Well, my GP agreed to a blood test for Vit D, Folate, Vit B12 and TSH. I stopped all supplements one week before and didn't take levo that morning until immediately after the test and had breakfast when I got home.
I was a bit confused as the TSH result from Blue Horizon was 9.30 then a few days later the NHS test showed 5.62, which doesn't appear to be that much over the range taking my symptoms into account. My GP explained that different labs have different ranges. I am confused as surely the ranges are standard and referred to in the NICE literature (which I've only read part of)
Anyway, she agreed that I should increase levo from 75mg upto 100mg. I had been taking Teva but was given Mercury Pharma. In light of what I've read on this Forum I had a quick chat with the Pharmacist about allergic reaction of TEVA. Third day of increased levo and I'm beginning to feel better. So I shall be watching whether it could be the increase in levo or perhaps a different brand.
So other results - Vit D 99 nmol/L >50nmol/L = adequate Vit D concentration Vit B12 560ng/l range 200.0 - 960.0 Folate 12.6 ng/ml range 3.0 - 18.0
She wouldn't sanction a ferritin test as in June my level was 91 ng/ml range 20 - 350) thus normal/adequate. Personally, I'd like it to be higher so will consider that.
The Cortisol test is on its way - can't believe it will take about one month. I have to be patient as I can't really afford a private test just yet. She did confirm that she could not refer me to an Endo on the NHS - and kept saying that T3 is only prescribed to patients with hyperthyroidism. My GP was being as helpful as she could be in the circumstances, was working against time and in full scrubs. So no time for further discussion.
She was more concerned whether I have angina as I told her about the constant pulse under my sternum and at the base of my throat. She examined me (blood pressure, heartbeats, listened to heart and breath. So I have to go back in 6 weeks for another blood test and an ECG.
Tinnitus persists but its early days. I will need to review the supplements that I take and the combination of ingredients. Already, I take Easy Iron and B complex with my lunch instead of breakfast. Vit C, zinc and D with breakfast.
I find all this over-whelming suddenly and realise that it may be a slow process in sorting everything out. The first 10 years of hypothyroidism appeared to go without a hitch but the past 12 years or so has been one problem after another.
The new article published today is also of interest as I've thought that my heart arrythmias over time have had something to do with my thyroid. Thought that is another story but my instinct may have been correct. Yet, I'm aware that I shouldn't jump to conclusions in the effort to find an answer. Sorry - thanks for reading this far.
WOW! these tags appear automatically - much to read later on.
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No my GP wouldn't sanction those tests as she said they only do that at the initial diagnosis. It is difficult to discuss this with the GP as it appears that I'm being confrontational. Especially, as she showed concern that I may have agina. To-day is day four of taking 100mg and my full supplements again - and - - - that 'flutter' under my sternum and at base of my throat had gone today. I'm thinking that there must be a link.
Sorry - yes I do have to go back in 6 weeks for another test and an ECG!! I still don't know how to stabilise the apparent cycle of over medicated - 2 or 3 months over medicated then back again to over medication. Pity we can't test ourselves as diabetics do. Hey ho.
Thank you - it appears to come back to FT3 again. I can't afford to go to an Endcrinologist privately just now. So, I'll take the increased levo (feeling a bit better), pay attention to when I take my supplements (and review them too regarding others to include e.g. copper, selenium - reading about them) and review my diet. e.g. look at lactose and wheat/gluten free. I already restrict how much bread I do eat. I'm concerned to be able to keep walking, exercising etc especially at this age strength is easily lost.
I still have alot of reading to do and information to assimilate. Thank you for your advice and information.
Recommend getting Full testing privately 6-8/weeks after any dose increase or change in brand of levothyroxine
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)
If/when also on T3, make sure to take last third or quarter of daily dose 8-12 hours prior to test, even if this means adjusting time or splitting of dose day before test
Is this how you do your tests?
Private tests are available as NHS currently rarely tests Ft3 or thyroid antibodies or all relevant vitamins
Its 7 days at the higher dose of 100mg levothyroxine. I started to feel better (at least not getting worse) on the 3rd day, much better by Friday. Had been walking one mile per day and felt exhausted BUT by Saturday I walked 2 miles, briskly, tired but NOT exhausted.
The muscle fatigue has gone and I'm feeling much more positive. My GP wants me to go back for a blood test in 6 weeks (just after Xmas) but only for TSH - is it necessary to test vitamins again so soon? She was concerned that my symptoms indicated Agina so wants me to have a ECG then too. Those symptoms have gone, breathing much easier, more energy and tinnitus quieter and not constant. So I'm feeling so much more positive. I'm also taking Iron at lunch time. Interested to read in someone's post that calcium and some other vitamins can affect the absorbtion of thyroxin, so I'll pay more attention to that also.
I take Vit C & zinc, Vit D, glucosamine as well as a blood thinner (Rivaroxaban) with breakfast THEN Vit B complex, Iron and Magnesium with lunch or evening meal. Is that OK?
So it seems that its best to take all my supplements with lunch or evening meal. Can I take B complex with Glucosamine in the morning? I would start taking my levo before bedtime but I sometimes like a small snack in the evening. Also, depending on what I've done during the day I eat my evening meal at different times.
Yes, the different lab ranges can be very different, which is why everyone is asked to put their relevant lab ranges after the blood results - but a TSH of more than 3 is always bad news. TSH also varies quite substantially during the day, and is highest in the mornings, which is why an early morning blood test is also the best to get x
T3 (liothyronine) can be used during treatment of hyperthyroidism.
For example, if the patient is on block and replace, it would be perfectly reasonable to prescribe liothyronine - on its own or with levothyroxine - as the "replace" part of the treatment.
(Yes, it would be wrong to add liothyronine to someone who is hyperthyroid without any other treatment!)
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