Expecting a ‘difference of opinion’ with my surgery!

[Loafinabout]

I took a Medichecks blood test in April - right timing and had no Thyroxine for 24 hours. I think these are fine and would appreciate feedback here as Medichecks ‘Doctor’ tells me I should reduce my dosage! I am due for a review at my surgery (rarely get to see a doctor nowadays) and expecting whoever I see to follow suit…and say ‘the computer say ‘No!’.😡

[SeasideSusie Remembering]

Loafinabout

They are saying to reduce dose because of suppressed TSH. Totally wrong to use TSH to adjust dose, it is a pituitary hormone not a thyroid hormone. FT4 and FT3 are the thyroid hormones and both are comfortably within range so you are not overmedicated and no need to reduce your dose. As you feel well if your GP suggests that you reduce dose simply refuse on the grounds of your FT4 and FT3 results.

[Loafinabout in reply to SeasideSusie]

Many thanks for your support - and succinct form of words to rebut their anticipated knee jerk reaction. I do worry about the Medichecks doctor giving misguided advice though😕

[Marz in reply to Loafinabout]

They have to follow the Guidelines - their hands are tied - SIGH !

[Loafinabout in reply to Marz]

Collective sighs all round!

[Loafinabout in reply to SeasideSusie]

I supplemented with BetterYou Vit D (through winter until recently) and Vit B12 but have reduced dose on latter from 4 sprays to 1 after these results. High level of ferritin keeps popping up on my blood tests from way back back - I may have brought this up here before - I don’t eat red meat either and limit iron rich foods like spinach

[SlowDragon Administrator in reply to Loafinabout]

I took the image down as it had your personal details showing

Feel free to edit and reattach

Vitamin levels look good

Are you pre or post menopause

Ferritin often increases after menopause

[Loafinabout in reply to SlowDragon]

Hysterectomy in 20’s. I’ve been taking Premarin since 1987 and asked to stay on it in 2000 after discussing with the best doctor (female) I’ve ever had who kept informed on the HRT debate AND who understood the Endocrine system …..

[elaine2447 in reply to Loafinabout]

I wouldn't worry about "iron rich spinach", as it is not so high. Apparently a German scientist put the decimal point in the wrong place! irep.ntu.ac.uk/id/eprint/30...

[greygoose in reply to elaine2447]

Not only that, but the human gut cannot absorb iron from spinach. It's only good for rabbits! lol

[Loafinabout in reply to greygoose]

That’s so funny - except it’s annoying I’ve gone over easy on the spinach for years!

[greygoose in reply to Loafinabout]

Yes, well, it just goes to show you cannot believe the nutritional hypo you get in the media. It's like the famous 'five a day'. That is not really a thing. It was thought up by an advertising company, I believe, to sell more fruit and veg.

[Loafinabout in reply to greygoose]

😱…..what a scam!

[DippyDame]

If you feel well maintain the status quo.

Bottom line....you are not overmedicated so long as the active thyroid hormone T3/FT3 is within range

Refuse to reduce dose unless he tests FT3...or considers your results above

Medichecks doctors "think" the same way as most GPs!!.

Trained ( wrongly) to focus on TSH

Might help...

thyroidpatients.ca/2021/07/...

Listen to your body, it will tell you if something is wrong....not a number on a computer screen!!

Years ago my son's computing teacher used to keep repeating, " computers are stupid"...

Outcome depends on what (rubbish) humans put into them!!

[Loafinabout in reply to DippyDame]

Thanks for your support - it’s a ridiculous situation when one has to bolster support before going in front of a medic!

[SlowDragon Administrator]

Are you also testing vitamin D, folate, ferritin and B12 to check these are at good levels

[Loafinabout in reply to SlowDragon]

Yes - snapshot of results via phone camera

[Loafinabout in reply to SlowDragon]

I supplemented with BetterYou Vit D (through winter until recently) and Vit B12 but have reduced dose on latter from 4 sprays to 1 after these results. High level of ferritin keeps popping up on my blood tests from way back back - I may have brought this up here before - I don’t eat red meat either and limit iron rich foods like spinach

[SlowDragon Administrator in reply to Loafinabout]

Ferritin levels for post menopause women - range should be higher - same as for men - 15-400

[Loafinabout in reply to SlowDragon]

Oh that’s good to know , Thankyou!