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Request Suggestions and/or Support for Hypothryroid
Jan 06 I had my thyroid gland removed due to cancer. I am currently on 150mcg of synthoid but continue to have very cold feet (have them on a heating pad at night), cold hands (not as bad as my feet), brain fog, trouble keeping my train of thought, depression, nervousness, and mood swings (highs and lows), irritability, and my period has started changing its arrival date again. This is causing me anxiety in social situations. Test results ordered from my doctor come back as negative for menopause. I am looking for suggestions and/or support.
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I to had my thyroid removed ;weight gain, fog head, mood changes,mences.no energy,sorry I miss the tremors at least I felt alive,haven"t been myself in a year! t4-1,00/tsh 0.52
Hi Cathy,
Don't know if I can help but I'll give it a try.
Fasting may be required for thyroglobulin test. Usually you will be asked to refrain from eating and sometimes drinking overnight. Medications that may interfere with correct results will be monitored or discontinued until after the test.
Normal levels for thyroglobulin:
0 - 34 ug/L for patients who still have their thyroid gland and
0 - 3 ug/L for patients following surgical removal and thyroid ablation
T3 and T4 - Canada will have different Lab reference range than US and beings I'm in the US, I have no clue as to Canada's ranges. Probably the same with thyroglobulin, I'm not sure, but I posted the ranges above anyway.
If you get a copy of your results with Labs reference range and post them, we'll try to figure them out.
Side effects from cytomel can be adverse reactions other than those indicative of hyperthyroidism (like those to which you are experiencing - if you are getting jumpy and excited) because of therapeutic ovserdosage, either initially or during the maintenance period ....
In rare instances, allergic skin reactions have been reported with Cytomel (liothyronine sodium) Tablets. its normally from the fillers and binders in the pill.
Drug interactions - Oral Anticoagulants:
Read more here: http://www.rxlist.com/cgi/generic3/liothyronine_ad.htm &
http://www.rxcarecanada.com/Cytomel.asp
Cytomel with T-4 in correct doses to each other is easier to regulate levels than with Armour. If it were me, I'd stay with cytomel, unless I get adverse reactions from it.
Good Luck!
Don't know if I can help but I'll give it a try.
Fasting may be required for thyroglobulin test. Usually you will be asked to refrain from eating and sometimes drinking overnight. Medications that may interfere with correct results will be monitored or discontinued until after the test.
Normal levels for thyroglobulin:
0 - 34 ug/L for patients who still have their thyroid gland and
0 - 3 ug/L for patients following surgical removal and thyroid ablation
T3 and T4 - Canada will have different Lab reference range than US and beings I'm in the US, I have no clue as to Canada's ranges. Probably the same with thyroglobulin, I'm not sure, but I posted the ranges above anyway.
If you get a copy of your results with Labs reference range and post them, we'll try to figure them out.
Side effects from cytomel can be adverse reactions other than those indicative of hyperthyroidism (like those to which you are experiencing - if you are getting jumpy and excited) because of therapeutic ovserdosage, either initially or during the maintenance period ....
In rare instances, allergic skin reactions have been reported with Cytomel (liothyronine sodium) Tablets. its normally from the fillers and binders in the pill.
Drug interactions - Oral Anticoagulants:
Read more here: http://www.rxlist.com/cgi/generic3/liothyronine_ad.htm &
http://www.rxcarecanada.com/Cytomel.asp
Cytomel with T-4 in correct doses to each other is easier to regulate levels than with Armour. If it were me, I'd stay with cytomel, unless I get adverse reactions from it.
Good Luck!
Cathy,
I'm sending this to GravesLady as she is the goddess of labs - I'm not, just been through the cancer and surgeries. Hopefully she can give you some info.
Please keep us posted!!
I'm sending this to GravesLady as she is the goddess of labs - I'm not, just been through the cancer and surgeries. Hopefully she can give you some info.
Please keep us posted!!
It sounds like you've been very proactive getting your thyroid out despite the inconclusive fine needle biopsy. Way to go!
As for the different brands of synthetic thyroid (Synthroid, etc.) try them (under your doctor's orders) until you find the one that's right for you. We have a generic here called levothyroxine that works beautifully for many but not for my family. We have to use Synthroid or nothing.
You're going to be fine. The best way to learn about this stuff is to ask as many questions as possible and have some serious heart-to-heard, educated discussions with your doctor. Unfortunately we all become experts by experiencing it.
Do you know the dosage of your RAI? Many times we have to go through multiple doses to kill all the thyroid tissue. My sister (as I mentioned) went through three doses finally having 150mci for her final dose. I've been through one dose at 100mci but will probably need another one this summer (my papillary carcinoma recurred). Our hospital didn't hospitalize us, just forbid us to be around anyone.
Here are some web sites that I have found useful. Maybe there will be something in them that may lead you to discussions with your doctors.
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/thyroid-cancer/DS00492
http://www.endocrineweb.com/
http://www.cumc.columbia.edu/dept/thyroid/
http://www.thyca.org/
I'm glad that you are doing so well and are such a fighter. Yeah, it's difficult not to feel you are losing your mind but you aren't - you're just dealing with a messed up endocrine system. Let us know about your outcome tomorrow!
Hey, post away, that's what we are here for.
As for the different brands of synthetic thyroid (Synthroid, etc.) try them (under your doctor's orders) until you find the one that's right for you. We have a generic here called levothyroxine that works beautifully for many but not for my family. We have to use Synthroid or nothing.
You're going to be fine. The best way to learn about this stuff is to ask as many questions as possible and have some serious heart-to-heard, educated discussions with your doctor. Unfortunately we all become experts by experiencing it.
Do you know the dosage of your RAI? Many times we have to go through multiple doses to kill all the thyroid tissue. My sister (as I mentioned) went through three doses finally having 150mci for her final dose. I've been through one dose at 100mci but will probably need another one this summer (my papillary carcinoma recurred). Our hospital didn't hospitalize us, just forbid us to be around anyone.
Here are some web sites that I have found useful. Maybe there will be something in them that may lead you to discussions with your doctors.
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/thyroid-cancer/DS00492
http://www.endocrineweb.com/
http://www.cumc.columbia.edu/dept/thyroid/
http://www.thyca.org/
I'm glad that you are doing so well and are such a fighter. Yeah, it's difficult not to feel you are losing your mind but you aren't - you're just dealing with a messed up endocrine system. Let us know about your outcome tomorrow!
Hey, post away, that's what we are here for.
Thanks utahmomma.
I did the blood workup this morning; however, I was told by the lab, for the first time, that I must fast for the thyroglobulin test? I've never done that before. I have to go back tomorrow and get that one done.
Are there any side effects from cytomel?
I'm finding also that I get quite jumpy at times and easily excitable (to the point, unless I keep myself well aware, that I can get quite 'high')--a lot more lately...will be interesting to see if the labs come up 'normal?' I will let you know.
Cathy
I did the blood workup this morning; however, I was told by the lab, for the first time, that I must fast for the thyroglobulin test? I've never done that before. I have to go back tomorrow and get that one done.
Are there any side effects from cytomel?
I'm finding also that I get quite jumpy at times and easily excitable (to the point, unless I keep myself well aware, that I can get quite 'high')--a lot more lately...will be interesting to see if the labs come up 'normal?' I will let you know.
Cathy
Thankyou to all for your support and the wonderful welcome!
I am new to this forum and live in Vancouver BC Canada. I had hurthle cell carcinoma, a 3.5 c.m. lump on the right side. Yes, I had RAI this past February and am currently seeing an Oncologist. We were scheduled to do the labs in early January, but I am going this Wednesday because I do not feel right. I will let you know the results.
Questions for you: I understand that even when the labs come in o.k. (I'm on hormone repressive therapy to prevent cancer reoccurence, so my TSH must be below zero) that does not reflect how I feel? What are the normal levels for thyroglobulin, T3, and T4? I am wondering if switching to Armor might help (if available in Canada) me feel better??
I'm just starting to do research on Cytomel, it is a form of T3?
I am also noticing that my heart can race from time to time as well as skip beats...is this normal? Having your period change is also normal? My PMS has also gotten a lot worse since the thyroidectomy. Sorry for so many questions...sometimes I feel like I am going a little crazy?
I would appreciate your comments.
Cat
I am new to this forum and live in Vancouver BC Canada. I had hurthle cell carcinoma, a 3.5 c.m. lump on the right side. Yes, I had RAI this past February and am currently seeing an Oncologist. We were scheduled to do the labs in early January, but I am going this Wednesday because I do not feel right. I will let you know the results.
Questions for you: I understand that even when the labs come in o.k. (I'm on hormone repressive therapy to prevent cancer reoccurence, so my TSH must be below zero) that does not reflect how I feel? What are the normal levels for thyroglobulin, T3, and T4? I am wondering if switching to Armor might help (if available in Canada) me feel better??
I'm just starting to do research on Cytomel, it is a form of T3?
I am also noticing that my heart can race from time to time as well as skip beats...is this normal? Having your period change is also normal? My PMS has also gotten a lot worse since the thyroidectomy. Sorry for so many questions...sometimes I feel like I am going a little crazy?
I would appreciate your comments.
Cat
A lot of us on this site have interesting symptoms that seem to run in a cluster: thyroid problems, ovarian cysts (PCOS), diabetes, and irritable bowel problems. Strange, eh? The thyroid, ovaries, and pancreas all tie into the endocrine system and the IBS can too (and it can also be caused by the stress from incompetent doctors who think we are nuts).
Most of us on here have had doctors that think this is all in our heads. And, yes, many of us have wanted to strangle them. Know what? WHO CARES what your family doctor thinks? If he/she can't realize that you have been through CANCER and have ovarian cysts (painful!!!) and this is NOT something you are creating for attention then fire him/her and get a new doctor. You'd be surprised how many of us here have had to fire a doctor or ten. :-)
Oh, on the I-131 versus I-111: You will still need the I-131 to destroy any remaining thyroid tissue in your body, wherever it may be (you'd be surprised where it can wander off to) but to see if your Hurthle cells have metastized, the I-111 is what is recommended. Cool, eh? Two types of radiation. Aren't you lucky. (At least they don't recommend Polonium 210! Sorry, sick joke since I was going through RAI when the Russian spy was poisoned.)
Most of us on here have had doctors that think this is all in our heads. And, yes, many of us have wanted to strangle them. Know what? WHO CARES what your family doctor thinks? If he/she can't realize that you have been through CANCER and have ovarian cysts (painful!!!) and this is NOT something you are creating for attention then fire him/her and get a new doctor. You'd be surprised how many of us here have had to fire a doctor or ten. :-)
Oh, on the I-131 versus I-111: You will still need the I-131 to destroy any remaining thyroid tissue in your body, wherever it may be (you'd be surprised where it can wander off to) but to see if your Hurthle cells have metastized, the I-111 is what is recommended. Cool, eh? Two types of radiation. Aren't you lucky. (At least they don't recommend Polonium 210! Sorry, sick joke since I was going through RAI when the Russian spy was poisoned.)
Hey Cat,
Wow - sorry about the diagnosis but it sounds like you are a fighter! There are others here who are MUCH better at the labs than I however, I just went through RAI (3 years past TT for papillary carcinoma) and have a HUGE family history of thyroid cancer so that's where I'm coming from.
I'm curious about your RAI nearly a year ago. My sister had Stage II papillary carcinoma and went through three courses of RAI within about 16 months. She did have lymph node involvement but I'm trying to understand your course of treatment.
Did you get a pathology report for your H
Wow - sorry about the diagnosis but it sounds like you are a fighter! There are others here who are MUCH better at the labs than I however, I just went through RAI (3 years past TT for papillary carcinoma) and have a HUGE family history of thyroid cancer so that's where I'm coming from.
I'm curious about your RAI nearly a year ago. My sister had Stage II papillary carcinoma and went through three courses of RAI within about 16 months. She did have lymph node involvement but I'm trying to understand your course of treatment.
Did you get a pathology report for your H
Some further comments: I was told the RAI and the oral radiation was sufficient to kill off any remaining cancer cells.
I really want to thank everyone here for their help and insight. Despite still feeling a bit crazy, I am doing much better from your help! Thankyou so much.
It appears I need to be more proactive with this--including the request to try Cytomel with my synthoid.
Cat
I really want to thank everyone here for their help and insight. Despite still feeling a bit crazy, I am doing much better from your help! Thankyou so much.
It appears I need to be more proactive with this--including the request to try Cytomel with my synthoid.
Cat
I surely do hope that your Labs to be done in January is not the first test done (?)
Each Lab has different methods of testing and Canada is way different than US. So next time you have thyroid blood test done, including thyroglobulin, get copies of the result and Labs reference range.
Cytomel is Synthetic T3
Suppressed levels can cause heart issues among other health issues, but the chance of cancer reappearing is worth the issues, just let your doctor know everything you are experiencing.
Having periods change can be normal for some and again I suggest letting your doctor know and maybe have it checked out if warranted to make sure its not something else causing the change.
Get copy of test results with Labs range(s) and keep us posted.
Good Luck!
Each Lab has different methods of testing and Canada is way different than US. So next time you have thyroid blood test done, including thyroglobulin, get copies of the result and Labs reference range.
Cytomel is Synthetic T3
Suppressed levels can cause heart issues among other health issues, but the chance of cancer reappearing is worth the issues, just let your doctor know everything you are experiencing.
Having periods change can be normal for some and again I suggest letting your doctor know and maybe have it checked out if warranted to make sure its not something else causing the change.
Get copy of test results with Labs range(s) and keep us posted.
Good Luck!
Cat,
Here is an article you might want to review with your doctor. It's a medical article so much of it is quite technical. One significant thing though is that this article indicates that Hurthle cells do not respond to I-131 (the typical RAI) but can be identified with I-111. http://www.med.harvard.edu/JPNM/TF99_00/Nov23/WriteUp.html
Sorry, I'm sure this is all pretty overwhelming - especially with brain fog. :-) Hang in there and post to us, that's what we are all here for!
Here is an article you might want to review with your doctor. It's a medical article so much of it is quite technical. One significant thing though is that this article indicates that Hurthle cells do not respond to I-131 (the typical RAI) but can be identified with I-111. http://www.med.harvard.edu/JPNM/TF99_00/Nov23/WriteUp.html
Sorry, I'm sure this is all pretty overwhelming - especially with brain fog. :-) Hang in there and post to us, that's what we are all here for!
Good Morning. Thanks again for all your help and normalizing my situation. As I am off to work I will respond more fully later. I also have two small ovarian cysts, have not got the ultrasound results back yet, but am wondering if this could also be influencing how I am feeling? Sometimes I get the impression that my family doctor feels a lot of this stuff is mostly in my head...interesting.
I went through RAI in Feb 06, had oral radiation (a small pill) outside of hospital, but was told to stay away from pregnant women and children for three days. I was told by my Oncologist that was all I needed. I then started my synthroid at 100 mcg and we have been attempting to "tweek" the dosage since then. I have never heard of the 111 test or any others this group has spoken of. Can you tell me more about them?
A little of my history: I had a fine needle biopsy in late Aug of 05, it was inconclusive but the surgeon said there was nothing to worry about--but I was extremely ill from hyperthryoidism. I had my first surgery November 30/05 which removed the right side of the gland. The hurthle cell cancer was found from the biopsy. Despite being no lumps on the left side, standard procedure was to remove it (Jan 3/06) and no more cancer was found.
I checked today: we do have access to Cytomel here in Canada and another drug El Troxin which is similar to synthroid. The pharmacist said she was unsure if I would feel any better with using a different brand. Have you heard about this drug?
A little of my history: I had a fine needle biopsy in late Aug of 05, it was inconclusive but the surgeon said there was nothing to worry about--but I was extremely ill from hyperthryoidism. I had my first surgery November 30/05 which removed the right side of the gland. The hurthle cell cancer was found from the biopsy. Despite being no lumps on the left side, standard procedure was to remove it (Jan 3/06) and no more cancer was found.
I checked today: we do have access to Cytomel here in Canada and another drug El Troxin which is similar to synthroid. The pharmacist said she was unsure if I would feel any better with using a different brand. Have you heard about this drug?
I've had cold feet/hands all my life and when they are cold my whole body is cold. That is why I never went into winter activities but rather summer activities.
My feet are so cold I wear three pairs of socks, slippers have 1/2 inch thick rubber soles and furry inside. Yet my feet are so cold they hurt, especially my toes. I wear socks to bed with flannel sheets and electric blanket (year round). I also wear cloth garden gloves that I cut out top of fingers and wear when on the computer. I drink at least three cups of coffee in the AM, unless I can soak my feet in it, it doesn't do my feet any good. Although, holding the hot cup helps with hands. Also taking a hot shower/bath and putting on socks right after seems to help. I think some of us are just prone to being cold. There are other health conditions that cold hand and feet are one of the symptoms, however beings I have been this way all my life I think its just me and the way my system is. Although they seem to be colder now (without being in the snow).
Antidepressants helps a lot of us to deal with our depression, nervousness, mood swings and irritability. This issues comes with the territory of thyroid and other health issues as well. Antidepressants can help us get over the hump and of the rough spots until we feel healthy again.
Hypothyroidism can effect our periods. However once at the correct thyroid levels for you, it should straighten out (with time).
If you had a full blood and urine work-up and everything is ok, then it is a matter of levels being at where you feel your best. Remember, it takes time to heal, for many, years and we can't expect to be 100%, 100% of the time. After all, healthy people have their off days too.
Good Luck - Feel Better Soon.
Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!
My feet are so cold I wear three pairs of socks, slippers have 1/2 inch thick rubber soles and furry inside. Yet my feet are so cold they hurt, especially my toes. I wear socks to bed with flannel sheets and electric blanket (year round). I also wear cloth garden gloves that I cut out top of fingers and wear when on the computer. I drink at least three cups of coffee in the AM, unless I can soak my feet in it, it doesn't do my feet any good. Although, holding the hot cup helps with hands. Also taking a hot shower/bath and putting on socks right after seems to help. I think some of us are just prone to being cold. There are other health conditions that cold hand and feet are one of the symptoms, however beings I have been this way all my life I think its just me and the way my system is. Although they seem to be colder now (without being in the snow).
Antidepressants helps a lot of us to deal with our depression, nervousness, mood swings and irritability. This issues comes with the territory of thyroid and other health issues as well. Antidepressants can help us get over the hump and of the rough spots until we feel healthy again.
Hypothyroidism can effect our periods. However once at the correct thyroid levels for you, it should straighten out (with time).
If you had a full blood and urine work-up and everything is ok, then it is a matter of levels being at where you feel your best. Remember, it takes time to heal, for many, years and we can't expect to be 100%, 100% of the time. After all, healthy people have their off days too.
Good Luck - Feel Better Soon.
Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!
Merry Christmas!! I had the same problem until my doctor added Cytomel (T3) to my daily regiment. I am currently on Synthroid 150mcg and Cytomel 25mcg. Also, I'm not sure if you are currently a coffee drinker, but the caffeine seems to be the cure for cold feet. I just had a cup and I'm sweating to death. One more thing, I take my Synthroid at 5:30 am and Cytomel around 7am on an empty stomach. If you guys are taking any birth control pills or anything with estrogen, this should be taken at night. It hinders the absorption of the Synthroid and you're not getting a full dose. I feel like a new person now that meds are getting stabilized. Be patient, to find the right dose for you might take a little while. Good luck.
Welcome to the forum and a BIG welcome as a thyroid cancer survivor!
Do you have a copy of your labs (with ranges) you could post? There are some great people here with lots of experience. Your labs with reference ranges will help them give you a better answer.
There are also many of us in the same situation. Did you also have RAI (radio-iodine treatment) after your cancer surgery? I have a similar situation (I'm on 200mcg Synthroid) and can't seem to warm up - unless I'm having a thyroid hot flash. :-)
Welcome, happy holidays, and I'm sure you will get some great information if you can send the labs.
Do you have a copy of your labs (with ranges) you could post? There are some great people here with lots of experience. Your labs with reference ranges will help them give you a better answer.
There are also many of us in the same situation. Did you also have RAI (radio-iodine treatment) after your cancer surgery? I have a similar situation (I'm on 200mcg Synthroid) and can't seem to warm up - unless I'm having a thyroid hot flash. :-)
Welcome, happy holidays, and I'm sure you will get some great information if you can send the labs.
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