what are the related complications?

[wedlock1974]

Hi,
I have recently been diagnosed with hypothyroidism and haven't been told much at all by my GP.  After nine weeks of medication I still feel terrible.  I have no energy and am exhausted all the time.  I have also started to experience chest pains but have put that down to stress and worry.  My GP is not very helpful at all, I was just told that my level was 13 which is really bad and have had the medication increased to 100mg of thyroxine but have been given no other information about it.  Please can anyone tell me what to expect
Thanks

[gimel]

Please post the numbers and reference ranges from your blood tests, so that members can give you the best response.

[wedlock1974]

Hi, all I have been told is that the results from the blood test showed that a level was 13 and should be between 0.5 and 3.0, so I needed to go on the thyroxine.  I am now taking 100mg a day, like I said before my GP is next to useless and didn't tell me anything but this

[gimel]

First I suggest that you always get a copy of your blood test results.  The doctor is required to give you a copy upon request.  It's good to keep copies so you can monitor changes and relate to how you are feeling.  Also, when you go back to doctor, insist that they also test for free T3 (FT3) and free T4 (FT4).

With thyroid problems, your goal is to be Euthyroid, which basically means having neither hyper nor hypo symptoms.  The best way to achieve this is to get your doctor to test and adjust your free T3 and  free T4 to levels with enough medication, such  that  your symptoms are alleviated.  

The rationale behind this is that free (unbound by protein) T3 is the most active thyroid hormone. It largely regulates metabolism and other symptoms.  Free T3 is four times as potent as free T4.  It has been shown to be the thyroid hormone that correlates best with symptom relief.  TSH has a negligible correlation with symptoms.

I suggest that you discuss this with your doctor and see if he is willing to treat you based on symptoms and free T3 and free T4 levels.  If not, you may need to find a good thyroid doctor that goes beyond TSH.  Remember that your goal is to have your symptoms treated and alleviated, not just to get your TSH into whatever range the doctor thinks is adequate.  Please let us know how things work out.

[wedlock1974]

Thank you, I will go back to the doctor tomorrow and see what I can find out.  If he is not willing to retest, then I have been on the web and found out the names of four specialists in my area that I will request a referral for.
I am additionally concerned at the moment as my mother, who also has thyroid problems is currently in hospital after having a heart attack.  Noone has suggested that the two could be related, but I can't help but worry.
Many thanks again and wish me luck for the GP's!

[Barb135]

It sounds like your doctor is treating your thyroid issue based on TSH alone and I totally agree with gimel - get him to test for Free T4 and Free T3.  Might also be advantageous to try to get tested for antibodies to see whether or not you have Hashimoto's; an ultra sound would not be out of line either....

I'm sorry about your mother - DO make sure that the hospital staff are aware of her thyroid issues so they can be treated along with the heart attack.  She will need her meds.  

Good luck and let us know how things go for you.