Thyroid confusion

[kipperjanet]

After rapid weight gain three years ago, and feeling generally odd, I was diagnosed with Hypothyroidism. I am taking 75mcg daily of Levothyroxine, this was originally 50mcg, after contacting the GP as I still had various symptoms, in February this year, a blood test revealed a need for an increase.

I am still feeling affects of symptoms, with new ones manifesting. I have never had a face to face appointment relating to this condition, my initial conversation with a GP, on confirming the condition, I expressed concern regarding the weight I had gained, the GP stated this was not the condition and suggested I do more and eat less. I was knocked sideways at this, already feeling rather pathetic due to the symptoms I had been having, the only reply I gave was that I had never had a weight problem previously, he did not reply to this, I felt dismissed so ended the conversation.

All the information I have has been gleaned from websites, but this is causing problems and confusion due to obvious of lack of medical knowledge!

My main issue of confusion is , now I am taking the medication, why am I still having various symptoms with new ones joining the list, I don't feel able to contact the GP, but am tempted to ask to see a specialist, as I recently read something about GP's not testing all hormones, so am now wondering if this is why I am feeling so out of sorts, some days worse than others.

I would really appreciate someone who knows the subject, to make sense of all of this and offer some guidance.

Many thanks for reading this

[TiggerMe Ambassador]

Welcome aboard,

Chances are you are not on the correct dose as 75mcg would be for someone rather petite, GP's generally only test TSH when what you really need is called a full thyroid panel which tests fT3 & 4 levels... also for accurate results tests should be pre 9am, fasted, water only and last dose 24 hours before

Do you have any blood test results that you can share (with ranges) along with any results for B12, folate, ferritin and Vit D... do you know if your antibodies have been tested or any mention of autoimmune?

Fear not we can give you plenty of pointers 😁

[kipperjanet in reply to TiggerMe]

Thank you so much for your responses, I have contacted the GP and asked for answers to my many questions, I now actually have date for a blood test, and can then make an appointment to see a GP, which is a rarity round here. I have made loads of notes to take with me, the information here is invaluable.

[Sparklingsunshine]

Thyroid is very often poorly understood and treated by GP's, saying that though we have international members and the story there isnt much better. Maybe its just my impression but I get the feeling hypothyroidism isnt regarded as serious by doctors.

Its seen as eminently treatable, " just take this little white pill" for the rest of your life and everything will be kushty. Unfortunately they have to give you enough of said little white pill for that to happen and sadly some people dont always see the return to health they were hoping for. But that is often because they are simply not on enough Levo.

Doctors increasingly just test TSH levels when dosing and its extremely unreliable. Due to NHS cuts testing actual hormones like FT4 and FT3 is becoming ever more rare, and it is those levels that make all the difference to how you feel.

In view of this many of us end up paying for private fingerprick tests and test ourselves. Plus we also need to ensure our levels of ferritin, folate, B12 and vitamin D are optimal as this allows the body to convert the Levothyroxine into the active FT3 hormone.

Just an fyi if you had a dose increase earlier this year then your GP should have arranged a follow up blood test after a few weeks on the new dose. Did they do this?

[kipperjanet in reply to Sparklingsunshine]

Thank you so much for the information, I will actually be seeing a GP soon, after going for more blood test. I now feel armed due to the information you have share.

[pennyannie]

Hello Kipperjanet -

so the first question to ask is -

were your thyroid antibodies run when diagnosed, and the reason for your hypothyroidism that of an auto immune thyroid disease, commonly referred to as Hashimoto's ?

and what were your initial blood test results of the TSH, Free T3 and Free T4 at diagnosis -

thyroidpharmacist.com - maybe have a read and see if this seems like your symptoms ?

[kipperjanet in reply to pennyannie]

Many thanks

[pennyannie in reply to kipperjanet]

If you have online access to your medical records the answers may be there already -

we are legally entitled to copies of all our medical records - so just ask the surgery receptionist for the necessary forms to register for online access - if you haven't already.