. This NHS hospital has potassium lowering dietary advice, that's probably as good as it gets.
thh.nhs.uk/documents/_Patie...
He has prescribed me tablets 20,000 3 times a week for 10 weeks.
So those are your loading doses. Make sure you are retested after you've finished. If GP wont do it then do a private fingerprick blood spot test with an NHS lab which offers this test to the general public for £29:
It's essential that you know your new level, because that tells you what you need to do next with regard to dose of D3. You will very likely need to supplement for life, as most of us who have been deficient do, so you need to find a maintenance dose.
The Vit D Council recommends a level of 125nmol/L and the Vit D Society recommends a level of 100-150nmol/L. Those are the levels to aim for, regardless of what your GP says, most are satisfied when you are just out of the Insufficient category, but we hypos need an optimal level.
When you have your new level, after the loading doses, come back and I will work out what you need to do next.
Your GP won't know, because they're not taught nutrition, but there are important cofactors needed when taking D3 as recommended by the Vit D Council -
vitamindcouncil.org/about-v...
D3 aids absorption of calcium from food and K2-MK7 directs the calcium to bones and teeth where it is needed and away from arteries and soft tissues where it can be deposited and cause problems such as hardening of the arteries, kidney stones, etc.
D3 and K2 are fat soluble so should be taken with the fattiest meal of the day, D3 four hours away from thyroid meds if taking tablets/capsules/softgels, no necessity if using an oral spray
Magnesium helps D3 to work. We need Magnesium so that the body utilises D3, it's required to convert Vit D into it's active form. So it's important we ensure we take magnesium when supplementing with D3.
Magnesium comes in different forms, check to see which would suit you best and as it's calming it's best taken in the evening, four hours away from thyroid meds if taking tablets/capsules, no necessity if using topical forms of magnesium.
naturalnews.com/046401_magn...
Check out the other cofactors too (some of which can be obtained from food).
Thank You so much for all your Advice, I will make sure I am re tested after I finish the course. you have been so helpful.
Thank You
Hi there.i had a high potassium level at one test but I used to eat a high fibre diet which just happens to be a high potassium diet .i looked up our local hospital low potassium diet and kept to it and my levels came down.i have weetabix or porridge with almond milk and dried cranberries for breakfast and just keep away from bananas ,youghurt ,baked beans ,broccoli etc .it came down in 4 weeks .hope this helps .
Hi thank you that really helps. I do eat a banana every day and a yogurt so will keep away from them for a while. I also have porridge with almond milk so it can't be that causing it. Do you know what your levels was ? mine was 5.5 which is the same as last yr but once I got re tested it came down to 4.6.
Thank You
Hi there.my last potassium level was 5.5 but 2 weeks ago after testing went down to 4.4 .a low potassium diet is what I call crap food but at least it came down .i do believe it was the banana and yoghurt breakfast every day that put it over range so now I just be careful.i also ate a lot of tomatoes ,just cut out the very high items and you will be fine.i had baked beans today ,first time in months lol.
Thank You for your reply. If I cut out High potassium food all the time will I run the risk of it going to low. Im such a worrier sorry.
Hi ,I went on a strict diet until level came down ,then just cut out the major players,bananas ,milk,youghurt ,tomatoes,beans .its not a good idea to stay on it as the body needs potassium .i did eat a lot of high potassium foods thinking I was healthy eating .dont worry as 5.5 is not overly high .just be sensible .i do have copies of all my tests and keep an eye on them myself as doctors are not much help .my doctor just rang and said stop eating bananas .lol
Thats great advice thank you so much.
You are welcome
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