Aa
one year check....
It's been just over a year. No more thyroid and hopefully no more cancer.
I saw my endo and she is mostly pleased with my progress. Still not much for weight loss. Working out. I still get some tired, still get some coldness in the evenings.
Free T4 was 1.09
TSH was 1.99 and this is a range of between 1 and 3....ah ha, isn't that the newer scale? Maybe my endo is coming into the twenty first century..I thought that was a good number for TSH, but she wants it closer to the 1. Oh well.
But still no Free T3..."you'll convert" That's what they all say...
I get checked again in 8 weeks..
My reg dr biffed a test and forgot to do the thyroglobulin...so I will do that in 8 weeks also.
Upped my meds to 250 mcg from 225.
I saw my endo and she is mostly pleased with my progress. Still not much for weight loss. Working out. I still get some tired, still get some coldness in the evenings.
Free T4 was 1.09
TSH was 1.99 and this is a range of between 1 and 3....ah ha, isn't that the newer scale? Maybe my endo is coming into the twenty first century..I thought that was a good number for TSH, but she wants it closer to the 1. Oh well.
But still no Free T3..."you'll convert" That's what they all say...
I get checked again in 8 weeks..
My reg dr biffed a test and forgot to do the thyroglobulin...so I will do that in 8 weeks also.
Upped my meds to 250 mcg from 225.
I just had my 4 yr. check and my TSH is 0.2.My endo said this is great, as he wants me in the range of 0.1 to 0.5. The first 3 years I was kept suppressed around 0.1 but he is allowing my tsh to rise a bit. I don't get my free t3 checked because my doctor said it was not necessary, I think because of the TT.
Trish
Trish
That's a good idea. If you have a piece of paper in your hand that says your FT3 is too low, it's much harder to ignore your concerns...too bad you have to resort to that. I think you probably want to stay away from any endo known as a "nasty person"...that doesn't sound like fun to me. You might have to find a new doctor on your own (without a referral from your PCP). You can interview them over the phone and get an idea about their philosophy. Would your PCP order FT3 for you?
I had talked to my personal physician about finding someone else. They said the only other endo they ever worked with was just a nasty person and they refused to send anyone to him ever again...I need to just go to another dr altogether I guess and I just hate that, but I don't think I am getting what I need here either.
I may just try the lab at home thing..if it comes up so wrong, maybe they will all listen then.
I may just try the lab at home thing..if it comes up so wrong, maybe they will all listen then.
I think you should talk to your doctor. Elevated HR is a sign of overmedication. Yes, I had my PCP tell me that there was NO way that levo was affecting my HR...grrrr. She thought I'd have to be over the top of the FT3 and FT4 ranges for it to affect my heart. However, both my cardio and my endo sure recognize the connection.
I've heard people describe symptoms similar to yours as "having their head in a vise"??? I believe that's also associated with hyper/overmedicated.
I really think it's so important for you to have FT3 tested. Even if that means finding a new doctor. I know your FT4 is still a little on the low side, but some of us are quite happy there. The cross-over, hypo/hyper symtoms can be caused by an imbalance of FT3/FT4.
Is there any way you can find someone else?
I've heard people describe symptoms similar to yours as "having their head in a vise"??? I believe that's also associated with hyper/overmedicated.
I really think it's so important for you to have FT3 tested. Even if that means finding a new doctor. I know your FT4 is still a little on the low side, but some of us are quite happy there. The cross-over, hypo/hyper symtoms can be caused by an imbalance of FT3/FT4.
Is there any way you can find someone else?
When I feel like my heart is racing, it actually pops up to...well...anywhere from the high 90's to about 110 beats a minute it lasts 10-20 minutes...it happens regularly, but dr's don't think it could have anything to do with my synthroid...I've been thru that before...I love that they prescribe it but have no idea it causes side effects. Tonight I felt it change so I checked and it was 99 beats/min...It just feels like..well...I actually feel it. Usually, I don't...so when I start to feel it, I start to monitor it.
How do I know if it's brain fog or just being sleepy..I thought they were the same thing, but since you asked, when I get this ridiculously tired, there just seems to be a lot of pressure from about the end of my nose to my forehead and it's tight at the temples and I feel like someone has me in a sleep hold. My eyes want to close and I think I could actually sleep, but it also seems as though there is another me back in there observing and knowing...oh, you're doing that thing again. It's like I am totally aware that I am falling asleep. If I cold change out my head, we'd be fine as the rest of my body just seems to be waiting for me to wake up.
How do I know if it's brain fog or just being sleepy..I thought they were the same thing, but since you asked, when I get this ridiculously tired, there just seems to be a lot of pressure from about the end of my nose to my forehead and it's tight at the temples and I feel like someone has me in a sleep hold. My eyes want to close and I think I could actually sleep, but it also seems as though there is another me back in there observing and knowing...oh, you're doing that thing again. It's like I am totally aware that I am falling asleep. If I cold change out my head, we'd be fine as the rest of my body just seems to be waiting for me to wake up.
I had a TT 16yrs ago for graves/hyper/goiter. I did the RAI but ended up having to have a TT anway. It took me a year to get my level to where I guess where it needed to be, under 1.0. I was on 200mcg for 10 full years, but as I aged & started needing less. I went from 200 to 125 which is what I have been on for the last 3 yrs. My last TSH was .67. I never thought about the thigh/muscle pain coming from my medication. I guess when I have to go to the dr. for any reason I will ask to be retested. I only get my TSH levels tested from my regular PCP.
Is your heart really racing? Or just feels like it's racing? Rapid HR can be a symptom of overmedication, and you are taking a lot. Are you actually sleepy or is it brain fog? Brain fog can be associated with overmedication, too.
Hope you're feeling better by now.
Hope you're feeling better by now.
I have always taken my calcium away from my synthroid...
That's good news about the sun and the D and the cholesterol. We haven't been very warm here in the midwest lately.
I have something new today....I feel as though my heart is a bit racey and at the same time my head is fighting sleep in the most ridiculous manner...doesn't that seem to be all wrong? It's been about 15 to 20 minutes now. Any ideas?
That's good news about the sun and the D and the cholesterol. We haven't been very warm here in the midwest lately.
I have something new today....I feel as though my heart is a bit racey and at the same time my head is fighting sleep in the most ridiculous manner...doesn't that seem to be all wrong? It's been about 15 to 20 minutes now. Any ideas?
I think it's a really good idea that you're separating the other supplements you take. The water pills might very well be stopping absorption to some extent. Your meds might be getting flushed out with the water. Calcium is a big absorption inhibitor...you really have to be careful of the time placement of that one. Have you been taking these with your meds in the morning?
It is hard to o'd on D. The problem these days is that so many people think more is better, and when they start taking something, they can really go overboard and swallow massive doses. I like a more conservative approach, like yours, personally.
If you can do it without burning, the tanning is probably the best way to get your D. It only takes 20 minutes with just your face and forearms exposed to get all the D you need for a day. So, if you're whole body is exposed, it's only got to take a couple of minutes. That big orb in the sky ought to be contributing for free pretty soon! Do you know that the sun converts cholesterol to vitamin D? Added bennie.
It is hard to o'd on D. The problem these days is that so many people think more is better, and when they start taking something, they can really go overboard and swallow massive doses. I like a more conservative approach, like yours, personally.
If you can do it without burning, the tanning is probably the best way to get your D. It only takes 20 minutes with just your face and forearms exposed to get all the D you need for a day. So, if you're whole body is exposed, it's only got to take a couple of minutes. That big orb in the sky ought to be contributing for free pretty soon! Do you know that the sun converts cholesterol to vitamin D? Added bennie.
I have my meds in my purse with a reminder on my work calendar and on my phone. I'm going to try for noonish to take my meds. two of them are waterpills...don't really want to take those at night. I just added Geritol as a daily vitamin...taking 2000 of vitamin d, 1000 calcium, a fish oil tablet, 1000 vit c, a vitamin b thingy. I think that's most if it...I know I feel like I take a lot of pills that's for sure. : ) I upped the D because I tried tanning for a week and boy did I feel better. But I burned on the 3rd time at 10 minutes and just can't decide it is worth the money...also the skin cancer thing...So I thought I might be lacking in vitamin D (on the other hand it just felt wonderful to feel warmth all the way down in my bones) I read one of the hollywood dr's pamphlets that my father - in - law gets...a natural healer type of person and he said its basically very difficult to overdose on D. I try everything to keep from being so tired and it's weird that I suddenly seem to be getting worse instead of better for being so tired. You know it's bad if you want to go to sleep after a 5 hour power.
lol too hilarious...I need my coffee in the morning to get to work...I need my coffee in the afternoon to stay awake...then bed time comes and it's doo, dah, do dah....no sleep...
You and I are in much the same boat...surgeries 4/09 and 6/09, papillary cancer diagnosis (five tumors), RAI 7/09, but I am finally feeling pretty normal. My TSH at last count was .46, my Endo wants it under .01 (I have no thyroid, so he doesn't want my body to try to stimulate what I don't have...it might stimulate more cancer), so I still am kind of high, but he is keeping me there until after my thyrogen injection test in June. Then we will re-evaluate. If you are still tired and you weren't before your TT, then you might be too low. I would ask to be put on a higher dose. My Endo told me that a bit more wouldn't matter, but he added .0125 to my dose, it really made all the difference. Don't stop until you feel normal! I am now within 6 pounds of my pre-TT weight, it is not falling off, but very hard work is taking it off slowly. I had gained more than 20 pounds (after 20 I did not want to step on the scale...). At least now I can function without a cup or two of coffee in the afternoon, now if I have a cup of tea or coffee in the afternoon it is for a little lift rather than to be able to function without falling asleep. Good luck!
Judy - Pap Carcinoma
partial 4/09
TT 6/09
RAI 7/09
Judy - Pap Carcinoma
partial 4/09
TT 6/09
RAI 7/09
COMMUNITY LEADER
I used to live in IA, but I'm not sure what part of the state you are in -- anywhere near Iowa City or Des Moines? I'm sure there would be doctors in the larger cities that might be willing to test FT3.
I ran into the same thing with my former pcp; yep, he broke out in a cold sweat when I mentioned FT3. Luckily, I got sent to an ENT who then referred me to an endo; but you don't really need an endo, just someone willing to test the necessary components.
At any rate, I ended up being one of those that needs T3 replacement also because I wasn't converting properly.
Do your best to get that done. If you call another doctor's office, ask to speak to the nurse and ask if they test for FT3, FT4 and TSH each time they do blood work. If they don't, keep looking.
Good luck.
I ran into the same thing with my former pcp; yep, he broke out in a cold sweat when I mentioned FT3. Luckily, I got sent to an ENT who then referred me to an endo; but you don't really need an endo, just someone willing to test the necessary components.
At any rate, I ended up being one of those that needs T3 replacement also because I wasn't converting properly.
Do your best to get that done. If you call another doctor's office, ask to speak to the nurse and ask if they test for FT3, FT4 and TSH each time they do blood work. If they don't, keep looking.
Good luck.
I don't think the probelm is geographical. I live in the boonies in Oregon, and I have a great, well-informed endo...luck of the draw as I had very few choices. Many of them were just not taught to deal with T3 in med school (in fact, I think they were taught to be AFRAID of it). Of course, all the endos in a certain area are probably getting most of their input from the same sources...it's like Lowe's and Home Depot...they all carry the same stuff.
I don't know what other meds and supplements you take, but if you'd be comfortable taking them at night, I think that would be an excellent idea. Yes, we DO want to keep the gummi bears pristine, don't we...don't want to corrupt all that high fructose corn syrup!!!
I think any way you can get FT3 tested is worth the trouble (it is available on the net with no doctor's order, and results are sent to you). Of course, you can lead a horse to water, but if your doctor won't run FT3, he's probably also not going to be impressed with any results you might bring him. BUT, if you have evidence, he might just HAVE to pay attention? Also, yes, definitely talk to the internal meds doctor...if he's younger, he might have a different perspective since I do hear rumors that med schools are getting wiser about thyroid. Good luck with it all.
I don't know what other meds and supplements you take, but if you'd be comfortable taking them at night, I think that would be an excellent idea. Yes, we DO want to keep the gummi bears pristine, don't we...don't want to corrupt all that high fructose corn syrup!!!
I think any way you can get FT3 tested is worth the trouble (it is available on the net with no doctor's order, and results are sent to you). Of course, you can lead a horse to water, but if your doctor won't run FT3, he's probably also not going to be impressed with any results you might bring him. BUT, if you have evidence, he might just HAVE to pay attention? Also, yes, definitely talk to the internal meds doctor...if he's younger, he might have a different perspective since I do hear rumors that med schools are getting wiser about thyroid. Good luck with it all.
Yes, I did have a total thyroidectomy. And she just said that she wanted it at the lower end of the scale. She didn't really speak to cancer suppression, so that is one more thing that you have explained better than any drs.
I have talked to 6 drs in the last year and none here are inclined to check for free T3. I know that it seems that the midwest can be a bit backwards in comparison to some of the larger metropolitan areas, but we have drs from everywhere....what is the deal with Free T3? my original dr broke out in a cold sweat when I just mentioned it. I am serious about that.
Yes, I take my meds in the morning when I first wake up...I then go take a bath and get ready for work...It's almost an hour before I make myself and egg on toast. I do take my other meds at that time...I do not wait four hours as I am not in the same place all the time. I work in various areas of a large building. We make candy, so I would not be able to take my meds on the floor with me. Don't want a synthroid tablet end up in a gummi bear. But if that is an issue, maybe I could start taking those meds at night. I'd be more inclined to be consistent that way. And please be a mother hen. You make me feel very cared for. : )
I still get really really tired sometimes...It hits fast and hard. It's not all the time, but still a problem.
When I get my meds checked again in 8 weeks, I'll broach the subject again. We have a new internal meds dr in the area...maybe I should talk to him as well.
Thanks for your time. : ) : )
I have talked to 6 drs in the last year and none here are inclined to check for free T3. I know that it seems that the midwest can be a bit backwards in comparison to some of the larger metropolitan areas, but we have drs from everywhere....what is the deal with Free T3? my original dr broke out in a cold sweat when I just mentioned it. I am serious about that.
Yes, I take my meds in the morning when I first wake up...I then go take a bath and get ready for work...It's almost an hour before I make myself and egg on toast. I do take my other meds at that time...I do not wait four hours as I am not in the same place all the time. I work in various areas of a large building. We make candy, so I would not be able to take my meds on the floor with me. Don't want a synthroid tablet end up in a gummi bear. But if that is an issue, maybe I could start taking those meds at night. I'd be more inclined to be consistent that way. And please be a mother hen. You make me feel very cared for. : )
I still get really really tired sometimes...It hits fast and hard. It's not all the time, but still a problem.
When I get my meds checked again in 8 weeks, I'll broach the subject again. We have a new internal meds dr in the area...maybe I should talk to him as well.
Thanks for your time. : ) : )
That dose is definitely at the high end of the scale, but your FT4 is still quite low (I'd still like to see your range, but just guessing temporarily here). You probably won't see much difference from the increase for at least a couple of weeks as you seem to tolerate large doses of T4 well.
You had a total thyroidectomy, right, not a partial? I'm actually surprised that your doctor doesn't want your TSH to be even lower than 1. Usually, they want it very low (almost zero) for cancer suppression.
I think you really have to either convince your current doctor to do some more testing (FT3 absolutely) or find a new doctor. With such a high dose of T4, your FT4 should be higher than it is. You most likely need some T3 meds added in. Without FT3, you're just flying blind. I don't want to discourage you, but I think your doctor is being a bit irresponsible in not testing it. You just may NOT be converting. Just look at all the people who come to this forum because they're not converting properly.
You take your meds first thing in the morning, on an empty stomach, and don't eat for 1/2 to 1 hour after taking, correct? Separate all other meds and supplements from thyroid meds by four hours? I'm wondering about absorption issues...so, forgive me for being a mother hen.
Are all your other hypo symptoms gone except for the lack of weight loss and intolerance to cold?
You had a total thyroidectomy, right, not a partial? I'm actually surprised that your doctor doesn't want your TSH to be even lower than 1. Usually, they want it very low (almost zero) for cancer suppression.
I think you really have to either convince your current doctor to do some more testing (FT3 absolutely) or find a new doctor. With such a high dose of T4, your FT4 should be higher than it is. You most likely need some T3 meds added in. Without FT3, you're just flying blind. I don't want to discourage you, but I think your doctor is being a bit irresponsible in not testing it. You just may NOT be converting. Just look at all the people who come to this forum because they're not converting properly.
You take your meds first thing in the morning, on an empty stomach, and don't eat for 1/2 to 1 hour after taking, correct? Separate all other meds and supplements from thyroid meds by four hours? I'm wondering about absorption issues...so, forgive me for being a mother hen.
Are all your other hypo symptoms gone except for the lack of weight loss and intolerance to cold?
I didn't get the range on the Free t4..I'll call my lab and get that on Monday...Yes I'm on 250 mcg...two days now...Haven't really noticed any difference...It seems like a lot in comparison to what a lot of folks take. I keep expecting to go completely off my rocks.
Depending on the scan in October, we may be going to once a year for me and the endo. I'm thinking about looking for another regular dr as the one I like to go to is very difficult to get into.
Depending on the scan in October, we may be going to once a year for me and the endo. I'm thinking about looking for another regular dr as the one I like to go to is very difficult to get into.
Great to hear.
IMy 2 year check is end of June although dont think I will need it as had labs done for just about every disease known to man ...on Thursday lol, including tumour markers .
IMy 2 year check is end of June although dont think I will need it as had labs done for just about every disease known to man ...on Thursday lol, including tumour markers .
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