On my last post I asked if I could have Hashimoto's from my test results as I already have another autoimmune condtion called Psoriasis. I have many of the symptoms associated with Hypo or Hashimotos. Some of you said it was unlikely because of the antibody tests, but also mentioned to retest avoiding Bcomplex / Biotin for a week and check the vital vitamins. I forgot to mention I am on a medication called HYRIMOZ 40mg (adalimumab) which is an immunosuppresant that I inject myself every 2 weeks. Does anyone know if this could effect the antibodies bloodtest for Hashimomtos?
As advised on my previous post I asked my GP receptionist to request to redo my thyroid bloodtests including FT3 and antibodies and also to retest my ferritin, Vitamin D, Folate and B12. I also asked for an ultrasound for my thyroid area as I have a feeling of something in the back of my thorat for years. I had some blood tests done in July, but then on a phone appointment in Aug was told they need to go by evidence and TSH bloods and my ferritin and vit D were in range and to continue with OTC supplments and B12 was fine when tested in Jan.
Thyroid Peroxidase Abs: 9 IU/mL (normal range 0 - 34)
Serum Ferritin 101 ug/L (normal range 30 - 200) (Ferrous Sulphate since April 2022 as was very low, now on Iron with vit c from Boots)
25 - Hydroxyvitamin D3 level: 74 nmol/L (normal range 51 - 250) (been on supplements since Jan 2022 as was very low)
Since I asked for these new tests I was asked to come in FINALLY for a face to face appointment with the GP (Yay!). I do not want to come accross as a hypochondriac so would like to know how to structure my appointment and ask for the relevent tests without getting upset or angry. My appointment is tomorrow (Fri).
My symptoms that I can remember from head to toe: Hair loss and dry hair, Headaches and head pressure, sore eyes in the evenings, blocked left ear with tinnitis and loss of some hearing in left ear, Sinus issues, tingling feeling in face, weak and broken teeth toothloss, swollen toungue, feeling of a lump in my throat, chest discomfort, digestive issues, bloating, constipation, weak and ridged nails, urine infections, heavy periods, weight gain, dry skin, some bone / muscle pain, cramps, loss of get up and go, anxiety, High BP (on Amlodipine medication to regulate).
I appreciate any advice, sorry for long post.
Many Thanks
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Teggie
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Sounds like you probably do have it with those symptoms, especially if you have another auto immune disorder. The cause of the majority of hypothyroid sufferers is autoimmune related thyroidism. A gluten and soya free diet is important with hashi's as they are auto immune triggers. A lot of UK medics just say you're either hypo or hyper and claim the specifics are irrelevant, as all hypo treatment should be Levothyroxine and nothing else. It is a battle unless you have a fantastic doctor that moves mountains amongst the NHS everest bureaucracy. .. I've yet to find one.
I have been gluten free for a few years now but have to admit not strictly as I use the same toaster and vegan spread as gluten eaters in my family. I have been a life long vegetarian and a strict vegan for 4 years, untill earlier this year I introduced dairy cheese and yogurt as I was feeling run down and felt my body craving it. In the last few weeks I have returned to being Vegan full time.
I am dreading the treatment battle from what I've read on here its always a struggle....but first things first I need a diagnosis to get started.
hi Teggie, I have been taking Amlodipine (5mg) for about 3 years and I have no reason to suspect there is any bad interaction with my thyroid problem. Take care , Ken
Thank you for your reply Ken, I really appreciate it. I am glad to hear the Amlodopine has not interfered with your thyroid issues and treatment. I was more concerned about my psoriasis medication HYRIMOZ 40mg (adalimumab) which I inject once every 2 weeks, its an antibody and immunosuppressent. I am now waiting for the new bloods and ultrasound and hopefully get some answers.
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
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 for helpful reply and supplement suggestions. I am always so amazed at the knowledge and advice on this forum. It actually gives me lots of confidence and I am loaded with information before my GP appointment. Thanks SlowDragon
The present review of the literature regarding B12 status among vegetarians shows that the rates of B12 depletion and deficiency are high. It is, therefore, recommended that health professionals alert vegetarians about the risk of developing subnormal B12 status. Vegetarians should also take preventive measures to ensure adequate intake of this vitamin, including the regular intake of B12 supplements to prevent deficiency. Considering the low absorption rate of B12 from supplements, a dose of at least 250 μg should be ingested for the best results.3
And there’s no point being almost gluten free
Get yourself a separate GF toaster and use dedicated separate spread/jam etc
I have a feeling there’s a version of autoimmune disease that doesn’t result in antibodies being produced. Occasionally we’ll see a post from someone whose autoimmune thyroiditis was diagnosed via ultrasound or other imaging test—their tests for antibodies were negative though.
Alternatively—and this is me thinking out loud—maybe sometimes it takes so long for doctors to test thyroid function it’s possible autoimmune thyroiditis has already burnt itself out by the time you’re diagnosed with hypothyroidism. That would presumably just present as high TSH, low FT3 / FT4 with the usual background levels of thyroid antibodies.
Thank you Jazzw for your reply. Hopefully when I speak to my GP my request for an ultrasound will be taken seriously. The second paragraph is an interesting thought, my TSH was 1.19 mU/L (normal range 0.30 - 4.20) in July so at that test was not high at all. My GP will hopefully repeat these bloods and just so I know where I am now.
Thank you that is really helpful, I will book a private Thyroid Ultrasound if my GP refuses hopefully they will agree and give me all the tests I have requested....wishfull thinking!
Thank you all for your incredible advice. I managed to convince the GP (a new one yet again) for the repeat bloods including testing for those essential vitamins. She also added some others in there just for fun too. Also finally got approval for the thyroid ultrasound (yay finally!), just waiting for the request form through the post to book an appointment. My bloods are booked for 8:50am on the 29th of this month. I have stopped taking the B complex, but taking the better you b12 spray. I will continue my Vitamin D and Iron supplements until the day before the test.
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