Recently diagnosed

[Labrador123456]

Hi all, I was diagnosed hypothyroidism a few months ago currently taken 50 mg levothyroxine manufacturer is Accord. I have found out that many years ago I tested positive for thyroid, but my GP did not follow up with further tests, this is not the first time something like this has happened.

For years, I had been feeling unwell and gaining a lot of weight told my GP how unwell I felt, unfortunately when you already have chronic health problems doctors can be very dismissive and blame existing conditions.

Some of my conditions have similar symptoms which are Crohn's, T2 diabetes, Spondylitis and Arthritis the latter two have left me physically disabled, before I was diagnosed with T2 for months they kept blaming my Crohn's.

After my last thyroid blood test which was my second after diagnosis, I was asked to make an appointment for the results, during the appointment the GP never even mentioned Thyroid, he seemed more concerned that my marker for Crohn's was elevated and so was my liver.

They have never told me my blood test results and I don't think they are testing thoroughly enough, what type of blood test do I need to ask for because I still feel unwell and gaining weight, told GP and he just "oh yes you will feel like that".

[Jaydee1507 Administrator]

After only a few months of treatment and on only 50mcg levo you're probably doing as well as anyone else at that stage. I think its more complicated for you as your other health conditions are distracting for doctors and you're going to have to take up the reins and lead your treatment.

Its very common for people to have borderline results for a very long time before they get treatment. Super frustrating I know and not at all ideal.

You are legally entitled to a printed copy of your results, ask at GP reception. In England you can get the NHS app and ask for permission to see your blood results on that by asking at GP’s reception.

So you're probably ready for the next dose increase. Once you get your blood results make a new post and post them here for people to comment.

When hypo we get low stomach acid which means we cannot absorb vitamins well from our food, regardless of a great diet. For thyroid hormone to work well we need OPTIMAL levels of vitamins. Have you recently or could you ask your GP to test levels of ferritin, folate, B12 & D3? Private tests are available, see link for companies offering private blood tests & discount codes, some offer a blood draw service at an extra cost. thyroiduk.org/help-and-supp...

There is also a new company offering walk in & mail order blood tests in Crawley, Hove and Reigate areas. No charge for blood draw in clinic. Check to see if there is a blood test company near you. onedaytests.com/products/ul...

Only do private postal testing early Monday or Tuesday morning.

It's ideal if you can always get the same brand of levo at every prescription. You can do this by getting GP to write the brand you prefer in the first line of the prescription. Many people find that different brands are not interchangeable.

Do you know if you had positive thyroid antibodies? Many with autoimmune thyroid disease aka Hashimoto's benefit from a gluten free diet. A smaller percentage of those also need to remove dairy from their diet to feel well. These are intolerances and will not show up on any blood test. It’s worth trialling a strictly gluten free diet to see if it helps symptoms.

Recommended blood test protocol: Test at 9am (or as close as possible), fasting, last levo dose 24hrs before the blood draw, last T3 dose 8-12 hours before blood draw & no biotin containing supplements for 3-7 days (Biotin can interfere with thyroid blood results as it is used in the testing process)? Testing like this gives consistency in your results and will show stable blood levels of hormone and highest TSH which varies throughout the day. Taking Levo/T3 just prior to blood draw can show a falsly elevated result and your GP/Endo might change your dose incorrectly as a result.