switch from synthroid to armour..

[KiraCorsello]

I am practically catatonic. I was also this way on synthroid, but I am on armour and it is not changing. I was in a cataonic state before when I had a bad reaction to a drug and my brain swelled. But I am tired all the time to the point of not being able to walk most of the time. Is there anything I can do, my doctor isn't helping he didn't even suggest i try another me I suggested it. Caffeine does not help at all. Would a psych med help, I am on antideprresants, what about a stimulant?

Kira

[Tamara300]

I was also in a bad accident 2 years ago--yours was more severe, but I did break my ankle--it was turned 180 degrees the wrong way, and required multiple surgeries and physical therapy.  Ironically, it was shortly after this that my hypo symptoms started to appear.  My first symptoms were an overwhelming tiredness--followed by weight gain, and a few others.  My primary care physician prescribed iron pills and low dose antidepressants and started montioring my TSH (which was elevated but not enough to send me to an endocrinologist.)  Anyway, what I found out was that it was the painkillers from my ankle that were making me so drowsy that I was having difficulty functioning.  Don't rule out that some of your symptoms could be a result of some of the medications the doctors are prescribing.  Shortly after I stopped taking the pain meds, I stopped taking the antidepressants and noticed no difference in my mood or tiredness at all.  Now that I am on Synthroid (and that's all I take) the anemia has decreased, too (low normal) -and my tired symptoms, while not 100 percent better, are a lot better than before.

You have to be careful on  Trazadone.  That is a powerful med and I don't think it is safe to just end that medication abruptly.  You may want to research this medication more before you decide what you want to do.  But don't rule out that sometimes medications cause symptoms that wouldn't otherwise be there.

[stella5349]

Insomna is common when a person is ill with hypothyroidism. If you are not balanced correctly anxiety - insomnia - and an overall ill feeling is there.

I guess I am on the fence about sleep meds. First they never helped me at all. I tried everything. They just didn't help at all. When I balanced out my FT3 and started magnesium supplements I started sleeping very well again.

Peggy64 here, has issues to and she hasn't slept well in years.

I guess when I was desperate and searching for my health again. I decided to drop all added meds and start from scratch to see what my body was lacking and causing my issues.

I am not saying what I did was right for all, it just worked for me and I was desperate to get better.

[KiraCorsello]

my doctor prescribed me Trazodone for insomnia, and I believe that is the reason I am so ill now, I can't even walk. Do you know anything about this drug, I can't believe I'm having this reaction. I'm doing a 24 hour urine for my cortisol, it is monitored.

[stella5349]

You have the wrong tests. You need the Free T3 - especially on Armour. It a T3/T4 med and direct T3 needs to be measured in a free test.

If you are having issues - you should test your ferritin and see if you are storing it. Along with a Vit D and Vit B test and adrenal work up

You may have been left ill for way to long with hypothyroid and your adrenals may have become tired. No matter how much Armour you pump in - you will remain ill when your adrenals are weak.

Your accident may have shocked your body with your adrenals - that is way you need them tested. Your Fight or Flight cortisol was high during that time and you need support.

Being hypothyroid only adds to them breaking down.

[KiraCorsello]

T4 is1.2-3.22 with it being 1.91, T4 total is 3.8-12 with it being 6.1, TSH is .4-4.5 with it being .21. I was in a really bad accident almost lost my limbs 2 years ago, and ever since then have been very sick, he anemia could be from taking so many other medications. But I know low iron could definitely be playing a part. What else do you think?

[Super_sally888]

The low iron could contribute to how you're feeling.  Do they know why you have such low iron?

Have you been tested for Coeliac.  It can cause malabsorption and low iron.

What are the reference ranges for the numbers you posted, we need those to comment.

[KiraCorsello]

I am very anemic I get iron transfusions. My T4 is 1.91 and 6.1. My T3 is is 31.3. My TSH is .21 - VERY LOW. I got a second opinion that was not helpful. Any help from any sufferers??

[Super_sally888]

Hi,

what are your levels? TSH, FT3, FT4?  Please also post the lab range so we can understand better.

Given your symptoms have they screened to see if there is anything else going on?  This would include Vit D, B12, CBC (check for anaemia).

Think you need a good workup to look for anything else going on.  Maybe a second opinion if your first dr isn't helping.