Question

[Liz94]

Is it always necessary to decrease your Synthroid dosage when you start Cytomel?  I'm on week 2 of the Cytomel but my doc did not have me decrease the Synthroid and feel kinda funky. My heart is pounding a little hard at times, my tongue is burning, and I feel very alert. Like a very heightened sense of "alert."  Should I call the doc or have I not given it enough time yet?

[Marez210]

Hi, what is the connection between teeth hurting and thyroid? My teeth sometimes ache a lot; I've always thought it was because I'm a grinder/clencher, but maybe it's thyroid-related?
Thanks!

[Liz94]

To Marez210, did you have RAI?  My dentist told me that having RAI does something to your teeth as it affects your salivary glands.  After my RAI my teeth ached horribly. I also think it has something to do with being a little on the hyper side. My dentist told me that he has seen numerous cases of gum and teeth issues several years down the road with people having RAI.  I'm 43 years old and got my first cavity 6 months after having RAI. I sufferered from bad dry mouth, sore tongue, canker sores, you name it. It's gotten better over time though.

To Goolarra,  Now I just don't know what to do. I really think I need to find an endo that is more informed on these issues.  I had a feeling today that I was telling him stuff he wasn't sure about. Like maybe tonight he may be doing some research. The trouble is that most endos around here specialize in diabetes. I'm torn because I hate to just switch to another doctor when this one has my history and knows me so well. I just have a feeling that I'll be diagnosing and treating myself.  Although, he is the one who actually found my cancer when two other doctors told me I was fine. If it weren't for him I don't know that I'd be alive right now. So, it's a tough situation to be in. Something has to change though. I can't go on damaging my body because of his ignorance. Gotta make some calls tomorrow and start shopping around. Ugh..

[goolarra]

Well, you don't have to totally abandon him if you're not comfortable with that.  There's nothing wrong with a second opinion.  I'm hoping he'll hit the books tonight...tell him to log in to the forum!  Sometimes I think those of us in small towns have it easier in some respects...endos at least seem to be "generalists" and not diabetes specialists.  You can "interview" potential endos over the phone (and probably through a nurse) before making an appointment...at least get an idea if their practive is 99% diabetes.  Another good question is which tests they regularly order for their thyroid patients and which therapies they're open to (T4 only, T3/T4 combos, dessicated).  It does weed them out somewhat.  I actually made up a multiple choice questionnaire and faxed it around.  It only took a few minutes of their time.  Just bothering to answer was a big plus...