Generally Feeling ‘Off’

[heynaomiii]

Hi guys. Some of you may have seen my first post a few weeks ago where I introduced myself and shared my thyroid levels which are the worst they’ve ever been (TSH 10.4 and Thyroid Peridoxidase Antibodies 55.5). I had the blood test done privately as my NHS practice have been reluctant to do anything. My GP has upped my levothyroxine from 125mg to 150mg and didn’t think it was a big deal but, after I pestered again and said how bad the levels are, they upped it to 175mg which I started this week. When I asked for more info about the peridoxidase antibodies they didn’t say a lot as they haven’t ever tested it (ridiculous I know). They haven’t said anything about Hashimotos but I’m assuming that’s what it is given my levels are so bad?

I’ve been feeling crappy for the last month or so. Constant fatigue, nausea, aching, just feeling ‘off’. I have borderline personality disorder too so am very familiar with mental health difficulties but my mood has been soooo low. I took time off work and have practically been in bed all week. I’ve been covid testing daily and fortunately am negative (unsurprising as I barely leave the house!) but can’t shake this crappy feeling which logically I know is because my levels are so high, I know the Levo increase will hopefully help eventually, but in the meantime it’s just so depressing and disheartening. Kind words would be greatly appreciated x

[tattybogle]

hi i'm not surprised you feel all sorts of 'wrong', physically and mentally .

you thyroid hormone levels (fT4 /fT3) must have been getting pretty low to cause your TSH to go up to 4 ish in Oct then 10 ish in Nov .

Hang in there ... the dose increase will improve how you feel if you give it time .. but it may take a few weeks before you feel the benefit.

Going up from 125 to 175 might not be such good idea though ..... you were on 'too little' , but by not trying the 150mcg dose for long enough, you risk ending up on 'too much'... it would probably have been better to give yourself at least 6 weeks on the 150mcg dose to see how it felt once it had settled in and get bloods done ... but i do understand the frustration of waiting.

When you had the recent private results done , did they include an fT3 and fT4 result ?

regarding GP's and raised TPOab's (thyroid peroxidase antibodies)...... they already know that most cases of hypothyroid are caused by autoimmunity, and since they don't know what to do about the autoimmunity part .. they often don't have much to say on the subject.

But yes, your raised TPOab do confirm the cause of your hypothyroidism is autoimmune .

[heynaomiii in reply to tattybogle]

Thanks for your advice/kind words! I was a bit surprised they upped my Levo twice as well if I'm honest but hoping it helps. My T3 is 4.21 and T4 is 13.6 which are both ok I think. The autoimmunity part is what sucks the most I think, it's just frustrating that GPs don't seem to understand a lot!

[JAmanda]

Hey Naomii it takes a while for meds increases to kick in - weeks really. I’d drag myself out of the house if I were you to try to lift my mood - go look at some Christmas lights or to a bit of nature or have a wander round the shops and treat yourself maybe.

The meds will kick in eventually! Make sure you take them first thing and wait an hour before eating and drinking to give best time for absorption. And take any other meds well away.

[heynaomiii in reply to JAmanda]

Thanks for your kind words! I've managed to go out the last couple of days with my dog (he's literally the most incredible companion). Went for a walk and to a garden centre today which was nice. I come home and feel totally wiped but it does help to get out a little I think.

[1tuppence]

heynaomiii, Kind words I can offer. This "thyroid sorting" takes time.....which I know is frustrating......but once you're on the right track, you'll feel so very much better. Amazingly better. Unbelievably better Hugs xxx

[heynaomiii in reply to 1tuppence]

That's really reassuring to hear - I'm hoping it will make a difference, even if it takes a while to get there. It's very depressing and feels like it won't get better but it's good to hear that it will eventually help x