Persistent symptoms in spit of good test results

[villus]

I developed hypothyroidism due to medication for atrial fibrillation. I was put on carbimazole for a year and when test results returned to normal, I discontinued treatment. However, my symptoms persist, particularly fatigue, brain fog and low mood . My G.P and endocrinologist tell me I'm just depressed but I know the symptoms are the same as when the numbers were bad. Has anyone got any advice?

[SeasideSusie Remembering]

Villus

Do you have any test results you can share with so we can fully understand? Please post results with their reference ranges.

You wouldn't have been prescribed Carbimazole for hypOthyroidism (underactive thyroid). Levothyroxine is for hypothyroidism and Carbimazole is for hypERthyroidism (overactive thyroid).

[villus in reply to SeasideSusie]

Thanks for your reply. I was keeping my query short but should've explained that in reaction to Cordorone for AF, I swung between hyperthyroid and hypothyroid several times before remaining in the latter for 4/5 months. Will post results later as can't access them at the moment.

[SlowDragon Administrator]

Atrial fibrillation can be caused/linked to thyroid disease

Have you had thyroid antibodies tested for autoimmune thyroid disease

Autoimmune thyroid disease

Hypothyroid = Hashimoto’s frequently starts with transient hyperthyroid results and symptoms before becoming increasingly hypothyroid

Hyperthyroid = Graves’ disease

First thing is, do you have any actual blood test results? if not will need to get hold of copies. 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

Alternatively ring receptionist and request printed copies of results. Allow couple of days and then go and pick up.

Important to see exactly what has been tested and equally important what hasn’t been tested yet

Bloods should be retested 6-8 weeks after each dose change or brand change in levothyroxine

For full Thyroid evaluation you need TSH, FT4 and FT3

plus both TPO and TG thyroid antibodies tested (hashimoto’s or Graves’ disease)

TSI or Trab antibodies- Graves’ disease

Very important to test vitamin D, folate, ferritin and B12 at least once year minimum

Low vitamin levels are extremely common, especially with autoimmune thyroid disease (Hashimoto’s or Ord’s thyroiditis) or Graves’ disease

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

This gives highest TSH, lowest FT4 and most consistent results. (Patient to patient tip)

If TPO or TG thyroid antibodies are high this is usually due to Hashimoto’s (commonly known in UK as autoimmune thyroid disease). Ord’s is autoimmune without goitre.

About 90% of all primary hypothyroidism in Uk is due to Hashimoto’s. Low vitamin levels are particularly common with Hashimoto’s.

Link about thyroid blood tests

thyroiduk.org/getting-a-dia...

Link about Hashimoto’s

thyroiduk.org/hypothyroid-b...

List of hypothyroid symptoms

thyroiduk.org/if-you-are-un...

Link about Graves’ disease

thyroiduk.org/hyperthyroid-...

Ireland testing

letsgetchecked.ie/home-thyr...

letsgetchecked.ie/home-esse...

letsgetchecked.ie/home-iron...

[villus in reply to SlowDragon]

Thanks for all that very useful information. I do have results but not able to access them at the moment. Basically, in reaction to Cordorone, I first developed hyper and then swung to and from hypo before 4/5 months of the latter. I did have improvement in all symptoms except for the fatigue which is quite overwhelming at present. So much so that this is difficult to write.

[SlowDragon Administrator in reply to villus]

Links about thyroid and cordorone

heart.bmj.com/content/79/2/121

ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articl...

Apparently can also be trigger for autoimmune thyroid disease (Hashimoto’s )

journals.lww.com/nursingcri...