Hypothyroidism Support Group

Hi:

With taking Synthroid one should be going for labs every two months, at least. Is it time for your next set of labs? If so, find out where you are at with the Free T3 and the Free T4 levels together with the TSH.

Take care... :-)

I just started the Synthroid less than a week ago. I am scheduled to be retested the second of September. And yes, he is pulling full panels including T3 & T4 along with panels for vitamin and mineral levels etc.
I'm still learning all the lingo - but I was mostly concerned about what you all experienced when you first began your courses of medicines until you became stable. The back of my neck is now stiff and my hair is still falling out, today was the first day I didn't feel sort of nauseated.

Thank you - and please continue to advise. I'm trying to read Everything!

The first thing that I did when I went on Cytomel and Levoxyl is look up the symptoms. Stomach upset is normal. I have been on these two for several months now, and this issue is better. I also had an ultrasound of my thyroid and it showed nodules on both sides. I have been diagnosed with Hashimoto's Thyroiditis, however my endo says that an exact diagnosis is not certain until a biopsy is done. She says that this is unnecessary. I have found that though I was kind of nervous about this in the beginning, it is very common and can be caused by inflammation in the body, etc.
I already have thinning hair and I have not noticed any progression. I am also working with my endo concerning my ohter hormone levels.
Good Luck,
JK

The only thing i noticed after starting the synthroid was i got to sleep through the night for the first time in 10 years and I stopped having heat alergies. It is a high dose he put you on just to start. if you want your results sooner, go back to where you ha them done and sign for them. I keep a record of all my blood work and tests in a binder that I take with me to the dr. If something is wrong sometimes I call and tell him becsuse he wont wee it for weeks.

if you have a nodule it should be biopsied. (sp). I have never heard of a dr telling a patient they should not have it biopised. Do you have an HMO?

This has been REALLY helpful. The reason my dosage is that high is my psychiatrist (new md to me) caught this and started me on something like 50 of the synthetic (SP) and when the endo guy saw my levels he said.. well she did good to get you started, but you're going to need way more than that - then we'll see where you are in a month. He seemed very thorough and caring, but I haven't had as much time to absorb all the info - I'm still in shock none of my other doctors ever even thought to have my thyroid checked. Next I'll get my lab results and numbers myself so I can read and discuss more accurately what is happening. I sincerely thank all of you for taking the time to write and share. It is helpful and comforting.

I will look forward to see if your endo will suggest a biopsy. Mine said with my symptoms, labs, etc. it would be unecessary. I don't have an HMO just mainstream insurance. Again, she deals with lots of people (mostly women) with these issues and she is one of the best in my city.
Keep me posted and don't get too nervous!
Jan

Thanks Jan - I'll keep you informed. This MD is supposed to be one of the best in my city too.. I was very relieved that he seemed to immediately connect the dots on all my previous symptoms and was very caring and put me at ease. He also made it known that he will be following up on everything with me - Firm but kind.
Thank you all again. You guys are just the best!

Hi.
I'd like to respond to the symptoms after being put on meds.

I am on Levothyroxine. 50 MCG.

They all pretty much vanished; Hair no longer falling out, cold hands, cold feet gone, Weight remained stable, my bright red face wasnt't red anymore, my skin went back to normal from super dry. The only trouble remained was Low Energy so my meds have changed 3 times since diagnosed in 2004. My last dose was changed to 50 mcg and I discovered I had a weakness in my knees, that vanished this time. I had a hard time going upstairs at college and the stairs got ez after the dose was changed. I kept telling the doc that I had dry eyes and a dry mouth, well that vanished w/this last dose.

I found out that there isn't much info on the treatment of this disease just the symptoms for this disease. The ATA say they rely on the patient to tell the doctors how they feel. That the numbers don't mean anything. Yah, right. The numbers say we should be feeling fine, so the doctors hesitate to increase or decrease.
My previous Doc kept telling me to exercise and take vitamins --she's no longer my doctor.
These web sites have a lot of info such as American Thyroid Assoc, About.com.:thyroid disease. Mary Shomon has good info.

You should be feeling normal or you need to change your doctor. Don't let them tell you it's all in your head. I'd like to advise you to ask for a copy of all your blood work and keep a folder w/ all your info and keep a journal of your dr. visits and your health and how your feeling.

Good luck 8-)

Thank you for that advice. I feel very lucky that this Endo guy listens and it very concerned about all my symptoms. I'm just so new that I wanted to ask you all about symptoms because there are so many that may or may not be related. (believe me i have a ton of symptoms) Lol
Thank you again! I love this group - You all are fantastic about sharing info!