Heart palpitations

[Sgfoth]

I have had Hoshimotos for 14 years and have always known when my TSH levels are up because I get palpitations. I was recently referred to an Endocrinologist for the first time, because my GP did not know what to do anymore. The endo has told me that my palpitations are absolutely NOT caused from my thyroid, and that there is something wrong with my heart. I have had all the cardio work ups known to man, and there is nothing wrong, but the endo will not listen to me.  My levels were 9.76 two weeks ago and I amfeeling worse every day. I am on 100 mcg Levo, and he refuses to increase it until I have waited 6 weeks and get my levels checked again. He also said it is totally unnecessary to check t3t4.  It has only been a little over 2 weeks. My TSH levels can rise and fall in a matter of a week, and my medical records prove it but he will not listen to me. I am ata the end of my rope. Ant suggestions?

[Sgfoth]

I did not tell you the whole story, I just kind of summarized. I was on 100 in April when all this started and was increased to 115. I was getting too much so it was reduced back to 100, then to 88 and i was stll having problems so was sent to the endo because my dr did not know what else to do. Instead of listening to me, he just increased it to 100 again, so i am right back where i started. It has been a roller coaster. Aug. 8 my TSH was 3.37 and Aug 28 when I saw endo it was 9.76. Is it possible to find the level of meds right for me and stay there?

[Barb135]

Well, in all fairness, it's true that the increase might not help a lot, because it may not have enough of an increase;  it's also true than an increase in med won't take full effect for approximately 4-6 weeks, so retesting sooner than that; it's typical to retest in approximately 6 weeks.

My main reason for advising you to get a new doctor is that he's only testing TSH and that's telling you nothing.  You absolutely need the FT3 and FT4. You also need a doctor who will recognize that symptoms can "cross over" and apply to either/both hyper and hypo.  

I'm sending you a PM...

[Sgfoth]

I just got an email from the nurse at my endo office. This is exactly what she said: " here is a message from Dr. --------'
We increased her LT4 just slightly. It may not give her any improvement in how she feels and if it does it takes weeks and months." Your TSH can be checked again on 10/16, this is 2 months from dose change."  This is what I am dealing with.

[Sgfoth]

I am in the Madison WI area. Thanks for your help!

[gimel]

I totally agree with Barb.  If you will give us your location in Wisconsin, perhaps a member can recommend a good thyroid doctor for you.  

[Barb135]

"I am ata (sic) the end of my rope. Ant (sic) suggestions?"   Find a new doctor asap...

"My TSH levels can rise and fall in a matter of a week, and my medical records prove it".... you don't need medical records to prove that TSH can rise/fall within a week... TSH can fluctuate as much as 75% within the same day!!

You need to find a doctor who will test FT3 and FT4 "every time" you have blood work, as well as be sympathetic to symptoms.  TSH is a pituitary hormone and is an indicator, at best; it should never be used as the sole basis for diagnosing or increasing/decreasing thyroid medication.

Palpitations/pounding heart beats are very common symptoms of hypothyroidism.  Had them, myself...

Your current endo will keep you ill for a long time.