Latest blood results

[Chris1802p]

Hi all

Since my last post my ENT specialist has started me on Levothyroxine 50mcg.

My GP has done further bloods as my Medichecks result showed low ferritin and folate. But typically, GP rang me this morning saying ferritin and folate are within normal range so just take a multivitamin. She said she was going to do iron studies, but hasn’t, and because I’m not anaemic I doubt she now thinks it’s necessary.

So I’m not sure where to go now in terms of supplementing.

I’m also concerned that they will try to keep me on the lowest thyroxine dose as soon as my TSH is back within normal range, when I really want to get it down to 1 to see if any of my symptoms improve. Any suggestions to help with that conversation?

Thanks in advance

[SeasideSusie Remembering]

Chris1801p

But typically, GP rang me this morning saying ferritin and folate are within normal range so just take a multivitamin.

Well, obviously don't take a multivitamin, they're not recommended for a variety of reasons including the fact that they contain too little of anything to address deficiencies and low levels, they usually contain the wrong and least absorbable form of ingredients, and they often contain things we should be tested for before supplementing. If it contains iron then it affects the absorption of everything else (iron needs to be taken 2 hours away from other supplements) and if it contains iodine that a definite no-no for us Hypos.

Unfortunately your GP test for folate has come back within range so she's not going to do anything about that.

Your B12 is extremely low, I'm surprised at that considering your Active B12 level with Medichecks. You should check for signs of B12 deficiency here:

b12deficiency.info/signs-an...

b12d.org/submit/document?id=46

and if you have any then list them to discuss with your GP and ask for testing for B12 deficiency and Pernicious Anaemia. Do not take any B12 supplements or folic acid/folate/B Complex supplements before further testing of B12 as this will mask signs of B12 deficiency and skew results.

If you don't have any then you can go ahead and supplement with a good quality, bioavailable B Complex such as Thorne Basic B or Igennus Super B. With your current levels I would take eithe 1 x Thorne or 2 x tablets of Igennus and retest in about 3-4 months.

You already know that your ferritin level is extremely low, it's on a par with your Medichecks result.

She said she was going to do iron studies, but hasn’t, and because I’m not anaemic I doubt she now thinks it’s necessary.

You can have iron deficiency without anaemia. Maybe ask again about an iron panel, if she wont do one then if you want to you can do a fingerprick Iron Deficiency Check with Medichecks.

[Chris1802p in reply to SeasideSusie]

Thanks Susie. About my B12- the GP actually said ‘Oh, your B12 level is really good!’ 😫.

I kid you not! Honestly there’s no way the GP will agree to any more B12 testing, even though I do have various symptoms. I’m pretty sure if I ask for more testing she’ll just either refuse or file me away as a hypochondriac.

[Chris1802p in reply to Chris1802p]

Also I don’t really know if any of my symptoms might be b12 related. I assumed they were thyroid/ low iron.

My main symptoms at the moment are fatigue/weakness,

Headaches

Palpitations

Weight gain

Restless legs

Breathlessness on exertion (just unfit? )

[SeasideSusie Remembering in reply to Chris1802p]

Chris1802p

If you think you have symptoms of B12 deficiency then push for testing, doctors are supposed to go by symptoms, not numbers, where B12 is concerned. However, even though your Total B12 result was pretty awful, the Acvtive B12 result, even below the threshold recommended for testing, isn't dire.

[SlowDragon Administrator]

Similar post this morning about GP thinking B12 is ok....and it’s not

healthunlocked.com/thyroidu...

[Chris1802p in reply to SlowDragon]

Interesting, thank you