Heart Failure and skewed TSH results

[ellj]

Hi all, it's been many long months or possibly years since I was a regular here so firstly I hope you are all doing reasonably well.

I have had stable tsh etc for years once on Levothyroxine but suddenly I have gone way off balance.

I have been feeling very ill for about three months maybe longer it's all a bit of a blur.

This week I was sent to a & e with suspected lung clot. Many tests,exams etc and it was decided nothing immediately life threatening and most likely Heart Failure. Consultant knew nothing of Thyroid disease or Pernicious Anaemia which I also have so didn't want to comment about my way off balance TSH result.

Fair enough at least he was honest.

The puzzle to me is WHY has it suddenly gone way high....I was already taking 250mcgms so now on 275mcgms then retest three months. The way I feel that will feel like eternity.

I do have Hashimotos and may have had covid about 8 weeks ago, tested negative but maybe didn't get correct specimen because I was feeling too ill to cope really.

I guess that could skew my levels.

I am already on meds for heart failure, started several years ago after a mini stroke.

Just want to feel like a human being again.

Am type2 diabetic and although my BG levels are ok I am still gaining weight and am now officially obese 😭

Don't know which way to turn.

[McPammy]

if you are on levothyroxine alone, have you ever tested how well you are converting from T4 levothyroxine to the most important hormone T3. I’d get your TSH, T4 and T3 tested if you haven’t already.

[ellj in reply to McPammy]

Conversion was checked several years ago and fine then but I suppose that could have changed.

[SlowDragon Administrator in reply to ellj]

Conversion can Definitely get worse over time

Especially if vitamin levels are low and/or post menopause

Lower vitamin levels much more common as we get older, especially B12

Low vitamin D much more common with weight gain

Do you always take levothyroxine on its own on empty stomach and then nothing apart from water for at least an hour after

Any other medication or supplements at least 2 hours away from levothyroxine

Some like iron, calcium, magnesium, HRT, omeprazole or vitamin D should be four hours away

(Time gap doesn't apply to Vitamin D mouth spray)

If you normally take levothyroxine at bedtime/in night ...adjust timings as follows prior to blood test

If testing Monday morning, delay Saturday evening dose levothyroxine until Sunday morning. Delay Sunday evening dose levothyroxine until after blood test on Monday morning. Take Monday evening dose levothyroxine as per normal

Do you always get same brand levothyroxine at each prescription

[SlowDragon Administrator]

Suggest you get FULL thyroid and vitamin testing either via GP or privately

Are you taking any other medications and vitamins at least 2 hours away from taking levothyroxine

What other vitamins are you taking apart from B12 injections

all thyroid blood tests early morning, ideally just before 9am, only drink water between waking and test and last dose levothyroxine 24 hours before test

This gives highest TSH, lowest FT4 and most consistent results. (Patient to patient tip)

Private tests are available as NHS currently rarely tests Ft3 or all relevant vitamins

List of private testing options and money off codes

thyroiduk.org/getting-a-dia...

Medichecks Thyroid plus antibodies and vitamins

medichecks.com/products/adv...

Blue Horizon Thyroid Premium Gold includes antibodies, cortisol and vitamins

bluehorizonbloodtests.co.uk...

Only do private testing early Monday or Tuesday morning.

Link about thyroid blood tests

thyroiduk.org/getting-a-dia...

Tips on how to do DIY finger prick test

healthunlocked.com/thyroidu...

Medichecks and BH also offer private blood draw at clinic near you, or private nurse to your own home…..for an extra fee

[ellj in reply to SlowDragon]

Slow dragon thank you for your detailed response, great to have these reminders Infront of me.

Just when you need it to be clear the fog thickens I find 😔 so much appreciated.

[SlowDragon Administrator in reply to ellj]

Come back with new post once you get results