I’m currently on T3 only because of bad reaction with levothyroxine. I’ve been on Liothyronine 10mcg twice a day since 11 November. I haven’t been back to the doctors for a thyroid function test since October as I’ve read frequently that on T3 only they go more on symptoms than levels. I no longer have the chronic joint pain I had with levothyroxine so that’s a bonus. I still can’t shift the excess weight even though I’m able to exercise and I watch what I eat.
I now have numb feet. Could this be connected to my thyroid as I read somewhere that if you are under medicated then it can cause this issue. Is it worth going back to my gp or should I wait till my next appointment with endo on 9th of May?
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ScriptMaz
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Of course I was making a generalisation and there will always be members that do their own thing or what suits them but as a general rule in my view its always better to see a blood test.
Perhaps you could direct your attention to helping members.
I'm not sure I've understood your last comment. It sounds somewhat aggressive. You made a false statement and I corrected it. That does not mean that I don't help others.
I was told on this forum that starting on 20mcgs was too high. I was also told about getting a surge when I started the medication and that never happened. I don’t feel anything from taking it to be honest. I just know I can’t take levothyroxine so I will persist on the T3. I haven’t been to the gp in a while as they send me for tests and then they don’t follow up on them. I phone them for results and they say within range and no treatment required. I take NCAT ( recommended for Hashimoto’s patients), selenium, D12 and Magnesium powders
The usual starting dose for T3 is 5 mcg, increasing by 5 mcg every two weeks maximum. Not many people can start on 20 mcg and tolerate it. But, it sounds as if you a bit like me - i.e. not very sensitive and in need of a high dose!
I was also told about getting a surge when I started the medication and that never happened. I don’t feel anything from taking it to be honest.
If you're still only taking 20 mcg then you're probably not taking enough to feel anything. Try an increase, and keep increasing until you do feel something.
I phone them for results and they say within range and no treatment required.
You need to ask at reception for a print-out of your results - it's your legal right to have one! Who cares if it's in range! It's not just about being in-range, it's about being in the right place within that range.
I take NCAT ( recommended for Hashimoto’s patients), selenium, D12 and Magnesium powders
I’ve had a look and it’s NAC, apologies for my error. The endo put me on this dosage and then scheduled me in for a phone appointment in May. She also didn’t give me enough tablets on the repeat prescription to last until May. The only contact number on the letter was for an appointment booking service.
I agree I most certainly need an increase in dosage so I will ask her about it.
I think I need to schedule an appointment with my gp but I have no faith in them
Indeed starting on 20mcgs would have been too much to start with and 5mcgs dose increases allow for a smoother transition upward but 20mcgs is likely not enough for you.
When dealing with GPs you may need to be persistent and make a point of you following them up when you have blood tests. Its a matter of learning how to use the system to your best advantage.
If they say 'no further action' or similar and you think otherwise then its up to you to challenge them and get your point across.
Have you had bloods run for vitamins? I'd recommend you do that as you have remaining symptoms especially.
Private tests are available, see link for companies offering private blood tests & discount codes, some offer a blood draw service at an extra cost. thyroiduk.org/testing/priva...
There is also a new company offering walk in& mail order blood tests in London, Kent, Sussex & Surrey areas. Check to see if there is a blood test company near you. onedaytests.com/products/ul...
Only do private tests on a Monday or Tuesday to avoid postal delays.
By far the majority of prescribing Endo's and doctors in the UK will want to see blood results.
I have been persistent but my gp practice has many doctors and I haven’t seen the same one twice. I have also requested all my blood test results but since everything is in range they do not do anything. When they wouldn’t believe levothyroxine was causing me major problems I had to take the drastic step of stopping them to prove my point
I know its a very challenging system to work with, and seeing different doctors every time is awful. I really hope that at some point the system can return to being able to see the same doctor but for now we have to find a way to work with what we have.
If its your Endo prescribing the T3 then your GP won't be able to do much anyway. You could get them to run your vitamin tests though which would be really helpful.
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