STARTED CYTOMEL-STOMACH HURTS

[zelkova]

Hi everyone

I started .625mcg of GENERIC Cytomel - twice a day (so a total of 1.25mcg Cytomel/day) on February 4th. Within a hour or 2 after the first dose my stomach got bloated/gassy. The next day was better but still there in the afternoon. So on it went until Sunday when I took 1.875mcg/total of Cytomel. Then my stomach was bloated and gassy and it started to hurt too. So I’ve been like this for 11 days.

I started on such a low dose because of an incident with Cytomel a couple of years ago and the doctor started me on way too much. I now know what that stuff can do to you, so I wanted to ease into it. This time taking the cytomel I’m fine - not a nervous wreak like I was last time, and am eager to raise the dose so I can start feeling better. But now this stomach issue. My T3 is in the basement. I need help.

I have acid reflux and take meds for it but it’s pretty much been under control till this. Is this aggravating it in some way. Shouldn't the addition of T3, which I desperately need, be helping my stomach?

Did anyone else have this and did it go away after your body became accustomed to it?

Or did you try switching to the brand name? Did it help?

Please help me if you can. Any input is greatly appreciated!!

[AJWS6]

I agree, bloating can be severly discomforting at times, even horrid.  I desired to stop taking my meds to, but didn't have a choice at the time, so searched for alternatives.  Don't forget to try tea as well, Peppermint tea does work well for digestive system.      

But if anyway possible try to stay on course with your treatments.  Contact your pcp or endo, bring the side effect to thier attention, see if you can switch brands, maybe try brand Cytomel.  Wishing you well.    

[Barb135]

Be careful with strawberries... certain foods affect us differently and strawberries cause me discomfort, not soothe my stomach... those little seeds on the outside and wreak havoc with some of us.

You can also try whole prunes - you get the added benefit of the fiber...

It's not a good idea to give up the med because of the bloating, because that doesn't help your hypo symptoms.  We tend to work around it to get the best of both worlds.

[zelkova]

Interesting! I'll pick up some prune juice and strawberries and start on them very slowly. Don't want to aggravate anything anymore than it is. I do appreciate your help.

You bloated whenever you changed your Levo dose - whether you increased or decreased the Levo you bloated? I was taking too much Levo awhile ago and went thru a week of reflux hell too. When I took the Cytomel and my stomach started that's the first thing I thought.... oh no, reflux hyper symptom (even though it's such a small dose), like before.

I gave up on the generic Cytomel yesterday morning after 11 days. My stomach was so uncomfortable I was up all last night. Tonight my stomach is finally getting back to normal.

I've said it before and I'll say it again...  What did we all do before the Internet came along?? We only had doctors to rely on and outdated library materials to try to find the answers in (not putting down libraries, love them). I do appreciate yours and everyone else's time you've all  taken to help me.

thanks, again

[AJWS6]

I had reflux issues prior to thyroid disorder, and once while I was hyper, for a few day's, then went away.  Yes, Levo was causing me to bloat, according to one of my past threads, took approx 3 weeks to subside, but then reoccur, appeared to cycle, specially during dosage change.  I began eating strawberries during phase of Levo, then a few months later, began prune juice.  The bloating issues stopped.  If you search my past post, you may find the answers.  I had bad bloating issues on Levo.  Levo has lactose, which causes bloating for lactose sensitve people.  

Here's one of my post about Levo bloating.  

http://www.medhelp.org/posts/Thyroid-Disorders/Levo-causing-bloating-/show/2013941#post_9508766

[zelkova]

Hi Are you saying your started having reflux/bloating when you started Levothyroixine? Would you please clarify... what exactly were your major issues with Levothyroixine and how did you resolve them? Was it just a matter of time and your body adjusted to it or is that when you started with the prune juice and strawberries?

I have a dr. appt. on Wednesday and will discuss trying the brand name Cytomel or possibly Armour w/Levothyroxine. All I know is I need to raise my T3 somehow and need to find a way to do it without the reflux.

Thanks again

[zelkova]

Thanks for your comments about relieving reflux/bloat. I'll definitely give them a try.

Thanks

[AJWS6]

I agree, peppermint tea works well for digestive system.  Wishing you well.

[Barb135]

I'm on the run this morning, but give peppermint oil pills or peppermint tea sweetened with honey a try... but only when you have the refulx...

You can try dandelion tea sweetened with a dab of honey for the bloating.

[AJWS6]

Medications bloat me easily, but strangely I didn't have any digestive issues with generic Cytomel.  But, did have major issues with Levothyroxine.    

What has work'd a charm for me, when I do have bloating issue is Prune juice.  Drink asmall cup daily, prior to eating.  Just make sure the prune juice is high quality.  Prune juice may or may not irritate reflux.    

Another symptom reliever is Strawberries.  Eat 3 to 5 strawberries daily.  Since I began using two methods, I haven't had any digestive bloating, probably reason I began generic cytomel in Dec, with no bloating issue.  

A few yrs ago, I had a very bad case of acid reflux.  I was put on Nexium, Prilosec, etc.... the reflux continued.  I stop eating acidic foods.  Keep track of what's causing the reflux, then eliminate.  Haven't had any reflux issue since.  

[zelkova]

Hi Barb

Yes, I'm sorry I didn't post the details. I should know better. We're actually smashing up the 5mcg tablet of Cytomel and dividing it up into 1/8s. I know it's not exact but I just wanted to get started on a very small dose. As I said, the first time the doctor put me on too much Cytomel and they had to pry me off the ceiling - literally. I just wanted to dip my toe in be sure that didn't happen again. I didn't think the inaccuracy would be a problem for just a few days.

I called the compounding lab and the smallest capsule they make is 2.5mcg

I am taking 100mcg of  Levothyroxine for the past 8 weeks or so. I increased the dose gradually of the past few months.

Tests from 1/14/15 (blood drawn after being on 100mcg Levothyroixine for 8 weeks)

TSH  2.14 (0.40-4.50)
Free T4  1.2 (0.8-1.8)
Free T3  2.4 (2.3-4.2)
T3 Total  63  (76-1.81)
Thyroglobulin Antibodies  2 (< or 1)
Thyroid Peroxidase  63 (<9)

So got the results and the doctor suggested Cytomel.

And yes, I do know about the not enough acid causing the problems and have experimented with getting off the reflux meds - using vinegar, natural supplements that are suppose to alleviate it, diet, etc. Haven't found anything to help it yet besides the prescription. As I said, it's not been much of a problem with the prescription, even while trying to balance the thyroid, until now with the Cytomel.

I appreciate your taking the time to answer. Let me know if you have any more questions that I haven't answered. Thanks!

[Barb135]

How are you getting such a low dose of cytomel?  Is it a compounded medication?  

Are you taking a T4 med with it?  If so, what med, what dosage? How long have you been on it?

Often, when we have acid reflux, we find that it's not because of too much acid, it's really because of not enough acid.  

Why don't you start by posting your actual thyroid hormone levels, with reference ranges, so we can see exactly what you have going on.  You should be getting tested periodically for Free T3, Free T4 and TSH.