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Iodine deficiency and thyroid questions

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Thyroid Disorders
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Razzle
Veteran Member
Joined : Aug 2007
Posts : 4415
Posted 3/13/2018 10:46 PM (GMT -8)
Hi,

I have been unable to eat for about 3 years (due to severe stomach problems), so I am fed through an IV port in my chest. My IV "food" does not contain any iodine. I was able to use a topical iodine supplement called Tri-Quench quite successfully for a while, but the company who made this product no longer exists and so I can no longer obtain sufficient iodine.

After developing severe fatigue and neck swelling, I begged for a TSH, Free T3 & Free T4 test from my doctor; he obliged and then called me urgently when the results came back:

T3 Uptake: 36.6 (ref. range = 32.0-48.4%)
Free T4: <0.3 Low (ref. range = 0.6-1.1 ng/dL)
TSH: 152.60 High (ref. range = 0.45-5.33 ulU/mL)

The doctor called in a prescription for T4 tablets, but I cannot swallow the pills or take anything orally. I need help finding a way to correct the iodine deficiency that is likely the cause of all this (thyroid tests prior to being unable to eat were always considered normal, though I suspect they've always been slightly on the low side).

Is it possible that using only a topical iodine product will correct this situation, or do I need to find a way to also take the thyroid hormone prescription?

Does anyone know of a comparable topical iodine product to the Tri-Quench? I felt so much better when I was able to the Tri-Quench...I've tried the much, much weaker iodine supplements from the health food store topically and notice absolutely no change in how I feel.

Note: I do intend to discuss this with my doctor, but in the meanwhile, I thought I'd ask the "real experts" here.

Thanks,

-Razzle
Too many health issues to list...
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cyclinglady
Regular Member
Joined : Aug 2015
Posts : 267
Posted 3/17/2018 12:50 PM (GMT -8)
Iodine deficient is pretty rare in developed countries, but your case may be different. Your doctor should run a thyroid antibodies panel. Autoimmune thyroiditis is very common. Your TSH is horrible. I do not know how you are functioning! A compounding pharmacy can help so that it can be included in your IV bag I would think.
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Razzle
Veteran Member
Joined : Aug 2007
Posts : 4415
Posted 3/17/2018 9:45 PM (GMT -8)
Thanks for replying. Yeah, it has been a real challenge lately. This is what lead me to ask for thyroid tests to begin with - my usual fatigue isn't this severe (i.e., getting out of bed & getting dressed is enough to make me just want to crawl back in bed), and I don't usually have muscle fatigue and pain from doing absolutely nothing, and then when my neck swelled up that is what really clued me in that my thyroid may be the source (or at least part of the problem) of the new/worse symptoms.

Because I cannot consume anything orally, and the injectable iodine available for those on TPN (IV nutrition) is derived from shellfish (to which I am allergic, so the pharmacy who mixes my TPN won't put it in mine), I have not been getting any iodine for about a year and a half. I'm fairly certain I am iodine deficient because of this. Nutritional deficiencies (or imbalances) of trace nutrients are not unusual in those on long-term TPN, especially when the TPN is their sole source of nutrition. Also, it is not possible to put everything needed in TPN, due to a variety of reasons: chemistry and interactions between various ingredients, solubility (i.e., fat-soluble vs. water soluble), availability in a sterile injectable form, etc.

I did see a doctor about this Friday, and he ordered a second round of tests to verify the abnormal TSH and check thyroid antibodies before we try any kind of prescription thyroid support. I'm not sure what other tests he ordered, hopefully his office will call me with results next week.

One thing I did try yesterday and today is to use more than one topical application of the low-dose liquid iodine I found at the health food store. I think it might be helping a little bit, but it is hard to tell for sure yet. I don't know how much iodine gets absorbed when applied topically, too, so I'm not sure what amount I'm actually getting from this topical stuff. Tried topical betadine as suggested by someone else as an iodine source, but didn't like how it felt on my skin with all the other ingredients in it.

Take care,

-Razzle
Too many health issues to list...

Post Edited (Razzle) : 3/17/2018 11:49:05 PM (GMT-6)

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astroman
Veteran Member
Joined : Mar 2014
Posts : 8882
Posted 3/27/2018 9:29 AM (GMT -8)
I would get an inter-cellular iodine and iodide test to confirm your assumptions.

If you actually need thyroid med, natural desiccated pig thyroid can be used sublingualy. I do this mid day after rinsing my mouth out (rid any food proteins).

Cant do this with standard T4 meds.
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Razzle
Veteran Member
Joined : Aug 2007
Posts : 4415
Posted 4/9/2018 2:13 PM (GMT -8)
Thanks for your reply.

I'll try asking my doctor about those iodine tests.

Started the T4 via IV last week and I notice that I get very, very sleepy about 4 hours after getting my daily dose - is that normal?

Can the natural dessicated thyroid be applied topically (instead of using it sublingually) if it is made into a gel or paste of some kind? I do eventually plan on transitioning to the natural stuff if I can do this topically...

Thanks,

-Razzle
Too many health issues to list...
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astroman
Veteran Member
Joined : Mar 2014
Posts : 8882
Posted 4/9/2018 8:13 PM (GMT -8)
"Started the T4 via IV last week and I notice that I get very, very sleepy about 4 hours after getting my daily dose - is that normal?"

Sleepy, no. Relief from anxiety, yes.

Never heard of topical thyroid hormone. The whole dose needs to go into the blood stream. From the outside that would be very difficult. Why cant you take it sublingual?
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dany1982
Regular Member
Joined : Jan 2012
Posts : 182
Posted 1/23/2019 11:11 AM (GMT -8)
Razzle, how are you taking your thyroid meds? did you find something that works?
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Girlie
Forum Moderator
Joined : May 2014
Posts : 47415
Posted 1/23/2019 12:34 PM (GMT -8)
dany1982 - I see you've pulled up several older threads and commented on them.


I think it would be a good idea to start your own thread and ask specific questions about your symptoms/treatment.
That's the best way to support you.
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