I had a total thyroidectomy in 2016 after having a thyroid storm……I have been on various doses of Levo over the following years both up & down doses (at one point only 50mcg per day!)…. I am now taking 75mcg per day & mostly don’t feel too bad….although medical professionals are trying to lower dose as my T4 is over ‘their’ higher level, at Serum free T4 level (XaERr) 22.4 pmol/L [10 - 22] - Above high reference limit. Serum TSH level (XaELV) 0.73 miu/L [0.3 - 4.2] No T3 tested…..I have persuaded the GP to leave me on 75mcg at the moment as I ‘feel’, most of the time, as good as it has been for a while…….however, saying that, I don’t do an awful lot. I tend to just do light housework, the cooking, occasionally go shopping……..I am quite happy just sitting & reading, knitting & watching tv…….. I also suffer from osteoarthritis, which I have had for many years, so I find walking a challenge & don’t go out without my ‘long suffering’ husband’s support.
Over the years I have also suffered with gastrointestinal issues. I had my gallbladder removed when I was 27 years old, I am now 72…..I took either Omeprazole or Lansoprazole 20mg for 20 years from approx 1995 to 2005 I then was given a reduced dose of 10mg which seemed to solve the problem of the GERD……the hospital stopped all my meds while an in patient in 2016 & I was not prescribed them again until I complained about experiencing stomach pain’s whenever I was anxious ie travelling on long journeys, going to the dentist, things that stressed me……my GP at the time suggested I took the PPIs three days before any such events to calm the acid my stomach down……I have done this & it usually works. I have been experiencing much more heartburn, stomach pain etc again & twice over the last 8 years it has been so bad my husband has called 111 and they have called paramedics, who have taken me to A&E to be checked out. Both times I have had tests to reassure me it is not my heart. Usually I can cope with the symptoms of GERD ( I eat boxes of Gaviscon tabs!)….but occasionally the pain is severe & lasts a long time so it frightens me as I think it may be my heart.
I now feel that I need to go back on my medication for this, ie PPIs, but am reluctant to ask my GP (if I can get an appointment even) about the contraindications of PPIs & Levo as I’m sure they would say it was ok to take them. I know I have read on here that you need stomach acid when taking Levo so as PPIs reduce stomach acid they act against each other. If anyone has a suggestion for something I can safely take for my GERD I would much appreciate the advice.
Thank you for reading my essay! Sorry it’s a bit long……..hoping someone out there can help me.
Written by
Foxie1234
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
Forum advice is to leave at least 4 hours between taking Omeprazole and Levothyroxine , as PPI’s can decrease the absorption of thyroid medication.
It's advisable to have a full thyroid function test 6-8 weeks after starting Omeprazole to see if it has any effect on your levels. It’s also very useful to check key vitamins (ferritin, folate, B12 and Vitamin D).
I hope other members can offer suggestions re alternatives to PPIs. Have you trialled a gluten free diet at all? This has a huge benefit for me and resolved my gastritis symptoms.
Essential to test vitamin D, folate, ferritin and B12
Lower vitamin levels more common as we get older
For good conversion of Ft4 (levothyroxine) to Ft3 (active hormone) we must maintain GOOD vitamin levels
What vitamin supplements are you taking
Also VERY important to test TSH, Ft4 and Ft3 together
Request GP test B12, folate, ferritin and vitamin D…..also magnesium
Or test privately
Recommended that all thyroid blood tests 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)
Private tests are available as NHS currently rarely tests Ft3 or all relevant vitamins
Content on HealthUnlocked does not replace the relationship between you and doctors or other healthcare professionals nor the advice you receive from them.
Never delay seeking advice or dialling emergency services because of something that you have read on HealthUnlocked.
Eyebrows have started growing again : )
Need Advice Please 
Increased anxiety…
I’m fine. Really?
