Fibromyalgia Support Group

You're not alone in your pain. Fibromyalgia is a condition that can be difficult to diagnose and manage. If you're trying to cope with pain throughout your body, sleep problems, general fatigue, or other common fibromyalgia symptoms, you're in the right place. The community is here for you to talk about therapies and share your challenges.

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Tammy3164 07/15/2012

After reading that many fibro patients also have thyroid problems I went to the doctor to have mine checked. There are times it feels swollen but thought that it was just one more of the many symptoms of Fibromyalgia. Although my labs all fell within normal range they also did an ultrasound and discovered a 3-4 cm nodule. I can't get in for a follow up with my doctor for another 2 weeks, (frustrating) but now that it's verified that I have hypothyroidism (per the ultrasound report) I'm planning on calling the clinic to see if I can at least get started on a med to help with the fatigue. Knowing there is help I can't wait that long to start.

My question to those of you that also have hypo, can you tell me what med works the best for you? From my readings, there is one called Armour that many seem to prefer over something called Levothyroxine. (I believe Synthroid is the same thing)

Since it seems to take awhile to tweak the right dose of meds I would at least like to start on the one that will probably work best for me.

maddiesgrammie 07/15/2012

Good morning to you.yes i have low thyroid.i do take synthroid.i need to have mine checked regular.i understand the fatique.i also have cfs.

Tammy3164 07/15/2012

Have you been happy with the synthroid? Any side effects?

maddiesgrammie 07/15/2012

yes i am happy with the med.i just think i need a higher dosage.i have not had any side effects.you may want to google low thyroid.i was shocked to find out how much our thyroids are responsible in regard to general health care.do you have low body temp.are you xtra senistive to being cold.pray this helps you.text me anytime.maddie.

Tammy3164 07/15/2012

Maddie I have all the symptoms but I always figured they were related to the fibro as well. My body temp usually ran about 97. Yes I am sensitive to the cold.... and heat and humidity.

I've felt crappy for so long, I can't wait to get started on meds that will finally help me have a bit of a life again.

mynameisD 07/16/2012

Syntharoid has changed my life. Literally.

I started it about 4 months ago and my fatigue is gone. I had very bad fatigue and now I can do so much more than I was able to do before

Tammy3164 07/16/2012

D - a nodule I suppose is a bad thing but I'm so excited they found it as i have hope of feeling better soon.

Any side effects of hair loss or weight gain?

Tammy3164 07/16/2012

Actually I mean do you lose the weight the thyroid made you gain?

sunsetzzs 07/16/2012

I had to have a part of my thyroid removed because of a benign nodule that had grown on a part of it. Following surgery, it took about 3 years before I was diagnosed with hypothyroidism and had to go onto Synthroid (though, generic brand). The medicine has definitely helped with fatigue, but I still have fatigue issues related to additional causes. However, my doctor advised that I will need to be on Synthroid for life and have my blood checked every 6 months to monitor my TSH level to make sure the medicine does not need to be adjusted. I'm not sure why, but it seems as though a lot of us with fibro have hypothyroidism, too.

deleted_user 07/16/2012

I have been hypothyroid for a few years and have taken Synthroid for it and it helped a lot. However, a couple of years ago, I became fatigued and when they would check, my TSH and T4 were in normal range. I just went through bioidentical hormone testing where they will test my T3 also. Turns out it is low. Apparently, my T4 is not converting to T3. My doctor is going to prescribe cytomel in conjunction with my synthroid which is a T3 only hormone. I am anxious to see if it helps.

Armour has T3 hormone in it but it's a one size fits all. While taking Synthroid in conjunction with Cytomel, it can be tweaked to fit my scenario. With that being said, you may do just fine on Synthroid alone. I wish you well and hope you feel better soon

mynameisD 07/17/2012

No Tammy, no real weight loss but I feel wonderfully better than before. I detest fatigue

deleted_user 07/17/2012

I detest fatigue too. Some pain I can handle but fatigue is a whole other matter.

CarolinaSal 07/17/2012

I have been Hypothyroid since my early twenties (20 some years ago) and I have been Levothyroxine (generic Sythroid) and it makes a huge difference in how I feel. But unfortunately, now weight loss! Good luck to you!

susanbanthony 07/17/2012

Tammy, your jumping the goodship lollie pop way to sooooon!

Having a nodule does not mean having Hypothyroidism nor does it have to be a BAD thing! (I have a family of then now) If your blood work came bad normal then it is a wait and see...the Uptake test is your next best test, till then sit back take a deep breath and enjoy summer!

deleted_user 07/17/2012

Hi, I have been on Levothyroxine since I was 13 (I'm 32 now). It makes a big difference in how I feel. If I forget to take my medication I feel the difference, primarily in my fatigue. I have my thyroid levels checked regularly.

Tammy3164 07/17/2012

You're right Susan but I like to get all my ducks in a row (research) done before I talk to the doctor. The labs are within normal range but the free T3 and T4 are borderline low which can still mean hypothyroidism even if the TSH is normal. Also I picked up a copy of my ultrasound report and it says it indicates a history of hypothyroidism. Still my doctor may think otherwise. Will have to wait and see. The 'noids' are only 3-4 mm in size, not cm as I thought they had said so I don't expect they will do anything about it, but maybe recheck it in 6 months to see if they are growing. I don't think they would even bother with a biopsy on it. I need to do something more for fatigue though. My life consists of working then coming home and laying in bed. My kids make their own meals and my house is a mess. This is not a life.

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