I have been diagnosed with hypothyroidism for 2 years having suffered from hashimotos before that (it was triggered by parathyroid surgery where my surgeon proudly stated he had 'rummaged in the back of your thyroid for 1 and a half hours'. I think he was proud of that but my thyroid stopped working as a consequence.... which he said would have happened sooner or later due to the hashis (I was reducing my antibody level so I now feel cheated of my opportunity to heal myself).
Although I'm on thyroxine I never really feel like my old self - my motivation for life is reduced and I feel my quality of life is less. I struggle with my weight in a way I never did before and I don't feel as present in conversations with friends and family..some would say that's a bonus (!) but I feel less reactive and more sluggish mentally and physically. I have terrible brain fog and forget what I was doing two minutes ago. It seems to be getting worse over time and I'm keen to look at diet, maybe try natural desiccated thyroxine as well as my prescription and see if that gets into my cells more effectively. I'm researching all sorts of options but wondered whether anyone out there had any experience or thoughts to assist me? I know we are all different and different things work for each of us but it's such a minefield I'd appreciate some help navigating my way through all the literature and dietry information out there!
Written by
Ruther
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
As you have Hashimoto's diet and vitamins are usually very important
First thing is, do you have any actual blood test results? if not will need to get hold of copies.
You are legally entitled to printed copies of your blood test results and ranges.
UK GP practices are supposed to offer online access for blood test results. Ring and ask if this is available and apply to do so if possible, if it is you may need "enhanced access" to see blood results.
In reality many GP surgeries do not have blood test results online yet
Alternatively ring receptionist and request printed copies of results. Allow couple of days and then go and pick up.
How much Levothyroxine are you taking?
Is it always the same brand?
Many patients don't get on with Teva brand
Can you add most recent results and ranges for TSH, FT3 and FT4, vitamin D, folate, ferritin and B12 tested. Add results and ranges if you have them
Ask GP to test vitamin levels if not been done
Are you on strictly gluten free diet? Or tried it?
The firstthing you need to do is have the latest results for FT4,FT3,TSH,
ferritin,B12,D3,ferritin and folate with their ranges. and post for advice.To do this you may as many here do need to get private tests.See Thyroid UK web site for more detailed information.
It seems to me that the medical profession - who take out or render a thyroid gland unable to produce hormones - believe it is so simple to replace the hormones T4 and T3. It isn't - as many patients find out to their astonishment that they feel much worse than before. Also doctors insist that our symptoms are nothing to do with hypothyridism or the dose we're on.
They also seem to only take notice of the TSH alone (from the pituitary gland) and do not check the Free T4 and Free T3 if patient is still complaining. Both have to be near the top of the range (FT3 isn't the same as T3). T3 is the Active Thyroid Hormone needed in all of our millions of T3 receptor cells and T4 (inactive hormone) alone is supposed to convert to the Active T3 but may not provide enough to run our whole system. Professionals are also unaware of the symptoms we could develop (thankfully not all of them).
Blood tests have to be at the earliest possible, fasting (you can drink water) and allow a gap of 24 hours between last dose of levo and test and take afterwards. This helps keep the TSH at its highest as the professionals seem to think that if it is in range we're on sufficient. If our TSH is not 1 or lower, we are not on sufficient. The aim is a TSH of 1 or lower with FT4 and FT3 in the upper part of the ranges.
Thyroid hormones should be taken first thing when we get up with one full glass of water and wait an hour before eating. Food interferes with the uptake of the hormones.
Always get a print-out of your results with the ranges. Ranges are important in order for members to comment upon them. The following also have to be optimal.
Content on HealthUnlocked does not replace the relationship between you and doctors or other healthcare professionals nor the advice you receive from them.
Never delay seeking advice or dialling emergency services because of something that you have read on HealthUnlocked.
Extreme tiredness 
How long until TSH comes back up and some other academic questions
“ I would not start thyroxine unless TSH rises above 10.” Hi! I am new to forum.
Raised antibodies, fluctuating TSH, experiencing symptoms and doctor confused...can anyone help me please?
Tiredness
