On t3 only. Would someone please explain my blood results.

[Stourie]

I had bloods taken last Wednesday and am just off the phone from the nurse for the results. I am on 60 or 70 t3 a day at bedtime depending on how I feel. 70 takes the palpitations away and l feel not too bad although there is still something missing and stopping me from being 100%.

The results were

TSH 0.01 (0.4-4.0)

FT4 3.2 (12-22)

FT3 3.7 don't know but think it is about 3.5ish to 6.8

I know that my t4 is low because of taking the t3. I just hope that the doctor doesn't think my tsh is too low but he probably will. I also thought that my t3 would have been a lot higher. although l didn't take it the night before the blood test which was done at 11.30am.

The nurse did say with a wee laugh that the doctor did want to see me to sort me out. I wonder what she meant by that? Will he be justified in lowering my t3 because of my tsh.

Many thanks in advance.

Jo xx

[greygoose]

No he will not! If your range for the T3 is correct, then you need an increase, not a decrease. No-one could feel well with T3 that low.

Your TSH is only suppressed because you are taking T3. It does not mean that you are hyper. You couldn't be hyper with a T3 that low. Nor will it give you a heart attack or osteoporosis or whatever other rubbish they come out with. TSH (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone) only does that. It stimulates the thyroid to produce more thyroid hormone. It does not protect bones or stop heart attacks or anything else. So if you don't want/need your thyroid stimulated or if it is dead/removed, then you have no need of TSH.

You stick to your guns, Joanna, and hang on to your dose of T3. And, as you're still not feeling 100%, ask for an increase!

Hugs, Grey

[Stourie in reply to greygoose]

Thanks Grey, I know that all you say is right but it is hard fighting your corner when you struggle for words but l will do my best.

Jo xx

[greygoose in reply to Stourie]

Yes, I know how hard it is. But it's easier if you go prepared for a fight rather than have it sprung on you. I become totally tongue-tied when something like that is sprung on me. But if I'm expecting it, I can sort out a few choice words and phrases beforehand. lol

[Stourie in reply to greygoose]

I'm going to have to write it out and try to memorise it. Huh That'll be a laugh trying to memorise. lol

Jo xx

[Poppy03]

Totally agree with greygoose. I am on T3 only and have been for over 2 years now. My TSH is variable and my FT3 generally at the bottom of the scale (because I don't take it before the test and have the test done early).

Have you had other tests? B12, Vit D, iron/ferritin etc. It could be that something else is contributing to not feeling quite right.

[Stourie in reply to Poppy03]

I was thinking about getting my vitamins checked so will ask for that and see where to go from there. Thanks

Jo xx

[shaws Administrator]

Don't let GP reduce your dose due to a TSH result. It could make you feel much worse unless you feel overstimulated, which I doubt .

[Stourie in reply to shaws]

You're right. I'm not overstimulated and l will do my best not to let him reduce my dose, as l'm sure that is what he will want to do. Thanks for replying

Jo xx