To GIPA - Hypothyroidism

GIPA and others with hypothyroidism.  I was on Pegasys and Rebetol for six months and had to stop due to sides, one being an underactive thyroid.  What is your experience with the thyroid function normalizing?  I developed the antibodies as a result of the interferon as well.  No family history and normal thyroid functions a year before treatment, just before treatment and, again, three months into treatment.  Somewhere between 3 and 6 months, my thyroid decided to quit.  Any insight you have would be helpful to me.  ALT's were normal and I was undetectable at six months.  Thanks, PJ

[pjxak]

Oh, and use this post for any other questions or comments too.  I was lucky enough to get to post today.  PJ

[GI.PA]

It is a definate side effect to therapy (I think it is listed as 3-5%) but clinically seem more like ~10%.  Most patients it is temporary, but in some (I have had a handful), the thyroid abnormality persists post treatment.  This is especially true if your developed thriod antibodies during that time.  The mechanism is unclear but the treatment is fairly simple (replace the lost hormone).  

Gi.PA

[britgirl]

Your experience sounds very similar to mine,. My thyroid went hypo between 3 and 6 months into tx. I have been told it will never recover. However, I think it is more imortant for you to treat the HCV. Can't you take synthroid (thyroxine) as a supplement?

[girlwithcurl]

I had a history of thyroid problems before tx.  But my tsh remained normal throughout therapy until the last month.  Then I became hypo.  I was tested again 3 months later and was still hypo so have been put on a higher dose of synthroid.  Will be checked again very soon.  Hypothroidism is very easy to treat but it can be a pain to the pt. because until your thyroid levels normalize, you will have signs and symptoms. Good luck to you.

[oldhippiechick67]

I think the symptoms of hypothyroid are the same as tx...sluggish, tired, thirsty and weak.

[pjxak]

Thanks for your comments.  I am taking a thyroid replacement hormone now.  I'm skeptical and nervous about continuing with meds at this time because they seem to have wreaked havoc with my immune system.  I also have rosacea and, oddly, I have freckles even when I'm not in the sun - lots of them.  Not that this is a problem but I think it speaks to the drugs effect on my immune system. This is, of course, just a guess of mine.  I was 1b, stage 1, grade 2 last August, no symptoms whatsoever and this Sept, after six months of treatment, I am undetectable with normal ALTs.  I had a viral load of >18 million and was down to 30 thousand after being on treatment for two weeks.  I'm what they call a rapid responder and the chances of SVR are pretty good, even for us geno 1's.  This is new data but under the circumstances, I think I will take the chance I've cleared.  I had a terrible time with fatigue and shortness of breath during treatment as well.  I know, I know... I'm really taking a chance but I really think I have to.  The decision hasn't been an easy one.  I get another PCR in a month or so and I'll post the results.  Okay, I'll stop blabbing now.  Thanks PJ

[LvdByGod]

I HAVE HYPO THYROID BEFORE TX AND NOW AM ON TX. I AM ON 50ML SYNTHROID. WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF LOW THYROID? I WAS NOT AWARE THERE WERE SYMPTOMS? OTHER THAN GETTING FAT.

[oldhippiechick67]

My mind is very FOGGY but do I know you from somewhere else than this forum?? Your name is familiar... Did you ever play cards online? or games?   The only other screen name I have used is auggie...

[lizzee]

I TOO HAVE TO TAKE SYNTHROID FOR MY THYROID PROBLEMS.
NEVER HAD ONE UNTIL I WAS ON TX.
ITS JUST ANOTHER PILL FOR ME TO REMEMBER TO TAKE EACH DAY..
KICK THAT DRAGON!!!!!!!!!!!!
BE WELL,
LIZE