Looking for answers.

[mimigram9]

I was diagnosed with Thyroid cancer in July of 2014. I had a my thyroid removed. Was put on 100 mcg of Levothyroxine. Was doing ok on it for awhile, then started having terrible heartburn, pain between my shoulder blades, and chest pain and tightness that almost had me in the ER. I also have a fast heart rate problem that I take verapamil for. I was wondering if anyone else has had this problem with the heartburn and pain. I also have a hiatal hernia, but have never experienced this kind of problem before even with the hernia. My Endo switched me to Armour yesterday, and I have heard very good things about this drug!! I am hoping and praying that this will work. I feel miserable and it is so hard to enjoy life this way!!

[gimel]

After having your thyroid gland removed, 100 mcg of T4 med doesn't sound like an adequate dose.  Please post several of your most recent thyroid related test results and reference ranges so that we can give you our opinion about your treatment.  Also, if tested for Vitamin D, B12 and ferritin please post those as well.  

[mimigram9]

Thank you for responding. These are my results from March 16, 2015. They are the most recent. I don't go back to see the Endo until June 19. My TSH was 1.22, My Thyroglobulin was <1, and my T4Free was 1.22.  I just seem to have a problem with the Levothyroxine. After not taking it today and starting the Armour, I do not  have the burning sensation that I usually do after taking the synthetic! I don't know if it is psychological, lol or if that was the problem, but I hope it works, because as I am sure you and many others on this site know, it is horrible living like this! So glad I found this site!!

[gimel]

What is you dose of Armour?  Were you not tested for Free T3 before changing your med to Armour?  If not, then you should make sure they always test for both Free T4 and Free T3 each time you go in for tests.  If the doctor resists, just insist on it and don't take no for an answer.  

Also be aware that TSH frequently becomes suppressed when taking adequate doses of thyroid med.  So, don't let your doctor get alarmed and try to reduce your meds if your TSH drops below range, unless you do have hyper symptoms due to excessive levels of Free T4 and Free T3.  

A good thyroid doctor will treat a hypo patient clinically by testing and adjusting Free T4 and Free T3 as necessary to relieve symptoms without being constrained by resultant TSH levels.  Symptom relief should be all important, not just lab results, and especially not TSH levels.  You can get some good info from this link written by a godo thyroid doctor.

http://www.hormonerestoration.com/Thyroid.html

The reason I asked about Vitamin D, B12 and ferritin is that hypo patients are frequently too low in those areas also.  D needs to be about 55-60, B12 in the upper end of its range and ferritin should be about 60 minimum for women.  If not tested for those, you should also request them.  

[FaithforHealing]

I try to follow all the posts to learn, and this one with the comment of "After not taking it today and starting the Armour..." raised a question for me and hopefully you can answer it. I was under the impression that changing meds and/or a dosage takes a few weeks to metabolize, could symptoms resolve in a day?

[mimigram9]

My Armour dose is 60mg. I take 15mg 4 times a day. I have a separate issue with my heart being tachycardic, and palpitations, so I have to ease into any meds I take unfortunately.

The reason my Endo is switching my meds is because I have been having so many problems with it since starting it nearly a year ago. Constant burning in my chest, horrible pains between shoulder blades and numerous other things. She believes I may be having a reaction to the dye in the levothyroxine.  I am hoping it will help with that.

I am fairly certain she does check everything thoroughly, I don't have all of my test results from March, just the ones I listed.  I will know more when I have my blood work done in a few weeks and will be able to go from there. I thank you for the advice and will make sure, and insist that she test for the T3 as well!

My vitamin D was low. It was 11. Not sure about the B12 or the ferritin, but will also tell her I would like those checked as well!! I was put on vitamin D supplements and hopefully it is leveling out. This is such a bumpy ride....this thyroid thing!! UGH!!

[mimigram9]

It does take a few weeks for new meds to start working I am sure. I started it this morning, and the burning in my chest really has eased up. I still have a lot of other symptoms that I am hoping will subside as the new meds adjust to my system.

I was getting the most horrible burning sensation, heartburn, pain, and nausea each time I would take my levothyroxine. It has not fully gone away, but is not nearly as bad as it was last night. I am hoping it all works out and this will be the right fit for me! :)

[gimel]

It could be that you had a reaction to something in the Synthroid; however, it may also be that your body was not converting the T4 med to T3 very well, and your Free T3 level was way too low.  Even though the one grain of Armour is supposed to be the equivalent of 100 mcg  of T4.  I tend to believe other sources which say it is only equal to 75 mcg.  So it may be that switching to Armour gave you some short term relief because the T3 acts so quickly compared to T4.  If that is the case, don't be surprised if symptoms return, as your Free T4 level gradually drops due to the med change.

So within the next 3-4 weeks it would be a good idea to get tested for Free T4 and Free T3, along with the Vitamin D, B12, and ferritin.  This will help guide your doctor in further med increases, as necessary to relieve symptoms.

[mimigram9]

Thank you so much for your input and advice! I really appreciate it. I hope soon I will be able to find a happy medium. I will most definitely tell my Endo that I want these checked.