Constant fatigue and depression.

[babsi]

Hi everybody.

I have hashimoto, hypothyroidism, since 35 years.

My thyroid has now shrunk to next to nothing.

Since 2 years my dosage, that used to be perfect at half of a 175mcg of T4 tablets per day, went up to 175 per day, and doesn’t seem to stop going up.

It’s a roller coaster ride.

One out of 2 tests a year are good, but

A bit later, the controls show a high TSH again.

So I keep adding more and more levo thyroxine.

I am now at the double of my original dosage. In two years time.

I used to have high antibodies of the two kinds.

One went back to normal, the other stayed high.

I wonder which dosage I will end up with.

Thank goodness I have a doctor who listens.

But since I am constantly depressed as well as unmotivated to the point, that I find it difficult to get up, until someone forces me to ( my dog for example, or a Post man, I don’t enjoy life any more.

I have been on antidepressants, many times, but they seem to make me feel worse.

Any suggestions?

[Buntikins]

Hi Babsi. I am sorry that I'm not knowledgeable enough to comment - I am newly diagnosed. I feel your pain though as I share the same symptoms. I have only very recently joined this wonderful community and found the members to be amazing in terms of both knowledge and support. I'm sure someone will give you some sound advice soon. I hope you get the medical support you need soon. Hugs.

[SeasideSusie Remembering]

babsi

Can you post your current test results for

TSH

FT4

FT3

Vit D (include unit of measurement)

B12 (include unit of measurement)

Folate

Ferritin

Also include the reference ranges for each test.

We can then see if there are any obvious problems.

Test should be done no later than 9am, nothing except water before the test, last dose of Levo should be 24 hours before test, if you take T3 (or NDT) last dose should be 8-12 hours before test (splitting dose day before and altering time if necessary).

If you take B Complex this should be left off for 3-7 days before the test as it gives false results.

Are you on any other medication at the moment besides your thyroid meds?

[babsi in reply to SeasideSusie]

Thank you for the quick response. For some reason health unlocked don’t accept my photos or file.

[SeasideSusie Remembering in reply to babsi]

Type them in then.

[babsi in reply to SeasideSusie]

The 3 Ts, They were perfect last time, but I had just had another raise. I take those drops now. Serb. 35 per day. My ferretin is all ways above range, whereas b12 ,6 ,1 , are barely showing.

I supplement , but can only have it tested once a year.

Vitamin D is low, even though I take those vials every month.

I am just too tired to even sit in the sun.

I make it from the bed to the sofa.

And then I stay there until someone forces me to get up.

Hunger or so.

[SeasideSusie Remembering in reply to babsi]

We need results and ranges and need to know what you take to be able to reply with any helpful. And I doubt anyone knows what serb is.

[babsi in reply to SeasideSusie]

As I said, my latest results from TSH t3 t4 are good. But since 2 years, they now, I need to increase my dosage. And it don’t end.

I have one good result, TSH around 1, and how I like it. the rest normal midrange.

Then I stay with this dosage for a few months.

And I get to do a check, to see if I am still doing well.

But it’s always TSH up to 15.

4 being the limit.

So I get put on a higher dose of levothyrox.

I pick up a bit. (Feel better)

And then the next test, normally 3 month later, shows a new, serious lack of levothyroxin. ( no matter what the brand name is).

At the moment, since October 2021, I am taking Serb L Thyroid, which comes in a drip bottle.

I live in France. And it’s made here.

The maximum dosage is 30 drops.

And I am taking 35. ( doctor advise)

What I am just wondering.

Since my thyroid has basically vanished over 35 years time, why does my TSH not stabilize?

I can understand, that a constant attack of antibodies makes it shrink, and that the destructed tissue is containing T3 and 4.

And thank you for the answer, and the tips about b vitamins.

I did supplement, but very irregular.

I also never take my meds before the blood test.

But I was never told to not eat anything, for a thyroid test.

I know not to eat before a general test.

Thank you all for the patience. I don’t feel like talking to anyone. Not often.

[eeng]

As I understand it the TSH level changes in response to the amount of FT3 in our systems. If your body was becoming progressively worse at converting FT4 into FT3 then this might cause your blood test results. What you really need is to get your results for TSH, FT4 and FT3 (with their lab reference ranges) and post them here for comment. You may find that your FT4 is high but your FT3 is low. I know you are feeling pretty terrible at the moment but it's worth the effort of getting these results because it might help you get better.If you aren't converting FT4 to FT3 then one reason will be the really low B12 and Vit D (and possibly ferritin) you told us about. Unless our nutrient levels are optimal (not just somewhere above the bottom of the range) we won't convert effectively. Once your nutrient levels are all addressed, if your problems continue you may need T3 added to your Levothyroxine, however it won't help unless your nutrients are optimised first. You may well find that you need less thyroxine once your nutrients are optimised, but you need to be sure you have healthy FT3 levels, not just in-range TSH.

[babsi in reply to eeng]

Thank you much for the answer, and your interpretation.

My thyroid labs

[babsi in reply to babsi]

Oh my god, it worked. I am able to share my results.They seem good. But please remember, on the right hand side are noted the previous lab results.

And my need for levo thyroid medication keeps increasing.

As I said, I have hashimoto since 35 years, and have been on a dose of less than 100 mcg since 20 years.

Just in the last 2 years, I had to double my intake.

And the ecchograph shows, that my thyroid is completely destroyed.

I wonder what comes next.