Increased dose and latest results

[Sandytango]

Hello all! I'm seeking advice on my latest results. After my last post about a year ago, I upped levo from 112 to 125 and liotir ts from 10 to 15.Latest results:

Tsh obviously negligable due to t3

Ft4 14.93 (11.5-22.7) 30.62% (last result on lower dose 15.83)

FT3 3.61 (2.3-4.2) 68.42% (last result 3.68)

Ferritin 25 (last result 31)

% sat 40 (15-50) last result 43

Iron 133 - last result 154

Vit d 53.3

I feel ok but still tired /achey and puffy around eyes, etc

I'm gluten free for about 6 months.

Tested as per advice here.

I weigh 53kg - slight increase

Should I increase thyroid meds again? Seems way too much for my weight or are symptoms from low ferritin? I think I have iron deficiency without anemia which can give same effects as full anemia. Also do b12 injections for suspected pernicious anemia that my sister also has, though testing wasnt conclusive. I've had gastric exam and biopsy revealed mild gastritis but in remission whatever that means...I dont have digestive issues - going gluten free has helped

I was taking iron supplement but stopped 3 months ago trying to eat more meat but think its an absorption problem.

Should I concentrate on raising ferritin rather than raising thyroid meds? I self medicate, doctors here have no clue - last endo adament I was poisoning myself with t3 and trued to prescibe anti depressents - yes that one again! Obviously ignored him

Many thanks in advance for any suggestions, I feel quite alone here. Happy Eater holidays from Italy

[pennyannie]

Hello Sandytango -

No thyroid hormone replacement works well until the core strength vitamins and minerals - ferritin, folate, B12 and vitamin D are up and maintained at optimal levels -

I now aim to maintain my ferritin at around 100 - folate around 20 - active B12 125 ( serum B12 500 ++ ) and vitamin D at around 125.

All your results appear to have gone down this past year rather than up ?

Your ferritin is much too low - and even with supplementing you are only achieving 25 - suggest you need to have further investigations :-

cks.nice.org.uk/topics/anae...

Do you have a diagnosis of pernicious anaemia and being monitored for B12 injections ?

Are you diagnosed with Hashimoto's Auto Immune thyroid disease as stomach, absorption issues and leaky gut are common side effects of this AI disease - which need to be rectified before any thyroid hormone replacement will work well -

I wonder if liquid T4 might be an option in the first instance ?

Many forum members follow the research and suggestions of Dr Izabella Wentz who writes as thyroidpharmacist.com

[Sandytango in reply to pennyannie]

ThankYou I have had all the tests and investigations as said in my original message 'signs of mild colitis in remission'. Did all tests for PA no clear diagnosi but had all symptoms. Im self injecting now once monthly. Problems I had such as brain fog and tingling hands and feet, tinitus have improved a lot since.Read Dr Wenz and do need to supplement other b vitas as may be deficient in thiamin

[pennyannie in reply to Sandytango]

Yes I read your back posts after I had replied any thoughts on trying liquid T4 - though not sure if it is readily available as I presume you are living in Italy ?

[Sandytango in reply to pennyannie]

I'm not sure...is liquid easier to absorb?

[pennyannie in reply to Sandytango]

Yes -

   Sandytango - I may well be wrong but thought you were in Italy and Liotir - a liquid form of T3 ?

[SlowDragon Administrator]

Was test done as recommended with last dose levothyroxine 24 hours before test

Are you taking levothyroxine well away from any supplements or other medications

Vitamin D is presumably 53ng/ml as testing in Italy

Iron and ferritin

Ferritin 25 (last result 31)

% sat 40 (15-50) last result 43

Iron 133 - last result 154

Will tag humanbean and FallingInReverse to comment

[Sandytango in reply to SlowDragon]

Yes tested as advised here, no biotin etc

[Sandytango in reply to Sandytango]

I take atleast 2 hours before anything else

[SlowDragon Administrator in reply to Sandytango]

So you could experiment with increasing Levo …..by a further 12.5mcg per day

Have you considered dairy free diet too?

[Sandytango in reply to SlowDragon]

Dairy free no..I stuggle to meet protein requirement as it is...but will give dairy free a try...Re increase, I worry its a lot for my weight but presumably im not absorbing as much so its ok..

Many thanks

[SlowDragon Administrator]

Here’s a post with useful replies about iron, ferritin etc

healthunlocked.com/thyroidu...

[Sandytango]

ThankYou

[Huffalump]

I can't comment on the meds and vitamins side of it as I'm a beginner myself, but I thought I'd encourage you with my experience of going gluten free. For me, identifying that I had a problem with gluten and soy products and removing them around 15 years ago was a minor miracle. Having been almost 'chronic fatigue syndrome' since I was 21, I was also too thin, and had loose stools all my adult life etc, but after removing gluten and soy I became normal with normal energy, digestion, toileting, and put on weight. I was able to sustain a wide range of activities that had always exhausted me before.

HOWEVER - that didn't happen until at least 18 months after giving up gluten and soy. First of all my immune system broke down and I succumbed to 15 different viruses in the first 12 months (honestly - I'm not exaggerating - I counted them!). I got haemorrhoids for the first time ever. I got appalling gastric reflux for the first time ever so I couldn't sleep for the pain. I had almost unbearable 'die-off' symptoms and withdrawal symptoms that caused me to be hyper and pacing. But by two years afterwards I was absolutely great and was the healthiest I've ever been. (In my 40s I was far fitter and healthier than in my 20s). So all I am saying, is that if some food groups have been affecting you and causing inflammation right through your body, there can be a period of adjusting and healing when you remove them. Things can even appear to get worse first before they improve. The important thing is to be rigorous about avoiding all gluten and not thinking 'a little bit won't matter', otherwise you're setting yourself back again.

Like you, I read with gloom all the posts and online advice that cite dairy, eggs and nightshades as other possible food groups that cause problems. So far I really can't face removing anything else - what will I have left to eat? Plus, I am responsible for cooking for the whole family. It hasn't proved a big problem with gluten and soy, but I can't end up having to do 2 different meals every evening if I have to remove any of the other items. My husband already constantly moans about my food needs restricting the family choice of cafe and restaurant when we are out or travelling...

Happy Easter to you in Italy! I have to say that Italy is unexpectedly fantastic for gluten free - I love going there - there is always somewhere that will make gluten free pizza or pasta for me. France on the other hand is evil. Nothing except wheaten glutinous carbohydrate until after midday. Even if there is omelette on the menu they refuse to make it for me until the afternoon. It is not considered a breakfast item! x