Not many posts for a while, as I was working with Endo and it takes time between med changes and results etc.
Current meds:
100mcg levothyroxine Mon-Sat + 75 mcg on a Sun (since August 2021). Any previous increase and I experience symptoms which I believe to be over-medication. Only take Aristo as all other brands give me a rash on arms/legs/stomach.
1.75mcg Alphacalcidol for Hypopara - parathyroids / pth levels never fully recovered.
I also take magnesium each night, a brazil nut (haha) every 2nd day, I stopped my Jarrow B-Right as I was getting stomach pains - this happened with Igennus Super B too. Also take Better You Vit D +K2 (2 x sprays daily) and Better You B12 (2 x sprays daily) also Vit E and Vit A.
Since my operation I have experienced very bad dizziness / vertigo and tingling hands / feet. Had various scans of head/neck, eyes tested at Opticians and Hospital Ophthlamology Dept - all look normal.
I rarely have a day of feeling well. I asked my Endo about T3 but she brushes this aside and instead suggests as thyroid levels are "better" my symptoms may be anxiety or "something else".
Latest thyroid levels:
Oct 21: TSH 0.74 (0.27 - 4.2) T4 19.8 (12-22)
Nov 21: TSH 0.08(0.27 - 4.2) T4 19.8 (12-22)
No T3 tested - I know I need this and I am saving to do all thyroid levels myself but money is very tight.
I went to the GP as my dizziness is very bad again and asked him to check vitamin levels. The receptionist told me all good with results but when I requested a copy I noticed a few are low-ish and I booked a phone call with GP this wednesday.
Serum B12 - 1003pg/mL (Range 197.0 - 771.0) - HIGH
Any advice for my GP phone call (and in general) would be much appreciated, my brain fog is bad right now and I feel unprepared for the call / not sure what to ask for.
Many thanks for any help,
Sally x
ps. I had stopped my B12 spray 1 week before the blood test.
Written by
elsaldo
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
In all people, a serum ferritin level of less than 30 micrograms/L confirms the diagnosis of iron deficiency
Look at increasing iron rich foods in diet
Eating iron rich foods like liver or liver pate once a week plus other red meat, pumpkin seeds and dark chocolate, plus daily orange juice or other vitamin C rich drink can help improve iron absorption
This is interesting because I have noticed that many patients with Hashimoto’s disease and hypothyroidism, start to feel worse when their ferritin drops below 80 and usually there is hair loss when it drops below 50.
Thyroid disease is as much about optimising vitamins as thyroid hormones
Serum B12 - 1003pg/mL (Range 197.0 - 771.0) - HIGH
No need for you to continue your B12 supplement at the moment, it's just wasting your money.
Serum Folate - 8.77ng/mL (Range 3.90 - 26.80)
Quite low, really needs to be at least half way through range. If you can find a B Complex you can tolerate this will help raise folate and maintain your B12.
In all people, a serum ferritin level of less than 30 micrograms/L confirms the diagnosis of iron deficiency.
Point this out to your GP as s/he will say your ferritin is in range. Ask for iron panel to include serum iron, total iron binding capacity, transferrin saturation as well as ferritin, this will confirm if any iron deficiency. Your haemoglobin level doesn't suggest anaemia. You can have iron deficiency with or without anaemia.
All other results show in range except for MCHC is a touch under range. Low MCHC can suggest anaemia but nothing else in your FBC suggests this. Here's an article about MCHC:
Has anyone suggested that you try the Epley Manoeuvre for dizziness / vertigo? It is based on the fact that crystals can form in the semicircular canals of the ear and cause problems. By doing the Epley Manoeuvre the crystals can be moved to a position where they are out of the way.
Google for Epley and you'll find further descriptions and videos, including handouts from various NHS areas. (just put in Epley - you don't have to spell manoeuvre / maneuver!)
I did read through it all and relay this info to my GP however she refused to do a full iron panel stating my levels are all fine/in range. I tried my best but she just wouldnt budge.
She did suggest a 2 month course of ferritin tablets just for a "boost" with no need for any further tests when the course is finished.
My question now is... with limited finances... should I pay for a full Iron panel (with the medichecks link SlowDragon suggested) just now OR wait until after my course and test then.
Doctors are so ignorant of nutrients but I fail to see how she can ignore NICE guidelines and not check to see if you have iron deficiency. Personally I would do an iron panel with Medichecks. If they don't have any special offers on at the moment there is their permanent 10% discount code here:
Content on HealthUnlocked does not replace the relationship between you and doctors or other healthcare professionals nor the advice you receive from them.
Never delay seeking advice or dialling emergency services because of something that you have read on HealthUnlocked.