I had an NHS blood test last week (full test from Medichecks earlier in the month, results in my profile). TSH was 4.64 (range 0.55 - 4.78). T4 not checked, presumably as TSH in range (just).
I'd had my Medichecks results added to my GP record and asked for an appointment to discuss, once they'd had my NHS result. All appointments are by telephone.
I asked for a levothyroxine increase from 50mcg to 75mcg. GP was very reluctant, saying she didn't want to "over-medicate" - I'm clearly under-medicated at the moment. Didn't want to hear about T3 level, which is very low, or about getting TSH down to below 2. Wasn't sure why I wanted to discuss B12 level, as it was "normal". Agreed that ferritin was "a bit low". With a bit of persuasion, agreed to give a trial of 75mcg (thanks to this board for suggesting that word - trial - as it seemed to help) with blood test again in 6 weeks, which will include B12 and iron.
I found her attitude dismissive and unhelpful. I was already feeling stressed and anxious (other health issues going on with a family member) and the idea of asking for other tests, such as coeliac or PA just went out of my head. I did ask her whether she thought it would be useful for me to supplement B12 and ferritin in the meantime, as I don't want to wait for another 6 weeks - she said she couldn't see why not and I should take an over the counter multivitamin with iron...
To try and keep my stress levels down, I feel I need to focus for the moment on what I can take control of myself. As far as I can see, that would be supplementing B12, adding a vitamin B complex, and supplementing iron, following the recommendations in replies to my earlier post, and getting a private test of TSH, T4 and T3 at roughly the same time as my next NHS test. But any further advice or comments would be welcome, either about supplementation or about how to have a more productive GP consultation. I can be quite assertive normally, but felt quite brow-beaten! I will try and get an appointment with a different GP next time, but my practice doesn't make it easy to choose.
Written by
MushroomRisotto
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
With a bit of persuasion, agreed to give a trial of 75mcg (thanks to this board for suggesting that word - trial - as it seemed to help) with blood test again in 6 weeks, which will include B12 and iron.
well done for sticking to your guns
As far as I can see, that would be supplementing B12, adding a vitamin B complex, and supplementing iron, following the recommendations in replies to my earlier post, and getting a private test of TSH, T4 and T3 at roughly the same time as my next NHS test.
This is interesting because I have noticed that many patients with Hashimoto’s disease and hypothyroidism, start to feel worse when their ferritin drops below 80 and usually there is hair loss when it drops below 50.
Thanks - lots to look at there on top of what you sent me before. And thanks for the positive words - the "perfect plan" is based completely on what I've read here
Agreed! I used the word trial when it seemed she wasn't at all positive about increasing the dose - I'd seen suggestions on here about that using that wording when GP seemed reluctant. It worked anyway. I'm hoping that supplementing B12 and ferritin will help conversion to T3
Many patients do NOT get on well with Teva brand of Levothyroxine.
Teva is lactose free, but contains mannitol as a filler instead of lactose, which seems to be possible cause of problems. Mannitol seems to upset many people, it changes gut biome
So far my pharmacy has supplied Accord/Almus, Mercury and Teva (the latter 2 when I was on 25mcg). I can't say I noticed any difference, although looking back at the dates on the boxes, it was while I was taking Teva that there was no difference in my T4 levels - correlation only, but I'll avoid it anyway, given your comment about gut biome. My new prescription is on the NHS app and GP has asked for a one off of 50mcg (84 tablets) and a separate repeat of 25mcg (28 tablets). No idea why the different quantities which don't make sense to me at all. I will discuss with the pharmacist and say that my preference ongoing would be to stick with Accord or Mercury and not change from now on. Not sure though how using Accord and splitting will work without coooperation from the GP as they'd need to write a different prescription and wondering how people manage that.
Not sure though how using Accord and splitting will work without coooperation from the GP as they'd need to write a different prescription and wondering how people manage that
See how you get on with 25mcg (just don’t accept Teva brand and this includes Hillcross- 25mcg is Teva )
Mercury Pharma or Wockhardt or Vencamil are all well tolerated by many people
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.
New Medichecks Results - grateful for any thoughts…advice…
Why has my TSH risen?
HELP FOR DAUGHTER STILL NEEDED PLEASE !!
