I've posted previously about my symptoms and suspicions of having an underactive thyroid.
Just for a quick recap the below was my recent NHS blood results;
May 2020 T4 = 11.9 (range 12-20)
May 2020 TSH = 1.89 (range 0.27-4.20)
November 2020 T4 = 12.3 (range 12-20)
November 2020 TSH = 1.89 (range 0.27-4.20)
November 2020 Thyroid Peroxidase Antibodies = 274 (range 0-34)
December 2020 B12 = 163 (range 197 - 771)
I am going in today for another blood test to rule out rheumatoid arthritis as I already have an autoimmune condition (type 1).
My symptoms are getting worse by the day, to the point that I've gone from being very active to needing assistance doing something as simple as changing my bed sheets.
I've also developed left sided neck pain recently, but I don't think that has any link with the thyroid because of where the pain is located.
I have been prescribed vitamin D and B12 for the deficiencies and my GP wants my vitamin levels up before we take it any further. I have also gone completely gluten free starting last week.
He doesn't seem concerned about the high antibodies as my TSH is within normal range.
I understand I have autoimmune thyroid disease due to these antibodies, but is there no treatment unless my TSH rises?.
Thank you
Written by
Samanthamcx
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Are you taking B12 supplements or getting B12 injections
You need folate and ferritin levels tested too
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 as you have autoimmune thyroid disease (Hashimoto's) diagnosed by raised Thyroid antibodies
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)
Is this how you do your tests?
Private tests are available as NHS currently rarely tests Ft3 or thyroid antibodies or all relevant vitamins
If TPO or TG thyroid antibodies are high this is usually due to Hashimoto’s (commonly known in UK as autoimmune thyroid disease).
About 90% of all primary hypothyroidism in Uk is due to Hashimoto’s. Low vitamin levels are particularly common with Hashimoto’s. Gluten intolerance is often a hidden issue to.
Vitamin D deficiency is frequent in Hashimoto's thyroiditis and treatment of patients with this condition with Vitamin D may slow down the course of development of hypothyroidism and also decrease cardiovascular risks in these patients. Vitamin D measurement and replacement may be critical in these patients.
The thyroid hormone status would play a role in the maintenance of vitamin D sufficiency, and its immunomodulatory role would influence the presence of autoimmune thyroid disease. The positive correlation between free T4 and vitamin D concentrations suggests that adequate levothyroxine replacement in HT would be an essential factor in maintaining vitamin D at sufficient levels.
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.
Igennus Super B is good quality and cheap vitamin B complex. Contains folate. Full dose is two tablets per day. Many/most people may only need one tablet per day. Certainly only start on one per day (or even half tablet per day for first couple of weeks)
Or Thorne Basic B is another option that contain folate, but is large capsule
If you are taking vitamin B complex, or any supplements containing biotin, remember to stop these 7 days before ALL BLOOD TESTS , as biotin can falsely affect test results
With low B12 result taking a B12 supplement as well as a B Complex (to balance all the B vitamins) initially for first 2-4 months, then once your serum B12 is over 500 (or Active B12 level has reached 70), stop the B12 and just carry on with the B Complex.
Even if you haven’t had it it doesn’t mean to say that you won’t. Hopefully you’ll miss it, although being asymptomatic may confer some immunity. Having higher levels of vitamin D not only lessen severity they are also cited as being helpful in preventing certain cancers.
Of course not, there's always a risk and I only leave the house for food or blood tests since I work from home. I'm now on vitamin D and B12 medication.
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