Symptoms

[mitchell1204]

Several questions: I'm 4th generation since  my diagnoses of Hypothyroidism. I just moved from 100 mcg to 125 mcg Levothyroxin. I still feel terrible, even worse since my original diagnoses. My current TSH is 98.40 mIU/L.
I'm a 46 yr. old male and have most symptoms. The worser ones are depression, fatigue, 60+ weight gain, extreme dry/leathery skin (I even have bad patches that look like psoriasis), ear ringing, and I can't walk without my legs getting heavy and extreme lower back pain. I had an angiogram (family history) and ultrasound on my legs, both negative (no blockages)

How long is it going to take to get to their target 0.40-4.50?

Is there a certain reason they bump me only 25 mcg at a time?

Can the lower back pain be associated with hypothyroidism or should my doctor look elsewhere?
Weight gain causing the pain maybe (5'10"...272 lbs now, 5 yrs ago I was 195lbs, 1.5 yrs ago, 215 lbs.)?
I can't deal with it much longer. Sitting the pain goes away.

Should the dead thyroid be removed surgically?

Thank you in advance :)

[mitchell1204]

Thanks both of you. And thanks for the valuable info. I think I need to see an Endo. My doctor is Internal Medicine and it cost $200 just to talk 30 seconds with him if you can catch him, lol. I never had any medical problems. This is my first experience. From what I read it's mainly woman, so I have a good crowd to hang around with:) I also read there is like 35 million people that have it and don't know it. Evidently I had it awhile, but I really didn't know it. The symptoms really kicked in about Sept 07. I'll check that Amour out. Thx!

[fmc]

HI.  Two words.  Amour Thyroid.  It sound like you could be having problems getting the T4 to cross the cell barrier and convert to T3.  Your TSH test won't show that.  I lived with all the same symptoms and miserable for two years.  I couldn't figure out why I was not better.  I finally did some research on the internet on all of the different thyroid treatments took it to my endo including a checklist (aboutthyroid.com) and asked for Amour back in early April 2007.  Once you start Amour- your probably going to wonder why the doctors ever prescribed synthroid or levothyroxine to treat your thryoid.  I have told everyone I know who suffers from thyroid disease about Amour. I am telling you the difference will be day and night.  Search Amour Thyroid and thyroid checklist and that should get you started on the right path.  I hope all turns out well, and good luck.

[Jessi63]

I am new to all of this thyroid stuff.  So I hope some of the more knowledgable answer you.  But just wanted to let you know I read your post.