Ive been suffering with shortness of breath, and my heart is beating very fast for 10 months now. I was taking 175mg of throxin and 20mg of Liothyrine. I dont convert T3 to T4 so I take T4 as well.
I have reduced my Thyroxin by 25mg on Doctors suggestion so see if I get better, then reduce it by another 25mg in 12 weeks time. Im due to have an Echo so see if my heart has a problem.
Ive been on this dose of medication for years so wonder why its become a proble, I dont have my TSH levels I must get the paperwork from the Doctors. i'll ask for them.
Any one had a similar problem.
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Sugarplumb61
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When I was prescribed levothyroxine when newly diagnosed I was in and out of the A&E like a yo-yo, The cardiologist couldn't figure out why and was considering putting an implant in heart to 'see what was going on'. Fortunately T3 was added to T4(levo) which calmed my heart and didn't have to consult cardio again. I eventually went onto T3 alone and had no heart problems thereafter.
We are all so different in how our bodies react and millions do fine on levo. Others have to be prescribed options but few doctors/endos will do so now as they've been restricted.
Sometimes some Pharma companies can change a filler/binder in the tablet that can cause us problems.
First step is to get FULL Thyroid and vitamin testing done
Only test 6-8 weeks after any dose change or brand change in levothyroxine or T3
Do you always get same brand of levothyroxine
Vitamin levels often drop as we age. We need GOOD vitamin levels for levothyroxine and T3
Shortness of breath can be linked to low iron levels
What vitamin supplements are you currently taking
Ask GP to test vitamin D, folate, ferritin and B12 levels now
Do you have Hashimoto’s?
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
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
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.
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