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Thyroid Cancer, Nodules & Hyperthyroidism (Expert Forum)
Swollen Joints
Answered by
Mark Lupo, M.D. - Thyroid Nodules, Thyroid Cancer, hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism, Thyroid Ultrasound
Thyroid & Endocrine Center of Florida
Sarasota - FL
Questions in the Thyroid forum are answered by Mark Lupo, MD. Topics covered include Goiter, Graves Disease, Hyperthyroid, Parathyroid/Calcium Problems, Thyroid Cancer, Thyroid Nodules/Cysts, Thyroiditis, Thyroid & Pregnancy, Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH), Thyroid Tests, and Thyroid Surgery.
Swollen Joints
by EspritLibre, Apr 25, 2007 12:00AM
Hi Dr.,
8 weeks ago my TSH was 0.41. I have been on 200 mcg. Synthroid to get it to that level. I am due for more bloodwork next week, however, I have been waking up every morning with - not leg cramps, but feels like bugs are in the muscles of my calves. Also, very swollen fingers with pain, muscle aches in feet, and severe dry brittle hair breakage. These were all symptoms of my beginning dx of hypothyroidism. I am scared and confused as to how much higher of a dose I would need. I do realize that if I felt better, I could get away with a lower dose of meds and my TSH would be a bit higher. Do you think the docs are "barking up the wrong tree now", meaning looking at thyroid being the problem and it could be something else?
FT4 & FT3 were in the LOW END of normal range. Endo says that my FT3 is good for my body???? Meaning she doesn't believe there are any positive research that strongly suggests additional t3 meds help. I am miserable still. Also, since this began one year ago, I am lightheaded. My iron seems fine, however my RBC was marked low (3.6) & my Ferritin levels were 31. Could this possibly be a cause of lightheadedness. The endo also said she has "no knowledge whatsovever of hormonal lightheadeness or anemia based lightheadedness". She then proceeded to tell me she's seen patients with a TSH of 400, which gave me the impression that I need to shut up about things, & that my TSH of 16 when first dx. was nothing.
What course of action would you suggest for me at this point? Thank you for your time.
Also, I take Bvitamins, CoQ10 enzyme all at least 6 hours away from my synthroid.
8 weeks ago my TSH was 0.41. I have been on 200 mcg. Synthroid to get it to that level. I am due for more bloodwork next week, however, I have been waking up every morning with - not leg cramps, but feels like bugs are in the muscles of my calves. Also, very swollen fingers with pain, muscle aches in feet, and severe dry brittle hair breakage. These were all symptoms of my beginning dx of hypothyroidism. I am scared and confused as to how much higher of a dose I would need. I do realize that if I felt better, I could get away with a lower dose of meds and my TSH would be a bit higher. Do you think the docs are "barking up the wrong tree now", meaning looking at thyroid being the problem and it could be something else?
FT4 & FT3 were in the LOW END of normal range. Endo says that my FT3 is good for my body???? Meaning she doesn't believe there are any positive research that strongly suggests additional t3 meds help. I am miserable still. Also, since this began one year ago, I am lightheaded. My iron seems fine, however my RBC was marked low (3.6) & my Ferritin levels were 31. Could this possibly be a cause of lightheadedness. The endo also said she has "no knowledge whatsovever of hormonal lightheadeness or anemia based lightheadedness". She then proceeded to tell me she's seen patients with a TSH of 400, which gave me the impression that I need to shut up about things, & that my TSH of 16 when first dx. was nothing.
What course of action would you suggest for me at this point? Thank you for your time.
Also, I take Bvitamins, CoQ10 enzyme all at least 6 hours away from my synthroid.
Doctor's Answer
by Mark Lupo, M.D., Apr 25, 2007 12:00AM
, Apr 25, 2007 12:00AM
One common problem for both patients and docs is that once a thyroid problem is discovered, the thyroid is blamed for every symptom. Certainly a TSH is appropriate and if still normal, then continue the current dose -- it is a high dose, but seems to be the right dose (numerically) for you. Brings up the possibility of not absorbing well -- like sprue or inflammatory bowel disease (if you have GI symptoms).
Your endo is right - the data does not support T4/T3 combo treatment but I have patients who feel better with the combo.
Your endo is right - the data does not support T4/T3 combo treatment but I have patients who feel better with the combo.
I don't recall if you had Graves but if you did while you thyroid has been removed the Graves (TSI) antibodies could be affecting your TSH, thus making it low while your FT's remain in low end. Even with removal your body does still make some antibldies and these could be affecting your TSH so be sure and dose yourself by FT-3 and FT-4.
Ferritin level should be in the 70-90 range so you are a bit low on that as well. I have read that proper ferritn levels help the conversion process of thyroid hormones.