New results from GP blood test

[Polo22]

So the saga continues. Previously battles with GP over meds, even though I am open and honest about self treating T3 and SI B12, trying my best to impart some knowledge or even a little common sense. Reluctantly reduced Levo a bit, from 150mcg to 125mcg daily.

Last bloods 15/12/23, TSH 0.01 (0.27 - 4.20) T4 21.6 (12 - 22). Did explain about T3 suppressing TSH but she just couldn't grasp the idea. So for the last approx 8 weeks been on 125 mcg bloods taken 5/2/24 TSH 0.01 T 4 17 ( 12 - 22)

Yes been feeling bit crappy, cold , achey, puffy feet and ankles, hair like straw and even thinner than it was. Now these are not really new symptoms except maybe puffy ankles, oh and noticeable veins spidery all around ankles lower legs like an old road map. But definitely feeling under parr. Got a text to ask me to make appointment with the Doc concerned to discuss results.

Did own BH bloods same day so just waiting for those and will go in with both to try and talk some sense into her.

Going to have a fight on my hands I think because obviously she will only be bothered about TSH, she was convinced T4 of 21.6 was too high. Funny how they pick and choose what to argue about. Any hints and tips how to deal with this, how to get through to her, any ideas appreciated.

[Sparklingsunshine]

I'll be interested in the replies because I'm in the same boat, self sourcing T3 and taking Levo. If she threatens to lower your dose of Levo anymore you could always threaten to buy your own, they dont like that.

I know a number of members self source T3 so I'm genuinely curious how that plays out with regards to annual blood tests and medication reviews. We know GP's seem to have a craze for lowering Levo doses.

Or alternatively insist on an Endo referral, preferably to a T3 friendly one. Its ridiculous how badly thyroid is managed and the hoops we have to jump through 😡

[Polo22 in reply to Sparklingsunshine]

I finally managed to get an Endo referral , only took 4 times asking. There is quite a wait but at least they contacted me to tell me the referral was accepted. Yes I self source T3, funny really she looked horrified when I told her, then admitted she'd never heard of it, then tells me how dangerous it was to take it, all in one breath 🤣. She had requested FT3 test last year and the lab just refused to do it, so I do BH tests couple of times a year, running out of money though.

[Sparklingsunshine in reply to Polo22]

Funny how something she's never heard of is so dangerous, you couldn't make it up 🤦‍♀️. Maybe we wouldnt have to self source "dangerous" substances if the NHS treated us properly.

[Polo22 in reply to Sparklingsunshine]

I know , felt like I was in some sort of bizarre amdram farce, with second rate amateurs, 🤯😕 no gold star for her

[SlowDragon Administrator]

you may need to have small increase in Levo

Ft4 dropped from 21 to 17

Might need to be 137mcg 3 days and 125mcg four days…..or similar

Often necessary to fine tune dose

Do you always get same brand levothyroxine at each prescription

And essential to maintain optimal vitamin levels

[Polo22]

Yes always Accord, hopefully my vit levels will be good, but I do feel ropey, BH have received my kits so hopefully have results tomorrow. Looking back on old results is confusing TSH and FT4 varying up and down

[Batty1]

Can’t you locate and NHS article about T3 medication and low TSH … absolutely ridiculous you have to even do anything to prove your point to doctors but they aren’t always the sharpest tool in the shed.

ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articl...

[serenfach]

Print out the following text from thyroidpatients.ca/2019/03/...

and send it to her by post, Then when you see her, you can ask if she found it interesting and informative. At the minimum it will show you know more than her!

[1Cass]

Sounds like a stressful time for you with having to get the doctor to fully understand your concerns. Personally I don’t think most doctors fully comprehend auto immune conditions and the consequences of these. Will be interesting to see what your self testing comes up with. I had a consultation this week and am having further tests tomorrow and Saturday. Maybe ask your doctor to be referred to an endocrinologist? I really hope you get this sorted. Due to having several auto immune diseases the consultant I saw was a gastroenterologist for coeliac disease which I have as well as hypothyroidism, pre diabetes,fibromyalgia and osteopathic.!

[Polo22 in reply to 1Cass]

So BH TSH 0.01 . 0.27 - 4.2 . Free T4 17.2 12.0 -22.0 . Free T 3 6.1 3.1 - 6.8. Vit D has dropped to 107, had been higher was under 10 initially. Folate down to 16.10 took my ages to get it to a decent level, had started at 2. 6 0 or 2. 7 . Ferritin at 131 . 13 - 150 . Last test at GP 117, CRP 12.36 range below 5, last at GP in November was 9 . range below 4 Dr said it wasn't raised. Cholesterol now 4.73 GP October 5.14 . Waiting on HbA1c it clotted

 SlowDragon  greygoose any thoughts, doing the HbA1c again in morning, try and book app later in week with Sneaky GP, bit worried about the lady parts too haven't heard from referral to Gynae for opinion on polyp found growing out of my cervix in Dec, trying not to panic but have what could be some worrying symptoms