Good result at the doctors

[Norrahsjake]

I would like to say a big thank you to people on here who have given me advice on my blood test results.

I visited my doctors today and after about a year of feeling terrible, I have finally been diagnosed as having hypothyroidism.

He gave me a prescription for Levothyroxine 50mg and I have to go back for another blood test in a few months to check my blood results. I felt so relieved when I was liked out the surgery, that something was finally being done .

Once again thank you for every one who messaged me offering good advice .

Very much appreciated

Sharron

[SeasideSusie Remembering]

I have to go back for another blood test in a few months to check my blood results

What does your GP mean by "a few months"? It should be a retest after 6 weeks, dose increase by 25mcg, retest 6-8 weeks later, increase dose, repeat every 6-8 weeks until your levels are where they need to be for you to feel well. Increases in dose are inevitable until your levels are stable and you feel well, so he shouldn't prolong the agony.

[Norrahsjake in reply to SeasideSusie]

Really , he said they would send me a letter for a blood test in 2-3 months , I will ring up tomorrow and have a word . Thanks

[SeasideSusie Remembering in reply to Norrahsjake]

The old NICE Clinical Knowledge Summary used to say retest 4 weeks after starting Levo :

cks.nice.org.uk/hypothyroid...

Overt hypothyroidism (non-pregnant)

Review the person every 3–4 weeks after initiation of LT4 and adjust the dose according to clinical and biochemical parameters, aiming to:

Resolve the symptoms and signs of hypothyroidism.

Normalize serum TSH and improve thyroid hormone concentrations to the euthyroid state.

Avoid overtreatment, especially in the elderly.

Once a stable TSH is achieved, TSH can be checked 4–6 monthly and then annually.

but the new guidelines which came out in November (I think) don't give a timescale now. Another step backwards with thyroid treatment.

I would say 2 months is OK but 3 months is too long.

[Norrahsjake in reply to SeasideSusie]

Thanks for your reply, I will make sure it is within the 2 months and not left until 3 months .

[Wetsuiter in reply to SeasideSusie]

I think new does say 3 months

[Hidden in reply to Wetsuiter]

But there should be an allowance sooner, especially if, as usually seems to happen, you start to feel a bit worse again after several weeks. This in itself shows you will soon need an increase.

Likely 3 months is to save money!

[SlowDragon Administrator]

Your folate and B-12 are both very low ....in previous post

healthunlocked.com/thyroidu...

GP should test for pernicious anaemia first before starting on folate supplements and perhaps B-12 injections

It’s most likely they are low due to hypothyroidism....but should b3 tested first

Presumably you have already started on vitamin D supplements

[mountainice in reply to SlowDragon]

Does this mean hypothyroidism can come before PA - I was interested in what you said.

[SlowDragon Administrator in reply to mountainice]

Many people who have low B12, this is because they are hypothyroid

Or some only have PA and once low B12 and folate corrected, thyroid works well

Some people have PA as well as hashimoto’s...they are both autoimmune. Having one autoimmune disease makes others more likely

Depending on which is tested for first often depends which is found first

Low B12 may be picked up. Tested for PA and negative. Starting on B12 sublingual lozenges or B12 injections.... often hypothyroidism picked up few months later

When hypothyroid, especially with hashimoto’s low vitamin levels are extremely common.

Improving low vitamin levels to optimal levels is first step if thyroid levels are borderline. Testing BOTH TPO and TG thyroid antibodies too

[Norrahsjake in reply to SlowDragon]

Hi, yes I have started taking vitamin D and B-12 tablets and folate since the last blood test in December.

[SlowDragon Administrator in reply to Norrahsjake]

GP should have tested for Pernicious Anaemia before starting on any B12 and folate