Need advice

[che74]

I have had my thyroid removed about 11 years ago and have since gained over 200 lbs. My family doctor does not understand my symptoms and treats me for the side effects and not the cause which is an extremely hypothyroid condition (levels are nearly undetectable) I am now seeing a endocronologist but still have all the side effects. I am currently on synthyroid 300mcg a day. I cannot sleep, I am tired all the time, I can barely exercise without feeling like I am dying and I get migraines all the time. I also have muscle spasms, joint pain, and I am extremely cold all of the time. I have been on both Armour and Synthyroid over the years and my levels have never been normal. I am not sure what to do but I need my health back under control. Please hellp.

[stella5349]

Please post your recent labs. Everything they did.

[Barb135]

Oh - I meant to ask what "side effects" are you referring to?

[Barb135]

What thyroid tests are being done on a regular basis?  You should be getting TSH, Free T3 and Free T4 tested, at least every 6 weeks until levels are adjusted to alleviate symptoms.

If your doctor is testing only TSH, s/he will keep you very ill, because you don't know what the actual thyroid hormone levels (FT3 and FT4) are.  

Being on that high a dose of synthroid, and still having symptoms, leads me to believe that you may not be converting the FT4 to FT3 adequately.  If this is the case, you would need to add a source of T3 medication.  Of course, we can only know this for sure once we see actual lab results.

Please post whatever thyroid labs you have and be sure to include reference ranges, which vary lab to lab and must come from your own report.  That will give members the opportunity to better assess your situation and make suggestions.