results

[Bobbin5]

had tt in oct 23 goitre and nodules left side parathyroid was affected after surgery had to stay in 4 nights has levels extremely low started on a high dose calcium and on release vitamin D now on 1500 daily calcium started on 125 levothyroxine was getting hot flashes otherwise felt good after 1st bloods was reduced to 100 when a whole lot of symptoms started after these test above was reduced to 75 one day 100 the next no mention of the calcium so carry on taking went docs Monday as feeling dreadful he’s ordered all my bloods today so just wait on results what does anyone make of the results above I feel I have started a thyroid education course any feedback appreciated ❤️

[SovietSong]

Hi,was your T3 level tested?

[Bobbin5 in reply to SovietSong]

not that time but I’m hoping my doctor as done it this time I read a lot on here about t3 levels

[pennyannie]

Hello Bobbin and welcome to the forum :

A fully functioning working thyroid would be supporting you on a daily basis with trace elements of T1. T2 and cacitonin + a measure of T3 at around 10 mcg + a measure of T4 at around 100 mcg - with T3 said to be around 4 times more powerful than T4.

T4 is a pro-hormone and needs to be converted in your body into T3 which is the active hormone that runs all your bodily functions from the physical through to your mental, emotional, psychological and spiritual well being, your inner central heating system and your metabolism.

No thyroid hormone replacement works well until your core strength vitamins and minerals are up and maintained at optimal levels -

so suggest you ask for your ferritin, folate, B12 and vitamin D to be run and post the results and ranges back on here for advice as just being in a range somewhere is not acceptable and in all honesty some NHS ranges too wide even to be sensible.

Some people can get by on T4 monotherapy.

Others find that at some point in time they don't feel ' as good ' as they did and that by adding in a little T3 - likely a similar dose to that ' lost ' when they ' lost their thyroid ' they are able to restore T3/T4 hormonal balance and well being.

Some can't tolerate T4 and need to take T3 only - Liothyronine.

Whilst others find their health restored better taking Natural Desiccated Thyroid which contains all the same known hormones as that of the thyroid gland and derived from pig thyroids, dried and ground down into tablets referred to as grains.

Without a thyroid it is essential that you are dosed and monitored on your Free T3 and Free T4 readings - and just testing a TSH and T4 not acceptable though fully appreciate in primary these are all doctors seem to be allowed to test.

Many forum members have been forced to arrange their own Private blood tests which we then explain in detail to them and then they return to their doctor, armed with the relevant questions, information and facts, which then may force your doctor to run the necessary tests on the NHS.

Realistically even if fully informed your primary care doctor can only prescribe T4 - Levothyroxine and you need to be referred back to endocrinology to be assessed if needing any other treatment option, though 20 odd years ago your doctor had the autonomy to prescribe all these treatment options if T4 only did not restore your health and well being.

The calcium and parathyroid plasma blood tests do show immediate issues and suspect your doctor is able to resolve these himself.

If you pop across to Thyroid UK - the charity who supports this forum - there is a whole section dedicated to Private Blood companies who can run the necessary blood tests for you if your doctor isn't able to action the necessary details. thyroiduk.org

Ideally we need to see a TSH, Free T3 and a Free T4 reading and range - along with inflammation, antibodies, + ferritin, folate, B12 and vitamin D :

Generally referred to as an ' ultra ' ' extra ' or full thyroid blood panel - and around 10/11 blood analysis : between then I think Blue Horizon and Medichecks cover the country and can offer a nurse home visit - at an extra charge - to draw your blood - which I find the least stressful option.

Arrange an early morning - ideally before 9 am appointment - and at the beginning of the week on a Monday/Tuesday - so your results are back same week rather than your sample being left over the weekend not processed at the laboratory.

Stop any supplements you maybe taking around a week before the blood test so we measure what your body is holding, rather than that recently ingested.

Day of blood test - fast overnight just taking in water until after the blood draw and do not take your T4 - Levothyroxine for that day until after the blood draw - so leaving around a 24 hour window from last dose.

We also advise for maximum absorption of any thyroid hormone replacement that you take your medication on an empty stomach and wait around an hour to eat or drink anything other than water.

There is a lot to take in and understand - do not worry, it will all fall into place and just reading this forum is a lesson in a nutshell.

If you would like a book I recommend - Your Thyroid and How To Keep It Healthy - written by a doctor for his patients to help them advocate better for themselves and fondly remembered by many as Dr P - Barry Durrant- Peatfield and found on the recommended reading list within the Thyroid UK website where you can find ' all things thyroid ' - thyroiduk.org

[Bobbin5 in reply to pennyannie]

Thanks for the info I should receive my new results soon

[pennyannie in reply to Bobbin5]

OK then - pop them up on the forum in a new post/question and we will try and explain what they all mean :

Do you have online access to your medical records held at your local surgery - it just helps as you can see the results and ranges when it suits you rather than keep asking the over worked medical team to print out results and ranges for you.

We are all now legally allowed to access our medical records - and you can register to do so, just ask the surgery receptionist for the relevant forms.

[Bobbin5 in reply to pennyannie]

Yes I can access them thankfully

[pennyannie in reply to Bobbin5]

Just seen your new results - it probably seems like a mountain to climb - but many forum members have done this - just read and reread all the information given and you will start to become your own best advocate and you can come back from this :

[Batty1]

Your test says low Vitamin D … but Im nit familiar with that type of Vitamin D testing.