I started Pegasys and ribavirin 4 weeks ago and I had to start taking Synthroid (thyroid med) one week ago because of hypothyroidism (my TSH was high).
I really can't blame it all on the treatment though. My TSH was gradually getting high before I started tx. It was already a bit above normal before I took my first shot. A week after my first shot, my TSH went high enough (8.25) that my Endocrinologist decided to start me on Synthroid.
I never had my thyroid out of wack but almost everything else was. I began getting confused after about 5 months on treatment. Was told it was side effects of meds. i have now completed treat (x4months) and still get forgetful and confused at times. They said it was not real common. I do hope things get better for you soon.
stubby226
Kristina,
My readings are the same two were low and now they are normal. Endcronolgist just wants to watch my counts and not start any meds..maybe i will come through without the thyroid thing. Hopefully you will too!
peace
rita
Birdy,
Most commonly someone on treatment will go hyper thyroid and then a short time later it will switch over to hypo. Hypo is less dangerous than hyper.
Your doctor should be monitoring your thyroid levels as one of the basic tests that get done. They say that it's mostly not permanent but I personally didn't find it to be so.
I take one pill a day to replace and control the level of thyroid hormone in my body since my thyroid can't get the amount right on it's own. It's not really that big a deal, you just have to remember to take the pill.
Your TSH number will tell you if you are getting hyper or hypo. It's very backwards and if you have a number like 0.0 that means you have too much in you and you are hyper and if you have a number like 6.0 it means you have too little and are hypo. It's a very backwards thing that way I would have thought it all the other way around but the number part is right.
If you want to post your numbers I'll be glad to tell you what I THINK (and remember I am no endocronologist just a patient too!)
I've been done with treatment almost two years and have been SVR since somewhere between week 12 - 24 of 72 weeks and I consider it all having been worth it.
Good luck!
My thyroid is acting up and extra bloods have been taken to monitor (TSH is low but hopefully other 2 readings are okay...)
Likewise I know NYGirl has posted a couple time with really excellent information; if you put 'thyroid' in the search engine (top rhs of page) you may see some of the older posts. (Thanks Deb for the above info :-)!!
Yes, I haven't but NYgirl has had long term affects, quite a few.
I think the official % from my GI is, less than 8% continue to have problems after tx, but it does happen and many have had to deal with this.
Best wishes
Deb