Hypothyroidism - started meds and cannot sleep

[wb33]

Hello I am new. I went to the Dr thinking I had carpal tunnel and he sent me for blood test.  On March 14 a blood test revealed my TSH 477.30 and my Free T4 3.2 I was put Synthroid 150mcg and 4 weeks later I went back for blood test and my TSH was 8.5 and my Free T4 is now 19. I still have a lot of symptoms but now my big problem is I cannot sleep. I have no problem going to sleep but only sleep 2 hours at a time.  It takes forever to get back to sleep, I am so hot when I wake up, I feel like I am on fire yet I am not sweating. The Dr kept me on the same dose of meds and I have to go back the end of May to repeat the blood test. Does anybody have any solution to help me cope with the long nights. This lack of sleep is effecting my job and my home life.

[goolarra]

You might also ask him to test antibodies.  Hashi's is an autoimmune disease and the most prevalent cause of hypo in the developed world.  If you have Hashi's, you will know that your thyroid will continue to degenerate until there is no function left.  TPOab (thyroid peroxidase antibodies) and TGab (thyroglobulin antibodies) are the two markers for Hashi's.  You have to test both since some of us are positive for one, some the other and some both.

Typically, people are started out on a lower dose than 150 mcg.  If you're over 50, have been hypo for more than a few months or have a history of heart arrhythmia, the starting dose should be much lower.  Suddenly hitting your body with all those hormones can cause hyper-like symptoms.  

Have you had a thyroid ultrasound?

May 20th is almost a month away.  Your FT4 looks to be pretty high (although without range I can't say how high).  Are you sure you want to put up with these symptoms that long?  Being hyper (overmedicated) is both uncomfortable and really not good for your body.  

[wb33]

I wrote down my result for my Free T4 but not the range I will get that next month when I go see the DR. I asked about T3 and he told me it wasn't necessary but after reading everything on this site, I am going to make sure I get tested as well. The only 2 things he has on my blood work paper is TSH and Free T4. If there is anything else I should have done, let me know and I will make sure it gets added to the test. I go again on May 20.

[wb33]

Still getting headaches, no energy,  the normal aches in joints and muscles but my hands are no longer cramping and falling asleep and my skin is finally starting to look less dry and I dropped about 30lbs in the last 5 weeks but  I think that was mostly fluid. This is the first time in years that I can actually diet and see results. I have a lot more weight to lose.I was surprised after reading this forum that they started me on 150mcg and not a lower dose. I guess I thought after 6 weeks I would feel a little better instead by the time I am done work and get home, I can hardly think straight.  

[goolarra]

I agree, and what's the reference range on your FT4?  Ranges vary lab to lab, so you have to post both together.  Has your FT3 been tested?  

[Red_Star]

Your TSH is not corresponding well to the level of thyroid hormones you have. Sounds to me like you might be overmedicating. What are your other symptoms?