I’ve just had a zoom appointment with a private endocrinologist and he has prescribed me with T3, so I’m hoping that I will start to feel better than I have been. A question though to anyone here that is hypothyroid on T3 and has a pacemaker, did you suffer any side effects ie palpitations? If so did a decrease in initial dosage help and were you able to stay on it? He did mention that it can cause palpitations in some folk,
Some good news at last: I’ve just had a zoom... - Thyroid UK
Some good news at last
To reduce the chance of palpitations with T3, I would introduce it very slowly, eg 5mcg per day until well tolerated. Did the endo suggest reducing your current Levo dose prior to introducing Liothyronine?
That’s what he has suggested, slowly and in 2 small doses. I’m already in a low dose of Levo but he’s waiting for my most recent results to come back which should be in by today.
If your dose of T4 and/or T3 is too low then that could increase the risk of palpitations.
I discovered that my own palpitations and tachycardia were caused by low iron and ferritin (iron stores). Once that was fixed the problem reduced tremendously, although I do have to take a low dose beta blocker (Bisoprolol) that helps a lot.
Remember that although doses of T4 can be varied from day to day, T3 must be taken in the same dose every day, and any changes of dose (up or down) must be introduced slowly if there is a risk of heart problems.
You might find this thread of interest (and comforting) :
healthunlocked.com/thyroidu...
Personally, I'm taking 100mcg T4 five days a week and 50 mcg T4 two days a week (Monday and Thursday). I also take 18.75 mcg T3 every day.
So pleased to read you have found some help - I 'm sure a T3/T4 combo will suit you better -
What are you most recent T3 / T4 readings/ranges ?
So go low and slow - remember the tortoise / hare story -
I self medicated T3 and couldn't take more than 6.25mcg any one day -
Looking back I think I should have reduced my T4 further than I did - if I needed to increase the T3 more than 6.25mcg:
as now on NDT my T4 comes in much lower in the range at around 25/30% through but with my T3 coming in at 110/100% through - and no symptoms of hyper - with me feeling well.
Yes he is starting me with 2 x 2.5 per day to see how I go. I’m just waiting for my recent test results to arrive, should be here before the end of today
So is this a NHS doctor or a Private specialist as it seems s/he is working with / through your NHS doctor for the appropriate blood tests on the NHS - so good job - or have I got it wrong ?
He’s a private consultant, a professor 🙂 I did think I would be paying for my T3 but he is going through my GP. I did ask my GP to refer me to him so it’s not like I contacted the consultant directly.
That's excellent news - so good to read the medical professionals are on the same page and both invested in getting your health and well being improved.
Maybe pop this Professor's name on the Thyroid Uk recommended list of thyroid specialists and friendly endocrinologists - if that's not where you found him !!
How has he recommended that you start to introduce the T3?
What are your latest blood results?
Are your vitamin levels optimal?
What supplements do you take?
2 x 2.5 mcg a day, awaiting test results and he’s arranging full bloods through my GP today.
I take Iron, B12, D + K2, Vit C, Omega3 and ACV
sounds like the Professor I am under went private and do zoom follow ups with him. Put me on T3 and my doctors do the testing of blood for me. Somebody private messaged me on this sight when I asked for recommendations. They even do blood tests not normally done. Slowly getting sorted. Keep going you will get sorted in the end, best of luck.
Hello, hope you are well!!
Could you please share the contact/name? I’m looking for another opinion on my case.
I have hashimotto and I’m taking T4 for almost 1 year, initially symptoms improved but now I’m more hypo.
All vitamin levels are addressed. I believe the thing is T4-T3 ratio is more out of balance that before.
I’ve read great things about combination therapy but my doctor doesn’t agree. I’ve heard also other conventional endo that was dismissive and told me “thats not how things are done”. So frustrating.
Would like to find a doctor that has experience with this kind of treatment and ask for another look at my case.
Thank you and All the best
how is your trial going?
Hi vroooom5
Thank you for asking. I still haven’t started it yet, my surgery are dragging their backsides on a decision. Apparently they can’t prescribe it to me, it has had to go to my local hospital, so in the meantime the private endocrinologist that I had my appointment with has offered to start me on it (I had to pay of course) so that I can move forward, I’m expecting it to arrive via post any day now.
Once I have an outcome I’ll post on here. My next appointment with the endo will be the 22nd August.