Graves' Disease Support Group

Graves-Basedow disease is a medical disorder that may manifest several different conditions including hyperthyroidism (over activity of thyroid hormone production), infiltrative exophthalmos (protruberance of one or both eyes and associated problems) and infiltrative dermopathy (a skin condition usually of the lower extremities). This disorder is the most common cause of...

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scorpiogirl76 09/18/2010

As most in the Graves forum may know, I had a total thyroidectomy this past Monday.

I was put on Synthroid 50 mcg on Tuesday (day after surgery) and would be adjusted at my one week post op appointment this coming Tuesday. However, on Wednesday when I took my Synthroid 50 mcg in the morning, I noticed these "surges" coming over me and my heart rate would shoot up into the 100's from the 60's at rest so I was evaluated for Thyroid storm and that was eliminated with labs. Per my surgeon, I skipped synthroid dose on Thursday and on Friday took 25 mcg of Synthroid. I had no real palpiations or heart racing issues Friday. I also started my calcium supplements on Thursday as well as added two glasses of Orange Juice to my daily regimen yesterday as well... in case of low calcium or potassium. This morning, i decided to try my synthroid again at 50 mcg and within an hour, I had my heart racing into the 100's again. It finally dropped into the 70's after 2 hours. I know without a thyroid, my body isn't producing the excess hormones anymore. I keep reading it take several weeks to feel the effects of synthroid. However, I am wondering if my body is sensitive to the synthroid and I am feeling the effects immediately and if this will subside once my body adjusts? I noticed today that the heels of my feet are EXTREMELY dry which for me has always been a sign of hypo. I have Graves and for the past year have battled hyper symptoms. This is the start of my journey thru the world of hypo. Any advice is appreciated.

*Also posted to hypo forum.

scorpiogirl76 09/19/2010

ha ha ha.... I'm so glad that I'm not the only one who thinks this way. I just figured out that I have to get my life back and not let this run my life. Scheduling my day around medications is not the way I envisioned my life... ha ha. Luckily, I work from home so I don't have to worry too much about rush hour, running late, etc... You'll figure it out.... we'll figure it out. lol.

deleted_user 09/20/2010

Hi Scorpio,

My Surgeon kept me on a beta blocker after my surgery, weaning me down completely over a period of 3 months so I never experienced the rapid heart rate symptoms but I have heard of people having the same issue. I'm sorry you're having to go through this. You may want to go back on (if you were on one prior) a beta blocker, low dose until your body becomes accustom to the synthroid. Ask your Endo what he or she thinks.. Also, if you were on one and stopped it cold turkey( beta blocker) it can cause problems with a rapid heart rate and high blood pressure.

deleted_user 09/20/2010

When I took synthroid (brand - up to just a few weeks ago 88mcg) after my RAI a couple of years ago, I would take it at 4am, go back to bed eat around 7 or 8, take vitamins at 8 but no calcium until after lunch just to keep it as far away from taking my synthroid as possible - I still take my Armour on this time schedule. I am still on a beta blocker, down to 25mg in the evening. Since switching to Armour 1 grain, I'm getting the hot stuff and heart palps again. I am waiting patiently to see my blood work in a couple of weeks to see if my T3 is more mid-range.

Interesting about Graves patients being able to convert T4 to T3 without problems. My T4 has stayed mid to upper range, T3 below mid range and TSH below range. Where are you supposed to be, anyway? Having used both the synthroid and Armour, I think I like the synthroid better, but the labs will tell the story.

deleted_user 09/21/2010

I have no problems with converting T4 to T3 either. :-) I'm only synthroid alone. I tried adding Cytomel the first yr post TT but it made me EXTREMELY hyper. I honestly believe post TT is simply a matter of our body learning to live without a thyroid gland and becoming accustom to a synthetic hormone.

deleted_user 09/21/2010

Hi Tatyanna,
This is good to hear. My endo is going to start me with Synthroid and Cytomel, at my request, but he feels I only will need Synthroid. I think I will call him and tell him I'm going ot start with Synthroid first and see how I do. Thanks! :)

deleted_user 09/21/2010

I started on Levothyroxine at 100 mcg the day after surgery. I have had no problems whatsoever. (Maybe it does have something to do with the brand) I used to have heart palps constantly. I keep it by my bed with a glass of water, so when I first wake up in the morning (usually around 5:30), I reach right for it. That way, I can lay there or even fall back asleep for a little bit. I love my coffee and also read about that inteferring with the absorption of the thyroxine (whatever the brand may be). Once I go back to work, I may also try (like someone else mentioned) setting an alarm for 4 am, taking my pill and going back to bed for a couple of hours.

scorpiogirl76 09/21/2010

Had my follow up today and all is well :) She increased my synthroid to 88 mcg and told me it would take 4 to 6 weeks to feel the effects and see the effects in my labs. She said that according to my weight I should be on 93 mcg but since it doesn't come in that strength, it was either 88 mcg or 100 mcg. She said with me and how sensitive I am to change and the synthroid as it is, that we will try 88 mcg... if in a month, I'm very fatigued, then we can increase to 100 mcg. She took the white tape off my incision and let me see it... EWWWWW... I could have done without that sight... she gave me some new tape to put over it for the next week and said to keep my neck out of sunlight. I have to admit that although I feel a little tire, I feel pretty good as compared to BEFORE my surgery. Will post an update with more details on my blog later today. Thank you to my wonderful support forum....

~Hugs

deleted_user 09/21/2010

Fantastic news Scorpiogirl:) I love hearing you are doing well!! I'm glad your Synthroid was increased. I think you will start feeling better. :)

deleted_user 09/21/2010

Melanie.. Make certain to ask him about staying on a beta blocker if you're already on one. I think that's a wise choice, ie to wait on the Cytomel.. we're kind of blind the first few months post TT. Endos can guess with a very accurate assessment that most post TT patients need at least 100 mcgs a day.. although everyone is different. Synthroid and I mix well.. I am very thankful for that.

mmztcass 09/21/2010

{{{gentle hugs}}} thanks for letting us know how the appt went today. :-)

dairytech 09/22/2010

Sorry...I havnt had time to read through everyones response so if I repeat someone else's reply I apologize. I take either 75 mg or 100mg of Synthroid each day...the amount depends on whether Im working or not. I take mine 1 hour before having breakfast. About 2 hours after taking my Synthroid I feel very warm and become flushed...my heart rate goes up a bit and I feel a bit jittery. This lasts for an hour or so and then things settle down. Even though I have these symptoms my labs read good...so...maybe its normal to have these feelings. Big Hugs...Kathy

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