Synthroid causing bad chest pains

[AJWS6]

Hi, I was doing really well after TT a few years ago, but the past 6 months, I've been feeling horrid !!!!!  3 blood labs my TSH stays at 18 (.34-5.6) has not come down at all for 6 months.  Meds were increased from 162 to 175 to 200 to 225.  TSH still 18 so doc increased to 275, last week.  My TSH is not coming down.  My FT3 and FT4 always in normal range.  FT3 2.97 (2.54-3.9) and FT4 .82 (.57-1.64), for past few years my TSH/FT3/FT4 stays the same.  It all began in Mar 2017, my TSH increased.  I'm having bad symptoms, chest pains, high blood pressure, nervous condition, shaking, headaches, insomnia, etc......  Visit ER 4 times, was admitted overnight for chest pains, heart monitor/stress test normal.  I've also lost 20 lbs.  

I noticed if I don't take any Synthroid for 3-4 day's my symptoms start to calm down.  I think my body is having a reaction to Synthroid or med is not working.  Doctors will not listen.    

And my body does not like FT3 above 2.7, reason I know is I kept track over the years, using tracker.    

Heading to urgent care now, soon as I finish this question.  If anyone has any ideas, truly appreciated.  Thanks.        

[Barb135]

Hi AJ... It has been a while; I'm sorry to hear you're not doing well.

If your current FT3 is 2.97, as in your original post, that doesn't seem so much higher than the 2.7 you say seems to be optimal, but I guess it could be high enough to tip the scale for you.

Are you still being treated by the VA?  I thought, at one time, you'd been able to get an outside doctor?  If that's the case, can you get a different one that will pay more attention to your symptoms than to TSH?

Another thing is that many people don't do well on Synthroid...I'm not sure if it has to do with the acacia in the tablets or another filler/binder.  I didn't do well on Synthroid, either... If they want you on a brand name, ask if you can try Levoxyl.  Most people do well on Levoxyl.

Even though your A1c is in the "normal" range, is it high normal?  Do you monitor daily blood glucose levels and keep them well stabilized?  Have you maintained your normal diet?  I'm just asking so we can rule your diabetes out as a cause for the weight loss.

[AJWS6]

Hi Barb, yes unfortunately I had to return to VA, ran out of pocket finances, physicians/medications fees.  

Unfortunately, only med VA carries is brand Synthroid now.  I'd have to go outside VA again.  Don't really have a choice, need to try something else, I'll ask civilian doc about Levoxyl.    

Yes, think my last A1c was like 6.7, it was under 7.  My A1c has been in normal range for past 1.5 years.  I've never had any symptoms from diabetes.  I'll return to update what 2nd physician say's outside VA.  Maybe helpful to others.  Thanks for all your assistance.  Take care friend.      

[Barb135]

You might just be one of those that can't tolerate higher levels of thyroid hormones.  We've had a couple other members who had the same issues.

Since you've kept track over the years, at what levels have you actually felt the best?

How recent is the 20 lb weight loss?  That could be, either, over medication from thyroid hormones or a diabetic reaction.  Both can have similar effects.  Are you diabetic?  If so, is it well controlled?

[AJWS6]

I've lost 20lbs approx 2 months.  

[AJWS6]

Hi Barb, so good to see you friend, been a long time.  Hope all is well in your life.  Yes, I am type II diabetic but A1c in normal range.  I was doing really well on 162 dose, approx 1.5 years, then 6 months ago, my TSH jumps to 18 hasn't come back down.  6 months straight at 18.  The more my meds are increased the worse my symptoms get.  My body likes low FT3, 2.4-2.7, regardless of TSH.  I tried a million times to explain this to doctors.  But, they keep dosing me on TSH.  

Every time I stop taking my meds for a few day's the symptoms calm or stop.  But, then I have to continue taking meds, not to mess up blood lab results.

I don't know what to do ???  Last time I felt normal I was taking generic 162.  Now I'm taking brand Synthroid, starting 6 months ago, reason I believe med is the problem.  

My TSH show hypo, but all my symptoms are hyper, chest pains, nervous, shaking, sweating, heart palps, high bp, intolerance to heat, I'm constantly burning up !!!  Feels like I'm sitting in an oven.  

ER no help at all, your not dying, make appt with primary.