I had a total thyroidectomy 14 years ago. I have been on 150mcg per day of Levothyroxine since the operation. Two years ago I had Covid and pneumonia in both lungs. Since then, the medication has not been working, I am fatigued, putting on weight, dry skin, brittle hair, depressed and anxious, have a gravelly voice, am cold all of the time, not sleeping etc. A new endo has given me 10mcg per day of T3 to try, I've been taking this with 125mcg of Levothyroxine since 21st November. Initially, I felt well and after a week or so I was feeling very well, then, after Christmas I was back to where I started with all of the above symptoms.
If I’m reading the results correctly, which is unlikely, should I be reducing my T4? My blood test did not include ferritin so I have to do another test for that later. Any advice/help would be much appreciated xx
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MrsMark
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I'm not either but I am dairy and gluten free. Before taking the samples I was told to stop all vitamin tablets, so I did. Usually I take a multivitamin every day which helps.
I don't have many of the symptoms of B12 deficiency aside from what I've noted above. I do get irritable but I've always been irritable! ; )
We don't recommend multivitamins here as they never contain enough for a true deficiency, usually poor quality, also contain vitamins that prevent absorption of other vitamins. Better to target specific levels that you know are low.
You should get checked out for PA with levels like that of B12. See GP or Endo.
Are they going to run the folate again? You need that result.
Vit D is slightly low. Buy some D3 with K2 and work out how much to take to get it optimal, around 100. grassrootshealth.net/projec...
Free T4 (fT4) 22.9 pmol/L (12 - 22) 109.0%
Free T3 (fT3) 4.73 pmol/L (3.1 - 6.8) 44.1%
Your thyroid results are inbalanced. Obviously if you reduce levo you will need more T3 to make that up. Reduce levo for a week then add in small amount T3.
Okay, I will speak to my endo and hopefully she can change the t4/t3 ratio.
I will look into separate vitamins too. I’ve also just sent off a full screening as part of my medical insurance review so I’ll share results when they come in.
Thank you so much for replying, I really appreciate it x
Aside from feeling tired and having slight shortness of breath going upstairs (a parting gift from my covid/pneumonia episode), I don’t have any of those symptoms.
I went to my GP with a list of symptoms, told him how unhappy I felt with my T4 only medication, suggested a link between covid/pneumonia and my meds not working now. He said, and I quote, “never mind”.
I will ask my endo if she can do more bloods and I’ll do another sample for ferritin. Getting blood out is almost impossible, I need two helpers and someone to cut my finger!
No, my sample was insufficient for a folate test so I’ve got another one coming shortly. Haven’t given my GP these results, he seems very disinterested but I will speak to the practice manager and ask for the tests.
Thank you very much for your advice and for taking the time to reply, I really appreciate it.
I’ve never seen such a comprehensive list of symptoms. I stopped counter after I ticked off 60 😔
Okay, I have some work to do to get myself to optimal.
I’ll speak to my Dr, get blood tests and get a clear picture. In the meantime, I’ll have a look at my diet (I’m gluten and dairy free) but I don’t eat much meat. I’m not brilliant with green veg either, will work on that.
I have an appointment with my endo on the 8th, I’ll ask if I can increase my T3, maybe reduce T4 depending on what she says.
I’ll get the separate vitamins depending on what is actually required and start on them as soon as I’ve done my last set of blood tests.
Thank you so much, I don’t know how you find the time to reply with such detailed information but I’m very glad that you do. Have a lovely day, Emma
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