Well I had my annual diabetes check and all is still 'good', altho I would like to improve as I had excellent control last year. I'm diet only. Only downside was I have put on half a stone since last year, which I knew cause of my clothes being a tad tight, but in defence as I am soooo tired I am achieving very little on a daily basis. Everything is an effort, I'm sure you all know what I mean.
I took the opportunity to speak to the nurse about my concerns regarding my thyroid blood test results, taken a few weeks ago alongside my glucose check.
She said my results were fine and the Dr is happy with them, no concerns. I pointed out how my TSH level has been rising for the past ten years and that when it was just under the 'range' last year I took note and started looking into it. Mentioned that I joined this forum for advice etc.
Last year you (collectively speaking) advised I was definitely hypo. So this year specifically requested thyroid level plus t4 and t3 and antibody test, also vitD and B12 as suggested on here. I got all I asked for except the t3 and Dr refused an antibody test. No explanation.
I posted these and again was advised definitely hypo.
My last results were:
TSH 5.71 (0.3 - 5.0)
T4 10.2 (7.9 - 16.0)
B12 464 (120 - 900)
VitD 82 (50 -150) five years ago it was 30, so deemed deficient.
The response I got was I am only just over the range, tried to tell me a healthy level is within those ranges. Suggested I was worrying over nothing, said since the pandemic a lot of people are saying how tired they are and most people have low vitD and B12. I told her that I had been supplementing she thought those levels were fine too, and yes they're ok and better than previous level but need further input to improve them. Which I'm working on. Also now taking vitB complex as recommended here.
She suggested it's my age, suggested I get a job. I worked until 70, only then giving up due to extreme tiredness. I was a foster carer for babies and littlies. I think only managed that cause I was working from home, so to speak.
I said about private testing and she admitted Dr likely not to take notice of a test she hasn't arranged. She also wanted to know why I wasn't taking the statins, because everyone with diabetes is meant to take them. I pointed out that statins can increase glucose levels. It just goes on.
Not sure what to do next. I can keep working on my vitamin levels.
Apologies for the long post.
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CustardTarts
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Make appointment with different GP and push for retest in 3-4 months. Be sure to stop B complex 4-7 days before and book 9am or earlier appointment for highest TSH.
NICE guidelines suggest you can begin treatment with 2x TSH results above range on the NHS, 3 months apart.
thank you. I did do my test before 9am as suggested on here. As I've just started the b complex I will certainly be mindful before the next test. I hadn't started before the last one
With serum B12 result below 500, (Or active B12 below 70) recommended to be taking a separate B12 supplement
A week later add a separate vitamin B Complex
Then once your serum B12 is over 500 (or Active B12 level has reached 70), you may be able to reduce then stop the B12 and just carry on with the B Complex.
If Vegetarian or vegan likely to need ongoing separate B12 few times a week
Igennus B complex popular option. Nice small tablets. Most people only find they need one per day. But a few people find it’s not high enough dose and may need separate methyl folate couple times a week
IMPORTANT......If you are taking vitamin B complex, or any supplements containing biotin, remember to stop these 5-7 days before ALL BLOOD TESTS , as biotin can falsely affect test results
In week before blood test, when you stop vitamin B complex, you might want to consider taking a separate folate supplement (eg Jarrow methyl folate 400mcg) and continue separate B12
I'm taking ingennus b complex as recommended on here, only just started, had started on B12 initially again after initial advice on here in response to my last test a year ago. So although B12 improved its still below what I would like. I'm taking 4000iu vitD + k2 . I have magnesium, but the capsules are huge so empty them out into something, but is still gross, so may have to find alternative. I noted one of the fillers is brown rice flour, so probably accounts for the taste and clogginess as it doesn't dilute. It's wellgard Mag 1200 glycinate.
I'm taking ingennus b complex as recommended on here, only just started, had started on B12 initially again after initial advice on here in response to my last test a year ago. So although B12 improved its still below what I would like
Recommended to take separate B12 as well as vitamin B complex until B12 at least over 500
Then see if you can reduce and stop B12 after few months
Magnesium
I take Thorne Magnesium citramate. Large capsules….so I also empty into small glass water …..very little discernible taste
I was taking Igennus Magnesium capsules, but they changed them to huge tablets……so I am using them up by chopping them up with sharp knife. Don’t taste too bad
I am considering a private test for me and my sanity. Won't be able to do the finger prick one after watching a friend try . So will have to consider paying the extra for it to be done
thank you, I knew peeps on here would understand. I also have fibromyalgia so I'm used to feeling tired all the time. This is different, at least I was functioning before. I have been struggling for about five years now. That's what prompted me to go and see the dr. we discovered a vitD deficiency, so given a massive boost then told to supplement for life. To be fair it hasn't made a jot of difference, but the levels are not now deficient
Did she suggest running next year's London Marathon or maybe climbing Mount Kilimanjaro? I'm sure that's achievable at 76, with diabetes and Fibro. Stupid moo.
If that nurse isnt too tired after a long day seeing patients perhaps she could read up on thyroid conditions and how crap they make you feel. They really do pluck out the stupidest things to say from their rectums.
If you had the energy I’d suggest making a complaint. That’s not just one glitch of her tongue, it’s several in a row. Dangerous glitches too.
But in these awful times it probably wouldn’t do anything but make things worse. We seem to be surrounded by ill-informed “professionals” with god-complexes.
Don’t give up though. I think it still might be worth asking for a trial of levothyroxine. Sometimes they will agree to that (it appeals to their desire to prove you wrong…).
Well as you are symptomatic and your TSH was high on two or more occasions, you should be given a trial of levothyroxine. Weight gain and extreme tiredness are classical symptoms of hypothyroidism.
In addition, your free T4 is quite low and only 28% through the range and as T3 has not been measured, I suspect that this will be very low as well and most likely the cause of your symptoms. In a healthy thyroid hormone system, the TSH would stimulate your thyroid to produce more T4 and T3 and they would rise in response. The higher thyroid hormone levels will then signal the pituitary that there is enough and the TSH will go lower again. With a T4 like yours, your TSH should actually be a lot higher to stimulate hormone production, but it cannot do that, therefore your TSH is elevated and the T4 low. So there is definitely a problem.
Thyroid hormones are responsible for a healthy metabolism. They have the task to process fats, glucose and proteins. If your body has not got enough of these hormones, your glucose levels will rise, as the body has too little hormones (especially T3) to deal with it, hence you can slip into the pre-diabetic or even diabetic range. The same happens with cholesterol or other lipids. If your thyroid hormone levels are low, your liver cannot process your cholesterol from your diet or the cholesterol you produce yourself, and therefore levels will rise. It is a simple metabolic principle, which seems very often overlooked. It is even in the NHS description of hypothyroidism that high cholesterol can be a feature - yet GPs conveniently ignore this. Statins are just a patch to treat high cholesterol, but the underlying problem in your case will be a failing thyroid, which should be treated first before even thinking about statins!
I would insist on another blood test with your GP and if your TSH is high again and your T4 not even one third through the range, I would point out that you are symptomatic and that according to the guidelines, you would like to try a trial of levothyroxine. Don't get fobbed off. At the beginning, there might not be much change, but you probably have to be titrated up to a dose when T4 and T3 are at least 65% through the range and your symptoms will improve. And glucose and cholesterol will improve, if your metabolism is working properly again. It is not your diet that is at fault, but your thyroid!
Thank you for all your knowledge. I did tip into diabetes two years ago altho managed sort of by diet. My cholesterol as always been in the 5s but now managed to creep up further. Was told by nurse everyone with diabetes should be on statins. Also almost two years ago , out of the blue, I needed a pacemaker due to a left bundle block. I was in shock for a while cause never had heart issues. Again I read somewhere that thyroid could play a part. Although I'll never know and just have to accept, but do wonder if thyroid treated sooner maybe none of the above would have occurred. So at the moment feel thoroughly let down. Anyway I will make an appointment with Dr even if only to ask why she declined the antibody test. I don't think she will do another blood test so soon after the last one so maybe bide my time for a few weeks. Meanwhile I can keep working on my vitD which I was told was good. I know its ok but not exactly good. having come from 30 five years ago at least I'm going in the right direction, same with the b12 it has crept up a bit but would like it to be higher, again test shows adequate, only started supplementing this year and have now moved onto complex b vitamins.
I am sorry to hear that you have been so let down by your GPs, this is really not acceptable. I know you must be getting tired of begging for appointments, tests and help - is there a way you could join a different practice? I know it might not be ideal, but perhaps a try to see if they would be more receptive.
The only other thing I could suggest that you print out the guidelines about people being symptomatic and starting levothyroxine, even if their TSH is below 10. They should not ignore this, as it is in the guidelines. And you could also point out that high glucose and high cholesterol levels are also indicative of hypothyroidism and therefore it would be good to try levothyroxine, before greater harm is done.
Or perhaps try to write a letter to the practice manager and complaining that you have not been heard and feel let down by the GPS, if it is in writing, you perhaps find it easier to formulate your concerns and point to publications and guidelines, which might be difficult in a consultation - just a thought.
I hope that you can find a way forward with this, keeping my fingers crossed!
Thank you, yes I did print off some of the info as in nice guidelines and yes I am aware of glucose and cholesterol levels being raised possibly due to hypothyroid. I'm pretty sure I won't be offered a blood test so soon after the last, so I'm going to wait a few weeks and go back in. Problem is IMO these days Drs are more about running a business than doing the right thing by their patients.
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