Request for increase in levo has led to ....... - Thyroid UK

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Request for increase in levo has led to .......

Watamu profile image
7 Replies

I have been pushing for an increase in levo for several months now because my symptoms are not changing. First increase was 100/75mcg to 100 daily but then because my TSH was below the accepted nhs lower level Gp refused the increase. After a second attempt to increase myself and again a refulsal from GP he asked if I could see him face to face because he thought there may be an underlying health issue for my symptoms, I thought here we go again, heard about this before. Had a face to face last Wed when I discovered I'd lost weight of 6kg in 6 months, also GP noticed that I had a definite yellow look about me, he ordered a long list of blood tests which I was due tohave taken yesterday, however last Friday I began to feel really ill, phoned GP and was advised to go straight to A&E. where a whirlwind of events have since happened this week.Eventually admitted to medical ward where bloods were taken then had to wait until blood tests results were available. I was told that my bilirubin was very high and that I needed a CT scan which wasn't available until Monday, was told that there was a worry that there may be underlying cancer somewhere. I was given the option to stay in hosp over the w/end or could go home, but nothing else could be done until Monday, I opted to go home as my daughter had arrived from North Wales and couldn't see the point to me being in hosp and her at home by herself. Monday back at hosp where I had CT scan and lots more blood tests and medical exam looking for lumps, was told that the scan showed no signs of cancer, no lumps anywhere and that the medics were "baffled" by my results. Told to go back yesterday for ultrasound scan and more blood tests, again ultrasound showed exactly the same result as CT scan. All these tests were done via general medicine clinic with Dr double checking with liver specialist in case she had missed anything. Was asked to give history of when I first got ill in Kenya end of 2019 and; first diagnosed with hypothyroid in early 2020. I gave all my blood tests taken in Kenya which they have logged on my records. I have to go back tomorrow (thursday) for more blood tests, mainly to see if bilirubin has come down (level of over 200) also have been ordered an MRI scan which I'm waiting appt for. Dr says I will need to have blood tests twice a week to monitor bilirubin levels, says I am very ill and they are worried because they cannot find the cause. Still waiting for some results to come thro includig liver antibody test result. Drs know that I am aware of all of my hashimotos symptoms and that I feel that some T3 might help me but was told that they don't think there is any connection to my thyroid and my liver problems??

Has anyone out there been in a similar situation?

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Watamu
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7 Replies
helvella profile image
helvellaAdministratorThyroid UK

That is awful for you.

Had a very quick look and last results I saw from you were not bad - maybe not ideal but certainly no jump out of the page issues.

Do keep us informed. And the very best for such a worrying time.

Watamu profile image
Watamu in reply to helvella

Thank you helvella, the support on this forum is amazing. Blood test results are still coming thro. Bilirubin has dropped from over 200 to 168. I’m having liver function tests twice a week and MRI booked for the 10th. Out of 25 tests so far 18 are out of range. Will keep updating just in case anyone finds my predicament helpful

Jaydee1507 profile image
Jaydee1507Administrator

I'm sorry to hear of your health problems.

I had a quick look at the last results that you posted in July.

Free T4 (fT4) 17.7 pmol/L (10.5 - 21) 68.6%

Free T3 (fT3) 5.6 pmol/L (3.5 - 6.5) 70.0%

These show excellent conversion. Your vitamins are also pretty good with the exception of ferritin that could be a little higher. 90-100 is said to be best for optimal use of thyroid hormone.

I hope they can find what is happening soon and help you feel better.

Watamu profile image
Watamu in reply to Jaydee1507

TSH <0.03 mU/L 0.35 to 5.50 mU/L0.35 - 5.50 mU/L

General Information

Ordered by Gioacchino Cracolici

Collected on 29/09/2023 16:17 from Venepuncture (Serum)

Resulted on 29/09/2023 18:22

Free T4 23.9 pmol/L 10.5 to 21.0 pmol/L10.5 - 21.0 pmol/L

General Information

Ordered by Gioacchino Cracolici

Collected on 29/09/2023 16:17 from Venepuncture (Serum)

Resulted on 29/09/2023 18:52

These are the latest results taken last week at the hospital, no T3

Batty1 profile image
Batty1

healthline.com/health/high-...

Might be a good read for you!

Watamu profile image
Watamu in reply to Batty1

Thank you Batty1 have read your helpful suggested reading, food for thought

humanbean profile image
humanbean

I haven't been in your situation, nor am I a doctor. But when I read about your yellowish skin and liver issues I wondered about Wilson's Disease which is a problem with the body's handling of copper :

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wilso...

A complicating factor for Wilson's is that people with hypothyroidism often have high levels of copper and low levels of zinc, so if you have both conditions (Wilson's and hypothyroidism) the thyroid problem can make the Wilson's worse.

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