Aa
Armour experiment
On April 23rd I called my endo and told him I couldn't take the weight gain, pain, brain fog, bloating, etc. and to switch me to Armour. He did, no questions asked (2gr). Since then I've lost 9lbs and the brain fog and depression are lifting.
I'm going to keep my experiment going for a while (I have labs run in June so that will tell me a lot) but I just thought I'd keep everyone posted about my great experiment. My T3 has always been in range (especially for a suppressed TSH because of thyroid cancer) but I really do feel a difference.
Oh, it hasn't done anything for my IBS and GI problems but, hey, can't win them all.
Utahmomma
I'm going to keep my experiment going for a while (I have labs run in June so that will tell me a lot) but I just thought I'd keep everyone posted about my great experiment. My T3 has always been in range (especially for a suppressed TSH because of thyroid cancer) but I really do feel a difference.
Oh, it hasn't done anything for my IBS and GI problems but, hey, can't win them all.
Utahmomma
I gotta say... So far so good! Day 5 and doing well. I may need an updose. My hands are achey, kind of sore achey feeling at times. I'll take it though. Headaches and pressure are GONE!!! When I wake up, I actually want to get up!! I see my Endo next Tues, so not sure what he wants to do considering I will only be on the Armour for 2 weeks at that time. We shall see. I'm just so happy that I asked for the Armour and Dr agreed!! Heart Palps havent been around for 2 days!!!
Wow, maybe my dose needs upped! I'm certainly not laughing yet!! But I'm just on day 5. I went to bed at 9:20 last night, and I really didn't do anything out of the 'ordinary' yesterday! But hey, at least I'm not getting worse like I did on synthroid. Maybe soon I'll be out of my 'hole'.
OH MY!!! we now have a "laughing" Utah -- what in the world are we going to do with a happy Utah??
You better change your picture to "Happy " now instead of "Grumpy."
You better change your picture to "Happy " now instead of "Grumpy."
Good to know about the labs! I'll have to remember that. I've been so conditioned by Synthroid that it didn't matter.
Haven't been splitting my dose but haven't felt a "let down" or had problems sleeping either.
As for the gluten (Celiac) stuff - no biopsies were taken which would have proven whether or not I have the intolerance. Grrrrr. I'm *not* going through that again for a stupid biopsy without a good reason (the meds wipe me out for the entire day). I'm going to have the blood work run but the GI told me that's not as accurate. He told me *not* to go gluten free until my visit with him in June (and the lab work) because *if* I am allergic to gluten, avoiding it before the blood work will throw the blood work off. sigh.
Really tired of this stuff but I should be used to it, have had IBS since I was a teenager.
I'll keep y'all posted on the Armour. So far, I'm really liking it. I even found myself *laughing* today - whoa!
Cheers
Utah
Haven't been splitting my dose but haven't felt a "let down" or had problems sleeping either.
As for the gluten (Celiac) stuff - no biopsies were taken which would have proven whether or not I have the intolerance. Grrrrr. I'm *not* going through that again for a stupid biopsy without a good reason (the meds wipe me out for the entire day). I'm going to have the blood work run but the GI told me that's not as accurate. He told me *not* to go gluten free until my visit with him in June (and the lab work) because *if* I am allergic to gluten, avoiding it before the blood work will throw the blood work off. sigh.
Really tired of this stuff but I should be used to it, have had IBS since I was a teenager.
I'll keep y'all posted on the Armour. So far, I'm really liking it. I even found myself *laughing* today - whoa!
Cheers
Utah
Thanks for the tips. Am going for blood work next week and didn't know not to take it. Also like the idea of being able to eat right then and not having to wait.
Forgot to do that this morning, of course, but will write myself a note for in the morning. Not brain fog, ADD. ;-)
Forgot to do that this morning, of course, but will write myself a note for in the morning. Not brain fog, ADD. ;-)
I have also changed to armour. Tomorrow will be 2 weeks. I finally am feeling normal! I have lost 4 pounds, my hair stopped falling out, my swelling in my face and eyes is gone,I have energy, I'm not depressed, I don't feel withdrawn. So many things. My headaches are subsiding. Please continue to keep me posted!! Do you split your dose of armour?
I did the cheek/gum thing too when I was on Armour. Just pop it in and forget it. You also don't have to worry about waiting an hour before you eat.
Additional note: when getting blood tests done, don't take your morning dose until after the test. Otherwise, your FT3 will be unusually high (and your doc might freak). It's not unusual for folks who take Armour to have very high FT3 levels anyway. As long as you don't feel like you're going hyper, it's usually not anything to worry about.
A lot of people also split their dose (morning and afternoon). That keeps a constant level in your system.
Btw, out of idle curiosity, since you have other AI stuff going on, have you ever tried going gluten-free to see if that does anything for your IBS/GI stuff? Just a thought. :)
Additional note: when getting blood tests done, don't take your morning dose until after the test. Otherwise, your FT3 will be unusually high (and your doc might freak). It's not unusual for folks who take Armour to have very high FT3 levels anyway. As long as you don't feel like you're going hyper, it's usually not anything to worry about.
A lot of people also split their dose (morning and afternoon). That keeps a constant level in your system.
Btw, out of idle curiosity, since you have other AI stuff going on, have you ever tried going gluten-free to see if that does anything for your IBS/GI stuff? Just a thought. :)
Taking it under the tongue is used more often - but I found it gave me canker sores and lasted for days. This I was told was very uncommon but heard of. I have been lead to believe it was because of the very bad acid and digestive issues I have. So suggested the cheek and gum.
No more canker sores and my tummy doesn't hurt.
Trust me my GI stuff is not resolved yet - but I don't have pain as I did.
Subquilly (sp) make a whole lot of sense to me. It goes into the blood steam and sifts out what it needs. Not using the stomach acid - Liver - Kidneys to process it and then release.
No more canker sores and my tummy doesn't hurt.
Trust me my GI stuff is not resolved yet - but I don't have pain as I did.
Subquilly (sp) make a whole lot of sense to me. It goes into the blood steam and sifts out what it needs. Not using the stomach acid - Liver - Kidneys to process it and then release.
Give the Armour time and see if the tummy troubles don't go away. Mine have pretty much left the building.
The problems that I thought were endome. . . apparently they were the levo. The pain has basically gone away with no other explanation. The bloating and swelling are also gone. It's amazing. And the brain is working better than it has in years!
I've also been able to cut my Celexa from 40mg to 10mg and said GOODBYE AND GOOD RIDDANCE!! to the anxiety attacks I was having.
It is absolutely amazing the difference in the way I feel! Hope it makes the same difference for you!
The cheek and gum? Not under your tongue is suprising. That's where they usually say. Just like with my nitro. If I remember in the morning I'll try that.
The problems that I thought were endome. . . apparently they were the levo. The pain has basically gone away with no other explanation. The bloating and swelling are also gone. It's amazing. And the brain is working better than it has in years!
I've also been able to cut my Celexa from 40mg to 10mg and said GOODBYE AND GOOD RIDDANCE!! to the anxiety attacks I was having.
It is absolutely amazing the difference in the way I feel! Hope it makes the same difference for you!
The cheek and gum? Not under your tongue is suprising. That's where they usually say. Just like with my nitro. If I remember in the morning I'll try that.
Hey all, thanks!
Amela321; I did a quick search but couldn't find any research on Armour and Tg in cancer patients - only anecdotal stories but I'll look further. I'll ask my endo when I see him in June. Since he knows my freaky family problems with thyroid cancer (and that I am probably having *another* recurrence), he's very careful about my meds. I'll ask him though.
Stella, big thing they are watching is my TSH and Tg because of the cancer recurrence in '06 and my increasing levels now. My endo checks all my levels each time - five vial per trip (feel like I just need a spigot). This endo knows that my youngest sister's 3rd (or was it 2nd??) recurrence entailed metastases to her breasts so he's being *very* watchful of my increasing TSH and Tg. I'm going to try the "cheeking my meds" approach - my stomach will thank you! :-) I'm also eating 5 or 6 small meals a day (diabetic) but I'm not nearly as hungry on Armour either. Weird.
Blksapphire, I was on Synthroid and have been for the past 5 years. Everything pretty much changed for me after my RAI and I don't know why.
Anyway, thanks all!!
Amela321; I did a quick search but couldn't find any research on Armour and Tg in cancer patients - only anecdotal stories but I'll look further. I'll ask my endo when I see him in June. Since he knows my freaky family problems with thyroid cancer (and that I am probably having *another* recurrence), he's very careful about my meds. I'll ask him though.
Stella, big thing they are watching is my TSH and Tg because of the cancer recurrence in '06 and my increasing levels now. My endo checks all my levels each time - five vial per trip (feel like I just need a spigot). This endo knows that my youngest sister's 3rd (or was it 2nd??) recurrence entailed metastases to her breasts so he's being *very* watchful of my increasing TSH and Tg. I'm going to try the "cheeking my meds" approach - my stomach will thank you! :-) I'm also eating 5 or 6 small meals a day (diabetic) but I'm not nearly as hungry on Armour either. Weird.
Blksapphire, I was on Synthroid and have been for the past 5 years. Everything pretty much changed for me after my RAI and I don't know why.
Anyway, thanks all!!
Wow, I'm glad to hear you are feeling better, but I'm wondering about something. I'm on a thyca list serve and just today they were talking about thyca survivors not being able to take Armour because it falsely elevates your thyroglobulin level. I haven't done any research, but the person who said it is the list serve moderator, so I would hope she knows what she's talking about. Have you come across any info on this? I'm asking because I would LOVE to give Armour a try, but not if it's going to mess with my Tg levels.
Again, though, I hope it's ok for you to take it because it's great that you're feeling better.
Again, though, I hope it's ok for you to take it because it's great that you're feeling better.
Hey Utah,
I just start synthroid, don't make me up and change my mind. Today is day four on the synthroid.
I have been tired, cranky and just plain ugly lately. not sure why. The first dose of synthroid and I thought I had razor blades in my stomach.
Its good to know you have lost some weight and is feeling better. What will we call you when we can't call you "Grumpy" anymore?
Keep us posted.
Terri
I just start synthroid, don't make me up and change my mind. Today is day four on the synthroid.
I have been tired, cranky and just plain ugly lately. not sure why. The first dose of synthroid and I thought I had razor blades in my stomach.
Its good to know you have lost some weight and is feeling better. What will we call you when we can't call you "Grumpy" anymore?
Keep us posted.
Terri
Hey utah
Finally I have some information that may help you!! OK you are on 2 grains = 120mg.
FYI when the meds have to enter your stomach (and the stomach is already sensitive) it may disrupt it more. God only know I am still getting my GI track better.
If you want to really experiment on Armour - do this: Don't swollow the med!! Tuck it in between your inside cheek and upper gum and let it dissolve. Your stomach is saved and doesn't have to process it - and it goes directly into the blood stream so the dosage you are taking is what your body is getting. When your belly has to process it the acid kills off some of the dosage.
Are you taking it all at once? My bloating ended with taking magnesium 200 mcg daily.
Watch your tests too TSH is really not a factor when it comes to Armour. Yes we need to watch it but you should be much lower in TSH then the normal range. I am right now at 0.04 (which would be hyper) but I am not. and my free T3 is at 5.7 (high) but most say I should be in the 6-7 range.
Also - DON't let them run any labs without running only free t3 and 4. Only the frees matter here not the standard T3 and T4. Standard T3-T4 is inbound hormones Frees are "free flowing" The frees are what makes your body balanced.
You also need protein/iron to solve the GI problems. I have been trying to eat high protein meals 3x's daily even though the recommedation is 5-6 small meals. I grab nuts in the morning and whatever I think of after. Yorgart is working also. I eat a ton of it and the more I eat - the better I feel (inthe bathroom) the next day.
Good luck my crabby buddy!!! If all goes right - we may not be able to call you cranky anymore :)
Lik'n the weight loss??? Me too .... I lost 8 pounds. I think most of it was bloat though :(
Finally I have some information that may help you!! OK you are on 2 grains = 120mg.
FYI when the meds have to enter your stomach (and the stomach is already sensitive) it may disrupt it more. God only know I am still getting my GI track better.
If you want to really experiment on Armour - do this: Don't swollow the med!! Tuck it in between your inside cheek and upper gum and let it dissolve. Your stomach is saved and doesn't have to process it - and it goes directly into the blood stream so the dosage you are taking is what your body is getting. When your belly has to process it the acid kills off some of the dosage.
Are you taking it all at once? My bloating ended with taking magnesium 200 mcg daily.
Watch your tests too TSH is really not a factor when it comes to Armour. Yes we need to watch it but you should be much lower in TSH then the normal range. I am right now at 0.04 (which would be hyper) but I am not. and my free T3 is at 5.7 (high) but most say I should be in the 6-7 range.
Also - DON't let them run any labs without running only free t3 and 4. Only the frees matter here not the standard T3 and T4. Standard T3-T4 is inbound hormones Frees are "free flowing" The frees are what makes your body balanced.
You also need protein/iron to solve the GI problems. I have been trying to eat high protein meals 3x's daily even though the recommedation is 5-6 small meals. I grab nuts in the morning and whatever I think of after. Yorgart is working also. I eat a ton of it and the more I eat - the better I feel (inthe bathroom) the next day.
Good luck my crabby buddy!!! If all goes right - we may not be able to call you cranky anymore :)
Lik'n the weight loss??? Me too .... I lost 8 pounds. I think most of it was bloat though :(
I too switched recently from thyroxine to Armour (against my doctors wishes - here in the UK most GPs are pro-Thyroxine)
I have been on Armour around 7 weeks now, the weight is slowly going, altho I am eating the same - with thyroxine it slowly increased. My energy levels are returning, feel 100% better and not even at my optimum dose yet.
I know I would not go back to thyroxine for anything.
I have been on Armour around 7 weeks now, the weight is slowly going, altho I am eating the same - with thyroxine it slowly increased. My energy levels are returning, feel 100% better and not even at my optimum dose yet.
I know I would not go back to thyroxine for anything.
I will be anxiously awaiting your results with Armour. I just switched from Levo & Cytomel to Synthroid. I'm trying "life" without T3. Not sure I'm liking it yet or not. I did enjoy the jolt in the morning from the T3, but didn't like being unable to get to sleep at night sometimes and not being able to get up in the morning. A viscous cycle to live your life around.
I wish you luck and I hope all of your symptoms go away including the the IBS and GI stuff! And then I might be the next one to jump on the Armour band wagon...
PS, you don't say what you had been on previous to Armour? If you've said before, I'm sorry, I was probably hypo when I read it and can't remember... lol
I wish you luck and I hope all of your symptoms go away including the the IBS and GI stuff! And then I might be the next one to jump on the Armour band wagon...
PS, you don't say what you had been on previous to Armour? If you've said before, I'm sorry, I was probably hypo when I read it and can't remember... lol
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