Sorry I'll try again🤔 I'm trying not to write an essay then I won't loose what I've just wrote
You are all wonderful people and have to say,you have all been a great help with your knowledge and information that is shared. No one has to feel alone,there is always a kind person that replies with positivity on the forum.
i have been struggling with various aches and pains,teeth and gum problems,also very itchy and oh the tiredness and fatigue,oh and dermal Fibrosis. I was thinking it was more to do with my inflammatory arthritis but now I'm thinking maybe it's to do with my thyroid.
As suggested I have looked up my previous bloods and here are some of the results. GP have told me all normal,I do have other results, these seemed to be the worrying levels.
If any of you beautiful people see if I have anything that needs double checking, I will send for a private blood test that you have all recommend.
thanks for your help
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Ankles
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“Yes it's serum Free T4 result 26.1 range 10.0 - 2.0”
The range would always be lower limit to upper limit. 10 - 2 wouldn’t be right & if it switched round (2 - 10) that would be an exceptionally low range & there no way GP would be happy with that high a FT4 even if TSH is range (although they often just look at TSH)
Eg “Blood test results say this is ok as the TSH is in range”
If these were verbal or handwritten results I’m afraid they can be relied upon. Must have either online access or printed copies.
Positive TPO means it’s virtually inevitable levels will decline, as yours did.
The immune system is attacking & destroying cells of thyroid leaving it less & less able to function.
Most of world uses term Hashimoto’s, UK Doctors sometimes use the term “autoimmune thyroiditis” but as the autoimmune aspect can not be treated most just refer to “under active thyroid” - the treatment is to replace low levels.
Staring before FT4 was below range is correct although standard starting dose is 50mcg (mcg not mg)
I suspect you might have taken levo prior to draw which is why FT4 is high.
All hypothyroidism is treated same.
Gluten can be issue with Hashis. Do you have stomach issues, although it’s not always apparent.
NHS rarely tests FT3. There are private companies which many use.. Fingerprick sample taken at home, or extra fee for venous draw . Options & fees vary from thyroid function - under £30, to more advanced options with antibodies & nutrients costing under £100. Do you think that is something you could manage at home?
Only do private testing early Monday or Tuesday morning, ideally just before 9am and last dose levothyroxine 24 hours before test
What brand levothyroxine are you currently taking
Teva is only brand that makes 75mcg tablets
Teva upsets many people
Meanwhile……Work on improving very low B12
then retest FULL thyroid and vitamins again in 2-3 months after improving low B12
Suggest you start taking a good quality vitamin B complex and separate B12
Retest thyroid and vitamin levels 2 months time
supplementing a good quality daily vitamin B complex, one with folate in (not folic acid) . This can help keep all B vitamins in balance and will help improve B12 levels too
B vitamins best taken after breakfast
Thorne Basic B recommended vitamin B complex that contains folate, but they are large capsules. (You can tip powder out if can’t swallow capsule)
IMPORTANT......If you are taking vitamin B complex, or any supplements containing biotin, remember to stop these 7 days before ALL BLOOD TESTS , as biotin can falsely affect test results
In week before blood test, when you stop vitamin B complex, you might want to consider taking a separate methyl folate supplement and continue separate B12
With serum B12 result below 500, (Or active B12 below 70) recommended to be taking a B12 supplement as well as a B Complex (to balance all the B vitamins) initially for first 2-4 months.
once your serum B12 is over 500 (or Active B12 level has reached 70), stop the B12 and just carry on with the B Complex.
Thank you so much I will order the Thorn B12 now and then in a couple of months order one of the private blood test and fo as you have instructed. I'll treat myself with birthday money😊. I have took a screen shot and edited, of my GP thyroid blood test, just so you can see the actual wording, think I put a few dots in the wrong place on the original Thanks again for your help👍
You may need to (very slightly reduce levothyroxine) but you must get TSH, Ft4 and Ft3 tested together first …..if Ft3 is not over range you are not over medicated
Ideally (if birthday money will stretch that far) test TSH, Ft4 and Ft3 now via Monitor My Health
Test early Monday or Tuesday morning and last dose levothyroxine 24 hours before test
Meanwhile improving low B12 …..by taking a vitamin B complex and separate B12
This should help improve conversion of Ft4 to Ft3…..In 6-8 weeks (hopefully) would see lower Ft4 and good Ft3 level
Thank you, will get the tests done and then go from there. I have the Thorne b complex in my basket, can you recommend a B12 suppliment please.Thank you so much for your help.
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