Aa
Medication Routine
Due to thyroid cancer my thyroid was removed 11 mo. ago. I am on 137 mcg Synthyroid and doctor assures me I am doing well. However, now and then I have questions and wonder how others are dealing with the same thing.
After taking Synthroid in the mornings, my stomach feels very, very empty even after I have my no fiber breakfast.
Also I was experiencing a strange sensation in my upper abdomen and don't know what could be causing that. I do have a small hiatal hernia and take Prevacid. Prevacid could interfere with Synthroid so have begun taking that after supper in the evenings so that there is a lot of time between the two meds.
My question is has anyone experienced stomach problems after being on Synthroid for a few months?
If anyone is taking Synthroid and Prevacid, how do you schedule it?
After taking Synthroid in the mornings, my stomach feels very, very empty even after I have my no fiber breakfast.
Also I was experiencing a strange sensation in my upper abdomen and don't know what could be causing that. I do have a small hiatal hernia and take Prevacid. Prevacid could interfere with Synthroid so have begun taking that after supper in the evenings so that there is a lot of time between the two meds.
My question is has anyone experienced stomach problems after being on Synthroid for a few months?
If anyone is taking Synthroid and Prevacid, how do you schedule it?
For three days now, I have been taking the Prevacid around midnight (5-6 hrs prior to Synthroid) and have eliminated the gnawing stomach situation.
I don't think the nawing feeling is because of a stomach issue...It happens within 1/2 hour of taking my synthroid and I haven't eaten or taken anything else....and yes it does last for a good part of the day...Synthroid can cause a lot of weird symptoms...not necessarily bad things...just weird..
Before my thyroid was removed...I'd stop taking the synthroid and feel way better. Now I don't have a thyroid (thyca) and I don't have that option.
I also have difficulty getting dr's to listen to me about FT3...I have been to 4 now. I read all of the things that you folks talk about and it seems so important....why do the dr's not get it?
Before my thyroid was removed...I'd stop taking the synthroid and feel way better. Now I don't have a thyroid (thyca) and I don't have that option.
I also have difficulty getting dr's to listen to me about FT3...I have been to 4 now. I read all of the things that you folks talk about and it seems so important....why do the dr's not get it?
Thanks for the education.
My 40 year old son had his thyroid removed due to cancer, prior to my having it done.
He takes 137 mcg Synthroid and 5 units of Cytomel. He has had a much harder time adjusting but finally feels well again. It has taken over a year to find the right combination of meds for him.
My 40 year old son had his thyroid removed due to cancer, prior to my having it done.
He takes 137 mcg Synthroid and 5 units of Cytomel. He has had a much harder time adjusting but finally feels well again. It has taken over a year to find the right combination of meds for him.
By a T3 source I meant a med like Armour, Nature-throid, Westhroid, or Thyrolar which are combo T4/T3 meds at a ratio of approx. 4/1 of T4/T3. The first three are natural, that is they are dessicated form animal sources. Thyrolar is a synthetic T4/T3 combo med.
The other widely known source of T3 is Cytomel, which is all T3.
Regardless of the source, you need to get some T3 hormone into your daily medication.
The other widely known source of T3 is Cytomel, which is all T3.
Regardless of the source, you need to get some T3 hormone into your daily medication.
This is what I mean, I have to do much studying up on this subject. I do not know what a T3 source would be. Up until now, I have let the doctor be completely in charge.
However, I do what to try moving some meds around for awhile before presenting to the Endo any suggestions.
However, I do what to try moving some meds around for awhile before presenting to the Endo any suggestions.
Are you going to pursue getting a T3 source added to your medications? With your symptoms and your FT3 being low in the range, I firmly believe that would be beneficial to you.
GP seems to think it is a gastro problem and suggested experimenting more with the prevacid.
I wonder if it would work to take the Synthroid at night so I can take Prevacid first thing in the morning prior to eating. Just as long as I am within 4 hrs. of calcium and fiber intake, I think that is the only requirement regarding Synthroid.
I wonder if it would work to take the Synthroid at night so I can take Prevacid first thing in the morning prior to eating. Just as long as I am within 4 hrs. of calcium and fiber intake, I think that is the only requirement regarding Synthroid.
I am off to my GP this morning to see what she has to say about the stomach problem.
After than will schedule the Thorax CT and go from there. Taking the Prevacid at night isn't working for me. One think I do notice is that this stomach sensation seems to be after taking the Synthroid first thing in morning and last pretty much most of the morning.
After than will schedule the Thorax CT and go from there. Taking the Prevacid at night isn't working for me. One think I do notice is that this stomach sensation seems to be after taking the Synthroid first thing in morning and last pretty much most of the morning.
The low FT3 you have could be why you feel so bad. I would be a walking acid bomb if I was that low.
Your lab's range is very close to what I see a lot. So, the suggestions for adding in a med source of T3 is very valid. You can find lots of links that will suggest that patients need FT3 to be tested and adjusted into the upper part of its range. Many doctor resist this. In case your doctor has questions, here is a copy of an email that I have sent to the Amer. Thyroid Assn. twice. Amazingly I have had no response. It explains why I am certain that the ref. ranges for the "Frees" need to be adjusted, like was done for TSH 6 years ago. From my background in statistical analysis, I think the range for FT3 should probably be about 3.2-4.3 pg/ml.
For info, I had to go through much the same situation. I changed from Synthroid only to Synthroid plus Armour. My FT3 is now 3.5 and FT4 is 1.04 and I have gone from continuing to have some hypo symptoms to feeling the best ever. Still tweaking the dose slightly.
email to ATA
After having gone through years of not being treated for hypothyroidism, because my TSH was 4.97 and thus "normal", I was very pleased to note that the AACE had finally recognized that the range was incorrectly determined. After removing some suspect hypo patients' data, and recalculating the range, they recommended it be lowered and narrowed to .3-3.0. Six years after this recommendation, why is it that most labs and doctors still do not recognize the change and still use the old range? Since doctors also over-rely on TSH as the gold standard for thyroid testing, multitudes of hypo patients are still being told they are "normal" and do not get treated. Is the ATA doing anything to encourage the medical community to change this practice? If so, why is it taking so long?
My second concern is that doctors predominantly rely on TSH in determining a patient's thyroid status. Why is this, since TSH is a pituitary hormone that is affected by so many variables, including even the time of day when tested? Why not promote more widespread use of the actual thyroid hormones that are biologically active (FT3 and FT4) and that largely regulate metabolism and many other body functions? From studies I have seen and much personal experience, TSH does not even correlate very well at all with hypo symptoms. The test that has been shown to correlate best with hypo symptoms is free T3. Yet there are very few doctors that order a FT3 test as a matter of course, and some that refuse to order one at all.
When FT3 and FT4 are tested, the ranges are so broad that patients with overt hypo symptoms will usually still fall in the lower end of the current range. As a result they are also told they are "normal" and receive no treatment. Why haven"t the reference ranges for FT3 and FT4 been corrected like TSH, to exclude suspect hypo patients? If this were done, these ranges would likewise be raised and narrowed, comparable to the new range for TSH. I'm sure that some would say that the range is just a reference range, that as you approach the lower end of the range, that the probability of being hypo goes up and that in those cases, doctors look further to determine if medication is advisable. I agree that this should be the case but I assure you it isn't. Labs and doctors interpret results within the reference range as "normal" and don't want to go any further. As a result of all this the above misunderstanding and misapplication, millions of patients go untreated and remain miserable with their hypo symptoms.
Is the ATA doing anything to raise the awareness of these problems among the medical community so that we hypo patients can look forward to some positive changes? If you are not, then I cannot imagine any other organization that could do the work necessary to coordinate changing the awful mess that exists in the area of diagnosis and treatment of thyroid patients. Your response will be greatly appreciated.
For info, I had to go through much the same situation. I changed from Synthroid only to Synthroid plus Armour. My FT3 is now 3.5 and FT4 is 1.04 and I have gone from continuing to have some hypo symptoms to feeling the best ever. Still tweaking the dose slightly.
email to ATA
After having gone through years of not being treated for hypothyroidism, because my TSH was 4.97 and thus "normal", I was very pleased to note that the AACE had finally recognized that the range was incorrectly determined. After removing some suspect hypo patients' data, and recalculating the range, they recommended it be lowered and narrowed to .3-3.0. Six years after this recommendation, why is it that most labs and doctors still do not recognize the change and still use the old range? Since doctors also over-rely on TSH as the gold standard for thyroid testing, multitudes of hypo patients are still being told they are "normal" and do not get treated. Is the ATA doing anything to encourage the medical community to change this practice? If so, why is it taking so long?
My second concern is that doctors predominantly rely on TSH in determining a patient's thyroid status. Why is this, since TSH is a pituitary hormone that is affected by so many variables, including even the time of day when tested? Why not promote more widespread use of the actual thyroid hormones that are biologically active (FT3 and FT4) and that largely regulate metabolism and many other body functions? From studies I have seen and much personal experience, TSH does not even correlate very well at all with hypo symptoms. The test that has been shown to correlate best with hypo symptoms is free T3. Yet there are very few doctors that order a FT3 test as a matter of course, and some that refuse to order one at all.
When FT3 and FT4 are tested, the ranges are so broad that patients with overt hypo symptoms will usually still fall in the lower end of the current range. As a result they are also told they are "normal" and receive no treatment. Why haven"t the reference ranges for FT3 and FT4 been corrected like TSH, to exclude suspect hypo patients? If this were done, these ranges would likewise be raised and narrowed, comparable to the new range for TSH. I'm sure that some would say that the range is just a reference range, that as you approach the lower end of the range, that the probability of being hypo goes up and that in those cases, doctors look further to determine if medication is advisable. I agree that this should be the case but I assure you it isn't. Labs and doctors interpret results within the reference range as "normal" and don't want to go any further. As a result of all this the above misunderstanding and misapplication, millions of patients go untreated and remain miserable with their hypo symptoms.
Is the ATA doing anything to raise the awareness of these problems among the medical community so that we hypo patients can look forward to some positive changes? If you are not, then I cannot imagine any other organization that could do the work necessary to coordinate changing the awful mess that exists in the area of diagnosis and treatment of thyroid patients. Your response will be greatly appreciated.
I can see that I need to do alot of reading before understanding what all these readings mean.
My lab range for Free T3 is (2.4-4.2)
It seems like my Endo's intention is "this is the way it is, do what I say"
I also think she is waiting for the results of a Thorax CT and Injection and Whole Body Scan Results. However, I do not plan to do the scan until after the holidays. I will be seeing my GP regarding the GERD on Thurs. and will go from there. OF course, once I mention a problem, a whole bunch of tests will be ordered so it could be days before I know anything more.
Other than the morning gnawing stomach sensation, I feel fine. Well except for the wgt. struggle and joint pain which also comes with advancing age. I have been struggling with wgt. for 20 plus years and always thought it was because I quit smoking. However, now I realize it might have started happening way back when I started Synthroid originally.
My lab range for Free T3 is (2.4-4.2)
It seems like my Endo's intention is "this is the way it is, do what I say"
I also think she is waiting for the results of a Thorax CT and Injection and Whole Body Scan Results. However, I do not plan to do the scan until after the holidays. I will be seeing my GP regarding the GERD on Thurs. and will go from there. OF course, once I mention a problem, a whole bunch of tests will be ordered so it could be days before I know anything more.
Other than the morning gnawing stomach sensation, I feel fine. Well except for the wgt. struggle and joint pain which also comes with advancing age. I have been struggling with wgt. for 20 plus years and always thought it was because I quit smoking. However, now I realize it might have started happening way back when I started Synthroid originally.
Raising the FT3 levels in a hypothyroid patient does many things including ridding the acid reflex and indigestion.
Also it suppress the markers
Also it suppress the markers
Don't know what reference range is used by your lab, but if close to same as mine, then that FT3 result, along with your symptoms, indicates to me that you are still hypo.
Again, assuming that your lab's ranges are close to what I am familiar with, then to me your symptoms and test results indicate the need for T3 in your meds., as I mentioned previously.
If you have the reference ranges, please post them, so I can stop assuming everything. How receptive will your doctor be to treating your symptoms by adjusting your FT3 and FT4 levels with whatever meds are required to alleviate symptoms?
Again, assuming that your lab's ranges are close to what I am familiar with, then to me your symptoms and test results indicate the need for T3 in your meds., as I mentioned previously.
If you have the reference ranges, please post them, so I can stop assuming everything. How receptive will your doctor be to treating your symptoms by adjusting your FT3 and FT4 levels with whatever meds are required to alleviate symptoms?
Before discarding the possibility of it being hypo related, I would insist on being tested for free T3 as well . FT3 is four times as active as FT4 and FT3 correlates best with hypo symptoms. If your FT3 is in the lower half of its reference range, that might be an indicator of the need to add in some T3 type meds, especially if you have any other hypo type symptoms.. Also a good idea to always get a copy of the test results and reference ranges, which are shown on the lab report. Doctors are required to give you a copy upon your request.
My FREE T4 was 1.3, TSH 0.27
Something the doctor referred to as a "marker" was less than 0.2 I did not understand what she was talking about and neglected to ask for a copy of the blood report.
She was happy and does not plan to make any changes.
After the holidays, I will spend 4 days preparing for injections and body scan.
I do have an appointment with GP regarding the GERD and Prevacid. I used to be on 30 units but for the last couple years it has been 15. Let's hope that is what is causing the problem. What is strange to me, is why this has developed suddenly.
It has been 11 months since starting the 137 mcg Thyroid and I was on 100 mcg for many years prior to that.
I apologies if this is a duplication----had trouble with operator error..
Something the doctor referred to as a "marker" was less than 0.2 I did not understand what she was talking about and neglected to ask for a copy of the blood report.
She was happy and does not plan to make any changes.
After the holidays, I will spend 4 days preparing for injections and body scan.
I do have an appointment with GP regarding the GERD and Prevacid. I used to be on 30 units but for the last couple years it has been 15. Let's hope that is what is causing the problem. What is strange to me, is why this has developed suddenly.
It has been 11 months since starting the 137 mcg Thyroid and I was on 100 mcg for many years prior to that.
I apologies if this is a duplication----had trouble with operator error..
Just happened to read your posts and the responses. I wondered if you have tried increasing your dose of Prevacid? Don't know what dosage you are taking, but I have had to take 20 mg of Prilosec for years. A year ago I went through some thyroid meds changes and went from very mild hypo to very hypo. All of a sudden acid reflux was very bad again. My doctor said it was fine to double my dosage of Prilosec and the problem was eliminated.
Just coincidentally with my Prilosec change, I switched to Armour thyroid, in order to get my FT3 levels up and eliminate my lingering hypo symptoms. In a day and a half my acid reflux was gone. After doing some reading about hypothyroidism and its effect on acid reflux, I was very curious to know whether the improvement was due to the added Prilosec, or the effect of the T3 on my hypo condition. So I went back to once a day for Prilosec, and still had no acid reflux problem.
So all this made me wonder if you are really doing well as far as thyroid, or not. Could you please post the test results and reference ranges used by your lab, so that we can try to assess your thyroid state? In the interim, is it possible that you could get some relief by increasing your Prevacid dosage?
Just coincidentally with my Prilosec change, I switched to Armour thyroid, in order to get my FT3 levels up and eliminate my lingering hypo symptoms. In a day and a half my acid reflux was gone. After doing some reading about hypothyroidism and its effect on acid reflux, I was very curious to know whether the improvement was due to the added Prilosec, or the effect of the T3 on my hypo condition. So I went back to once a day for Prilosec, and still had no acid reflux problem.
So all this made me wonder if you are really doing well as far as thyroid, or not. Could you please post the test results and reference ranges used by your lab, so that we can try to assess your thyroid state? In the interim, is it possible that you could get some relief by increasing your Prevacid dosage?
I just remembered I used to get the same feeling when I was taking an anti-inflammatory for many years. After several doctor's visits I was changed to a different brand and boila! no more tummy upset! (Funny how you remember things later!)
It could well be in your interest to change brands of the Prevacid. Or go and get a gastric view done. (Not pleasant by the way, entails swallowing a long tube with a camera attached, through the nostril!) It could be that you might have an ulcer. This is checked by doing a breath test for Helibactor Pylori. Easily treatable if it is that.
It could well be in your interest to change brands of the Prevacid. Or go and get a gastric view done. (Not pleasant by the way, entails swallowing a long tube with a camera attached, through the nostril!) It could be that you might have an ulcer. This is checked by doing a breath test for Helibactor Pylori. Easily treatable if it is that.
I get the same exact feeling very empty and a really weird feeling at about the diaphram area....sometimes it feels as though it's just almost painful. I get very shaky after that, then I get emotional, then my muscles go to rock hard and extremely painful...
The emptiness in the morning? I used to eat Cheerios every morning and I just can't any more....I feel as though I will starve within a couple of hours. An english muffin with an egg and some cheese and I can usually get thru the morning. So you might try more protein....stay away from the soy...that really messes with me anyway... : ) I still get really shaky and weak sometimes....today I have been quite emotional...have no idea why....it's like I'm all over the place....emotions....weaknesses....blah blah blah....
The emptiness in the morning? I used to eat Cheerios every morning and I just can't any more....I feel as though I will starve within a couple of hours. An english muffin with an egg and some cheese and I can usually get thru the morning. So you might try more protein....stay away from the soy...that really messes with me anyway... : ) I still get really shaky and weak sometimes....today I have been quite emotional...have no idea why....it's like I'm all over the place....emotions....weaknesses....blah blah blah....
Whatever is going on has started after taking Synthyroid and Prevacid for many years.
I don't think this is going to work taking the Prevacid at night after supper because I am experiencing reflux during the day. Maybe I should try taking it in the very early morning hours like 4 hrs. prior to Synthroid. It seems like something is happening in my stomach or upper ab shortly after taking Synthroid and drinking a cup of coffee. It is not releaved by eating and seems to stay with me most of the morning before stopping.
I don't think this is going to work taking the Prevacid at night after supper because I am experiencing reflux during the day. Maybe I should try taking it in the very early morning hours like 4 hrs. prior to Synthroid. It seems like something is happening in my stomach or upper ab shortly after taking Synthroid and drinking a cup of coffee. It is not releaved by eating and seems to stay with me most of the morning before stopping.
Are you taking any add'l calcium during the day? Sometimes that can cause stomach issues. I find that I need to wait at least 45-60 minutes after I take my Synthroid in the AM before I can eat. If I eat sooner rather than later I get stomach pain. It's mild but it's there. I also had some reactions to the fillers/dyes in Synthroid. I take 75mg a day; now I take 1 50 mg and cut the other in 1/2. The 50 mg Synthroid is dye free and has less fillers. Definately look into other alternatives to Prevacid. I had terrible acid reflux last year and it took a while to find the med that didn't cause side effects. For me Prevacid caused stomach upset and shakiness. Good luck.
I had taken Synthroid (100 mcg) and Prevacid at the same time for 30 years and probably should not have been. Since discovery of cancer and operation, I have been taking the Prevacid 2-4 hrs after Synthroid 137 mcg).
Due to the stomach problem, have started taking Prevacid at night.....so far not much difference. Something has developed with my system within the last couple of months and I do have an appointment to see my GP incase there is a new problem started.
I have felt nauceous after the synthroid now and then. Maybe an attempt to eat sooner after taking it would be a good start. Thanks
Due to the stomach problem, have started taking Prevacid at night.....so far not much difference. Something has developed with my system within the last couple of months and I do have an appointment to see my GP incase there is a new problem started.
I have felt nauceous after the synthroid now and then. Maybe an attempt to eat sooner after taking it would be a good start. Thanks
I don't get that feeling but I do get quite nauseous if I don't eat after an hour after taking my thyroid meds. I too had my thyroid removed. It may well be the Prevacid causing the sensation rather than the Synthroid. Is it possible to change brands of the Prevacid? Sometimes the fillers or other ingredients can cause tummy upsets.
It may be the Synthroid and maybe you might need to change that to a different brand also. Just some food for thought, oh! Pardon the pun!
Cheers!
It may be the Synthroid and maybe you might need to change that to a different brand also. Just some food for thought, oh! Pardon the pun!
Cheers!
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