Heading in the right direction

[Lady-lala]

Hi all

I finally have a copy of my original blood tests from 6 weeks ago.

TSH : 39.4

T4 : 8.3

My results today

TSH : 10.3

T4: all Dr said was now within range.

Iron: in range but low end

Folate: low end of range

I have had my levothyroxine upped to 75mcg. Then review again in six weeks. Test shows its auto immune problem.

I maybe being impatient..... but does the tiredness improve?

I am signed off work until the end of July. I cant imagine working with this tiredness / fatigue. I also suffer from diabetes and long term anxiety and depression.

I'm am thinking about going part time. Does anyone know if there are any benefits I can claim to top up my wages?

Thank you in advance

[greygoose]

I maybe being impatient..... but does the tiredness improve?

I does when you get on the right dose. But with a TSH over 10 you are far from being on the right dose.

You are legally entitled to a print-out of your results, so don't be fobbed off with 'now in-range'. You need to know where in the range it lies. But, don't ask the doctor. Ask at reception.

[jimh111]

If you are going to this doctor you are heading in the wrong direction! Your TSH should come down below 5.0 and most likely below 2.0 before you are adequately medicated.

It's useful to know that hypothyroidism comes under the Equalities Act because it has long term (one year plus) symptoms that affect your ability to do normal daily tasks. Rather than quoting this to your employer it would be better to sort out the doctor. Maybe you could see another doctor in the practice. I would also check they are on the GMC register gmc-uk.org/registration-and... just in case they are not qualified.

[HealthStarDust in reply to jimh111]

Actually Lady-lala Jim has reminded me of the disability protections within the Equality Act 2010, namely “reasonable adjustments”. These are worth exploring for your situation to manage work.

See equalityhumanrights.com/en/...

equalityhumanrights.com/en/...

equalityhumanrights.com/en/....

Contact ACAS as a starting point.

[HealthStarDust]

“Does anyone know if there are any benefits I can claim to top up my wages?”

Disability benefits PIP and ESA and general UC. Best contact a specialist for benefit assessment which are usually in your local CAB or council.

[SlowDragon Administrator]

Which brand of levothyroxine was 50mcg

What are you being prescribed for 75mcg

Teva is only brand that makes 75mcg tablets

Teva upsets many people.

Generally it’s far better to stay on same brand

Have you tested vitamin D and B12

Please add actual folate and ferritin results and ranges

[Poppyfaery]

Sorry I've been in a mess for years I don't know where to start

[Bearo]

Re: PIP - you can fill in the claim form yourself or ask for help as HealthStarDust says above. You would need to score highly on being unable to carry out daily tasks, so when filling in the form it’s good to differentiate between a good day and a bad day. They don’t care how rubbish you feel - it’s just can you or can’t you dress yourself, wash, walk a certain distance, travel somewhere, cook a meal etc.

They like to turn down most claims first time forcing everyone to appeal - that’s when you’re more likely to need a bit of help. but really all you need to say is “I wish to appeal. Please look at my claim again”.

Then you have to go to interview.