Latest blood test results

[MsWhistledown]

Evening all 🤗

I have my first thyroid blood test results since starting levothyroxine.

Started 25mcgs on 16 June and then increased to 50mcgs on 13 July.

I had thought that I was not getting on with the Accord brand 50mcgs (25mcgs TEVA previously) but I had to persevere because GP and Pharmacist wouldn’t change me back to TEVA. Anyway, I seemed to have settled down on Accord and have started to feel better.

I do feel like some symptoms have begun to creep back in such as heavy, tired legs and sore feet. Feeling fatigued still with some brain fog but insomnia has improved although sleep is still not ideal.

I don’t have the lab ranges yet as my GP app doesn’t seem to show them. I will get print outs as soon as I can but result returned today shows the following result:

TSH 2.7 mIU/L

Free T4 16.7 pmol/L

T3 not tested.

I do feel like I am ready for an increase to 75mcgs but I have a feeling I am not going to get it due to TSH most likely being in range. Am I going to have to battle for it. Can I insist on increasing or can the GP deny me on the grounds of my TSH being in range even though T3 is the real indicator?

Thanks as always for your advice and sharing your experiences.

[SlowDragon Administrator]

Yes you are likely ready for next dose increase in levothyroxine…..but GP maybe reluctant

Was test done as recommended

Recommended that 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)

Request 25mcg increase to 75mcg daily

Teva is only brand that makes 75mcg tablets…..so if you want to go back to Teva this is good opportunity

Previous post with ferritin and Vitamin D results

healthunlocked.com/thyroidu...

shows your ferritin was far too low

Vitamin D needed improving too

Have you had folate and B12 levels tested

What vitamin supplements are you now taking

Are you on gluten free diet

[MsWhistledown in reply to SlowDragon]

Yes, test was done at 8:50am fasted, water only, levothyroxine last taken 24 hours before test. Vitamin B complex stopped 7 days before test.

I was vegetarian and now eating meat in efforts to improve my ferritin. Folate and B12 were tested back in June and folate was low but B12 was in good range.

I am now taking vitamin B complex brand healthleads. I also have separate Folate L-methylfolate same brand. Only took that while staying off B complex before blood test. Vitamin D3 + K2 MK7 2000iu brand Aavalabs & magnesium citrate brand iPerk which I take in the evening.

Yes, gluten free now for past 6 weeks.

[HealthStarDust]

You may you don’t have to battle the GP. Many are aware that once in Levothyroxine, TSH needs to be at least under 2.

[MsWhistledown in reply to HealthStarDust]

Thanks HealthStarDust, something I will tell the GP if they push back.

[HealthStarDust in reply to MsWhistledown]

Good luck. I hope you don’t have to face a battle. I know many on this site seem to have similar experiences with their GP.

[MsWhistledown in reply to HealthStarDust]

Thanks 🙏 I’m hoping I won’t but going by the conversation I had with one of the GP’s about sticking with the same brand of levothyroxine it was clear they weren’t that knowledgeable. But I can hope…😅

[HealthStarDust in reply to MsWhistledown]

FYI, it helps at all, when I got my last results a few weeks ago, which were similar to yours, I increased mine to 75mcg, later informed GP who was fine with it.

[MsWhistledown in reply to HealthStarDust]

That is reassuring-thanks. Hope my GP responds as well as yours 🤞

[Bearo in reply to HealthStarDust]

How did your increase your Levo without GP changing the script?

[HealthStarDust in reply to Bearo]

I had to enough in the first place to start an increase. GP changed script once l informed them.

[Regenallotment]

Keep going and ensure you mention you remain symptomatic, the GP should help you titrate up to a point where your symptoms improve. If you have an online appointment request system at surgery you can list all this and the GP will have it in front of them at your next appointment. If not, I learned to take a list in so I remember everything 🌱

[MsWhistledown in reply to Regenallotment]

Great idea thanks Regenallotment. I will see if they do an online appointment as not sure. And yes I will have to bring a list otherwise or I’ll get flustered 🫣😊

[Regenallotment in reply to MsWhistledown]

Yes I have the flustered in the chair T-shirt. Keep things simple just mention the symptoms you still have and willingness to trial next dose. Let us know how it goes , I’ll be interested to hear how you get on 🌱

[MsWhistledown in reply to Regenallotment]

Thank you 😊 I will do.

[tattybogle]

you might need this :

healthunlocked.com/thyroidu.... list-of-references-recommending-gps-keep-tsh-lower-in-range

[MsWhistledown in reply to tattybogle]

Thanks so much tattybogle.