Fasting blood test

[MissFG]

My fasting blood test (for my last post) including thyroid isn’t until 12.40 tomorrow. I can fast until then or maybe just have a black coffee but will it affect the results for my thyroid tests much? I’m only on FT3. Or should I try to rearrange?

[SeasideSusie Remembering]

What is being tested?

If testing iron or Ferritin you need to fast, water only, for 12 hours before the test.

Coffee and certain foods can affect TSH but as you're on T3 only your TSH is likely to be suppressed anyway so for thyroid tests in your situation fasting isn't important.

[MissFG in reply to SeasideSusie]

Thanks SeasideSusie my TSH is suppressed. So I don’t need to fast on T3 only I never knew?!

I’m not sure but hope he’ll check my b12 and ferritin but he wouldn’t of booked me in at that time got a fasting test.

My daughter also just told me that when they tested her ferritin they said she didn’t need to fast 🤷🏼‍♀️. So I’ve no clue. However I appreciate your help you learn something new everyday. Have a great evening!

[SeasideSusie Remembering in reply to MissFG]

So I don’t need to fast on T3 only I never knew?!

Only because it won't make any difference because your TSH is so low anyway due to the T3.

Normally we want the highest possible TSH when testing to avoid a reduction in dose of thyroid meds or when looking for an increase. Certain foods lower TSH so not having anything to eat before the test is suggested. But this really only apples when taking Levo. Because you take T3 this tends to suppress TSH so there's no real point in going without food before the test as your TSH won't rise.

But definitely fast for 12 hours if you are having iron or Ferritin test.

[Anthea55 in reply to MissFG]

I've had surgeries saying I don't need to fast when I do. If they argue I just say it's so that readings are comparable with my previous ones. They will have their list of tests which need to be fasting.

[MissFG]

Quick update!

GP was great and to cover his back tested me for so many things including inflammatory and hormone/menopause indicators, kidney function, full blood count etc so I’m requesting a copy of everything.

The good news was I got a call to go in and collect my thyroid results as obviously I self medicate so he can’t advise me.

My FT3 was 9.6 (3.5-6.5) highest it’s ever been and I’d already dropped from 62.5mcg to 50 T3 daily. So I’ve stopped my T3 until I feel an improvement in my overall health.

I’ve been struggling sleeping, awake all night yet gone into work today hyper so now I can see how I’ve missed a lot of signs.

I’m back taking all my supplements also as I seriously need B12 and liquid iron so already feel an improvement with my energy.

Thank you everyone for your comments it was much appreciated x

[Hidden in reply to MissFG]

I was just looking for an update from you MissFG! So you are quite overmedicated. I had my own blood test, my ft3 is over range too (6.8 after 24 hours of taking dose) and ft4 over midrange, can't sleep, but working and doing other things fine, still hot, higher temps, very hungry today and shaky. I have reduced my dose today and will come up with a plan tomorrow. We shall get there, I am dreaming of feeling cooler lol

[MissFG in reply to Hidden]

My dose hasn’t changed so think it must be a flare making me hyper so I’ve just come off my T3. My TSH is suppressed and very little FT4. Are you also on T3 only or taking Levo as well. I can’t find your original comment. It’s definitely a juggling act. I’m just exhausted but atm least I know it will come down as T3 isn’t in your system for long. But it’s an easier fix for me to just stop my meds yours sounds more complicated x

[Hidden in reply to MissFG]

My antibodies are lower than before so definitely not a flare up here, when I have a flare, I also have flu symptoms. Did you remove all t3?

I react to small dose changes so will adjust my Armour and T4 slightly, fingers crossed x

Oh yeah I do take Armour and add a little Levo to it as I don't do well on low FT4

[MissFG in reply to Hidden]

Are you in the UK? I’d like to try Armour but know it’s difficult and expensive to get here. I’ve also got flu symptoms as I might have sinus polyps or now heard it could be long Covid as symptoms are the same. Differentiating illnesses and symptoms is a minefield isn’t it!!

Yea removed it all and although still feeling rough I’m improving.

[Hidden in reply to MissFG]

I'm in Ireland. It is very expensive, but the only medicine that works for me personally. Oh dear, that's is not easy, I don't know how you're supposed to know what's what. Did they test your antibodies to see if it's a flare up?

Very happy to hear it, is the overheating subsiding?

I need to change, I am still alternating, one day less one day more, but it's been 5 weeks now and it doesn't work. I am sweating, I can eat around the clock too. I am definitely not losing a lot of weight, but I am feeling could eat a house or two. Insomnia is the worst though, with palps at night and then completely rested in the morning after little sleep, unreal. Sorry for the rant

[MissFG in reply to Hidden]

No you rant away! That’s what we’re here for! Lol

No not antibodies but they have checked before I just don’t want to push it with my GP as he was good doing it bloods. Now I’m just trying to get copies of the rest of my bloods just to see where they are 🤦🏼‍♀️

I’ve fluctuated like this before. Think I need to check but I’m sure it was about a year ago. I feel so nauseous and shaky with headaches and no energy. But know it’ll take time for my body to settle. Just hate not doing much but I literally can’t do then feel guilty.

The low mood doesn’t help either does it?! Funny how we get out of sync and it messes e writhing up for us. A friend has a private prescription for Armour so your lucky you can get it I know it’s pricey but you can put a price on your health. I hope you feel better soon lovely x

[Hidden in reply to MissFG]

I was just checking my email and saw your response!I am very ranty lately 😄

Ah I see yeah I get it, my GP doesn't test my antibodies either, I only get them done privately from time to time.

Oh dear yeah sorry to hear it. I am exactly the same now, in bed since 4 pm, pressure headaches, stiffness, lightheaded, hungry. Tomorrow will reduce my dose, hopefully will not be too bad!

Fluctuating moods are the worst. I can get through the worst symptoms when my mental state is good.

I am super lucky, and it's true, there is no way I will be saving on something that works.

I really hope you feel better soon too x thank you! Are you still not taking any t3? How many days has it been?

[Hidden in reply to MissFG]

Hey MissFG, curious how you are now as it's been over a week since you have stopped ?I have reduced my dose on Wednesday (reduced t4 and Armour slightly), and like you I'm having headaches, some light-headedness and tiredness. Also some water retention (possibly this is the hypo sign). Mood sort of okay, but a but lower than it was.

[MissFG in reply to Hidden]

Give it another week see if you level out a bit more and your symptoms calm down. Do you get your bloods done when you feel unwell? Anyone looking after you?

I’m rough! Think I’m having a good day like today and so cut the grass and I’m sweating buckets it’s dripping off me feel faint sick etc then doctor calls and wants repeat bloods done as my CRP is high. Besides my thyroid I was told all was normal. Still trying to access my blood results online just need them to authorise it 🤦🏼‍♀️ might be an explanation as to why I’m so ill. Also I feel swollen my hands and fingers are usually a good sign and I look about 6 months pregnant x

Edit: just saw your post above lol

[Hidden in reply to MissFG]

The symptoms have calmed down and I had access to a nurse, that did my ft3 ft4 and they have gone down as expected. I still feel warm at times, especially yesterday as I alternate some of my t4 and took more yesterday. My ft4 went from 52% to 39% and ft3 went down from 100 to 78%. I added a bit of t4 and get overheated and hungry. So it's either Levo making me feel this way or ft3 (but that has gone down by 22%🤷‍♀️). I have even travelled on a plane few days ago, so I am doing OK, but could be better x The swelling for me would be going hypo, but not sure if this is the same for you?

Oh right. Crp can be pointing to Hashis inflammation maybe?

[MissFG in reply to Hidden]

I hear many struggle with levo so I think if I was you I’d wonder if that was the cause of my issue so? However as we both know it’s difficult to understand what can work for one may not work for another. But I believe levo can have lots of nasty fillers.

No I’ve just checked but will post and see if anyone else knows if it points towards a different autoimmune disease.

[Hidden in reply to MissFG]

Yeah levo is difficult, sometimes I feel that no matter what I do with it, it gives me side effects. But as you said, it's hard to know, what is causing what it's such a minefield!High crp can point to any autoimmune diseases or infection I believe as well. And high crp can be hashi flare up.

[MissFG in reply to Hidden]

Tbh I’m glad I’m not on levo. Not that t3 is much better but least I feel like it’s doing something. Think I’ll have to begin to slowly introduce T3 again and see how I feel…. Although worries me in the middle of a flare. Do I wait?

Yes but low/normal ESR with elevated CRP? I think can point more to a viral infection I’m not sure. But with my recent high FT3 it would make sense. It’s so confusing. I’ll know more Monday.

[Hidden in reply to MissFG]

I think it's a good idea to introduce, I know it's individual, I can't stop taking meds in the middle of a flare because I start to feel pretty hypo pretty quickly. It is very confusing I agree!

I think I have to maybe get rid of Levo as it makes me feel awful

[MissFG in reply to Hidden]

It’s worth a try! See if you feel any better without it. That’s what I did and gradually weaned off it with the support of my endo at the time.