Lower Leg Pains

[Ralphetts]

I have had swollen patches around my ankles for many years, which then increased up my shins. GP said nothing to be done, but recently I have been experiencing pains, particularly at night, which keeps me awake. I now have a feeling of numbness too. My GP is unsympathetic and convinced I could do without thyroid medicines, although I take 40 mg T3 - reduced last October by Consultant from 60 mg. Any suggestions ? I would like to take medical advice armed with some ideas.

[greygoose]

Are you hoping to get medical advice on here? Because none of us are medically trained. This is a patient to patient forum, exchanging experiences and suggesting possible courses of action. But, if you want our advice, it would be to get full thyroid testing as a first step:

TSH

FT4

FT3

TPO antibodies

Tg antibodies

vit D

vit B12

folate

ferritin/iron

Details of private testing here:

thyroiduk.org/help-and-supp...

Then posting the results and the ranges on here.

[Ralphetts in reply to greygoose]

Hi ... fully appreciate that advice on the forum is not from professionals. I just wondered if others had any experience of this problem so I could go to my Consultant armed with some background knowledge rather "go in blind".

[greygoose in reply to Ralphetts]

OK, well, as long as we're clear on that point.

I should think most of us hypos have experienced swelling ankles and calves, I know I have. But, I've never found out what to do about it, I'm afraid. Could be that you're under-medicated, but to know that, we'd have to see some blood tests. So, I repeat what I said above: you need full thyroid testing.

[SlowDragon Administrator]

Best way to “not go in blind” is to get full thyroid and vitamin testing

Why was dose T3 reduced by such large amount

Low vitamin levels likely if under medicated for thyroid

When were vitamin D, folate,ferritin and B12 last tested - please add most recent results

Numbness often low B12

What vitamin supplements are you currently taking

Bloods should be retested 6-8 weeks after each dose change or brand change in levothyroxine or T3

What’s the reason for your hypothyroidism

For full Thyroid evaluation you need TSH, FT4 and FT3 plus both TPO and TG thyroid antibodies tested.

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

Recommended on here that all thyroid blood tests early morning, ideally before 9am

On T3 on day before test split daily dose into 3 smaller doses, spread through the day at approx 8 hour intervals, taking last 1/3rd of daily dose 8-12 hours before test

Private tests are available as NHS currently rarely tests Ft3 or all relevant vitamins

List of private testing options and money off codes

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

Medichecks Thyroid plus antibodies and vitamins

medichecks.com/products/adv...

Blue Horizon Thyroid Premium Gold includes antibodies, cortisol and vitamins by DIY fingerprick test

bluehorizonbloodtests.co.uk...

Only do private testing early Monday or Tuesday morning

Come back with new post once you get results

[Ralphetts]

Thank you ! Will get a full test done. I have been having problems since moving to the North-East from the Home Counties four years ago. Consultant insists I am over-medicated, hence the reduction, but I am experience ever-increasing symptoms and to be honest struggling. I was tested last November after the reduction but the only response from the Consultant was "I am concerned about your heart". He won't discuss any symptoms, including increased hair loss and various pains. I asked for his opinion again after Christmas and yet another blood test was ordered and completed in late January. I have yet to hear from him despite my queries and his Secretary's constant nudges.