6 to 8 weeks we say... so, 6 or 7 or 8, WWYD?

[Lotika]

Hi - I am overthinking and second guessing myself, probably a by-product of unemployment during lockdown!

So, I’m on an NHS T3/T4 trial. As soon as they told me they were cutting levo from 100 mcg to 50 mcg to accommodate 2 x 5 mcg T3, I tried to tell them that I thought it was too big a cut. I have, with the odd exception, spent exactly 6 weeks feeling like I’ve been hit by a bus - I am tired all the time, although I’m also convinced I need some T3 because of the many benefits I am experiencing otherwise. I sent off a sample to Thriva this morning.

The original plan was to test after 6 weeks but to test privately first because I don’t want the NHS bouncing me into the wrong dose with zero notice and no chance to discuss like they did last time. (When I queried the dose I was told to “take it or leave it”.) I have the NHS test booked for Thursday. It means I will get my results ahead of them (hopefully) and also that I can change dose faster (again, hopefully!)

Now I am sat here wondering if it is too soon. People keep saying 8 weeks is best, but I am no longer expecting a miracle with this dose change... what would you do? Is there a good argument for delaying the NHS test a couple of weeks? Even if I’m pretty sure this is the wrong dose? Will the test be more accurate somehow? The NHS trial is only for 3 months, so I guess there’s another part of me which feels like I am racing against the clock to get to the right dose, so I’m all over the place in terms of what I think!

Thanks again - sorry to be wittering on about the tiny details over here!

Lotika x

[SlowDragon Administrator]

Which ever week you decide on

Remember to stop taking any supplements that contain biotin a week before ALL BLOOD TESTS

Do test as early as possible in morning before eating or drinking anything other than water and last dose levothyroxine 24 hours before test

Day before test split T3 as follows

5mcg waking. 2.5mcg mid afternoon. Last 2.5mcg 8-12 hours before test

[Lotika in reply to SlowDragon]

Thank you for this! I have to go with my gut here, don’t I? The gut is shouting that this is 99% not my dose. When will I learn that I need to back myself on thyroid issues!? 😔 My entire profile can be read as a narrative on what happens if you don’t back yourself on thyroid! 🤦‍♀️ Honestly, I’m my own worst enemy sometimes!

OK, so it sounds like I messed up fractionally with T3 yesterday, but I can adjust for the NHS on Thursday, so no harm done in having a dummy run - I hoped it would be good for something! I took 5 mcg 8.5 hrs before the test. Also knocked out the Biotin 8 days ago, so we’re good there! And the NHS one is at exactly the same time in the morning too. It’ll be interesting to see if there are any marked differences.