Early symptoms of hypothyroidism question Dr.Mark

[Ussie]

I have Graves disease and was treated with radioactive iodine Feb. 2004.Became hypo July,2004.

Can you tell me what the early symptoms are that my thyroid levels are starting to go down?

Right now I am on 50mcgs of levoxyl. My symptoms are pulse 60 at rest, sometimes dropping to 54. Some feeling of skipping heartbeats, mostly when at rest. Swelling of the hands, puffiness around the eyes, little bit depressed, sinus congestion, some IBS symptoms,feeling tired even if I have a good nights sleep.

Thank you

[Mark Lupo, M.D.]

Your symptoms sound very much like hypothyroidism - would check TSH and Free-T4 and adjust the levoxyl dose to keep TSH around 1.  The dose of 50mcg is on the lower end for someone with a history of post-RAI (for Graves) hypothyroidism -- average dose for full replacement is about 0.7mcg/pound/day (based on lean body mass).

[raven33]

Hi Form my point of view you are all ready showing signs of hypo problems.Have you discussed these sympoms with your doctor?That might be a good place to go on Monday,is to see your doctor.I know you are all ready on levothyroxine,but maybe you need to have it tweeked,adjusted.Good Luck.Raven33

[sipsy]

It sounds like your level of thyroid replacement is very low.  I was diagnosed with Graves Disease in 1979 and had radioactive iodine in 1982. I was monitored for the first couple years every three months to make any adjustments needed.  Eventually I leveled out at 150mcg of Synthyroid daily.  I stayed at that dosage until my first pregnancy which is when I let my OB check my thyroid levels.  BIG MISTAKE!  They lowered my dosage when it should've been increased!  After going back to my endocrinologist, and needing my medication increased to 200mcg daily, I learned that the thyroid should always be monitored by an endocrinologist.  I now take 200mcg six days a week and only need check ups once a year.  If you had radioactive iodine treatment and are only on 50mcg's over a year later I would think you need your levels checked a.s.a.p.  Good Luck.

[Ussie]

Thank you for your advice. Tommorrow I plan on calling the doctor. Now starting to get headaches.

I had tests done the first of this month and was feeling rather good, then all of a sudden bam it hit me.

He only did TSH and T4 test, which showed high but I was on estrogen replacement and have read that it will make the T4 show higher(isn't that right Dr. Mark.The Ft4 should have been tested. Little mistake there I guess.

I am going to write all my symptoms down, so I won't forget since my mind is becoming a bit brain fogged.

lethargy
palpitations
slow heartbeat at rest
swelling of hands and feet
headaches
puffy face(around eyes and puffy jaws)

Thanks

[Ussie]

I meant the tests were Oct. 1. See brainfog. LOL

[Auntlello1]

Hi-I have Hashimoto's since I was 13 (17 yrs ago) and am just now finding out about all of this other information besides just a TSH test.  I was sooooo excited to hear that other people out there have the same problems as me, I was starting to wonder if I was really even sick!  I have been tested for Lupis, RA, Diabetes, you name it.  Everything I have had a problem with in the last ten years has been covered within this forum!!  Anyway, I was excited, printed off copies of information to take to my ( NEW ) doctor.  I was there today for the first time, explained that I had two other doctors before that just weren't listening to me, and gave her the info I had.  She didn't even read it!  She decided to send me to the endo, the first one I have ever seen, and I was hearded out like some sheep.  I have my endo appoint. at the end of November, and wanted anyone's advice about what to say, what to take to him to MAKE HIM LISTEN TO ME!!!  I was once sent to the rhumatologist, and he recommended I get out more!!!!!!!!!   All any one wants to do is put me on anti-depressents, and I am about to go postal on the health system in this town!  My husband doesn't fully believe me, neither does my family.  Just needed to vent but need advice to prepare me for endo. visit.  I went to the doctor today to switch to Armour, and she had never heard of it.  ( To think I thought there were only two drugs out there for hypothyroidism!!!!)  Thanks for listening...

[ancientmariner]

My GP prescribed Armour at my request, but he didn't have a clue how to dose it - so, I gave him the prescribing information page I printed off Forest Pharm. website. That worked! Best of luck to you. If you are interested, there's a good Natural Thyroid Hormones group on Yahoo - they're very knowledgeable folks there - you have to join, but it's free.