Thyroid issues

Hey folks, just wanted to give you all an update on my post tx and thyroid issues. As you might recall about two weeks before the end of tx, my thyroid went off and I became hyperthyroid, with resultant racing heart,rapid weight loss, case of atrial fib and all around speedy unpleasantness. Meds for heart rate, felt better, then about 4 weeks ago, I went hypo. Fortunately the Dr. was expecting this so I got on synthroid quickly. Meanwhile ALL my CBC numbers are back to normal, good energy, appetite (regained the 30 pounds). Getting thyroid bloodwork today to see where we are, because this thyroid deal can be a rollercoaster for a while. Along those lines, it sure is helpful when you have a Dr. who appreciates a pro-active patient. I call and suggest bloodwork two weeks before schedule because I am feeling different, I have a lab requisition faxed to me within the hour.It is your body folks, don't be shy!!!
BTW clear 4,12,16 waiting on the 6 month mid December. Good luck all!

[layla]

Good to hear your doing well. You right in the comment about thyroid issues being a roller coater ride. Your doc was great in being so pro active. Does he think this is permanent for you or has he given you any hope it may get back to normal as few people do?  I called my regular doc for a lab and was informed by the nurse every patient on thyroid meds had a standing order for labs so I can just get them anytime I feel bad. I thought that was good but the doc had not told me that. Of coarse I am new with him. He has been great and called me to discuss every lab. LL

[layla]

I am wondering about the sensitivity to cold for people with hypothyroid problems. I am experiencing this and wonder if it goes away when the meds are at the right dose like the brain fog and sweats did or is it something that is constant. With the increase on my meds dose I feel better but I get so very cold at times. I would appreciate anyone comments or experiences on this. Thanks LL

[pegory]

Hope this will encourage you.  I went hyper and then hypo also.  After six months SVR the dr. let me cut my synthroid in half then checked blood.  Everything was OK so we then cut it out altogether with another round of bloodwork and the old thyroid hung in there.  Seems its working OK on its own now.

[layla]

Wow, what was your highest TSH? Why did your doc pick 6 months to try it. I am wondering if you really didn't need the meds any longer. Was there some indication of this by the way you felt? I am very happy this worked out this way for you. I can only wish that would be my luck. LL

[DH Bill]

As per my post down on 9/29 "Still Clear" I called docs office about my TSH climbing to 5.54 and was told I was still within normal limits with the top of their scale being 5.60 and not to worry and I would have to wait 30 days to do any more tests.

The only side effect related to this is me being cold but I have been cold for most of tx which is not my norm. They seem to have the attitude it will stabelize in time.

Right now I don't really care cause I am so sick and tired of dealing with the whole big bag of Bullshit associated with the medical profession, tx and recovery. It's all I can do right now to get on with my life and make a living at my new job.

I still don't know if my new company is going to pay for my Cobra or provide insurance. My insurance ran out last Thursday and they have 30 days to respond so it all may be a mute point.

I'm not being negative, just truthfull

[oaky]

My Drs., both hep and endo, are hopeful that the thyroid will stabilize eventually, good to hear that is the case with you peg. Peg,how long after start of problems before it stabilized?
Re TSH, on 7/24 it was <0.01 and on 9/15 it was 129.9 ( range of 0.40-5.50). Quite the ride.
Re cold, I do find myself closing windows and wearing more sweaters than usual but nothing serious. When I was hyper this summer, I sure did sweat ALOT. Take Care, JC

[layla]

Yes it all gets very old. I can't wait to stop dealing with this too. Keep an eye on that TSH. I was told the same thing when mine was 5.4 then next thing you know it was 66.7 on my next lab. Hang in there. I am amazed at the energy I now have and realize how bad I was. It surprise me every day how aware I am. The other day we went down to the lake for a sail which we do often but I noticed all these things that I have been walking by for the last two years and didn't notice. I asked my husband about a few things and he said "that's been here forever, where have you been". haha. It is an amazing feeling, like awakening. It's great. LL

[DoubleDose]

A TSH of 5.4, while close to normal in some ranges, is still at the top of the range, and in many people can be indicative of very symptomatic hypothyroid problems.  Do an internet search of 'mild hypothyroidism',  'mildly elevated TSH causing symptoms', etc.  You need to see a good endocrinologist, and discuss your situation...as well as closely monitor the TSH.  My endo started me on synthroid when my TSH was at 5.5, after tx.  I have slowly brought my TSH to just about 1.0.  I feel better in many ways, since the synthroid has taken effect over the past six months.  Good Luck!

[layla]

I guess I missed the yellowish problem you are having. I don't always have tome to read all the post. Do you know what it is caused by? I hope you labs come back soon with a negative. I am getting anxious about my 3 months post I will have this month. LL

[pegory]

There was no real methodology to cutting the synthroid.  I had a feeling it might work & just wanted to try it.  Actually the doctor was hesitant which is why we cut it in half at first.  I have to go back for labs in December to check SVR at the one year mark and he wants to check the thyroid again at that time.

[Ambush]

I don't suffer with the deep chill anymore.  It's an amazing coldness, isn't it?  Unbelievable.  It takes quite a while to get the levels adjusted.  I was told at least a month to settle in after a dosage change, so the adjustment period can take some time.  I had three different dosage adjustments during tx and now that I've completed tx, I have a standing order for once a month for 6 months to make sure.  My TSH was 0.71 pre-tx and is at 0.05 right now and I'm feeling pretty good.  Keep at it and you'll find the right level for you.
ambush :)