If I were you, I would try adding some T4 meds. Your FT4 is still pretty low. A lot of my symptoms started to disappear with the addition of Levothyroxine.

I hope you feel better soon!

Hey!
It seems to me you are making progress with your FT3 and FT4 levels! Once on NDT the TSH test is useless as the Armour suppresses the TSH; can't go off of that test for measurement.

How are you feeling? This is most important to go by. If still feeling hypoT I would increase dosage of Armour.

Hey pumpkin -

I see that you're titrating up in armour, so I have to ask: How long were you on 90 mg Armour before you had your labs? I hope it was at least 4 weeks. If so, then there's no need to respond. If less than 4 weeks, the values may be under-reported, K? Otherwise, here's the breakdown:

Your last labs: 12/14

Free T4
Range: 0.930 -1.700
Result: 1.260
Percent of range: 42.86%
Where most people feel well: 1.51-1.70

Free T3
Range: 2.000 -4.400
Result: 3.700
Percent of range: 70.83%
Where most people feel well: 3.80-3.92

Ok, so your Free T3 is around 71% of range, and your free T4 is around 43% of range. I wouldn't feel well with these levels and the reason I know that is that I keep a symptom journal and a lab journal. The question is, how do you feel...still crappy from the sound of your original post (still having muscle and joint pain). I ached like someone was beating me with a ball-pin hammer until my levels topped 90% of range for Free T4...and more than than for Free T3. That doesn't mean you'll be the same, but it does mean you have a ways to go.

You have two options:
1) Increase Armour one more time. This will bump up your Free T3 more, and possibly bump up your Free T4 a tad. Not alot. But a tad.
2) Add Synthroid (T4) This will bump up your T4, but not so much your T3

If it were me in your shoes at this point, I'd go for the Armour this go round and go from there with the next labs. Why? Because your Free T3 is still not topping 75% of range, ya know? It's totally up to you and there is no wrong decision at this juncture. But, I'd really be interested to see what your next set of labs looks like.

The closer you get to topping out at T3...if your level of Free T4 stays kinda flat...adding T4 is the best option for many. Myself included. But as I said, at this juncture you might wanna stay with Armour increase.

Typically it's easier to optimize one level and then the other - so I'd try optimizing T3, then T4...but T4 is VERY important, so keep your eyes peeled on your symptoms and labs to know when to increase/add T4. Always glad to help, so post those labs! ;)

I hope that helps and keep us posted!

You've been given great information already.

In fact, I agree with MB's assessment of your labs and, most definitely, her advice re your meds.

And, I'm sorry to tell you this but, your Armour dose should have been increased back in July...or September at the latest.

It looks like you're thisclose to optimal levels.

I don't think you need another 30mg Armour dose increase but you might want to ask your doctor about a 15mg increase.

Slow and steady really comes into play when nearing the finetuning stages which is where you are at right now.

Please don't wait any longer than 6 wks. for labs after any dose adjustment. The only thing that longer amounts of time between labs accomplishes is delayed healing.

Best of luck to you moving forward!