updated lab results & Rx

[filbert143]

I went for my follow up visit today and have to say thank you for all of the advice on what to expect.  I had to really push my doctor for testing for Hashimoto and also Free T3....which she finally agreed to.  However I have to wait for my next appt in 5 weeks to get them.  Better late than never, I suppose.

TSH - 7.170 (0.450 - 4.500)
Free T4 - 0.90 (0.82 - 1.77)

I was prescribed 50 mg Synthroid (which I asked to slowly build up to and she agreed).

She also referred me to a neurologist for the neuropathies that I've been experiencing.

Anything I should be on the lookout for now that I'm starting the meds?  How long before I hopefully start to feel better?  Does it take awhile for them to "kick in"?

[goolarra]

It takes a new or changed dose 4-6 weeks to build up in your blood and reach its full potential.  Of course, along the way, your symptoms could improve.  It's a trial and error process to find a dose that works for you.  Only the very lucky ones amongst us hit it on the first try.  You are taking the correct approach...start low and increase as needed.  After any meds change, you have to wait 4-5 weeks to retest.  Then, it's time to re-evaluate symptoms, adjust dose if necessary, repeat until you get it right!

Don't expect miracles overnight, but it sounds like you're on your way.

Be sure to get copies of all your lab reports and keep your own history.  If you jot down meds and symptoms prior to labs on the report, you will be able to see where you feel most comfortable.

Best of luck...

[sunrock]

I had a similar experience to yours, in that my doctor and the Endo I was later sent to, did not test for T3 or Hasti's. The Endo decreased the Thyroid medication to see if I was hypo or not...I almost feel asleep at the wheel...I was not doing well at all. Fired him and went back to my doctor and demanded that she test for what was recommended on this forum.

It turned out that I was very low in my Frees and had Hasti as well!!
so now i went slowly up in increase with a custom combo of T4and T3.
12 weeks later and two increases of 5mcgs...I am still hypo and not feeling well at all.My tests came back low again on my Frees...so I took a jump up AND changed the medication to Tirosint with added T3 of the same dose as before.

It takes a lot of weeks and waiting and going though it day by day...but when you get there is does seem worth it!!
I am feeling better after just a few days...I am testing at 4 weeks now to see if I am going in the right direction and to hopefully avoid becoming hyper. I am also asking for some vitamin testing as well to see if I need to supplement.
Hang in there the journey is long but you are not alone!
Mia