Poor Converter

[Rambling9]

Hi

Here are my last two NHS test results - after the March one my GP contacted the local endo who suggested increasing levo by 25 mcg per day (to 225mcg daily) in order to increase the T3 which was below range.

So the T3 has been dragged into range (just!) and the T4 is right at the top of the range - I do feel better partly I suspect to improving mineral and vitamin intake and tweaking diet to eliminate gluten (almost) and cut out a lot of dairy.

However, I still feel rough - the usual tired, aching joints & muscles, dry eye, dry hair, postnasal drip, brain fog, depression, lack of confidence etc.

I've a f2f appointment with my GP at the end of August when I'll ask for a referral with a view to a trial of T3 with reduction in T4 in view of continuing symptoms and heart health. Hoping for the best outcome, but I don't feel optimistic

[SlowDragon Administrator]

Push on to be absolutely strictly gluten and dairy free

Which brand of levothyroxine do you currently take

Do you always get same brand at each prescription

When were vitamin levels last tested

[Rambling9 in reply to SlowDragon]

These are the latest Medichecks results - done on 13th July - usual fasting 9am with no meds since previous night

Currently taking a mix of Wockhart (25mcg) and until recently Accord for the 100mcg - just changed to Mercury though

Test results

[SlowDragon Administrator in reply to Rambling9]

Get the list here

List of thyroid specialists and endocrinologists

healthunlocked.com/thyroidu...

Roughly where in U.K. are you

Look at seeing someone on list who’s private and NHS if possible

Start privately and then transfer to nhs

NHS waiting time is 9-12 months and most local endocrinologists are diabetes specialists

You need thyroid specialist

Dio2 test definitely worth doing

[Rambling9 in reply to SlowDragon]

Hi SlowDragon - I'm in South London/North Surrey area - sorting DI02 test!

Thx

[seveneleven]

Oof, you definitely need some T3! That's a lot of levothyroxine for FT3 that's still so low. Go armed with evidence and guidelines, and good luck!

Would you be able to pursue a private T3 script if GP refuses? A lot of your persistent hypo symptoms would likely improve with it.

[Rambling9 in reply to seveneleven]

Yep - I'm reluctant to go down the private route tbh as it would be a big drain on my income but if needs must...

[BenLabrador]

I suggest you get a DI02 genetic mutation test from Regenerus Labs in Redhill, UK. This may show that you are not converting T4 to T3 sufficiently. You can use the result, if you have a mutation, as evidence in your discussions with your GP.

[Rambling9 in reply to BenLabrador]

Thank you - results are sent to a health care professional or an independent practitioner - is there an extra cost for the latter do you know?

[BenLabrador in reply to Rambling9]

I don't know. You could get the result sent to your GP. My daughter is a GP and my result was sent to a colleague of hers.

[Wickety in reply to Rambling9]

Hi, regarding Dio2 query - if you use the independent route for results to be interpreted the cost last year would have been £60. It may have increased now. Sending it to a GP is free and then you can request a copy of view online if you have that option. I did the Dio2, it opened my eyes about thyroid. Shame it had no impact on GP or endo though. I source my T3 independently now. Good luck.

[Rambling9 in reply to Wickety]

Thank you that's really helpful

[McPammy]

you definitely need a T3 liothyronine combined with lower T4 levothyroxine trial. If you increase your levothyroxine now with those results you’ll go over medicated with T4. T4 needs to be adequate not flooding your system. Same goes for T3. We are all trying to replicate a healthy thyroid with adequate levels and try and keep your TSH just about in range.