Swollen feet and ankles

[S_J_]

Hi, I have really struggled to find support and answeres for thyroid condition. My GP doesn't seem to know much about my condition. I had my whole thyroid removed in 2020 but since then I look so swollen. My feet and ankles in particular. Just wondering if anybody else has experienced anything similar?

[PurpleNails Administrator]

welcome to forum.

200mcg is a high dose, could you have absorption issues? 

What are your FT4 & FT3 levels.  TSH levels won’t a be reliable measure as you were hyper with Graves.  

Have nutrients been tested? Folate, ferritin, B12 & vitamin D.

[S_J_ in reply to PurpleNails]

No they haven't tested all the above I will ask them too now though thank you

[PurpleNails Administrator in reply to S_J_]

Often quickest way to make progress is testing privately. 

 Do you have an endocrinologist specialist- often if hypothyroid it’s managed entirely by GP.  

GP often can’t \ won’t test FT3. 

Here’s a list of companies offering different options, some packages include thyroid function, key nutrients and thyroid Antibodies (Medichecks advanced thyroid)   Others a basic function only.  (Monitor my health) Some also have discount codes available.

thyroiduk.org/help-and-supp...

You order test online - the kits arrives via post - sample can be taken by finger prick (extra fee for private venous draw).

Post back and results available online usually quite quickly.  

Need to be careful to avoid weekend and postal strike delays.

Thyroid test should be taken just before 09.00 & the replacement dose should be delayed until after draw. Have previous tests been taken like this?

Supplements containing biotin needs to be left off 3 days before test longer if high dose.  Biotin can interfere with test.  

[SlowDragon Administrator]

Reading your helpful profile info

You’re currently 8 months pregnant?

What were your most recent thyroid results and ranges

When were vitamin D, folate, ferritin and B12 last tested

What vitamin supplements are you currently taking

Which brand of levothyroxine are you currently taking

Do you always get same brand levothyroxine at each prescription

Many people find different brands are not interchangeable

ALWAYS test thyroid levels early morning, ideally just before 9am and last dose levothyroxine 24 hours before test

Bloods should be retested 6-8 weeks after giving birth too

[S_J_ in reply to SlowDragon]

B12 vitamins and my levels change so much think down to my pregnancy. To be honest I still don't really understand the levels ect. Had a really bad gp and have only seen my new Dr once! The hospital have been dealing with it. And recently moved so need to change surges.

Amd yes always the same brand.. I was on water tablets for a while however they didn't help at all but was a very low dose.

[1tuppence]

Hi and Welcome S_J_.

Sorry to learn you're suffering from swollen feet and ankles, It's horrid, isn't it? Added weight to carry, and fluid is heavy.

As you are being carefully monitored during your pregnancy... (Congratulations are in order) ... by your hospital, what have they had to say about your swollen feet and ankles?

If your GP seems to know little re thyroid, and you are so uncomfortable, can you contact your hospital and ask for their advice on this?

[S_J_ in reply to 1tuppence]

They just keep measuring my ankles and fret to make sure it's not preeclampsia. Yeah I think I will ask to been seen by the specialists at hospital as its the same hospital I have my op. Just so frustrating and uncomfortable. Very nice to hear from people who actually understand have had literally no support since my op

[1tuppence in reply to S_J_]

S_J_ I'm really sorry to learn you feel so unsupported. ...and really pleased your hospital is monitoring you for pre-eclampsia. They are the best people to be watching for that, especially as your GP seems to know less than is ideal to help and support you.

This group is a true Godsend for those of us fortunate to find it.

Both of my pregnancies ended up with pre-eclampsia, so I know just how horrid and heavy that fluid is.

Take good care of yourself...and speak to those who will help you. Hugs xx