Memory getting worse

[hawkfan]

I have a TSH of less than .03.  I had Papillary and Follicular cancer and had my thyroid removed in March and RAI in April.  I finally got my TSH down, but I continue to have major memory problems and concentration problems.  It is getting to the point where I know it is affecting my work.  I am also very exhausted in the evenings.  I started having a sore throat about 2 months ago and had an ultrasound which revealed nothing.  The sore throat continues, but now when I eat I feel like I can not breath and I start to panic.  These are probably symptoms to different things.  Do I need to schedule an apt with my Oncologist or just let it go?  I do not have any heart palps yet so maybe I need a higher dose of Synthroid (currently 225 mcg).  My husband thinks I'm forgetful and lazy and I don't know how to make him understand.  Please help!

[MonaJ]

Be careful taking Armour Thyroid, it is hard to get regulated on.

I was on it and my TSH went to 18, and I was put on SYnthroid.  Most doctors say it is harder to control than the synthetics.

It may work for you though, since I have a higher TSH.

[marie2]

Bless your heart! You have been through the wringer!

Isn't anyone testing your free t3 to see what is actually happening in your body? I like the theory behind tsh and synthroid but it isn't working in lots and lots of people sooooo.... something is missing in the theory. We need to go back to making patients WELL.... and try to figure out what's missing in the theory somewhere besides in en masse patient experiments.

[Pie Face]

I've been taking thyroid medication since by Thyoidectomy almost a year ago and I still have brain fog expecially short term memory.

[Mark Lupo, M.D.]

I am not convinced a higher dose of synthroid will help -- you may be getting fatigued b/c the dose is already quite high at 225mcg -- this could cause anxiety and fatigue.  The synthroid dose is not likely causing the sore throat.  

If decreasing the T4 (synthroid) dose does not help, then a trial of T4/T3 (ie, synthroid & cytomel) may be worthwhile.

[ancientmariner]

You are just plain hypo - brain fog and poor memory are very good indications of that. Have you thought of trying Armour or another natural thyroid replacement instead of Synthroid? You may have a problem converting the T4 to T3, so a natural may work better for you. When were your last labs? Does your doctor test the Free T3 and Free T4 or just totals? The totals represent all the thyroid hormone in your blood, and some of it may be bound and unusable, while the Frees measure only the available amount of the hormone.

am

[hawkfan]

Thank you for your help.  I notice that whenever I post a question you seem to be the one who is answering and relates best to me.  I appreciate all your help.  I am going to push my doctor to put me on Armour.  I can not wait to feel better.  Thanks again for everything