From hyper to hypo in 6 weeks

[Mellowscout]

Hello all,
If you've read any of my other posts, you'll know I've had a heck of a ride these past few weeks.  I finally went to my doctor on Monday and DEMANDED new tests, including vitamin tests and muscle enzyme tests.  My results:

T3 = .32
TSH = 37
Creatin = 687

I am OFFICIALLY HYPOthyroid...I am starting 100 micrograms of Levothyroxin (levothyroxine) today.  I have hypothyroid myopathy, the cramps are excruciating...according to my GP, I should be "feeling better soon."  My endo is supposedly "shocked that I became hypo so soon after RAI."  I don't think I will be going back to him.  Last week he had the audacity to leave a msg on my phone that said, "You're still hyperthyroid, have a nice day."  Even though he KNEW all of my new symptoms {cramping, being cold, depressed}

This thyroid community really helped me two weeks ago when my cramps started.  I knew from you guys that I needed to get back in to my doctor and for that I have to say THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU!
This ride from hyper to hypo has been just terrible... not to mention that my 3 year relationship just collapsed, most likley due to the sheer exhaustion and stress of these past 7 months.  Thyroid disease is a terrible thing to have.  So is an unsupportive partner.  I appreciate any and all feedback now that I am hypo.  I've been told that we will retest my bloodwork in 6 weeks...sooner if I feel like I need it.  I hope this means I am on my way to finding my levels and being back to normal.  Thanks in advance for any replies to this thread.

Mellowscout...hopeful.

[gimel]

So sorry to hear that you are going through all that.  I don't know, but it seems to me that with knowledge of how long it takes to build up the thyroid hormone levels after starting on meds, that Protocol would dictate an earlier start, but then I really don't know how quickly the thyroid production stops completely.  At any rate, water under the bridge, so keep moving forward at this point.  

A couple of questions for you.  What is the reference range for the T3 test result.  I am assuming by the number that it was FT3, correct?  Also, why no FT4 test done?  When is our next appointment?  If you are going to look for a new doctor, be aware that it is very difficult to find a  doctor that will treat your symptoms by testing and adjusting the actual, biologically active thyroid hormones, FT3 and FT4 with whatever med is required to alleviate symptoms, without being constrained by the resultant TSH level.  And that is what you are going to need, so I suggest that you start looking right away.

[mrsomes]

People react so differently to thyroid medication.   I had a TT in June.  Initially my endo told me 6-8 weeks between blood tests because synthroid takes a while to get into your system.   Well, I'm one of those people who notice changes w/in 2 weeks.  Fortunately my endo is really good and listens to me.   When I call him and say I think something is off he orders blood work.  Every time that has happened my levels had changed; sometimes quite a bit.   When I discussed this with him he told me he sees people whose thyroid levels change so slowly he orders blood work every 3-4 months; some are like me.  Your TSH is obviously high but you do need to know all your other levels.   It's so important that you have a Dr who orders all the appropriate tests but also who listens to you.   Most people I know who have thyroid issues can tell pretty quickly when something is not right.   Your Dr needs to respect and react to that.   Good luck.

[Mellowscout]

Thank you so much for your comments!  I will definitely bring up my concerns with my doctor regarding testing everything and not just TSH.  I have to say this though, WOWOWOWOWOW!  I started taking my meds on Friday and I feel GREAT!!!!  My head is clear, I have no depression, my muscles aren't nearly as sore...I feel like a completely changed person already!  I feel like a normal person, not a slug or fatigued drowned rat.  I just can't believe how good I am already feeling.

Mellowscout...thanks!