New to thyroid meds, question about levothyroxine

[gofigerr]

So I started taking Levothyroxine 1/2 75 mcg for Hashi's even though my TSH is only 2.62 and all other tests are normal, I have antibodies and 2 docs say take it. I had a real problem tolerating that dose. At first I thought maybe it was anxiety because I was only on it for 3 days when the anxiety symtpoms started. But I went off of it for 2 weeks and was fine, I started today on a lower dose of 1/2 of 25mcg. I took it this morning and now the "pins and needles" feeling in my shoulders and arms is back. Does anyone else have this happen either when they started on thyroid meds or when they increase them?  Im still not convinced I need them!

[gofigerr]

Thanks, that makes me feel better, you sound exactly like me. I think my endo just started me out way to high at first (1/2 75mcg)  I started the 1/2 of 25 mcg 3 days ago and I feel fine now, I may have been a little nervous the first day about starting back on it after the side effects from the higher dose. Good luck!  Do you know if you free t4 was on the low side?  Mine was right at the cutoff of the low end, that is why she thought I needed it synthroid as well as the antibodies.

Anyway goodluck!  keep me posted!

[micaela27]

you and i are very very similar.  i too have Hashi's and i too have "within range" TSH levels, though they fluctuate and tend to run hypo.  my last TSH was 5.12 a few weeks ago.  before that it was 2.93, before that it was 7.83

my endo's concern was that my thyroid has begun developing a small, generally unnoticeable goiter and is rather firm.  i just started (yesterday, in fact!) a regimen of 25mcg a day, but she told me to take 1/2 of the pill (so... 12.5 mcg) for the first 2 weeks to adjust myself gradually.  i have felt completely normal both days so far.  time will tell whether i react to the stronger dose in 12 days or not.  i go for a baseline thyroid sonogram on monday to measure and record the appearance, and i will have one again in a few months to see whether my thyroid has changed at all.

good luck to both of us in regulating this!

[GravesLady]

I know, you that you know,  that I am not a doctor and that I am just a messenger sharing info that I have gathered through  9 years of forums/BBs, and  of searches, and reading, and gathering, and learning, so I know you will not throw rocks at me ;)  just because you  might not agree with me.
We can always agree to disagree ;)

I am not convinced you need the meds either. Hashi is not treatable nor curable, so I don't understand why your treatment is based on it instead of levels. Unless doctor is going for suppression levels or thereabouts because of the gritty texture.

The texture of the thyroid in Graves' disease has been described as being fleshy like a peach. The texture in Hashimoto's thyroiditis is firm and rubbery.  A gritty texture (calcification) is highly suspicious.  Did she say if your  thyroid was hard too? Did she send you for further testing on the gland itself?

Sorry I can't be more help - I am learning with you as well.

Good luck and  if you find out more, please share with me.

GL

[gofigerr]

Also.....my endo said my thyroid felt "grity" but not enlarged and no goiters, she said "grity" was consistant with Hashi's. Have you ever heard this? No other doc that has felt my thyroid said it felt grity, just normal.