pain and tsh levels

[Thirtyone]

Just a question- how much does tsh need to be raised to cause pain? Currently have pain in neck, collarbone, shoulders and arms. I have posted levels but currently tsh 4.6 and T4 19. Thanks in advance for replies.

[TiggerMe]

You really need to get a full l thyroid panel as chances are you aren't converting well to fT3 (the active form) which will cause you these issues... what are the ranges on these results?... you could do a small increase of T4 12.5mcg if this is based on 12-22

TSH needs to be around 1 or below

[Thirtyone in reply to TiggerMe]

Yes T 4 range is up to 22 and mine is actually 19.7 which seems ok. I just wondered if the above range tsh is causing my pain. I will do a private test which will have to be after the holiday break now. Cannot get GP appointment for weeks.

[TiggerMe in reply to Thirtyone]

Hmm I’d bet your fT3 is low

[TiggerMe in reply to Thirtyone]

When was your last dose before testing?

It isn't really a case of how high your TSH goes to cause you problems it's low fT3 & 4 that cause the symptoms

[Thirtyone in reply to TiggerMe]

Last dose before testing was about 4 hours. T4 not low. T 3 never has been tested

[TiggerMe in reply to Thirtyone]

Dosing 4 hours before will possibly give you a slightly false high on your fT4, 24 hours hours after is the better way so no chance of interference and a truer reading

[Thirtyone in reply to TiggerMe]

I am grateful for all replies. My problem is that the blood tests were not scheduled. I did not know they were going to be taken. I had appointments for the pains and as part of the diagnosis blood tests were taken. The only result which showed abnormality was the tsh. I was tested for so many things but nothing showed in the bloods which would account for the pain. I am on Apixaban which is a blood thinner so cannot take antinflammory drugs. Only allowed paracetamol and possibly codiene which I would rather avoid if possible. In view of all this I’m just trying to find out whether the thyroid issue could be causing the pain which is getting worse and is so debilitating and depressing. Would pay for a private GP but there are none in my area. Clearly I do not want to go to A&E but I am getting desperate.

[TiggerMe in reply to Thirtyone]

I would suggest if you have enough tablets to add to your current dose even if just 100mcg per week whilst you get a proper test done.... it is highly likely your thyroid is causing you the issues. Are there any private Endo's in your area that appear on the Thyroid UK list?

[Thirtyone in reply to TiggerMe]

I will take a look to see. Thank you all for suggestions

[greygoose]

TSH doesn't cause pain, or any other symptoms. It's T3 that causes symptoms if it's too high or too low. And just testing TSH and FT4 will not tell you your FT3 level. You need the FT3 tested.

[DippyDame]

TSH doesn't cause pain....but pain can be a cause of undermedicatiom.....particularly low FT3

You need a full thyroid test to include FT3

Ah! Just noticed....agree with the others!