Thyroid/Eczma

[Health360]

Hi, I was diagnosed with Graves Disease and was given RAI to kill the Thyroid and put on Thyroxine. I regularly had TH3 and T4 bloods results done and with a bit of tweaking of meds 75mg and been told my levels are good.. but I have an ongoing problem with my skin and eyes swelling.. I have seen a consultant regarding my eyes who has informed it's nothing to do with my Graves, and is more likely to be connected to my skin (ectopic eczma) which I have only developed in the last 5 years... if i take oral steroids it calms down but not sure about long term usesage? Could my skin conditions be linked to my Thyroid???

[SlowDragon Administrator]

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.

75mcg of Levothyroxine is a low dose for someone with no thyroid function

For full Thyroid evaluation you need TSH, FT4 and FT3 tested. Also extremely important to test vitamin D, folate, ferritin and B12

Low vitamin levels are extremely common, especially if on inadequate dose

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?

Ask GP to test TSH FT3, FT4 together and vitamins if not been done,

Private tests are available. Thousands on here forced to do this as NHS often refuses to test FT3 or antibodies or all 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 special offers, Medichecks usually have offers on Thursdays, Blue Horizon its more random

Come back with new post once you get results and ranges

[MaisieGray]

Firstly, to clarify, do you mean you have atopic eczema rather than ectopic - atopic denotes sensitivity to an allergen whereas ectopic means in the wrong place, as in ectopic pregnancy. Atopic eczema can certainly develop around the eyes, and treatment can vary. However, you mention that your eyes swell, and I don't believe that eczema would/could cause that, being a condition of the skin. On the other hand, thyroid eye disease can cause the eye to bulge, and appear bigger, due to inflammation of the eye muscles and fatty tissue behind the eyes; and it's not unknown for it to be wrongly diagnosed as an allergy or similar; but there are definite pointers, such as TED often causing an ache or pain behind the eyes when looking up/down or side to side, which an allergy wouldn't, etc. You may need to ask for a review or second opinion if you believe you may have TED. Meanwhile, BTF advises that there is evidence to suggest that people with TED may benefit from a six month course of selenium supplements at a dose of 100mcg twice daily which you can buy over the counter.

[shaws Administrator]

I thought you may be interested in the following. It was by one of our Advisers, now deceased:-

healthunlocked.com/thyroidu...