levoxyl and exercise intolerance

[likestherain]

Just to preface I've been a cardiopulmonary tech for 22 yrs.

I have a history of htn (on dilt and accupril), normal stress echo, except for mild LVH, angiogram in 2001 showed some mild lumenal irregularities and part of my LAD is intramyocardial.  Diagnosed with hypothyroidism in 2001, with TPO auto Ab of 144.  Over the past 2+ years been taking thryoid up to 1.5 gr/day.  Past year I've been having increasing PVC's and chest tightness daily.  Since 2001 I've had 4 episodes of tachycardia & CP with extreme sob which have taken me to the ED.  Cardiac work-ups normal.  Last week I saw an endocrinologist because my latest thyroid labs showed a low T4 (4.0), normal TSH and a T3 in the high end of the normal range.  He thought that I might be getting surges of T3 from the natural thyroid and switched me to levoxyl 100 mcg.  Two days after starting it, I became very short of breath with ANY exertion.  A couple of hours later I started feeling crappy, laid down; my hr continued to increase, extreme dyspnea and shaking.  Called medics, (BP 170/110, hr 110+) was taken to the ED.  Cardiac workups normal, labs normal.  My docs feel that this was probably a reaction to the levoxyl, even though thyroid tests in normal range now, so I've stopped it per their order.  Taking Atenolol daily.  Six days later I still have EXTREME exercise intolerance.  



I know T4 has a very long half-life, but is it common that I should still be having this level of exertional dyspnea?  My docs are telling me to "ride it out" and rest.  Does this make sense or should I seek further advice?



Thanks,

Rod

[Cleveland Clinic]

rod



thanks for the post.



It sounds like you definitely had a reaction to the levoxyl.  most of your questions are better answered by the endocrinologist.



im not sure why you have the persistance of symptoms especially if you vital signs are back to normal.





if the persist more then a few weeks I would speak with your physician and cardiologist.



good luck