Frustrating GP appointment

[Jingley]

I've been struggling with a return of some hypo symptoms since my tsh-must-be-in-range focused GP reduced my Levothyroxine from 100mcg daily to alternating between 100mcg and 75mcg. Since then I've had problems going to the loo, I've put on that much weight I can no longer fit into my jeans, I'm constantly cold (had to buy a hot water bottle for my feet as I was having trouble sleeping I was that cold) and I'm feeling really miserable.Had a GP appointment this morning hoping that I could simply tell him about my returned symptoms and he'd agree to reinstating the amount that I felt better on. Instead of my usual GP, I saw a trainee who had to keep leaving me to run down the corridor to consult with her supervisor.

I now have to have another blood test (where T4 has been requested on the form) before anything will be altered. I got the usual blurb about them being in touch if anything's wrong but I'm not holding my breath.

On a positive note, she agreed with me that people have their own personal spot within the "normal" ranges after I used the shoe size analogy.

[SlowDragon Administrator]

Book blood test 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)

Do you always get same brand levothyroxine at each prescription

previous post

healthunlocked.com/thyroidu...

Both ferritin and B12 both far too low

Presumably you are now taking daily B12 and daily vitamin B complex and daily vitamin D, k2 and magnesium

What happened about your almost below range ferritin

Have you had full iron panel test for anaemia

Are you on iron supplements or only significantly increased iron rich foods in your diet

[Jingley in reply to SlowDragon]

Blood test already booked for just over a week's time. Early appointment and will take levo after and will stop b complex a couple of days beforehand - as advised.Yes to taking all the recommended supplements.

As for low ferritin, I'm trying to add in nuts and seeds and have introduced chia seeds daily (supposedly a good iron source). I hate, hate liver and pate with a passion. Makes me vomit.

Had a full iron panel last May/June but will certainly discuss repeating with GP when I can get to see him. I'll also try to get vitamins done at the same time as they don't/won't/can't take any notice of private tests.

[SlowDragon Administrator in reply to Jingley]

If GP won’t do full iron panel test

Never supplement iron without doing full iron panel test for anaemia first and retest 3-4 times a year if self supplementing.

It’s possible to have low ferritin but high iron

Test early morning, only water to drink between waking and test. Avoid high iron rich dinner night before test

Stop iron supplements 5-7 days before testing

Medichecks iron panel test

medichecks.com/products/iro...

List of iron rich foods

dailyiron.net

[serenfach]

You could print this and send it to them - no need to say who sent it!

thyroidpatients.ca/2019/03/...

Remember doctors are there to advise, not dictate. Your body, your choice. Good luck!