Underactive Thyroid and Kidney Infection

[Yasai]

Unfortunately I am unwell again. Yesterday afternoon I was looking forward to some free time in the evening until I came home and started pissing blood. I had been feeling unwell at work that day with constantly needing to pee at very short notice. My GP was pretty useless so I waited until they were closed, called 111 and went to my local Urgent Treatment center. It was there that, as my hunch earlier in the day confirmed, I do have a kidney infection.

The back pain wasn't too bad last night however I've woken up today and I can't get comfortable in any position either standing, sitting or lying down. I'm trying to motivate myself to get out of bed and get my antibiotics from the pharmacy.

I've called in sick from work today because there was no way I could do an entire 7.5 hour shift in this much discomfort but I was curious as to how Hypothyroidism plays into the kidney function and if I'm going to be hit harder by this kidney infection because my thyroid doesn't work like it should.

I'm a bit worried about working because I currently can't afford to miss any work and had arranged a lot of hours in the next few weeks. Part of the problem is that I have developed a bad habit of ignoring when my body is telling me I need to slow down and rest because I have to go to work and I have to earn money. I've put off going to the GP for months because I was so focused on work.

It's difficult to acknowledge that I have to rest more than someone who doesn't have any Thyroid problems because if I try to keep up with everyone else, I get sick. I like being busy and I really like my job so it does upset me when I do have to take a sick day because I'm worried about letting the team down at work.

My body however is screaming at me to slow down in the form of this kidney infection and in the past where I've had horrible Repetitive Strain Injuries in both my hands/wrists (still insisted on turning up to work in 2 wrist splints regardless).

I'm feeling frustrated at how incompetent my body is at keeping up with life, because I want to be at work right now and I want to be able to do everything I need to do today but instead I'm stuck in bed feeling terrible.

[SlowDragon Administrator]

Many members find UTI are more common when hypothyroid

fishertitus.org/health/cond...

Hypothyroidism, also known as underactive thyroid, can affect the way nerve signals reach muscles. This can cause urge incontinence, or feeling the need to go even when you don’t have to. Bladder issues are usually a lesser noticed symptom of hypothyroidism, but should nonetheless be reported to your doctor.

Carpel tunnel obviously well known link to being hypothyroid

nhs.uk/conditions/underacti...

[Yasai in reply to SlowDragon]

Thank you very much for replying! It's reassuring in a way to know that the illnesses I've gotten in the past few months while I've been working a lot have a source. I did a bit of reading into hypothyroidism and kidney function and I was really surprised that none of my doctors have ever told me about the interaction between the two.

The doctor I saw last night was fantastic and did mention that because of the underactive Thyroid that I need to keep an eye on my symptoms with this kidney infection. However before that I have never had a doctor sit down and explain any of this stuff to me. Maybe I've just been unlucky in that aspect!

[SlowDragon Administrator in reply to Yasai]

List of hypothyroid symptoms thyroiduk.org/signs-symptom...

Longer list!

sarahwilson.com/2014/07/300...

When were you diagnosed as hypothyroid

Do you have Hashimoto’s

[Yasai in reply to SlowDragon]

I was diagnosed as Hypothyroid in 2017/2018. I had returned from university after being under constant stress for 3 years and have deferred my studies since. I wasn't told if it was Hashimoto's or not because the care I received at my university GP surgery was absolutely terrible.

They threw whatever medication they could at me and when I went to them with very genuine pain and concerns I was brushed aside because I was a university student and they thought I was drinking too much alcohol or that it was a typical 'university student' illness, despite the fact I was and still am teetotal. At the end they assumed I was making it all up and I stopped going to the GP after that because they really didn't believe I could be genuinely unwell.

When I came home that was when my GP surgery realized I had was hypothyroid and that my notes from the GP surgery at university hadn't travelled to them. So they had no clue I had been going to the university GP with health concerns for 3 years.

[SlowDragon Administrator in reply to Yasai]

So how long have you been taking just 50mcg levothyroxine

Levothyroxine is an extremely fussy hormone and should always be taken on an empty stomach and then nothing apart from water for at least an hour after

Many people take Levothyroxine soon after waking, but it may be more convenient and perhaps more effective taken at bedtime

verywellhealth.com/best-tim...

All thyroid tests should be done as early as possible in morning before eating or drinking anything other than water and last dose levothyroxine 24 hours before test

Was this how you did your most recent test?

Have you got the actual results?

[Yasai in reply to SlowDragon]

My GP has refused to increase my levothyroxine dose. My blood test results being 'normal' is the basis for this however I have never been able to get my hands on the lab results. I'm trying to save up money to get a private blood test done so I can see the results myself and take them to my GP to add into my medical records. I get paid next week and as soon as I have the results I will post them here.

I felt awful on 25mcg and made the choice to increase the dose myself. I've been taking 50mcg for 3/4 months now. I take my levothyroxine in the morning and set 2 alarms, taking my levothyroxine on the first alarm and then go back to sleep for 2 hours. That way I give the levothyroxine a chance to get a head start before I properly wake up and get ready for work / take the rest of my medication, B12 supplement ect.

If I wake up and I've missed the first alarm I take my levothyroxine and take the rest when I get home, or bring my medication with me and after 2 hours I'll excuse myself to take the rest.

When I go for a blood test I always get the earliest possible appointment and leave 24 hours between my last dose of levothyroxine and my appointment. I haven't been able to access my own results however I will see if I can wrangle them from my GP tomorrow!

[SlowDragon Administrator in reply to Yasai]

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.

Link re access

healthunlocked.com/thyroidu...

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

[SlowDragon Administrator]

How much levothyroxine are you currently taking

Do you always get same brand of levothyroxine

When were thyroid and vitamin levels last tested

IBS is common hypothyroid symptom, often caused by low stomach acid/gluten intolerance

[Yasai in reply to SlowDragon]

At the moment I take 50mcg of levothyroxine. I get the same brand every time which is the MercuryPharma one.

The last time I had any blood work done was September. I was told my results were 'normal' however the reason I've been taking on so many hours at work is to order a private blood test to see for myself.

I was diagnosed with the IBS before the Underactive Thyroid however it would make sense that they're linked. The hypothyroidism was identified only after I was very insistent that I get those levels tested so I might have been walking around with it for a lot longer than I thought I have.

[SlowDragon Administrator in reply to Yasai]

50mcg levothyroxine is only a starter dose

Bloods should be retested 6-8 weeks after each dose increase

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 if not been tested yet

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)

Is this how you do your tests?

Have you got the actual results, if yes add them on opening post

Or in a reply here

guidelines on dose levothyroxine by weight

Even if we don’t start on full replacement dose, most people need to increase levothyroxine dose slowly upwards in 25mcg steps (retesting 6-8 weeks after each increase) until on, or near full replacement dose

NICE guidelines on full replacement dose

nice.org.uk/guidance/ng145/...

1.3.6

Consider starting levothyroxine at a dosage of 1.6 micrograms per kilogram of body weight per day (rounded to the nearest 25 micrograms) for adults under 65 with primary hypothyroidism and no history of cardiovascular disease.

Also here

cks.nice.org.uk/topics/hypo...

gp-update.co.uk/Latest-Upda...

Traditionally we have tended to start patients on a low dose of levothyroxine and titrate it up over a period of months.

RCT evidence suggests that for the majority of patients this is not necessary and may waste resources.

For patients aged >60y or with ischaemic heart disease, start levothyroxine at 25–50μg daily and titrate up every 3 to 6 weeks as tolerated.

For ALL other patients start at full replacement dose. For most this will equate to 1.6 μg/kg/day (approximately 100μg for a 60kg woman and 125μg for a 75kg man).

If you are starting treatment for subclinical hypothyroidism, this article advises starting at a dose close to the full treatment dose on the basis that it is difficult to assess symptom response unless a therapeutic dose has been trialled.

A small Dutch double-blind cross-over study (ArchIntMed 2010;170:1996) demonstrated that night time rather than morning dosing improved TSH suppression and free T4 measurements, but made no difference to subjective wellbeing. It is reasonable to take levothyroxine at night rather than in the morning, especially for individuals who do not eat late at night.

BMJ also clear on dose required

bmj.com/content/368/bmj.m41

bestpractice.bmj.com/topics...

[tattybogle]

It's so hard to tolerate it when your body just keeps getting in your way , i understand exactly how you feel.Antibiotics usually work pretty quick on UTI's though , so the sooner you get them in you the sooner they can get to work... and then you can follow.

Just remember to eat plenty of plain LIVE yoghurt afterward to put the friendly ones back .

You don't need the expensive stuff, just get a big pot of Yeo valley or something else that is live culture. And drink plenty water to keep it from coming back.

I really hope you feel better soon.

Be kind to yourself ... and your incompetent body

[Yasai in reply to tattybogle]

It's really beginning to frustrate me now. I'm trying to keep up with and get things done in life but the last 6 months have been constantly stopping and starting when my body decides it's had enough and doesn't want to cooperate anymore.

I managed to get out of bed and get my antibiotics. It was extremely painful but it's done, I'm at home and I've taken my first dose and I am no longer obligated to move for the rest of the evening. On the way back from the pharmacy I did go into work and thank my colleague for covering my shift because I feel bad for not being able to clock in and do it myself.

I will definitely be going out to get some live yoghurt after I've gotten over this kidney infection. Thank you so much for replying! 🙂

[jrbarnes]

I was in a couple of wrist splints last December due to low thyroid hormones. It hurt to move my wrist and was getting muscle spasms in my neck. I get sick more easily than my friends but it's usually only in specific situations. I recall a trip I took with a couple of friends. It required me to wake up early, little sleep, drive to the airport, get on a plane, and get to a friend's house on public transportation only to find they don't use heat in their house during the cold months. That night my friends want to stay out late at the pubs so that's a second night without good sleep. The next day we're caught in a torrential downpour so we hop in a taxi. That driver blows cold air the whole hour ride back. Guess who gets sick, not a cold or the flu but the hypo "mystery illness." My friends were totally fine and went on to enjoy themselves the whole weekend while I lay in bed. My doctor stated that I don't recover from colds quickly due to the hypo and I avoid them like the plague.

[Yasai in reply to jrbarnes]

I unfortunately got both of my Repetitive Strain Injuries at a time where I was working 2 jobs. I had a few weeks where I just didn't have a day off at all and was absolutely exhausted.

I purchased both my wrist splints as a preventive measure but the pain was absolutely unbearable and I left work early to go to A&E after bursting into tears in front of a queue of customers because I couldn't tolerate the pain anymore. I tried my best to just get on with stuff but ended up just serving customers at the tills while crying which wasn't a good look.

The only funny story I got out of it was when I was in A&E and there was a child sitting opposite who was asking their mum a lot of questions about what was wrong with the people in the waiting room. The child then proceeded to say, with no volume control whatsoever, "that lady (me) doesn't look ill at all" and at the time it really wasn't amusing because I was worrying about if I could still work but on reflection it was quite funny.

When I get unwell with anything I get absolutely wiped out and it takes me longer to get back to the energy levels I had before I got sick. I try to not get sick in any capacity but unfortunately it's happened more than I would like in the past 6 months. It usually starts with cold-like symptoms and feeling tired (but not tired enough to do everything I need to do) and then I get hit with an illness and I can't get out of bed for a week.

I had food poisoning last month and have been finding it really hard to get out of bed since, so my energy levels were nowhere near back to normal when I went back to work anyway. It's so frustrating when I want to get up and get things done but my body just refuses to give me the energy to actually get things sorted.

[jrbarnes in reply to Yasai]

It's one of those unseen illnesses. I went to urgent care for my carpal tunnel. I couldn't move my wrist, lift it or touch anything to it. It was excruciating and I couldn't sleep. Luckily I upped my Levo and it went away. That's how my mystery symptoms started. I'd feel like I had the cold yet I didn't have full on symptoms but I was worn down and out of the blue couldn't get out of bed. I'd describe it like only getting three hours of sleep per night then being forced to run a marathon. That's when I made the correlation between my low T3 levels and mystery symptoms. Hope you get through your kidney infection soon.

[Yasai in reply to jrbarnes]

Mine crept up on me for about a week - I started noticing pain in my hands and didn't think a lot of it. In the beginning paracetamol was enough to keep it at bay but it got to a point where I couldn't do anything but sit in the sofa and feel awful and paracetamol wasn't touching it.

I went to the pharmacy the next day and got some co-codamol which actually stopped the pain and I could work, albeit in 2 wrist splints. One of my jobs was at a toy store and there were a lot of children who asked a lot of questions about why the lady at the till had 'funny arms' and if I was hurt. I only got one 1 hour break at this job and once the co-codamol wore off in the last hours of my shift I would be miserable.

I think I had a week of that pain before co-codamol wouldn't touch it either and that was when I left work early and went to A&E. That job wasn't particularly helpful when I told them about the RSI in both my wrists and I left after a month, partly because of the way I was treated after I told them I had an RSI (absolutely no accomodations made to change what I was doing) and other factors. Thankfully the other job I had (and still have) is wonderful and they're all very nice.

The worst bit about being that tired is the brain fog, to the point where I'm only connecting the dots now and realising that it's thyroid related. I'm waiting until I get paid to order a private blood test so I can get the results directly and take them to my GP.

Thank you very much! I have my antibiotics now so I'm hoping I'll be up and ready for my next shift at work 😁

[tattybogle in reply to jrbarnes]

that made me laugh . you've just described my work life for the last 20 years perfectly. Once upon a time i used to be referred to as 'cath yurt' then slowly i realised i was being referred to as 'pyjama cath'

But it's Ok.... i can still drink gin in my pyjamas, and my work involved taking a van with a bed in it wherever i went anyway.