High TSH and T4 non-working thyroid.

[Naomicorlett]

My OH (58 years ) has had non-working Thyroid for 7 years. he has been on 100mg throxine since being stable ( took about 2 years ) . He has not had levels checked for 10 months ( don't ask !! ) now doctor has tested him and needs to see him urgently as TSH is 21.27 and T4 is 11.9. These figures do make sense to us as they do not equate. Seeing Dr on Wed but am quietly worrying in the mean time . Do not want to google as do not want to scare myself with internet weirdness. You lot are much safer . ( I hope )

[cazzz1975]

are you sure the tsh is 21.27? that figure would sound more like the t4 figure?

have they checked the t3 levels? does your OH feel unwell?

[cazzz1975]

T4 results along with a high TSH may indicate a pituitary gland condition

[Naomicorlett]

yup TSH is 21.27. Don't know about T3 at moment . Yes he feels foul. Poor memory and very cold all the symptoms as usual but worse if you understand. He has struggled with low grade symptons for the last few years with Dr insisting all levels are ok.Also got tinnitus again. Happy days .

[cazzz1975]

http://en.wikipedia.o...d-stimulating_hormone

[cazzz1975]

a trip to the doctors is in order, I can understand him feeling rough, I also suffer from those types of symptoms and getting the levels right can be a delicate business! I hope he gets this sorted out x

[Naomicorlett]

Wiki doesn't explain how he can have both T4 and TSH high.

[cazzz1975]

it does, the second box "thyroid hormone level" is t4

[Sqad]

100 micrograms of thyroxine is not enough.....with that high TSH he needs to double it....200micrograms.

[Naomicorlett]

Thank you Cazz getting the balance right is indeed hard and we have had trouble for years but this sort of level is new to us. I guess we wait til Wed and then insist on a referral. Trouble is we live on an Island with apopulation of 75,000 and therefore may need referall to England for specialist. There I go crossing my bridges !!

[cazzz1975]

both levels are high suggesting that the thyroxine being used is not converting correctly

[Naomicorlett]

Hi sqad. Thank you. Will talk to Dr on Wed. But find that our Dr can be totally blinkered and insists that 100 is enough. Perhaps now we can get it changed. OH is 5ft 4ins and slight frame and I think poss not eating lunch in an effort to keep weight off.

[Naomicorlett]

Why would the body not be converting thyroxine ??? Pituitary gland perhaps....Oh Lor I will drive myself mad here.

[cazzz1975]

more likely to be referred for this, my oh takes liothyronine with his medication as he was having similar problems, he used to be on 250mcg and still suffering symptoms, taking the t3 tablet has changed his life, this is a job for the endocrinologist as the GPs tend to be a bit thick about this subject when it strays from the norm

[Naomicorlett]

Thank you Cazz that sounds hopefull. Poor chap is really struggling but has also been hell to live with. :o)

[Naomicorlett]

Ok problem solved.......stupid answer......Chemist had been ( for last three months or poss longer) giving pills in small bottle of 50 mg 2 pills to be taken a day. OH hadn't realised or read instructions and so has been taking 50mg a day. He hadn't noticed more pills than usual or even that the pills were slightly different. Doctor quite cross with pharmacy for dispensing pills in that way and I am just generally cross with the world. OH to take 100mg a day for 6 weeks then repeat tests and hopefully get tested on a regular basis rather than leave tests until screamed at. I might have my bright lovely husband back again rather than the badtempered frozen doormouse I have at the moment.

[cazzz1975]

excellent, well I hope he is back to his normal self in time :)

[Sqad]

naomi......that is a reasonable and satisfactory answer to your OH's problems.

He should be much better within the next 6 weeks.

[Naomicorlett]

I know I am very pleased and also very relieved. The 3am horrors have receeded. :o) Thanks for all the imput.

[Mamyalynne]

Wow Naomi what a to do, that was naughty of the chemist not to point it out, hope things settle soon. Try and have a lovely Christmas.

Mamya