Hi I was diagnosed with hyperthyroidism 2 yrs ago and at the time I was tested for diabetes as my levels where high. As I had aching joints, tired and was putting on weight that I could not shift, which was unusual for me.
I was put on 100mg levothyroxine tablets. I was still ill and tested again so they reduced to 75mg which I am still on.
6 months later I tested again as still unwell and was eventually diagnosed with indifferentual inflammatory arthritis, I am now on DMARD (sulfasalazine) codeine, etoricoxib(anti inflammatory) and steroid injections every 4 months.
In all this time I have tried to loose weight I am 3 stone off my normal weight and have struggled to lose it, in the past if I put on a few pounds I would work out and lose it, and I have always eaten healthy and weight has always been in normal range, this is the heaviest I have been ever.
Now I have arthritis I can't work out like I used to but I still do low impact cardio, yoga and tai chi. Everyday to help my joints.
I have had my 6 monthly thyroid check end Feb and gp still says my dose is correct, but my T3 levels were high but not to worry. And said will test my iron levels next time. I am a 45 Yr old female, sorry for the long post
Any advise on loosing weight or what to do.
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You mean you were diagnosed as hypothyroid, under active (not hyperthyroid)
Presumably you have autoimmune thyroid disease also called Hashimoto’s
Have you had thyroid antibodies tested?
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.
The best way to get access to current and historic blood test results is to register for online access to your medical record and blood test results
UK GP practices are supposed to offer everyone 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.
Important to see exactly what has been tested and equally important what hasn’t been tested yet
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 you have autoimmune thyroid disease (Hashimoto's) diagnosed by raised Thyroid antibodies
Ask GP to test vitamin levels
You may need to get full Thyroid testing privately as NHS refuses to test TG antibodies if TPO antibodies are negative
Recommended on here that all thyroid blood tests should ideally be done as early as possible in morning and before eating or drinking anything other than water .
Last dose of Levothyroxine 24 hours prior to blood 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?
Steroids can affect a TSH do it’s especially important to test Ft4 and Ft3
Private tests are available as NHS currently rarely tests Ft3 or thyroid antibodies or all relevant vitamins
The advice given by Slow Dragon is absolutely spot on.
Once you post your results on this forum you will receive lots of helpful advice appertaining specifically to your case.
Unfortunately GP's know very little about Thyroid problems, and they are limited by the NHS on testing. They only test for TSH and T4 occasionally., and then base all treatment on these results, which is rubbish. If possible you should be seen by a consultant, but then you need to see the right one who is really interested in Thyroid and would prescribe T3 if needed.
Unfortunately many of us experience weight gain.
Can I say you have come to the right place here, as many of us have received super advice and have improved our health, as we can not rely on the medics. Lots of facts and professional advice to be found.
Good Luck on your journey which may take a little time.
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