I was wondering if someone can give advice on the blood tests. I can see that I am on lower end for folate and low normal for ferritin. I think my b12 is high because I was using a sleep supplement for a while with magnesium and b12 and tryptophan in.
The last time I posted I was waiting to hear back from nhs endocrinologist via gp. This eventually happened and he advised increase thyroxine to 150mcg. I feel much better on this in general but I have some lingering tiredness and weakness and still breathless when I try to exercise. (More than normal, also heart rate rockets). Bloods after this increase show t4 up to middle of range and tsh very low. (Forgot to ask for printout now can't remember) endocrinologist doesn't seem concerned about low tsh and suggests to get t4 to top of range. My thyroid has finally stopped hurting which is good although I worry it is completely gone now! Asked gp and she said we were trying to avoid that!
Gp asked me not to supplement with vit d yet until tests done. Never got a print out of this although receptionist said was normal.
What should I do? Should I ask nhs to look at low folate? Or supplement myself? Endocrinologist also suggests testing diabetes -ok, adrenals - ok, celiac-not done???, pernicious aneamia
This is all just so complicated. I take my hat off to you ones who have done all the research to be able to help. I am only just in the place where my brain can think about it! Thank you in advance!
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Your folate level could be classed as deficiency but could also be classed as in the "indeterminate zone" which can suggest, but not be diagnostic of, deficiency.
◦Serum folate of less than 7 nanomol/L (3 micrograms/L) is used as a guide to indicate folate deficiency.
◦However, there is an indeterminate zone with folate levels of 7–10 nanomol/L (3–4.5 micrograms/L), so low folate should be interpreted as suggestive of deficiency and not diagnostic.
So it's best to discuss this with your GP, he may prescribe a course of folic acid.
I wouldn't worry about your B12. According to an extract from the book, "Could it be B12?" by Sally M. Pacholok:
"We believe that the 'normal' serum B12 threshold needs to be raised from 200 pg/ml to at least 450 pg/ml because deficiencies begin to appear in the cerebrospinal fluid below 550".
"For brain and nervous system health and prevention of disease in older adults, serum B12 levels should be maintained near or above 1000 pg/ml."
I have some lingering tiredness and weakness and still breathless when I try to exercise.
I would try increasing your ferritin level, fatigue and breathlessness are symptoms of low ferritin. Yours isn't dire but ferritin is recommended to be half way through range with some experts saying that the optimal level for thyroid function is between 90-110 ng/ml.
You can help raise your level by eating liver regularly, maximum 200g per week due to it's high Vit A content, also liver pate, black pudding, and including lots of iron rich foods in your diet
Don't consider taking an iron supplement unless you do an iron panel, if you already have a decent level of serum iron and a good saturation percentage then taking iron tablets can push your iron level even higher, too much iron is as bad as too little.
As for a print out of your results to check your Vit D level, if you do need to supplement then the dose is based on your current level with a view to achieving the level recommended by the Vit D Society, ie 100-150nmol/L. Your GP will very likely be satisfied with a level of 50nmol/L which they consider to be adequate.
endocrinologist doesn't seem concerned about low tsh and suggests to get t4 to top of range.
That's good to hear, not many endos have that much sense!
Hi SeasideSusieThanks for this. I was thinking that I should discuss with gp. Being in range means nothing as when my tsh was in range I thought I was dying. I was aware that too much iron isn't good. I have been trying to eat pate every week and I am not vegetarian. If I supplement myself with folate/ferritin can I over supplement?
Yes. I thought endo was going to say reduce dose as tsh was 0.03 at the time. He referred to this as partially suppressed. I've read lots on here that others not so sensible as you put it! I was also worried about low tsh but it makes me feel a bit better. It's the only time I've felt well.
If GP doesn't do anything about your Folate level, you could self supplement with methylfolate. It's probably a good idea to use a good quality, bioavailable B Complex such as Thorne Basic B as this will keep all the B vitamins in balance.
Folate is recommended to be at least half way through range so between half way and top of range should be fine. I wouldn't go over range.
Thank you. I find it all so complicated! I will see what gp says. She has been very supportive so far and did say she wants to get to the bottom of it. I just want to feel normal again. Thanks again. Your knowledge is much appreciated!
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Blood test results - help please!!
Help with blood test results please
Help with blood test results, please
Blood test results help please
Help with blood test results please...
