New labs

[midgetmaid]

I posted my latest numbers in my signature. My endo reduced my dose of Levoxyl from 75 to 68.5. There were a couple of numbers that were low or at the bottom: WBC: 3.6(4.0-10.5)
Platelets 129(140-415)
Protein, Total, Serum 6.0(6.0-8.5)
She did not check my ferritin, which I was hoping for. Hemoglobin and hematocrit were good, but in the past they have been over the top and the ferritin was at the bottom of the range at the same time.

I feel the best I have since this journey started, but I still can't exercise or do too much, or I start hurting all over. Endo thought the suppressed TSH might be playing a part in that, and the dose reduction may help.

The rest of the labs look good. The vit. D was 81, which she was very pleased with. I take 2000 I.U. a day, and it has taken a while to get it up to that point.

My endo told me to discuss the platelets and WBC with my PCP when I see him, but she didn't seem concerned.

Any thoughts?

Renee

[GayE]

With that TSH (0.02) you're below the level that was set as having no impact on bone density, etc (cut off was 0.04). Because of that I can see where your endo is coming from. With the Cytomel keeping your FT3 at a good level - dropping the T4 (Levoxyl) will lower the amount of conversion being done by a small amount which will probably push your TSH (marker of feedback system for whole body) back up over that threshold.

Don't forget that it takes up to 18 months for the muscle fibres to recover from the low thyroid hormone levels. You also need to do resistance work of some sort to help build long fibres which are stronger and more efficient than the short crossways fibres that formed when you were hypo.

I've read that the comparison is closest to an athlete who is recovering from being in plaster for 6 months so don't be surprised if using the muscles with all that healthy blood supply is not very comfortable. Longer time at lower intensity will help.

{{hugs}}

Gay

[midgetmaid]

The dose adjustment seems to be having a negative impact. I'm progressively more fatigued, have to rest more, appetite is decreasing, more fuzzy-headed, etc...I'm due labs at the end of August (TSH, T3 and T4). I wrote my endo a note yesterday and asked to have labs early, and for the T3 to be changed to Free T3 and ferritin be added. The only other time I asked for a specific test (TSI, when trying to decide on a course of treatment), she was agreeable, so I hope she is this time. If not, I'll find another doctor. It's been two years since I started replacement therapy, and I'm ready to feel more normal for a woman of my age .

I asked for a ferritin test because at last check, it was 16, which she said was fine, but I started taking Floravital, with her knowledge. It contains a very small amount of iron, so I'm wondering if ferritin is still near the bottom. Also, when my T3 is at that level, Free T3 is usually below range. With taking Cytomel, shouldn't it be higher?

As to the exercise, I can start so gently that no muscle group gets sore, yet over about two weeks I get more and more tired, and I hurt all over, not just when I use the muscles. And it is a different kind of hurt. I have exercised most of my adult life, at least an hour a day, and sometimes two, including weights. I was muscular when thyroid disease hit.

Is there a connection with being a poor converter of T4 and low ferritin? Also, the morning I lab, should I take my meds after the draw? I usually take them before.

Thanks for any help you can give. I'm so thankful for this group!
Renee

[GayE]

Lots of connection between low thyroid hormone levels - any and all - and low ferritin/iron. There have been several studies of different aged populations in Iran which has a high level of iodine deficiency hypothyroidism.

The results of the studies were that over time the iodine returned the thyroid levels to normal BUT most of the women needed iron supplements for much longer to return to good levels. The same studies noted that those who managed to get their iron/ferritin levels past the half-way point in the reference ranges had much quicker returns to health.

If you need any of the links - just ask and I'll hunt them up again.

On the thyroid test issue - yes FT3 will give you a much better picture and yes if you are taking T3 medication then your FT3 should be at least at the mid point of the reference range as a general rule BUT you are a person not a number so where you settle needs to be measured against symptoms and TSH.

The TSH will be much more responsive to FT3 levels than FT4 levels so that may account for the quick change.

I think that all you can do is what you have posted - retest and see where you're at.

Don't forget to consider your Vit D and B12/Folate numbers as well as your electrolytes - if they are at either extreme of the ref range they can also be making thyroid and iron issues problematic.

Will keep my open for your response.

{{hugs}}

Gay

[midgetmaid]

Thanks, Gaye! My vit. D was low in the past, so endo has me take 2000 I.U. daily, and at last check it was 81.8. B-12 was checked two years ago and was a little over the top of the range.

Renee

[GayE]

Hopefully that Vit D will stay good for you - these particular elements do keep popping up.

My Vit D is right in the middle of the ref range so no pills needed for that BUT I've just started taking calcium supplements (just pills made of plain old calcium carbonate - aka chalk). I started because my stomach is not good with milk at the moment so "just add another pill". I had to get into the pharmicists special prescription stock because all the OTC pills had all sorts of things I definitely DON'T want to add into the mix He's really helpful and offered them as soon as I asked. Oh dear - now even the pharmicist sees me coming

{{hugs}}

Gay