Hi all I haven't posted on here for a long time. I'm still completely lost. In 2017 I posted my levels.
TSH 0.973 FREE T3 3.8 FREE T4 12.1 PMOL/I.
I was told my T3 was low and needed GP to do something.
Well needless to say 3 year on and I'm still as confused as ever.
1. Test normal. Go away wait for next 12 months
2. Test came back low. Come back in 6 weeks for another test. This came back normal (I was told a good rise) I had had to start so TB meds, in this time. Nothing contagious Layton TB puts me 10%higher risk of catching full blown. 6 months meds. Got 2.5 months left.
I have the following symptoms and there getting worse
1 cold all the time even in the sun. Only part ever warm is my face.
2. Tiered all the time (I sleep a lot)
3. Mussels ache, all the time. I have ostioauthritus in my knee hip and lower spine.
4. Buried vision my eyes seem to go in and out of it.
5. I get drawn off what I'm doing half way through and start something else.. almost like I forgot I was doing the first thing.. I'm normal so organised.
6. No enjoyment any more. Sometime a numb feeling. Not body but emotions?
7. I can swallow but only in small amounts
Am I barking up the wrong tree. Doc says thyroid is fine. He only ever tests over all
I'm so confused my health has got worse over 3 years and hes not listening to me.
Should I pay to have a test against.. but what if he doesnt listen to them results again
Can any one help me please.
Written by
Bell100
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You need to get hold of your actual blood results, and ranges (which vary from lab to lab). As you have discovered "in range" and "normal" are pretty meaningless - it's where you are in range, and how you actually feel, that matter. Either add them to this post [use the "more" button on the right or start a new post]. You are legally allowed your blood results without giving a reason [say "for my records" if they ask]
Are you on thyroid meds? It sounds as if you are under-medicated from your symptoms.
It's good if they are testing free T3 along with TSH and free T4, but it would also be helpful to test your key nutrients - ferritin, folate, vit D and B12 - as your thyroid meds work best when these are nice and high.
I dont have any thyroid meds at all. They tell me I dont need them. I have tablets for anemia, vitamin D and I have a B12 injection. It's not my GP testing my T3 this was a test i paid for years ago. My GP is doing TSH only ?
as others have said, you mean to get knowledge of recent blood test results. Either by asking for a printout from Dr, or by getting full thyroid test done privately.
You are legally entitled to printed copies of your blood test results and ranges.
Those results need ranges added...
Are they the most recent results?
From when?
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 and thyroid antibodies
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?
Private tests are available as NHS currently rarely tests Ft3 or thyroid antibodies or all relevant vitamins
Ok here goes. I have iron done once yearly on blood test. I take iron tablets ferusfumate meant to take 3 daily, but they upset my tummy so I only take 2.
Never been told to take vit C?
Vit D.. I was told by the diabetic team to take it 6 months of the year. I have to buy it my self. Doctor wont give it me.
No idea what PA is. I have an injection ever 12 weeks for B12.
Never been told to take any other Vit except a multi. Again I buy my own.
I have read up about hypothyroidism. But my doctor said no as my thyroid is fine
I apologise in advance if I sound rude - you have been on this forum for three years. If you follow posts you cannot avoid the daily advice to many that obtaining results with ranges is so important. Also taking VitC with iron to aid absorption. Seeking advice for a different iron that may not upset you. Which VitD and how much ? VitD is not expensive. It is fat soluble.
I asked you about Magnesium and K2-MK7. Did you not research PA - Pernicous Anaemia - a cause of low B12 - when you started injections ? . Reading and reading is the only way to learn and understand about our conditions - we also have to take responsibility for our own health. I am almost 74 but I am still learning new things most days from the members here ...
Multi vits are NOT a good idea. greygoose has a great explanation - she maybe along soon !
I only posted once on here before with my results I had had done privately as my G.P says my thyroid is fine. I have been back and forth to my G.Phaving yearly tests for thyroid. So idnt have a lot to follow. I mentioned about T3 and T4 but I was told they dont cover them. I haven't had years on this sight. I just took it as nothing wrong live with it. But it's got to a point where I'm freezing all the time and so tired I cant stay awake and its affecting my home life. Cleaning cooking looking after a family cause I'm so dam tired. Magnesium k2-MK7 or PA is, so no I would not have researched it. I was told my iron levels were low so I took the tablets..
I have always been told not to google health stuff as it leave you feeling more confused. And with out me being rude. How can I research something I no nothing about.
I do take responsibility for my health hence why I'm trying desperately to understand what is going on at the moment. And I was advised I needed a multi vit after my operation (gastric sleeve) as I may not absorb enough of all vitamins.
Click onto your username Bell100 and you will see this is your 3rd Post - and yes I have read them all to try and understand your background. Members are still asking the same questions !
You can only take responsibility when you obtain copies of all your results with ranges and start monitoring your progress and checking what has been missed.
Which Multi-vit are you taking ? Does it contain Iron - Calcium - Iodine ? All of which can cause a problem.
There are over 108,000 members here and many are active on a daily basis where you could learn so much. There is a Search Facilty at the top of the page and a RELATED TOPICS section if you scroll down and down.
TB is connected to LOW VitD - I will ask agai - how much are you taking ?
When I was told by my doctor my thyroid was fine. I did not continue on this site as I saw little point in asking questions about something I didnt have ?. Clearly I am learning how to use the site correctly. And trying to learn what I may need to know once I can get a correct diagnosis. I have looked at the links shared and have seen a test that I will try and get sorted.
I have no idea on vit D how much I should be taking I was just told to take it by my diabetic doctor. So I have to buy it. Once again my G.P says I dont need it .
I take calcium &vitamin D it says 5 then backwards y (I do not have the symbol on my phone) then a g %NRG " 100% vitamin D. Then 800 mg calcium %NRG" 100%.
For Layton TB I also have to take a vit B every day for 6 months. I am 3.5 months through
Is there a medical reason for you taking calcium? It's really not a good thing to take unless you absolutely need it. (And that's another thing that doctors don't understand and keep prescibing that dreadful Adcal!)
Calcium supplements are very difficult to absorb, and can build up in the blood vessels and soft tissues, causing all sorts of problems. If you are taking a decent dose of vit D, that will increase your absorption of calcium from food, which will probably more than meet your need for calcium. BUT you must take vit K2-MK7 with it, to make sure the extra calcium goes into the teeth and bones, and doesn't build up in the soft tissues.
You also need to take magnesium when you take vit D, because the two work together.
The amount of vit D in that supplement is not enough to raise the levels of a sunburnt gnat! It's all calcium with a tiny bit of vit D. I know it says 100% RDA, but you cannot resolve a deficiency with 100% RDA, you need to take a lot more than that.
Thank you. I had no idea how much I need. My diabetic doctor just said " it's a bit low you need to take some vitamin D" he then stated it's best to take it for the 6 months between roughly september/october to February/March. When I was told in October I had Layton TB and was given my medication in March. The TB nurse said take it yearly. So I have been. I contacted my G.P and asked if he could prescribe it. He said I didnt need to take it and didnt understand why I was. I was to ring him the following week. Sadly lock down began and my G.P shut. I was moved to another surgery. Nothing has been sorted so I remain taking the shop bought?
You're better off buying your own, anyway, because doctors rarely prescribe enough. But, without knowing exactly how low your vit D is, no-one can tell you how much you should be taking. You really do need to get hold or your medical records and find out your blood test results. There's no other way forwards.
But, ditch those vit D/calcium tablets you've got. Don't take any more of those. What you want are vit D capsules - or spray - without the calcium. And, you need to take magnesium and vit K2-MK7 with it. Don't ever buy your supplements in a high street shop, you'll never get the right thing. Buy them on-line, on Amazon or somewhere like that. But, ask advice on here first (in a new thread) once you get your blood test results.
Sadly no. It transfers you to another surgery. I am told unless it's an emergency I can not be seen. Ok I wont. I'm trying to sort the money to get a private test done from medicheck. Will they do a full list I have read some the tests they do, but still unsure if its every thing. What is the best way to test. Morning? Fasting? Meds taken or not? I have seen on here some one said not to take VITS before a test. Leave them 7 days? I take my iron and VIT B for my Layton TB. I wont take multi or VIT D
When you do the test, make sure you fast over-night, and leave a 24 hour gap between the last dose of levo and the blood draw - take your levo afterwards.
Don't take any supplements the morning of the blood draw, either. The one you need to stop for a week is biotin, which is one of the B vits, so if you take a B complex, stop that for a week.
Why are you still taking a multi-vit? I explained to you why it was a very bad idea. It's probably making you feel worse.
You must stop calling your TB 'Layton'. It's latent TB, meaning not fully developed. Layton TB is meaningless. Don't give doctors any more ammunition against you than they already have.
I have ordered test. Delivery in ten days from medicheck. All that is needed. I dont take levothyroxine. I have stopped taking multi vit yesterday as you stated? I will stop my Vit B now.
Doctors recommend multi-vits because they know nothing about nutrients, and just want the easiest way out to get rid of the patient without having to prescribe anything. But, they really are a very bad idea for many reasons:
* If your multi contains iron, it will block the absorption of all the vitamins - you won't absorb a single one! Iron should be taken at least two hours away from any other supplement except vit C, which is necessary to aid absorption of iron, and protect the stomach.
* If your multi also contains calcium, the iron and calcium will bind together and you won't be able to absorb either of them.
* Multi's often contain things you shouldn't take or don't need : calcium, iodine, copper. These things should be tested before supplementing.
* Multi's often contain the cheapest, least absorbable form of the supplement : magnesium oxide, instead of magnesium citrate or one of the other good forms; cyanocobalamin instead of methylcobalamin; folic acid instead of methylfolate; etc. etc. etc. This is especially true of supermarket multis.
* Multi's do not contain enough of anything to help a true deficiency, even if you could absorb them.
* When taking several supplements, you should start them individually at two weekly intervals, not all at once as you would with a multi. Because, if you start them all at once, and something doesn't agree with you, you won't know which one it is and you'll be back to square one.
* Most supplements should be taken at least two hours away from thyroid hormone, but some - iron, vit D, magnesium and calcium (should you really need to take it) should be taken at least four hours away from thyroid hormone.
* The magnesium you take - and just about everybody need to take it - should be chosen according to what you want it to do:
Magnesium citrate: mild laxative, best for constipation.
Magnesium taurate: best for cardiovascular health.
Magnesium malate: best for fatigue – helps make ATP energy.
Magnesium glycinate: most bioavailable and absorbable form, non-laxative.
Magnesium chloride: for detoxing the cells and tissues, aids kidney function and can boost a sluggish metabolism.
Magnesium carbonate: good for people suffering with indigestion and acid reflux as it contains antacid properties.
Worst forms of magnesium: oxide, sulphate, glutamate and aspartate.
With a multivitamin, you are just throwing your money down the drain, at best, and doing actual harm at worst. Far better to get tested for vit D, vit B12, folate and ferritin, and build up your supplementation program based on the results. A vitamin or a mineral is only going to help you if you need it, anyway. More of something you don’t need is not better, it's either pointless or even dangerous, as with iodine, calcium, iron or vit D.
I have read up about hypothyroidism. But my doctor said no as my thyroid is fine
That's not exactly what was suggested. I suggested you research Central Hypothyroidism. Whilst symptoms of hypothyroidism are the same broad variety no matter what the cause, Central Hypothyroidism is special in many other ways. The first way is that your GP - like most GPs - has never heard of it. Which is why the patient has to do all the spade work to bring it to the doctor's attention.
Central hypothyroidism is when the problem lies with the pituitary or the hypothalamus rather than the thyroid itself - which is called Primary Hypothyroidism.
With Primary Hypothyroidism you have a high TSH with low FT3/4. With Central Hypothyroidism the TSH does not rise in response to low thyroid hormones, so you have low/low normal TSH with low FT3/4. The doctor only looks at the TSH and because it is in-range concludes that there is nothing wrong with your thyroid - which is correct, but you are still hypo because your FT3 is low.
That would appear to be your case, which is why I suggested you read up on it. It is a special category of hypothyroidism, less often seen that hypothyroidism due to a damaged thyroid. And, unless you know what you're talking about when you talk to your doctor, you will never get any sort of diagnosis, and will continue to suffer whilst your thyroid hormones drop lower and lower. So, it really would be a good idea to learn something about it, as I suggested three years ago:
Yes correct I am not on thyroid meds. My GP says test is ok. I do have anemia and take iron tablets and vid D tablets and have a B12 injection 12 weekly. I am a type 2 diabetic on metformin not type one
I would still recommend you consider getting FULL Thyroid and vitamin testing privately
Your Ft4 and Ft3 look EXTREMELY low ...and you say test was years ago
Test annually as absolute minimum
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 .
This gives highest TSH, lowest FT4 and most consistent results. (Patient to patient tip, best not mentioned to GP or phlebotomist)
This is why I was told to take a multi vit each day. And this is why they say vit D is low B12 is needed and iron tablets. As results show I'm deficient in them. But some one else is saying dont take one...
Are the symptoms related to thyroid? My G.P makes me feel like I'm making them up
You've got to understand that doctors know very little about thyroid and even less about nutrition. They just don't study these things in med school. So, just about anything they tell you on these subjects could be - and probably is - wrong. You've got this forum, where our collective knowledge of thyroid and nutrition way outstrips any individual doctor - and possibly all GPs and most of the endos. Ask us first before taking what your GP says as gospel.
You know he's wrong, anyway, because you know your body and how it feels - and how it ought to feel. And he knows he's out of his depth, which is why he's going out of his way to make you feel like a hypochondriac, and that everything is your fault. I don't know if it's a technic they learn in med school - it wouldn't surprise me - but they nearly all do it.
So, for the sake of your health, just ask here. We can explain and tell you what to research for yourself. And if there's anything you don't understand, just ask. There's no limit on how many questions you can ask.
Cross that bridge when you come to it. No point in saying 'what if'. Get your facts straight first - learn the right vocabulary - make notes - and above all, understand what you're talking about, if you want to be taken seriously.
3 years ago greygoose suggested you followed up on having tests for Central Hypothyroidism - when it could be a pituitary issue. Wondering if you managed to do that ?
Lots of good advice in your last two threads - are you able to find them ? - happy to help.
When getting B12 injections it’s recommended to also supplement a good quality daily vitamin B complex, one with folate in not folic acid may be beneficial. This helps keep all B vitamins in balance and helps maintain B12 levels between injections
B vitamins best taken in the morning after breakfast
Igennus Super B complex are nice small tablets. Often only need one tablet per day, not two. Certainly only start with one tablet per day (Or even half a tablet first week) after breakfast.
Or Thorne Basic B or jarrow B-right are other options that contain folate, but both are large capsules
If you are taking vitamin B complex, or any supplements containing biotin, remember to stop these 7 days before any blood tests, as biotin can falsely affect test results
Ok. I'm confused an annoyed. I was never told to take vit B. But as I now have to take tablets for Layton TB they have given me a bit B tablet as well.
I had a thyroid test before taking them, it come back low. So was told repeat in 6 weeks. In this 6 weeks I began my TB meds. So were taking them on my repeat test.. this one come back a lot higher than before? Could it have been the vit B
Does if you're talking to a doctor. Use the wrong words and terms and it just gives them a good excuse to dismiss you as stupid, and therefore not to be taken seriously or listened to.
Having suffered with TB myself - Ileo-caecal TB - with 6 months in hospital, 5 operations and 16 months of heavy TB medication - yes it does matter. In the grand scale of things Latent TB would have been a walk in the park ... Always worth reading people's Bio they have posted before replying 😷
It was a simple spelling mistake. It was not a slur on TB or any other. I am not suggesting for one second that my Layton TB is any thing like TB . My question was merely that my first thyroid test that came back low was pre taking vit B. And then after going back 6 weeks later I was taking the meds and it had risen to what they classed as normal. I apologise if I have spelt something wrong. It was just a question
I gave ti but my own vit D. Doctor said I dont need it. Diabetic team at hospital said take it 6 month of the year in the winter months as my level dips?
I do take mine all year. I am prepared to get a private test done to determine if it is my thyroid as long as my G.P diesnt refuse to treat me. If it's not my thyroid then I have no idea what next
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