Vitamen supplements

Hi , I wondered if you had come across the ask an expert section, https://community.macmillan.org.uk/cancer_experiences/ask_the_expert/ask_a_nurse/discussions

They are medically trained and might be able to help with your question if none of the group members have the experience your looking for. I have a different cancer and diabetes and I often have to ask my consultant who looks up on line if things are comparable or not for me to take. Like you I wouldn’t want to chance anything.

best wishes 

Hey Mark, 

Sorry to hear you're struggling with tendinopathy at the moment! 

I hate to disagree with KT, hullo Mrs!, but there's no point in asking the nurses here that question. I've asked them a few things in the past and they don't have the specialist knowledge needed to advise, so will refer you back to your Dr. 

Which I'm afraid is what I'm going to do too. Thyroxine is a temperamental medication that gets upset at the slightest thing. Your current routine with it is perfect, but as a couple of examples, were you to add in calcium you'd have to leave 4 hours between your thyroxine and your calcium. And we're you to add in iron, it needs to be a 6 hour gap!

Do you have a specialist nurse you can contact to ask about these supplements? If not, I'd call your consultants secretary and leave a message asking for a call and why. It's def a consultant/specialist question rather than a GP, as you'll find GPs tend not to know about TSH suppression in cancer patients.

Good luck, and I hope that it fixes itself soon! 

Lass

Xx

Hi Lass, no disagreement, as I said I ask my consultant at the hospital. I was hoping you’d pop in Lass. 

Yeh, still floating around. Was just in hospital all afternoon yesterday, curled on the couch today going ow. Lol.

Hope you're well? Or as well as can be? 

Lass

Xx

Thanks KT and Lass.

I've contacted my thyroid oncology nurse specialist. I've read online, like you said, that various things effect thyroxine absorption (even coffee). I just want to make sure that it's ok to take supplements and most importantly that it doesn't impare my TSH supression. Some online sites also suggest some supplements will affect blood test result accuracy.

I'll report back what she says. 

Thanks,

Mark

Hi Lass, I re-read your profile this morning it sounded like you were keeping the NHS busy all on your own , otherwise I so nearly tagged you, rather than popping in. I’m very well today three weekly treatment is tomorrow, I’m glad you’re keeping on keeping on.

Yeh Mark, the world of supplements is a difficult one to navigate when you have an ongoing health concern. And with the thyroxine being so temperamental and so important, always best to double check.

I'd appreciate you letting us know how it goes and what you're told! Fingers crossed its good news, or they can suggest an alternative for you! 

Lol KT, reading that must have taken the entire morning! It's ridiculous how everything in me is just breaking down at the minute! But feel free to tag me anytime in anything. I'll always read then answer when I'm able.

Glad you're well today, and good luck tomorrow. Hope it all goes smoothly for you! 

Lass

Xx

The feedback I got from the thyroid oncology nurse kind of confirms what you were saying but was a little limited...

"As a general rule thyroxine should be taken on it's own first thing in the morning, on an empty stomach. If the supplements contain iron or calcium then you should leave at least 4 hours between those and thyroxine. Otherwise vitamin supplements are fine to take."

I found an article in relation to levothyroxine and hypothyroidism which may be helpful....

https://www.consumerlab.com/answers/do-any-supplements-interfere-with-thyroid-hormones/hypothyroidism_and_supplements/

Mark

Hey Mark, 

Sorry they couldn't be more specific and say "yes this specific one is fine".

I'd recommend googling all the ingredients in the supplements, because calcium and iron aren't necessarily listed as calcium and iron. You could also include "interaction with thyroxine" in the Google search too, see if anything comes up on a reputable site.

Good luck with whatever you decide to do! 

Lass

Xx