Aa
Dying. Again. Dose Change.
I had my dose increased 30 mg two weeks ago and I am literally dying..
Immediately 2 hrs after increasing my armour 30mg, my Cymbalta stop working for few days (which is hell), thankfully it started working again. That's not worst part.
difficulty sleeping
heart palpitations
joint/muscle pain
fatigue after meals (seems like my blood sugar is all messed up)
neck pain
stomach pain
constipation, belching
cold feet
lethargy
I'm not sure what to do at this point, its like i'm starting all over again.. I am taking 120mg of armour right now. I am going to get my previous lab tests and schedule an appointment with my doctor next week. There must be something else going on here..
It's very frustrating because It seems thyroid disease is reguarded as "no big deal" on the internet/public/ and medical community. Youv'e got to be kidding me.
Immediately 2 hrs after increasing my armour 30mg, my Cymbalta stop working for few days (which is hell), thankfully it started working again. That's not worst part.
difficulty sleeping
heart palpitations
joint/muscle pain
fatigue after meals (seems like my blood sugar is all messed up)
neck pain
stomach pain
constipation, belching
cold feet
lethargy
I'm not sure what to do at this point, its like i'm starting all over again.. I am taking 120mg of armour right now. I am going to get my previous lab tests and schedule an appointment with my doctor next week. There must be something else going on here..
It's very frustrating because It seems thyroid disease is reguarded as "no big deal" on the internet/public/ and medical community. Youv'e got to be kidding me.
Just an update.. after moving to 120mg of Armour my doctor called and said my thyroid is balanced. She calls me now, which I am not complaining about since I don't have to pay for appointments. I did not get the results however. Two months later, my neck started hurting again, depression started rearing its ugly head again, and I called in for a blood test. Sure enough I needed an increase to 150mg of Armour. I still have absolutely no energy, all I truly want to do is lie and sleep in bed all day.. Unfortunately caffeine is the only thing that keeps me moving, its more of a last resort option until I talk things over with my Psychiatrist this week. On top of all this I was diagnosed with GERD, Gastritis, and Hiatial Hernia.. which isn't resolving my stomach pain.. although its "liveable" right now. I have major depression and possible GAD.. so when my neck starts hurting or thyroid doses are changed the medications do not work very effectively. I'm really not sure what brought all these problems on at such a young age, but I am becoming better at coping with them everyday.
May God Bless You
May God Bless You
COMMUNITY LEADER
Don't just check labs to see if you are "in range" -- it really makes a big difference where you fall within that range; most of us need to be at least mid range for FT3 and upper 1/3 for FT3.
There have been times when I felt like a robot too - not caring about anything or anyone (including myself); just trying to get through the day, so I could sleep and get ready to start all over again.
As my thyroid levels came in line, I was able to decrease the use of antacids; for years, I had to take aciphex for my GERD; I currently take almost no antacids and on the occasions I do need them a gaviscon works wonders, most of the time.
There have been times when I felt like a robot too - not caring about anything or anyone (including myself); just trying to get through the day, so I could sleep and get ready to start all over again.
As my thyroid levels came in line, I was able to decrease the use of antacids; for years, I had to take aciphex for my GERD; I currently take almost no antacids and on the occasions I do need them a gaviscon works wonders, most of the time.
Yes I recently upped my dose to 120 after the latest labs, it is easier for me to get up in the morning and im sleeping less which is a good thing. Besides my stomach (which is under control right now -- proton pump), whats really bothering me at the moment is "flat mood"...I am literally a robot most of the time. I remember looking somewhere on the web reading this was related to thyroid disease and depression. I will see what the next lab tests look like, if thyroid is on and I still feel terrible, I may check into the parathyroid issue, just to cover everything. Thanks for all the replies!
When I am hypo (subclinical at that) I get constipation and have to go on Miralax -- that, for me, is my warning signal that I need a med increase and usually get the a-ok from my doctor. I recently went from 75 to 88mgs synthroid and am waiting (waiting patiently) for results LOL
TSH 4.32 Reference Range .40-4.50
T4 Free .9 Reference Range .8-1.8
T3 Free 3.0 Reference Range 2.3-4.2
I dont know if hypo causes GERD and belching with constipation, along with the other symptoms, which I have as well. - Yes, its common. PH levels are effected with hypothyroidism. I've had that too and took sometime to correct.
Above I see the labs. Did you have any other tests? Testosterone or Vit?
On thyroid - these are bad and warrent the increase. You were low on 90mgs and your doctor bumping this to 120 mg look right. Proper thyroid treatment. As I said 2 weeks can sometimes be hard. Armour now has a higher cellulose as filler and sometimes isn't good for a patient. Vit D can be low and would be OK to supplement - Also Vit B levels could be off with a high PH level. Are you taking PPI's? If so with thyroid and even if parathyroid those drugs will play murder in the gut and cause you more grief. Look into balancing PH more with diet and baking soda - ACV for better balance.
T4 Free .9 Reference Range .8-1.8
T3 Free 3.0 Reference Range 2.3-4.2
I dont know if hypo causes GERD and belching with constipation, along with the other symptoms, which I have as well. - Yes, its common. PH levels are effected with hypothyroidism. I've had that too and took sometime to correct.
Above I see the labs. Did you have any other tests? Testosterone or Vit?
On thyroid - these are bad and warrent the increase. You were low on 90mgs and your doctor bumping this to 120 mg look right. Proper thyroid treatment. As I said 2 weeks can sometimes be hard. Armour now has a higher cellulose as filler and sometimes isn't good for a patient. Vit D can be low and would be OK to supplement - Also Vit B levels could be off with a high PH level. Are you taking PPI's? If so with thyroid and even if parathyroid those drugs will play murder in the gut and cause you more grief. Look into balancing PH more with diet and baking soda - ACV for better balance.
The good bad and the ugly when it comes to endo disorders. That is one thing we can agree on.
While parathyroid and thyroid symptoms can intertwine alot - there are concrete things to look at between the 2 diseases and we know the function of each organ do completely seperate things for the body.
Sure - it wouldn't hurt to do para testing.. and remember there are 4 blood labs not 2. This could be related to other things also. Adrenals, pitutiary etc.. but seeing the history of this poster a look at thyroid stability is the topic - first and foremost. That doesn't make anyone a nazi by no means and that was quite rude on a public thyroid forum to say.
Dream nut. I may have missed the lastest lab posting from you. Did you post those somewhere? Lets take a deep look at those and see what suggestions come proactively to help you.
I will tell you on Armour or any thyroid meds, when changes occur taking them the body can sometimes "hick-up" for a while until things simmer back. That's about a 2 week time frame.
While parathyroid and thyroid symptoms can intertwine alot - there are concrete things to look at between the 2 diseases and we know the function of each organ do completely seperate things for the body.
Sure - it wouldn't hurt to do para testing.. and remember there are 4 blood labs not 2. This could be related to other things also. Adrenals, pitutiary etc.. but seeing the history of this poster a look at thyroid stability is the topic - first and foremost. That doesn't make anyone a nazi by no means and that was quite rude on a public thyroid forum to say.
Dream nut. I may have missed the lastest lab posting from you. Did you post those somewhere? Lets take a deep look at those and see what suggestions come proactively to help you.
I will tell you on Armour or any thyroid meds, when changes occur taking them the body can sometimes "hick-up" for a while until things simmer back. That's about a 2 week time frame.
Dreamnaut, I owe an apology for not checking to see your gender (I asked if you took estrogen in a post far above) Ummm, had your testosterone checked? What I am saying is that the endocrine system is complex and there are lots of variables that can cause your symptoms. If you are not satisfied with your current doctor's taking a pro-active approach to your symptoms - try to find one who will!
I am going to be changing to endo #3 very soon. This one I am told is willing to prescribe compounded meds : ) I am hoping this is a good sign!
I am going to be changing to endo #3 very soon. This one I am told is willing to prescribe compounded meds : ) I am hoping this is a good sign!
COMMUNITY LEADER
Bama_Lori ----- No one is against trying to help this person, or anyone else; we always have to keep in mind that what happened to us, may not be the same thing happening to someone else. We are all very sorry for the mistreatment you apparently got; it's obviously left you very bitter, but there is no need to be rude to other members who might disagree with you.
It seems that low vitamin D levels often seem to go hand in hand with hypothyroidism, and it's often recommended, here, that it be checked.
No one is saying that the tests shouldn't be done; by all means if your doctor will do them, go for it. In my case, I could have sworn I had a parathyroid issue at one time, because of all the symptoms. I mentioned it to my doctor and he nearly laughed me out of his office - sure it made me mad as all get out. As it turned out, once my thyroid issues were being treated adequately, most of my symptoms went away, indicating that there's nothing wrong (at this time) with my parathyroids. With insurance companies being reluctant to pay for some tests, it's hard to get a doctor to order them, without an obvious indication.
Taking that into consideration, when someone is obviously hypo, such as DreamNaut, it makes more sense to concentrate on that; demanding the necessary tests to make sure the thyroid treatment is optimal before asking for tests/treatment that may not be needed.
We routinely recommend that patients get tested for vitamin D, B12, magnesium, etc. Some doctors are even reluctant to run these, and deficiencies can cause many of the same symptoms as those of hypothyroidism, hyperparathyroidism, or any number of other diseases.
It seems that low vitamin D levels often seem to go hand in hand with hypothyroidism, and it's often recommended, here, that it be checked.
No one is saying that the tests shouldn't be done; by all means if your doctor will do them, go for it. In my case, I could have sworn I had a parathyroid issue at one time, because of all the symptoms. I mentioned it to my doctor and he nearly laughed me out of his office - sure it made me mad as all get out. As it turned out, once my thyroid issues were being treated adequately, most of my symptoms went away, indicating that there's nothing wrong (at this time) with my parathyroids. With insurance companies being reluctant to pay for some tests, it's hard to get a doctor to order them, without an obvious indication.
Taking that into consideration, when someone is obviously hypo, such as DreamNaut, it makes more sense to concentrate on that; demanding the necessary tests to make sure the thyroid treatment is optimal before asking for tests/treatment that may not be needed.
We routinely recommend that patients get tested for vitamin D, B12, magnesium, etc. Some doctors are even reluctant to run these, and deficiencies can cause many of the same symptoms as those of hypothyroidism, hyperparathyroidism, or any number of other diseases.
Hello,
I am not on the community, as often as I'd like to be, but wanted to say hello to everyone and let you know I've been following this thread.
When I was diagnosed 2yrs ago with a severe Vit D deficiency my endo ran and then re-ran every blood test to be sure my parathyroids were functioning okay. And, I mean extensive bloodwork!!!! In my case all was normal (thankfully) & we had no reason why my Vit D was so low, but by taking Vit D script all my symptoms went away (many very similar as described above), so that is where my limited knowledge of the parathyroids became a reality (and honestly, a scare). For me, all checked out fine and rechecked fine.
Another test, one can take, is a 24hr urine study. That helps identify the calcium levels in the urine as well as minerals and other info.
Everyone's opinion is great to give and get advice on the this thread, keeping in mind nobody is right or wrong. Our Thyroid Community doesn't judge one another --this something that since I've been a part of since 2006, we have prided ourselves on.
Although we may differ in opinion -- one isn't right and one wrong.
In my opinion -- and that's just my two cents -- bring the test up to your doc and see what he thinks -- we aren't doctors, so we really cannot diagnose -- but, we can have opinions and share them among the community -- among ourselves.
At the end of the day our doctors make the diagnoses -- we can help ea other by benefiting from what we have learned along our own path.
C~
partial thyroidectomy 1/07
Synthroid
Vit D
I am not on the community, as often as I'd like to be, but wanted to say hello to everyone and let you know I've been following this thread.
When I was diagnosed 2yrs ago with a severe Vit D deficiency my endo ran and then re-ran every blood test to be sure my parathyroids were functioning okay. And, I mean extensive bloodwork!!!! In my case all was normal (thankfully) & we had no reason why my Vit D was so low, but by taking Vit D script all my symptoms went away (many very similar as described above), so that is where my limited knowledge of the parathyroids became a reality (and honestly, a scare). For me, all checked out fine and rechecked fine.
Another test, one can take, is a 24hr urine study. That helps identify the calcium levels in the urine as well as minerals and other info.
Everyone's opinion is great to give and get advice on the this thread, keeping in mind nobody is right or wrong. Our Thyroid Community doesn't judge one another --this something that since I've been a part of since 2006, we have prided ourselves on.
Although we may differ in opinion -- one isn't right and one wrong.
In my opinion -- and that's just my two cents -- bring the test up to your doc and see what he thinks -- we aren't doctors, so we really cannot diagnose -- but, we can have opinions and share them among the community -- among ourselves.
At the end of the day our doctors make the diagnoses -- we can help ea other by benefiting from what we have learned along our own path.
C~
partial thyroidectomy 1/07
Synthroid
Vit D
Thanks for the validation Mommy!
Now...tell me how different this symptom list from HPTH is from HYPO...cant tell it can you?
Symptoms of Parathyroid Disease (Hyperparathyroidism)
Loss of energy. Don't feel like doing much. Tired all the time. Chronic fatigue.
Just don't feel well; don't quite feel normal. Hard to explain but just feel kind of bad.
Feel old. Don't have the interest in things that you used to.
Can't concentrate, or can't keep your concentration like in the past.
Depression.
Osteoporosis and Osteopenia.
Bones hurt; typically it's bones in the legs and arms but can be most bones.
Don't sleep like you used to. Wake up in middle of night. Trouble getting to sleep.
Tired during the day and frequently feel like you want a nap.
Spouse claims you are more irritable and harder to get along with (cranky, bitchy).
Forget simple things that you used to remember very easily (worsening memory).
Gastric acid reflux; heartburn; GERD.
Decrease in sex drive.
Thinning hair (predominately in middle aged females on the front part of the scalp).
Kidney Stones.
High Blood Pressure (sometimes mild, sometimes quite severe; up and down a lot).
Recurrent Headaches (usually patients under the age of 40).
Heart Palpitations (arrhythmias). Typically atrial arrhythmias.
+ Constipation or IBS
Most people with hyperparathyroidism will have 4 - 6 of these symptoms. Some will have lots of them. A few people will say they don't have any... but after an operation they will often say otherwise. 95% of people with hyperparathyroidism will have 3 or more of these symptoms. In general, the longer you have hyperparathyroidism, the more symptoms you will develop.
Now...tell me how different this symptom list from HPTH is from HYPO...cant tell it can you?
Symptoms of Parathyroid Disease (Hyperparathyroidism)
Loss of energy. Don't feel like doing much. Tired all the time. Chronic fatigue.
Just don't feel well; don't quite feel normal. Hard to explain but just feel kind of bad.
Feel old. Don't have the interest in things that you used to.
Can't concentrate, or can't keep your concentration like in the past.
Depression.
Osteoporosis and Osteopenia.
Bones hurt; typically it's bones in the legs and arms but can be most bones.
Don't sleep like you used to. Wake up in middle of night. Trouble getting to sleep.
Tired during the day and frequently feel like you want a nap.
Spouse claims you are more irritable and harder to get along with (cranky, bitchy).
Forget simple things that you used to remember very easily (worsening memory).
Gastric acid reflux; heartburn; GERD.
Decrease in sex drive.
Thinning hair (predominately in middle aged females on the front part of the scalp).
Kidney Stones.
High Blood Pressure (sometimes mild, sometimes quite severe; up and down a lot).
Recurrent Headaches (usually patients under the age of 40).
Heart Palpitations (arrhythmias). Typically atrial arrhythmias.
+ Constipation or IBS
Most people with hyperparathyroidism will have 4 - 6 of these symptoms. Some will have lots of them. A few people will say they don't have any... but after an operation they will often say otherwise. 95% of people with hyperparathyroidism will have 3 or more of these symptoms. In general, the longer you have hyperparathyroidism, the more symptoms you will develop.
Confusing ....by talking about parathyroid...come on'
He will be having more blood work....Christ....all I am saying IS ADD TWO FREAKING CHECK MARKS ON THE LAB SLIP TO BE SURE>>>HOW HARD AND CONFUSING IS THAT TO CHECK PTH AND CALCIUM?????
EXACTLY....TWO CHECK MARKS ON A LAB SLIP so get OFF MY BACK.....only thing that is confusing here is why you are so against trying to really help this person.
My situation is NOT unique to ME 1 out of every 100k people will have this condition, after the age of 60 that quadruples the rate....IT AINT ALL THAT RARE, what IS rare is to get a doctor to CHECK THE PTH BOX ON THE BLOOD SLIP.
and when I say Nazi...I meant it as the Seinfeld Soup Nazi episode...priceless.
And when I suggested CHECK MARKING THE BOX ON THE LABS and dietary changes, that was to help DREAMNAUT to AVOID YEARS of suffering with NO ANSWERS he is young and doesnt need his life ruined like mine..
I Have one purpose in this forum, to learn how to feel better myself by reading everyones posts and to help others aviod my pain of misdiagnosis, foreclosure and bankruptcy because the answers never came soon enough.
Cymbalta and all the head drugs that followed screwed me up worse than any of the drugs, and I had a laundry basket full,,,,,all the head drugs made all my symptoms WORSE....only way for me to handle the depression...And ANGER now is with Ecotherapy...no drugs, so as soon as the sun comes up, I am going for a walk...
Symptom treating is pointless until you can find the ROOT cause.
Lori
He will be having more blood work....Christ....all I am saying IS ADD TWO FREAKING CHECK MARKS ON THE LAB SLIP TO BE SURE>>>HOW HARD AND CONFUSING IS THAT TO CHECK PTH AND CALCIUM?????
EXACTLY....TWO CHECK MARKS ON A LAB SLIP so get OFF MY BACK.....only thing that is confusing here is why you are so against trying to really help this person.
My situation is NOT unique to ME 1 out of every 100k people will have this condition, after the age of 60 that quadruples the rate....IT AINT ALL THAT RARE, what IS rare is to get a doctor to CHECK THE PTH BOX ON THE BLOOD SLIP.
and when I say Nazi...I meant it as the Seinfeld Soup Nazi episode...priceless.
And when I suggested CHECK MARKING THE BOX ON THE LABS and dietary changes, that was to help DREAMNAUT to AVOID YEARS of suffering with NO ANSWERS he is young and doesnt need his life ruined like mine..
I Have one purpose in this forum, to learn how to feel better myself by reading everyones posts and to help others aviod my pain of misdiagnosis, foreclosure and bankruptcy because the answers never came soon enough.
Cymbalta and all the head drugs that followed screwed me up worse than any of the drugs, and I had a laundry basket full,,,,,all the head drugs made all my symptoms WORSE....only way for me to handle the depression...And ANGER now is with Ecotherapy...no drugs, so as soon as the sun comes up, I am going for a walk...
Symptom treating is pointless until you can find the ROOT cause.
Lori
Hi ladies.
I have had both HPT AND currently have Hashi's, and if I've learned anything, it is that not all doctors are created equal in their search to find the source of a problem. I have my own maddening horror stories about both and, although each condition had its own unique symptoms and presentation, they both had similarities too.
The awesome thing about a HPT diagnosis is that it can usually be cured with a simple surgery and if there is the smallest change this is the problem, then a person owe it to themselves to get tested.
Unfortunately, the Hashi's (and other thyroid issues), do not have such a simple answers. My point I'm trying to make here is, no stone should go unturned when trying to find the source of a problem. High calcium levels can also indicate cancer, but that doesn't mean everyone who has hypercalcemia has cancer and although thyroiditis causes severely low TSH levels, it doesn't mean a person has Grave's disease. Yannow? ~MM
I have had both HPT AND currently have Hashi's, and if I've learned anything, it is that not all doctors are created equal in their search to find the source of a problem. I have my own maddening horror stories about both and, although each condition had its own unique symptoms and presentation, they both had similarities too.
The awesome thing about a HPT diagnosis is that it can usually be cured with a simple surgery and if there is the smallest change this is the problem, then a person owe it to themselves to get tested.
Unfortunately, the Hashi's (and other thyroid issues), do not have such a simple answers. My point I'm trying to make here is, no stone should go unturned when trying to find the source of a problem. High calcium levels can also indicate cancer, but that doesn't mean everyone who has hypercalcemia has cancer and although thyroiditis causes severely low TSH levels, it doesn't mean a person has Grave's disease. Yannow? ~MM
Bless your heart, when your Cymbalta quit it had to be so horrible for you. And I totally agree that it seems like the rest of the world takes tyroid issues so lightly. Like it is easy to control!!Ha Ha, what a farce. I have had many, many issues in my lifetime and this has to be the most complex one I have had to face. There are so many things that rely on the other. I am just beginning to really get a glimpse into this world of rollercoster thyroid circus!
Please know that there are many people here that are very wise and helpful! And there are those that are here to understand and be your cheerleader. We can hold your hand and pray for you. But I will be your advocate and tell you that you are going to have ups and downs, but that having a positive outlook is one of the foremost things you can do for yourself. Please feel free to give me a holler if you need anything at all or need pointed in the right direction to who can help. I may not have the answers but will try my hardest to get you in touch with those that can help the most.
Sass
And Shelly, way to go!!!! :)
Please know that there are many people here that are very wise and helpful! And there are those that are here to understand and be your cheerleader. We can hold your hand and pray for you. But I will be your advocate and tell you that you are going to have ups and downs, but that having a positive outlook is one of the foremost things you can do for yourself. Please feel free to give me a holler if you need anything at all or need pointed in the right direction to who can help. I may not have the answers but will try my hardest to get you in touch with those that can help the most.
Sass
And Shelly, way to go!!!! :)
I just reread this thread to see how it evolved (or devolved) Anyway - one thing I can suggest [Dreamnaut] is cutting back on the three cups of coffee in the morning. I know! I know! What an awful suggestion! (I am a coffee lover too!) BUT! Coffee is very acidic and isn't good for anyone with gastric issues and it also interferes with the absorption of thyroid hormone. And...coffee isn't a friend to calcium & bone health either.
I take Armour too. I cut the 2 30mg tablets onto a spoon and add a little honey and then lick the spoon. Within about 10-15 minutes the T3 gets into my bloodstream and I feel some energy. (mommas little helper) I have some herbal tea when I first get up - but after that first hour or so goes by the only thing on MY mind is a cup of coffee! Yum!
It's pretty obvious you are hypo with the numbers you shared. I may have missed it in the posts, but it is better to split a T3/T4 thyroid med into at least two dosages - first in AM and then again later in the day. (Do you do this?) Otherwise, like Barb shared, you are getting all that T3 in one big dose which could make you feel a bit hyper.
I do think its a good idea to have more blood work - your Vitamin D3 levels, Ferritin (Iron) B12, and yes, a PTH too (what the heck!) Although I don't suspect that is your problem.
Something else, when I was on Cymbalta (before I found out my REAL issue was hashimotos) I had some side effects from it - constipation, heart palpitations, trouble sleeping...and I was not taking thryoid hormone. With continued use of Cymbalta the side effects subsided a bit, but I am suspicious [in your case] that increasing thyroid hormone along with taking the Cymbalta may have contributed to the side effects that are making you feel miserable right now. Do you also take estrogen? Estrogen & thyroid hormone also compete with each other...at least that is what I have read.
I take Armour too. I cut the 2 30mg tablets onto a spoon and add a little honey and then lick the spoon. Within about 10-15 minutes the T3 gets into my bloodstream and I feel some energy. (mommas little helper) I have some herbal tea when I first get up - but after that first hour or so goes by the only thing on MY mind is a cup of coffee! Yum!
It's pretty obvious you are hypo with the numbers you shared. I may have missed it in the posts, but it is better to split a T3/T4 thyroid med into at least two dosages - first in AM and then again later in the day. (Do you do this?) Otherwise, like Barb shared, you are getting all that T3 in one big dose which could make you feel a bit hyper.
I do think its a good idea to have more blood work - your Vitamin D3 levels, Ferritin (Iron) B12, and yes, a PTH too (what the heck!) Although I don't suspect that is your problem.
Something else, when I was on Cymbalta (before I found out my REAL issue was hashimotos) I had some side effects from it - constipation, heart palpitations, trouble sleeping...and I was not taking thryoid hormone. With continued use of Cymbalta the side effects subsided a bit, but I am suspicious [in your case] that increasing thyroid hormone along with taking the Cymbalta may have contributed to the side effects that are making you feel miserable right now. Do you also take estrogen? Estrogen & thyroid hormone also compete with each other...at least that is what I have read.
i understand that you have suffered, and I'm sorry for that.
I'm not judging you. I just think that your situation is very unique to you.
Your condition has not been corrected with thyroid meds alone. Since we know little about you, I don't know if it might have been or not. Were you properly treated? Were you treated until symptoms were resolved? Apparently not.
Many of our members are new to these discussions. Many of us DO just have thyroid issues. Jumping to another issue can be confusing. I think your comments may have more to do with your interests in forwarding a personal agenda or vendetta than in helping the poster.
As I said, maybe time for a deep breath and asking yourself who is benefitting from your responses. I've learned I can't offload everything I know about thyroid on every person who is just starting out. It's overwhelming to them. One step at a time...if that makes me a "Nazi", so be it.
I'm not judging you. I just think that your situation is very unique to you.
Your condition has not been corrected with thyroid meds alone. Since we know little about you, I don't know if it might have been or not. Were you properly treated? Were you treated until symptoms were resolved? Apparently not.
Many of our members are new to these discussions. Many of us DO just have thyroid issues. Jumping to another issue can be confusing. I think your comments may have more to do with your interests in forwarding a personal agenda or vendetta than in helping the poster.
As I said, maybe time for a deep breath and asking yourself who is benefitting from your responses. I've learned I can't offload everything I know about thyroid on every person who is just starting out. It's overwhelming to them. One step at a time...if that makes me a "Nazi", so be it.
Since there is a KNOWN thyroid problem with DreamNaut, and since FT3 and FT4 levels are still way too low, symptoms can easily be explained by thyroid levels.
Your situation sounds complex. I hear that you've been burned. BUT, not everyone who has a thyroid problem also has a parathyroid problem.
When it comes to thyroid, which can effect your whole body, it is by no means DUMB to take one thing at a time. Most of us were amazed how many of our symptoms were thyroid related once we got on meds and our symptoms were relieved.
Everyone is not the same as you, and I think you're just complicating an already confusing situation further. Maybe it's time to take a deep breath...
Your situation sounds complex. I hear that you've been burned. BUT, not everyone who has a thyroid problem also has a parathyroid problem.
When it comes to thyroid, which can effect your whole body, it is by no means DUMB to take one thing at a time. Most of us were amazed how many of our symptoms were thyroid related once we got on meds and our symptoms were relieved.
Everyone is not the same as you, and I think you're just complicating an already confusing situation further. Maybe it's time to take a deep breath...
For the constipation, what helps me is Dan Active pro-biotic 4 oz drinks, two a day, and add one apple and one orange...as you can.
By adding calcium to my diet, PTH does not demand that the extra calcium required to satisfy its malfunctioning self come from my bones...so this eases my pain and fatgue as well. Never hurts to try a few diet changes in managing symptoms, and I have tried them all!
Lori
PS...Simethecone works best for the belching...the nexium and acid blockers caused many problems, like a "hairy tongue, or geographic tongue because it screws up the balance of flora and acid in my stomach dan active cured that too, when no other doc could not even the GIs....they never helped me anyway, so I just do the simethecone chewable gas tabs now with Dan Active....and avoid all fatty fried foods, like bacon, biscuits, and I never eat fast food...or I will pay... etc...
By adding calcium to my diet, PTH does not demand that the extra calcium required to satisfy its malfunctioning self come from my bones...so this eases my pain and fatgue as well. Never hurts to try a few diet changes in managing symptoms, and I have tried them all!
Lori
PS...Simethecone works best for the belching...the nexium and acid blockers caused many problems, like a "hairy tongue, or geographic tongue because it screws up the balance of flora and acid in my stomach dan active cured that too, when no other doc could not even the GIs....they never helped me anyway, so I just do the simethecone chewable gas tabs now with Dan Active....and avoid all fatty fried foods, like bacon, biscuits, and I never eat fast food...or I will pay... etc...
I dont know if hypo causes GERD and belching with constipation, along with the other symptoms, which I have as well...but... I will tell you for dam sure that HPTH does and that is why it is creeping in...
why are you so down on not running this little blood test there Barb...its only calcium, PTH and D...what is your issue with doing this test that is for one, cheap, and two quick, one thing at a time when you are suffering seems dumb, and she is already on thyroid meds, so check it all.
My thyroid and parathyroid have a very close relationship in symptoms.
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I'm having a real hard time figuring out how hyperparathyroidism is creeping into every thread in which someone feels badly. Yes, parathyroid issues need to be looked at, if symptoms warrant, but first all of the thyroid issues need to be dealt with, that includes proper testing/evaluation/medication. Let's all keep in mind that the parathyroids and thyroid have nothing in common, other than their location in the body.......
Many of us have suffered for more years than we care to count, due to inadequate testing and evaluation....... some of you know my own horror story (which, admittedly is not as bad as some, but certainly traumatic for me), but I think it's very important to take one step at a time to confirm/rule out various issues.
DreamNaut has higher than normal TSH, with very low thyroid levels, indicating that she's hypo; that will make her feel like crap...... It's also not unusual for patients to report feeling badly for a period of time after a med change/dosage increase/decrease........ happens to me all the time. Took a decrease a couple weeks ago...... ouch, but am starting to bounce back.
In addition, DreamNaut has Hashimoto's and nodules -- not impossible/unusual for nodules to produce hormones independently of the thyroid, which could cause swings from hyper to hypo.
Then there's the "method" of taking the med. I've never taken Armour, but most who do, split it into multiple doses/day because of the T3 content. If you take a huge dose all at once, the T3 could send you to hyperland; but since that leaves the body in a few hours, you would then swing back to hypo.... add "uncooperative nodules" to the mix, producing hormones on their own........ Not saying for sure this is what's happening, but if it is -- ugghhh......
Many of us have suffered for more years than we care to count, due to inadequate testing and evaluation....... some of you know my own horror story (which, admittedly is not as bad as some, but certainly traumatic for me), but I think it's very important to take one step at a time to confirm/rule out various issues.
DreamNaut has higher than normal TSH, with very low thyroid levels, indicating that she's hypo; that will make her feel like crap...... It's also not unusual for patients to report feeling badly for a period of time after a med change/dosage increase/decrease........ happens to me all the time. Took a decrease a couple weeks ago...... ouch, but am starting to bounce back.
In addition, DreamNaut has Hashimoto's and nodules -- not impossible/unusual for nodules to produce hormones independently of the thyroid, which could cause swings from hyper to hypo.
Then there's the "method" of taking the med. I've never taken Armour, but most who do, split it into multiple doses/day because of the T3 content. If you take a huge dose all at once, the T3 could send you to hyperland; but since that leaves the body in a few hours, you would then swing back to hypo.... add "uncooperative nodules" to the mix, producing hormones on their own........ Not saying for sure this is what's happening, but if it is -- ugghhh......
PS, just read you are adding vitamin D...if your calcium is high, this a bad idea....I tried it, and it made all my symptoms worse even though it slightly lowered the blood calcium level..
Now...let me say this... low vitamin D...NEVER causes high calcium and high PTH hormone at the same time, ever. Dont get duped into this fallacy.
Adding D will make your serum calcium test lower...but the damage is still being done because now, your body is absorbing more of the high calcium into the gut, but if you let your body do its job...it has lowered D to prevent you from absorbing so much Calcium, which can cause stroke or other bad symptoms.....this is bad...kidney stones, and high blood pressure...lots of bad things can happen, and the damage to the bones are still being done if you have HPTH, so dont try to monkey around with D just to satisfy a serum Ca test...dangerous...only fix is to have the tumor removed that is causing the gland to go haywire and never shut off producing PTH.
Get copies of your labs...research it well.
Good luck...D always makes me feel worse than ever, and my calcium has been around 10.4-10.8 with PTH of 88-110. My calcium and PTH are different every time it is checked, never the same over the last four months tested. My D level is at 10...
Dexa bone scan is also warranted if Ca and PTH are both high...as well as kidney function tests with the blood work. My bone scan showed Osteopenia at 45 years old...that is classic of primary HPTH. (as the parathyroid hormone demands that the extra calcium come right out of the bones..
But last doc I saw changed it to secondary HPTH due to low D because I would not let him do exploratory surgery on my neck and wanted the M I R P mini operation...99 percent cure rate, so...wrong answer about secondary...
Secondary is caused from kidney failure or MEN and will show a LOW calcium and HIGH PTH...so be careful of that pitfall when it comes to docs...parathyroid is not all that common, (but it should be checked on everyone suffering from depression, fibromyalgia symptoms and chronic fatigue, like I was for so long....so even docs that should know what it going on...sometimes don't order the right test, or even take the time to look up your results before they present you with a treatment plan as I have found..
I am waiting to see the next doc on my list...I will have this adenoma removed before it kills me!
Lori
Now...let me say this... low vitamin D...NEVER causes high calcium and high PTH hormone at the same time, ever. Dont get duped into this fallacy.
Adding D will make your serum calcium test lower...but the damage is still being done because now, your body is absorbing more of the high calcium into the gut, but if you let your body do its job...it has lowered D to prevent you from absorbing so much Calcium, which can cause stroke or other bad symptoms.....this is bad...kidney stones, and high blood pressure...lots of bad things can happen, and the damage to the bones are still being done if you have HPTH, so dont try to monkey around with D just to satisfy a serum Ca test...dangerous...only fix is to have the tumor removed that is causing the gland to go haywire and never shut off producing PTH.
Get copies of your labs...research it well.
Good luck...D always makes me feel worse than ever, and my calcium has been around 10.4-10.8 with PTH of 88-110. My calcium and PTH are different every time it is checked, never the same over the last four months tested. My D level is at 10...
Dexa bone scan is also warranted if Ca and PTH are both high...as well as kidney function tests with the blood work. My bone scan showed Osteopenia at 45 years old...that is classic of primary HPTH. (as the parathyroid hormone demands that the extra calcium come right out of the bones..
But last doc I saw changed it to secondary HPTH due to low D because I would not let him do exploratory surgery on my neck and wanted the M I R P mini operation...99 percent cure rate, so...wrong answer about secondary...
Secondary is caused from kidney failure or MEN and will show a LOW calcium and HIGH PTH...so be careful of that pitfall when it comes to docs...parathyroid is not all that common, (but it should be checked on everyone suffering from depression, fibromyalgia symptoms and chronic fatigue, like I was for so long....so even docs that should know what it going on...sometimes don't order the right test, or even take the time to look up your results before they present you with a treatment plan as I have found..
I am waiting to see the next doc on my list...I will have this adenoma removed before it kills me!
Lori
Sounds like HPTH...
High calcium and high PTH at the SAME time will cause low vitamin D to protect from overabsorbsion of Calcium.
Check Calcium, PTH, and D levels... If the first two are high at the same time it is a parathyroid tumor, I have both, thyroid and parathyroid tumors.
Best info on the web for primary hyperparatyroidism is www.parathyroid.com...all symptoms fit...I feel like death warmed over too.
Yes, thyroid can make you feel bad...but calcium and D....well thats just hell, and in 12 years the NEVER ran PTH test on me....ASK For it....
Lori
High calcium and high PTH at the SAME time will cause low vitamin D to protect from overabsorbsion of Calcium.
Check Calcium, PTH, and D levels... If the first two are high at the same time it is a parathyroid tumor, I have both, thyroid and parathyroid tumors.
Best info on the web for primary hyperparatyroidism is www.parathyroid.com...all symptoms fit...I feel like death warmed over too.
Yes, thyroid can make you feel bad...but calcium and D....well thats just hell, and in 12 years the NEVER ran PTH test on me....ASK For it....
Lori
TSH is the least reliable of the three tests, but, that being said, AACE recommended 7 or 8 years ago that TSH range be amended to 0.3-3.0. Most doctors and labs use an old range as does yours. So, your TSH is hypo.
FT4 is in range, but way too low in the range. Many of our members have to be at least midrange before hypo symptoms are relieved. FT3 is also quite low...the rule of thumb for FT3 is upper half to upper third of range.
Had you taken your Armour prior to this blood draw? Do you split your dose into more than one during the day?
FT4 is in range, but way too low in the range. Many of our members have to be at least midrange before hypo symptoms are relieved. FT3 is also quite low...the rule of thumb for FT3 is upper half to upper third of range.
Had you taken your Armour prior to this blood draw? Do you split your dose into more than one during the day?
TSH 4.32 Reference Range .40-4.50
T4 Free .9 Reference Range .8-1.8
T3 Free 3.0 Reference Range 2.3-4.2
Alot of the symptoms calmed down, I still have wonderful joint muscle aches and sensations, but she claims I fall into a group of people who are "sensitive" and attributes it to depression.
T4 Free .9 Reference Range .8-1.8
T3 Free 3.0 Reference Range 2.3-4.2
Alot of the symptoms calmed down, I still have wonderful joint muscle aches and sensations, but she claims I fall into a group of people who are "sensitive" and attributes it to depression.
I think your probably right E-beth, alot of symptoms have calmed down, and my thyroid stopped hurting.. I don't understand why my thyroid dislikes thyroid hormone so much.. I still plan on getting lab results.. and a referral to a GI.. will post as soon as I get them. I wish I didn't have to drink 3 cups of coffee everymorning to keep moving.. but for now thats all I can do!
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