Medication Questions

[scuba1999]

Hi All, so I've been dealing with thyroid since 2004.  In 2004 I was diagnosed with hyperthyroid and went through two radio active iodine treatments.  This of course stopped the production, so they started my on synthroid.  For several months until 2006 I was being managed on synthroid, but things started acting within normal range, so they took me off for a period of one year.  I went in found it was in the low range again, so back on to synthroid.  The last visit showed I was within good ranges, but I was having sleeping issues as well as other issues, so the doc upped the dosage from 50mcg to 100mcg.  This hasn't taken care of the problems, and I haven't gone back yet.  I know I have to, but I was thinking perhaps I might research other medications wondering if a different medication would alleviate the issues.  For the last week and a half I haven't taken any synthroid.  which I know is bad, but on the other hand... I feel much better. I'm not as tired, there is overworked tired, and then there is synthroid tired where my brain is empty, always exhausted, and I feel like I need about a hundred hours of sleep.  If anyone has advice about trying different meds please let me know. I plan on making an appointment after the holidays to discuss things with my doc. as well.

[scuba1999]

Hi, I don't have them all at the moment.  But I intend on getting everything so I can look it over myself.  The last time I went in they upped the dose to 100mcg on Synthroid, because they were thinking if I had more meds it would correct a few issues I was having.  It actually made it worse.  I know I shouldn't start and stop meds, but now that I've not been taking it I feel much better.  I think instead of going to 100mcg they should have lowered it.  

In 2006 when they took me off the meds it was due to the fact that I do still have production in my thyroid.  They didn't stop it completely. Just managed to stop the hyper issues enough that I needed hormone replacement for a while.  When they took me off it in 2006, I was off it for a year, with my levels in normal range.  Then my numbers started to slide so they put me back on.  Thanks for responding and as soon as I can get all my results I'll get em published.

[gimel]

Could you please post all your thyroid test results and their reference ranges shown on lab report, so that members can help interpret your thyroid status?.

[LazyMoose]

"went through two radio active iodine treatments.  This of course stopped the production, so they started my on synthroid.  For several months until 2006 I was being managed on synthroid, but things started acting within normal range, so they took me off for a period of one year."

Confusing - So your thyroid levels were in normal ranges on the synthroid so they took you off of it?  

Is this because, or does, your thyroid still work at little even though you had two RAI's?

If the RAI's were 100% successful in stopping production, you need hormone replacement. It's a continuous need, with fine adjustments in meds, you don't start and stop it.

If possible, post your last lab with ranges and symptoms and what med or no med at the time of testing for. Many people with RAI experience here, but all the above info is needed for someone to offer accurate advice
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Yes, there are different meds, you probably need some with T3 in addition to your synthetic T4. Or a natural T3 / T4 combo such as Nature Throid, Armour has been changed, does not work as well for most people anymore.