Hello all

[Kimmi01]

I have just been diagnosed with a “(since 2014)” added. I’m hoping to find some helpful tips and ideas from you all going forward. It will be lovely to be able to get advice from those that have already been there. I feel like I’ve been told yes it’s sub-clinical, here’s some thyroxine, now off you go. 😁

[greygoose]

I think there's a bit of your question missing. What has been added?

[FallingInReverse]

Welcome welcome to the forum!!!!! I think greygoose ( Kimmi01 correct me if I'm wrong) but you've just been told you are hypo despite the fact that they are telling you that you've actually been hypo since 2014.

If that's the case then I thank you for giving me a little smile : )

You are likely to get a few very smart, helpful and comprehensive responses to this that would be more well organized than what I would jot down now. You are in the right place!

[greygoose in reply to FallingInReverse]

Oh, I see! lol I have just been diagnosed with a “(since 2014)” added. It was the brackets that put me off. The inverted commas would have been quite enough without the brackets.

Hi Kimmi01, welcome to the forum.

So, how much levo have they given you? Did they tell you how to take it? Did they tell you when to go back for a retest?

If you have any questions, don't hesitate to ask them. There will always be someone to answer you.

[Kimmi01 in reply to greygoose]

Hello and thank you 😁 I’m on 25mg levothyroxine and I know to take it at least 1/2 hr before my morning cuppa. I had a retrest and they said I’m fine and continue with this level. That’s about it. So I’ll be really interested in every ones advice x

[greygoose in reply to Kimmi01]

25 mcg isn't even a normal starter dose! It's for little old ladies with heart conditions, or children. so I very, very much doubt you are fine on that! If your doctor doesn't increase your dose by 25 mcg he is not only being negligent, but exhibiting his woeful lack of thyroid knowledge.

How long had you been on 25 mcg levo? If you've only just been diagnosed then they tested too soon. But, did you get a print-out of your results? My advice to you would be to do that every single time you have a blood test. You need to know exactly what was tested and what the results were, and keep your own records noting dosage and symptoms. This will be invaluable in the future. What's more, it's your legal right to have one, but they will never just give them to you. They would prefer you don't know so you can't argue! But, ask the receptionist, not the doctor. Then, you can post the results and ranges - ranges very important each time - on here, and people can help you understand them. A knowledgeable patient gets better faster!

Another piece of advice I would give you is to leave a full hour before your cup of tea. The caffeine in it will impede the absorption of your levo otherwise.

Also, when having a blood test, make sure the blood draw is early morning - before 9 am - and fast over-night. Leave a gap of 24 hours between your last dose of levo and the blood draw. Did you do that? I suspect not if they think you're 'fine' on only 25 mcg levo!

So, when's your next blood test? Next time, ask them to test your nutrients: vit D, vit B12, folate and ferritin. If they aren't optimal, your body can't use the hormone you're giving it.

[Kimmi01 in reply to greygoose]

Thank you so much for your advice. I have been on levothyroxine for about 5 months it has really helped my pain levels but I’m sure it can be much improved. Yes, I have been having borderline results since 2014 when I was actually diagnosed with Fibro which has much of the same symptoms. Even though I repeatedly explained my Dad was on levothyroxine for most of his adult life and I had similar symptoms to his, over the years I would have a set of 3 x T4 tests and be told at the end that im fine. It took a private set of tests for me to be able to get my dr to refer me to an endocrinologist. That was a phone consultation, t4 test (I had taken my morning dose as I wasn’t told not to) I also had to have a cortisol test - just a single one in the morning. I’m told now that I’m fine to continue on this for life. I have read some books and I think I do need to piece together a list for my next dr visit. Thanks for your really helpful response x

[greygoose in reply to Kimmi01]

You're welcome. If you have any other questions, don't hesitate to ask them. And, do get that print-out of your results. It really is very important to have it.

[Kimmi01 in reply to greygoose]

hello and thanks so much for your advice. I’ve just had my thyroxine increased to 50mg, (yesterday) so perhaps will see a little more improvement and I will be tested again for T4 in 3 months however that’s all the nhs do and if I want any other tests I will have to go private. So I will wait for my 3 month test, then go and get myself properly tested privately. Meanwhile all of your advice and guidance has and will be gratefully received. 😁

[greygoose in reply to Kimmi01]

Good, glad to hear you've had an increase.