Getting Started

[ForeverMe]

3 months ago I had a thyroid test done. All I know about it is it was a blood draw and came back with "very low tyroid". I was put on Levothyroxin  88mcg per day. After a couple weeks on Levo I noticed my calves and ankles were very swollen after work. I figured it would go away after awhile on the meds if that is what was causing it. I have now been on the Levothyroxin for 2 full months and my legs are still swelling. They are very tight and hurt by mid-day and any pressure (like pushing on them for a second) will leave a small dent for a few seconds and fill back in.

I went to my Dr today and told her about the swelling. She said that thyroid will NOT cause that at all and it must be something else. Rather then investigate what else could cause it she said I could stop taking the Levo and if it goes away then we know its the problem but that she is sure that is NOT the cause of swelling. She said I really need to be on the meds because my thyroid is "very very low".

I think I need to find a new doctor. She is very cold and doesn't listen at all. Where do I start? Do I just find any other local Dr and start over?  This is very overwhelming to me. :(

[peggy64]

Hi, I can relate as well, Not with the swelling, but other symptoms. I started out on armour, but it had its side effects as well.  

It is extremely difficult to deal with this disease, because the meds aren't that great for some of us. I don't understand how some can take the synthroid and are just fine, and it causes problems for others of us.

I really wish I could tell you it gets better, and I hope it does as I have only been on the synthroid for about 3 weeks.  I am hoping that as my system gets used to it, the side effects will wear off. I know it is hard to be patient when all you want is to feel better, get a good night sleep, not be so tired all the time. I am hoping and praying that that is coming. I just need to work on the patient part.

I hope you get some relief soon............Peggy

[KJ19]

Hi! I kind of relate with what's happening to you. My doc isn't cold, but she's a family doc and not a specialist. When I was first put on Levo I had some very bad side effects, and was sure it was the meds. She switched me over to the brand name, Synthroid. My symptoms about the thyroid were getting better, but my GI system was still really messed up. I went back and saw a male doc, and he too suggested I go off the meds as my thryoid level was "barely low". I don't thing the general docs understand just how life changing even a small fluncuation in our thyroid levels affect our lives! I've since learned I'm suffering from IBS, but I'm going to make an appt. with a doc that specializes in the thyroid to find out everything I can. If you can, I'd try to do that...see a specialist. If not, then yes, try a different doc. You don't need a doc who doesn't seem to care!