Sore throat , mean I'm getting worse?

[jenniferk86]

So about 3 weeks ago I got my doctor to prescribe me 25 mg of levothyroxine based on my symptoms and the fact my  free t4 was a little low. He doesn't think I have a thyroid problem but agreed to do a medical trial. I feel a little better with my joint pain, and notice a littler more energy but I still feel horrible. Also since sunday I have had a sore scratchy dry throat and my hands have been turning  pale and blue and kind of numb. I have also been getting occasional blurred vision.  No flu or other cold symptoms. Could this mean my thyroid is getting worse or do you think its something else?

[Barb135]

I haven't read all of your posts, but I think it's an excellent idea to get the thyroid antibodies, if you haven't already had them done; make sure you get both TPOab and TGab.  

Also, ask for a throat swab - I didn't have strep, but it was a "cousin", and my voice was scratchy, etc.  I'm not saying this is what's wrong with you; I'm simply saying something on this order should be ruled out.  

If you feel that you may have a pituitary issue, by all means, ask to get it checked.  It would also be good to get a repeat of the TSH, FT4 and add an FT3.  You can't really get a full picture of what's going on without that.  

[jenniferk86]

I have a dr. appointment Fri and I will mention the sore throat and scratchy voice also the pale and blue cold hands.  I will request thyroid antibodies and a pituitary panel.  Hopefully he runs these, if not for an answer at least to eliminate the possibilities and narrow my search.  maybe it is just throat issues, I do have my tonsils removed so its hard for me to get strep, but not impossible.  My voice dissapearing is a little concerning to me, but maybe Im just yelling too much lol..

[Barb135]

While those can all be symptoms of hypothyroidism, none of them are totally specific to hypothyroidism, as there are many other conditions that can cause all of the same symptoms.

For instance, tightness in the throat or a sore throat can be just that........ a sore throat, as mine ended up being an acute infection that had nothing to do with my thyroid at all.  I often suffer from severe fatigue that has nothing to do with my thyroid; it's pernicious anemia, which can also cause quite a few of the symptoms listed above.  I also have several other symptoms that are attributable to other medical issues I have; I sure this would hold true for others,as well.........

While the STTM book has a lot of good information, it should by no means be taken as the sole authority on thyroid issues; in fact, there are some absolute misstatements on the website and in the book.  In addition, the advice found on the site and in the book is not necessarily for everyone.

[jenniferk86]

tsh 1.0   (.4-4.0)
free t4  0.8   (.8-1.8)

[Barb135]

Get your throat checked.  I recently had a sore throat that I put down to thyroid; however, since I already had a doctor appt for that day, I had him go ahead and check it.  Throat swab turned out to be an acute infection, related to strep; that was the only symptom of illness I had, and I know there's been some strange stuff going around in different parts of the country this winter.

Could also be from being hypo.  Could you post your latest thyroid levels?    

[jenniferk86]

Could you tell me how to find this list? Thank you

[yvih]

those symptoms are all on the list for hypothyroidism - along with MANY more.  i found the most complete list yet - 86 symptoms.  i personally have 51 of them at this time.