Advice please

[SamB22]

hi all

Had a call from consultant today and got my blood results.

TSH 1.52 (0.35-5.5)

T4   11 (9-23)

T3.  4.2. (3.5 - 6.5)

I did mention to him why I went and got a test before the 8weeks as I’d had symptoms of hypo - weak, discomfort in joints(but not painful)- plus by previous results it looked like I was heading that way. He said fibromyalgia ( I don’t believe that it is it). But he then said to get my cortisol checked - and will write to docs about this. Will also check vit d.

Anyone had cortisol checked for similar? I hope I find out why I have this weak/tingly feeling in joints it’s uncomfortable and once I’m awake on a morning can’t lie in bed for it. It’s constant.

One worry that I have and question. As my thyroid is now starting to climb while on 5mg - I’m worried it will eventually go overactive again on 5 mg as why is it climbing? Although I’m pleased it’s moving away from possible hypo. Will it become stable at one reading? I don’t fully understand all this. But maybe it is my body catching up as stated in previous helpful replies.

I also mentioned about my hair - he did mention it could be the thyroid as it had been overactive or could have other medication but to stay on this a bit longer. Obv other options mentioned but I said staying on medication . He said it was ok to take th biotin I’m on 1000ug I hope it helps. My zinc is slightly low and doc said to get supplement but on some already.

X

[PurpleNails Administrator]

Do you have another follow up blood test to check thyroid levels?

It should soon be apparent from thyroid function results if the levels start rising and you need an appropriate increase in carbimazole.

Doctors sometimes go by TSH and they also have a tendency to over increase or double current dose that not always necessary.

Your stable once you find the right level to prevent rise or dropping.

Testing cortisol also good idea. Usually it has to be in morning.

Biotin fine but leave off few days of that level of dose as can interfere with blood testing processes. (Any blood test)

Was you Zinc tested? What was exact results?

[SamB22 in reply to PurpleNails]

Hi, I have a blood test booked for cortisol and others checks re (hair) he didn’t say what.

He doesn’t want a thyroid test until 12 weeks time.

My zinc is just under range - slightly low doc said 8.9 (9.6-20.5) told to buy a supplement of zinc in a text but not what strength or to take for how long.

I’ve googled about cortisol - now worried with what I read / I hope the results don’t show anything . I think it is the carb doing this to joints as it started when I started on carb.

X

[PurpleNails Administrator in reply to SamB22]

I think 12 weeks is too long. Use a monitor my health TSH, FT4 & FT3 test kit at 6 weeks between tests to check levels between tests.

Do new post with Zinc results & ask for advice on best Zinc & dose suggestions.

Very poor of Endo not to offer guidance.

[SamB22 in reply to PurpleNails]

Hi,

It was the gp who sent results for zinc and I agree needed guidance. I will call tomorrow to speak to her. I got a shock when endo said 12 weeks also - I don’t know why he is leaving it as long. However if I feel unwell before this I will call him and ask for a thyroid test. Wonder if anyone else gone as long.

X

[PurpleNails Administrator in reply to SamB22]

Im tested 3 monthly now.

But I’ve been stable on a fairly low dose (10mg 5mg alternating days) from a nodule not autoimmune.

Initially it was 6 weekly. Then as I was stable and covid lock Down happened, I was told leave it 10 weeks.

The Endo said GP could monitor me from now on. I was told I would be tested 3 monthly but nothing was ever officially specified. I noticed the GP noted - if stable it should be left longer.

But I’ll be arguing against that. The NHS information on Carbimazole use does say testing should be between every 6 weeks & 3 monthly.

nhs.uk/medicines/carbimazole/

“When you first start treatment, you'll have blood tests every 6 weeks or so. Once your hormone levels are stable, you'll have a blood test every 3 months, for as long as you continue to take carbimazole.”

[SamB22 in reply to PurpleNails]

HiYeh definitely argue against that. Pleased you are stable. He must consider me stable if he is leaving it that long. Sorry what do you mean about 3 monthly? X

[PurpleNails Administrator in reply to SamB22]

if you take carbimazole & your stable you should still be tested every 3 months (or 12 weeks) at least. I was proven stable in that I had several consecutive tests where I was at a similar -in range - stable level.

I think you it’s too soon to say you are definitely at the right level.

[SamB22 in reply to PurpleNails]

HiYeh me too!

Thanks for your advice x