Calcium/Cytomel

[shannon828]

Hey there.  I've been having the calcium tingles for the last few days that subside when I take a bunch of calcium/Vitamin D.  Question is- how am I supposed to take both Cytomel and Calcium?  Literature says not to take within 4 hours of eachother, but I figure I still have natural hormone in my body so getting my Calcium up is probably more important, right?  When I wake up I take my 1/2 Cytomel (6am) and then if I wait until 10am to take Calcium, then I can't take Cyto again until 2pm and then Calcium at 6pm, but by 3pm today I was tingling again.  Arg.  I did NOT want to be part of the 30% who have calcium issues after surgery.  Darn you parathyroids, wake up!!!

[Thypatient]

Of course, I’d let the dr know where you’re at…

Personally, I make the med for hormones a priority.  But on the other hand this calcium stuff really tanked me.

Can you take more calcium at lesser intervals?  I know with me it does sustain itself in my bones and blood for longer than I’d thought (like the half-life is longer, maybe?).  That could give you more space for your other med.

[shannon828]

Thanks everyone for your answers.  I will likely talk to my surgeon in the next few days regarding my path report, so I'll mention it again.  Last we spoke he said that unless I am getting cramps in my legs or having difficulty opening and closing my hands just to keep taking the supplementary calcium with vitamin D.  It's actually OK now, but in the afternoon is when it starts getting odd.  The problem is that since I'm on Cytomel I don't think I can take at night since it's faster acting...I'm hoping that my Endo puts me on the Synthroid/Cytomel combo that is working great for my friend with Graves.  I guess there is testing involved with that to determine whether your body converts T4 to T3 effectively before they do the double dose, right?

[katekos]

I am also taking calcium and Vit D (Calcitriol) along with levoxyl.  Had TT in January and have been on calcium 3x a day and Calcitriol 2x a day - It was difficult finding a good time to get all the meds in b/c of that whole 4 hour window you're supposed to have in between so I started taking Levoxyl at night right before bed - so far it seems to be fine but I can't wait to see the day that I don't have to take the extra pills.  In my opinion and what I do is if I have any sort of tingling I deal with the calcium issues first and foremost b/c I think that can get out of control quicker than my thyroid levels so if I have to pop a tums (that's what I take if I need a little more calcium) and it's only been an hour or two between levoxyl and calcium then that's what I have to do.  Anyway, I hope your parathyroid(s) kicks back in quickly for you!

[pep88]

I am post surgery now 7 months and still having tingling or "asleep" feeling in my hands & feet.  About 3 months post surgery, I was diagnosed Vit D deficient and my calcium levels were borderline.  If I don't take the calcium with vit D, I have problems still today.  I'm not sure at all if this is totally a parathyroid issue (as my surgeon didn't have any problems with the disruption of my parathyroids).  It would seem to me that thyroid and calcium/vit D in your body have a symbiotic relationship of some sort.  I had calcium issues before having my thyroid removed and just didn't really pay enough attention to it.  Just as I didn't know or pay attention to the fact that I was tired all the time, and broke a bone in my foot that one doctor told me was impossible to break.  Somehow, I think those two things are so closely entertwined that the removal of the thyroid seems to spin the calcium and Vit D out of control.  Just my two cents...

[beruck]

I don't know anything about the parathyroid issue, but I have Hashimoto's hypothyroidism. I get mild tingling in my feet (which also seems to coincide with slight restless leg syndrome and mild neuritis in one arm) and I find that a Calcium/Magnesium combination (1:1 ratio) eliminates the symptoms within a couple hours -- a fabulous discovery for me. I have no idea whether the Magnesium thing applies in your case, but since calcium can have negative effects if not properly balanced with Magnesium, might be worth looking into.

[nissah46]

Not to scare you, but pay attention to the calcium levels.  You're right, the parathyroids are likely stunned and may take a while to kick in.  In the meantime you don't want to let your calcium levels get too low

[KelDC]

I have no answer to your question, but I just wanted to say I'm sorry you're having trouble with calcium. That really stinks, for lack of a more eloquent expression. I hope your doctor is able to offer you some good advice.  

[tm514]

The reason you shouldn't take the two near each other is becuase the calcium absorbs the Cytomel and keeps your body from properly benefitting from the medication.  Something about the calcium bonding to the thyroid med.  So, you probably aren't hurting your benefit from the calcium, but aren't getting full benefit from the Cytomel.   Down the road, you'll want to take vitamins at least 4 hours away from the time  you take your thyroid med.

Like the others said, it might be a good idea to call your doctor and ask.  The calcium thing isn't something you want to get away on you.

Hope you feel better soon.

[shannon828]

Well, my surgeon said that my parathyroids were not damaged during surgery, but they must be in a state of being stunned due to the removal of the thyroid.  He suggested taking calcium with Vitamin D and that has helped, but it keeps coming back.  I'm not sure if because I took the Calcium an hour after the Cytomel that it's counteracting and I'm not getting the Calcium in my blood.  Good grief.  My surgeon called to check up on me today, but I was feeling fine earlier and now the darn tingles are back :(

[dscoochie]

I have had some light tingles, on my face and my left leg.  To be honest, I dont know if this is stress or lack of calcium because my surgeon said the chance to parathyroid damage with a partial thyroidectomy is really small.

I havent taken any tums or thyroid meds.

I will tell you that my surgeon did not prescribe any thyroid meds, because he said I will have enough in my system for the few weeks (just as you said) until I see him and blood work is done.

I'm not sure which is more important, thyroid meds or calcium.  I'm sure someone else will post a better answer for you.

[MKlacza]

Call you Dr and they will tell you what should come first. I mean if your body is in need of the Calcium, that might come first! If I cant get a hold of my Dr or RN, I call my pharmacist and he is Fabulous!!!! I think I prefer his advice sometimes ove rmy Dr!! :) But I am a good girl and ALWAYS listen to my dr too!!