[Bobbi]

#1067569

I don’t know how the UK scale runs, compared with that in the US, so I cannot really judge how hypo you are. The key factors for you, however, are that you are one replacement pills, and you are getting blood work done regularly. With those two aspects of things covered, you should be less worried. If the scales are the same, a tsh of 32 isn’t necessarily dangerous to you (other than feeling sluggish, etc. etc.) . I know we frequently compare things to what thyroid cancer patients go through, and the song might be getting old, but those folks, who have their thyroids surgically removed AND removed via RAI (to get every last thyroid cell gone from the body), used to have to go off their replacement hormone for WEEKS in order to get a test to make sure that they still didn’t have any thyroid cells. They went way more hypo during that time than any of us do. Fortunately for them, medical progress has improved that situation for them, but when I found out about it long ago, it helped to make me a bit calmer about my own (way more slightly) elevated TSH.

One thing to be very careful of, however, with your replacement dose. It is best to take it every morning prior to eating anything, with a decent-sized glass of water. Wait 45-60 minutes before eating. And put about four hours between the replacement dose and the taking of ANY vitamin, mineral, calcium, etc., supplements. We can interfere with the absorption of our replacement dose by eating things high in iron (say, oatmeal, fortified breads or cereals, etc.) or taking vitamin supplements. Once the replacement dose has been absorbed into the blood, we can eat whatever we want, and vitamin supplements will not interfere with how the hormone works. But if we ingest iron and other minerals too soon,we can get limited absorption of the hormone.

[ewmb]

#1067570

Hyperm,
Dont’ know the difference in the scales for TSH but my last reading was 62! I am still feeling very hypo too. Had levels drawn yesterday and the endo didn’t seem too worried that I was having hypo symptoms. I know that my level of medication should be higher but he is taking me up so slowly that I feel like it’s not helping enough. Sounds like it’s a good thing to raise yours with all the symptoms you’ve been having. I understand your panic about the levels etc. but your scar should reassure you that that isn’t going to be the case ever again unless you take way too much medication. Keep on bugging them about the way you feel. You are important and you know your body best. Hopefully you’ll feel a lot better in a day or two.

Take care now,
ewmb

[hyperm]

#1067571

Thanks guys.

ewbm you are right that I need to keep remembering (also my GP pointed out too) that I am by the really dangerous part now and they can cope and deal better with hypo rather than my hyper levels.. I am just so fed up and scared… Bobbi I do keep remembering it isn’t cancer and you are right I have a lot to be thankful for.. I guess I am just at the end of my tether with this disease, I really thought by now I would be on my way to feeling well and settled and I guess I am just one of these people where that is going to take much longer.

ewbm I am not sure about the differences in ranges but I remember when my GP called 8 weeks ago and said that my TSH was 18. something and not to worry too much as she had people who were int eh 30 ranges. So I guess when I got the call I thought about the previous conversation and panicked and sobbed

I knew that I was more hypo as I am so fatigued and the weight gain without excessive eating and being constantly on the go.

I am feeling calmer now – I have to for my boys…. I suppose its just another turn in the road for me before I get a smooth run… Just need to say what my bloods say in 8 weeks…..

M xxx

[hyperm]

#1018865

HI all,

Just got a call from my GP to say that my TSH is up to 32.1 (Uk scale) and that I need to up my thyroxine by 50mcg thats me now on 150mcg.
Will I be ok with a TSH at this level it was 18. something 8 weeks and I am really scared as this is the GP who was a tad neglectful before I went into my thyroid storm…

I guess its just the old nerves kicking in and the fear of going into organ failure and coma… I don’t have much luck at the moment and usually the extreme cases are happening to me so I am petrified this will happen to me..

I know it explains the hair loss, horrific weight gain and heavy menstrual cycle..

Sorry for going on just need reassurance.

M xxx

[SeeSallie]

#1067572

Hyperm -my heart goes out to you. I can read the fear in your message. Just keep reaching out to this board as it is great for helping all of us to see the other side of the coin we go through this. It stinks being in the position to have to rationalize what is happening to us when the very hormones we are dealing with affect our emotions (fears).

[Nick]

#1067573

Different labs have different reference values, you should be able to find the information for UK online or by calling your health care provider.

Good luck

[Ski]

#1067574

Different labs have different normal ranges, though they’re all in about the same neighborhood. When your levels read extremely hypothyroid, there’s a certain "lowest bound" of thyroid hormone in the bloodstream, past which the high numbers really just say that it may have gone too low for an extended period of time ~ there really is no less thyroid hormone than none, if you take my meaning. The TSH level reflects the amount of stimulating hormone being released from the pituitary gland that is attempting to "talk" to the thyroid and make it produce more thyroid hormone. It’s been asking for a large increase in thyroid hormone production for a while, which would elevate the TSH levels, but wouldn’t necessarily change where you stand as far as thyroid hormone. When you start taking replacement hormone (or more thyroid hormone, OR less methimazole), the TSH levels should start to even out rather quickly.

[ewmb]

#1067575

Hyperm,
I got my new numbers back yesterday and my TSH is 33 and my Free T-4 is almost normal so my endo is taking me from 50 mcg of replacement per day to 62.5. I wish I didn’t have to cut tablets in half! On top of all that I am fairly certain that I have the H1N1 flu now. All the right symptoms etc. and it’s been going around my daughter’s high school. I have been disinfecting everything, doorknobs, light switches. etc.. Husband slept in a different bed last night. Threw away toothbrushes etc.. I wish there was an easy way to go through all this HYPO business but I keep thinking back on my HYPER days and reflecting that they were way worse.

Said a little prayer for you last night. Hope that you are feeling better today.

ewmb

[hyperm]

#1067576

Hey all thanks so much for your support!

Nikki Thanks for looking all the info up ” title=”Smile” />

Ski I am hearing you and see what you are saying so basically my body is asking my thyroid for some replacement but since I no longer have a thyroid (thank God says me ” title=”Very Happy” /> ) then that’s why it has went so high. This hair loss is awful Ski it was just settling after the TS and now its falling out again – arrghghgh

ewbm you are so right about hypo being better than hyper – so much better! I am able to do things with the boys etc.. and its a different type of tiredness.. Thanks so much for your prayers I do mention everyone on the board who needs prayers every night ” title=”Smile” /> I am sorry you are feeling low. My boys have had the swine flu- although not confirmed diagnosis as the clinics etc don’t want you attending with suspected symptoms to try and stop the infection spreading. As I am high risk (asthmatic) and work in the health sectore I should be getting my vaccination very soon. Its very frightening. But as you say we need to just keep praying.

I am sorry I haven’t been on here a lot to offer support but with the boys being unwell and then back at work I am shattered by the time I get to bed. I do check my facebook account so if anyone is on there PM me and I will give you my log on – I keep in touch more in that respect xxxxx

[Author]

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