Help!

[Ashley923]

I am calling out for help! I was diagnosed 2 years ago with thyroid cancer and had it removed and then proceeded with radioactive iodine treatment. Since then I have been on 200mcg of Synthroid, lowered to 175mcg, and then again lowered to 150mcg. I was still having mixed symptoms of depression, anxiety, horrible nightmears and night sweats, and feelings of being too tired or feeling as though I have adrenaline running through my body. I had never had these symptoms until 2 years ago and my life has been a nightmare ever since. I found a doctor who put me on Armour thyroid 90 and I took it for two days and felt very emotional. Now I am on 150 mcg of Synthroid and 5mg of Cytomel mixed and I feel like I have so much tension in my body I don't know what to do with it. I am also very fuzzy headed and feel sometime like a third person. I have been to a few doctors who don't seem to understand how I feel. Does anyone have any advice? Thanks!

Ashley

[nissah46]

I don't think they oppose using pig parts totally, just not for thyroid replacement.

[Smilerdeb]

Pigs keep people like me alive......valve replacements for the heart.

Your Oncologist and Endo need to do their homework.
Ask a Cardiologist what a pigs valve means and he will tell you ....LIFE.
I guess they have their reasons like many Doctors for their beliefs.
I was just curious.

Most wont prescribe Armour due to the high level of T3 which is sometimes hard to regulate compared to Cytomel...that and the fact that anyone with heart issues shouldnt be on it.
They are the only reasons I know of.

[nissah46]

I went to a forum on thyroid cancer which happened to be hosted by my radiation oncologist and endocrinologist. They will not prescribe armour, saying it is only natural if you are a pig.  That's all I know.  

[stella5349]

I have to agree with Deb - Natural thyroid is just a certain form of hypothyroid treatment. Having cancer of the thyoid does not make any certain treatment not recommended or advised.

Armour thyroid is fine - regardless of if you had cancer or not. Most endos will not utilize the T3/T4 meds - regardless of condition. That most likely is the reason - not b/c their was cancer.

Going back  to the post. I am sorry you are having such a rough time. It seems very common for people to have years go by after a TT or RAI and have these issues. So many people state they feel fine and then things change.

I think it has to do with stability setting in after surgery or RAI or both.

I do not see any labs posted here and that could tell a whole lot of why you are miserable. Your FT4 and FT3 may not be balanced properly to suit you.

It also seems that many - after a removal can be depleted in a variety of minerals and vitamins.

Commonly, these are

Vit B
magnesium
iodine
Vit C
Vit D

bieng depleted in those - could be an issue for you too.

[Smilerdeb]

This is the first time I have heard that Armour is no good if you have had thyroid cancer in the past.
Armour is a natural hormone.
Why is it not suitable for ex-cancer sufferers?

Sorry...not being rude but just curious.

[nissah46]

Hi Ashley, the symptoms you describe are felt by a lot of people taking thyroid medication.  Does your cancer clinic have a wellness centre where you can perhaps discuss what you have been through.  A cancer diagnosis is a big deal.  Do you have an endocrinologist who knows about thyroid cancer.  Armour is not recommended for us who have had thyroid cancer.  Good luck.
Trish