Latest test results

[Pastelart]

Hi everyone, I’m due a dose increase, currently on 50 micrograms of levothyroxine. I have a telephone consultation with a trainee GP on Thursday, and apart from discussing my symptoms, would be grateful for some ammunition to get the increase.

[SlowDragon Administrator]

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

This gives highest TSH and lowest Ft4

On levothyroxine TSH should always be under 2

gponline.com/endocrinology-...

Replacement therapy with levothyroxine should be initiated in all patients to achieve a TSH level of 0.5-2.0pmol/L.

NHS England Liothyronine guidelines July 2019 clearly state on page 13 that TSH should be between 0.4-1.5 when OPTIMALLY treated with just Levothyroxine

Note that it says test should be in morning BEFORE taking levothyroxine

Also to test vitamin D, folate, B12 and ferritin

sps.nhs.uk/wp-content/uploa...

Aim is to bring a TSH under 2.5

UK guidance suggests aiming for a TSH of 0.5–2.5

gp-update.co.uk/SM4/Mutable...

When were vitamin D, folate, ferritin and B12 last tested

What vitamin supplements are you currently taking

Request 25mcg dose increase in levothyroxine

[Pastelart in reply to SlowDragon]

Thank you, SlowDragon, I observed all the pre- testing advice. Vitamins need to be tested again, but were all good last time except for ferritin and d needed a bit of a boost as it was 87. I’m at the allotment, so no range to hand.

[SlowDragon Administrator in reply to Pastelart]

Glad to hear you can get out and on the ‘lottie…..perfect place to be

[skinner44]

No advise but I really hope you get an increase. I'm on the same dose as you, last blood results very similar to yours and I'm still symptomatic Had an appointment this morning and quoted the quidelines pointed out by slowdragon and GP refused point blank to increase my dose as my bloods are in range. Instead gave me Pregablin for my aches and pains, which have side effects of tiredness & concentration problems to add to the tiredness & concentration problems I already have. Best of luck for your appointment

[Pastelart in reply to skinner44]

Oh skinner44, I feel for you. I hope I am able to educate the young doctor tomorrow, without lecturing, of course. It’s disgusting that we have to jump through these hoops when we know what our bodies need.I know to the day when I need a dose increase, my body tells me.

[skinner44 in reply to Pastelart]

I hope you can educate the doctor I just feel ignored. My GP has just called me she has said for me to go back and have bloods done for various other things. She basically said my symptoms are not thyroid related 🤦‍♀️ I really do give up with them. I feel like increasing my dose myself just to see!

[SeasideSusie Remembering in reply to skinner44]

skinner44

Instead gave me Pregablin for my aches and pains

Are you going to take it? Please do some research before you make your decision. If your results are similar to Pastelart's then Pregabalin is not the answer.

[skinner44 in reply to SeasideSusie]

I had peripheral neuropathy 5 years ago and was prescribed gabapentin. She basically said it was that again. I know its not as its nothing like that pain. I have took 1 tablet and since read up about them l, it didn't make good reading!

[SlowDragon Administrator in reply to skinner44]

Strongly recommend getting full thyroid and vitamin testing done

Peripheral neuropathy often low B12/folate…..extremely common if under medicated

When were vitamin D, folate, ferritin and B12 last tested

See different GP for 25mcg dose increase in levothyroxine

[skinner44 in reply to SlowDragon]

Vitamin D etc. were last done in June, I have seen 2 GPs now and both have refused increase. I have a blood test in 2 weeks I'm sure it is for everything.

[SlowDragon Administrator in reply to skinner44]

Make to be very busy 2-3 days before test

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

Come back with new post once you get results

[skinner44 in reply to SlowDragon]

SlowDragon when you said…..extremely common if under medicated did you mean Levothyroxine?

[SlowDragon Administrator in reply to skinner44]

Yes when not on high enough dose levothyroxine, still hypothyroid, often have low vitamin levels

When hypothyroid we frequently have low stomach acid, this leads to poor nutrient absorption and low vitamin levels as direct result

[skinner44 in reply to SlowDragon]

I take Lansaprozole that probably won't help then.

[TSH110]

Get the article from pulse from Thyroid U.K. admin qn 6 by Dr Toft highly regarded endocrinologist who states TSH should be between 0.2 and 0.5 , free T3 and free T4 in top third of their ranges for most patients to feel well - take a copy with you.

[Pastelart in reply to TSH110]

Was your TSH 110? 😱 Unfortunately I’m having a telephone appointment, which makes it all the more difficult, especially as I’ve never met this one and she’s a junior doctor doing her rotations! I’ve emailed her and said that I’m aiming for a TSH of around 1 and for T3&4 to be at the top of the range. I quoted Dr Toft on my previous email to my GP, so if it’s on my record, hopefully she’ll have read it. Thank you 😊

[TSH110 in reply to Pastelart]

Of that’s great. Yes it was110 I was extremely poorly before I got a diagnosis and treatment . Ok now on NDT. Good luck, a younger one might be more open minded and eager to learn from her patients 🤞🏽

☘️🍀☘️

[skinner44 in reply to TSH110]

Sorry can you advise how I get this from Thyroid UK admin I have gone on the website but can't see where to go to get it.

[TSH110 in reply to skinner44]

Try emailing admin@thyroiduk abd say you want a copy of the Pulse article with qn 6 Dr Toft to show your GP, they will know what it is

[TSH110 in reply to skinner44]

I don’t get the new web site can’t find anything there anymore perhaps it’s been downgraded for mobile I much preferred the old one. Easier to read and navigate.