Hypo and Hurting

[juliva]

Hi everyone. I was wondering if anyone could tell me what works best for hurting legs, hips, feet, toes and hands? I've gone just a bit hypo a tad TF4 1.2 TF3 287 TSH 1.03 I had half my thyroid removed 9-30-09 I am non Hasti's. I was level for about 4 months about a year out after surgery but then dropped two months after they switched me from a generic drug Levothyroxine to synthroid. I was surprised I had dropped I thought I'd be better regulated switching over to name brand?  I'm hurting so badly I've had to cut back on everything I do. The Endo upped my Synthyroid about 3 weeks ago but I'm still hurting it hurts to walk. Can upping the synthroid cause this or is it likely just being hypo? I've wondered if I should call my Endo? I can't believe how the slightest changes in my blood levels can cause such symptoms. I felt good when my TSH level was down near 0 but I think that has something to do with only having half a gland left. Your comments are greatly appreciated!

[annamae26]

hope you feel better really soon-  funny i had a big problem when i switched from brand to generic. i felt awful for weeks and i had to stay with the generic. but i did start to feel better -i was at my wits end with it and then all of a sudden it got better.i agree about the cytomel it may help get your ft3 up, it helped me but then i got too high and had to cut it for a while. good luck to you

[goolarra]

I had some minor surgery at the beginning of the year, and, thanks, yes, it seems to have helped a lot with the pain.  

[juliva]

Hopefully, what ever was causing you pain in 2009 it's behind you now! It is so easy to blame the thyroid especially if symptoms are the same. It can get pretty frustrating at times.

Thanks for taking the time to share your knowledge with me you always give me hope!

[goolarra]

I sympathize, believe me.  I was in pain for most of 2009, off and on, but virtually every day (not thyroid related - do you believe that???!!!).  It just gets OLD.  You get both literally and figuratively tired from being in pain.  I think you hit the nail on the head...you do lose your tolerance.  You just start to feel like "here we go again...".

[juliva]

Thanks goolarra, I've often wondered about the Cytomel. I haven't complained to much to my Endo but I got a feeling I'm about to.

I can't help wonder if " Persons" who have had their thyroids removed or partially removed if they don't become more sensitive to S/S when they go hypo? I'm really beginning to wonder.. maybe it's just been a long year and I've lost my tolerance. LOl!

[goolarra]

Yes, labs usually come back before symptoms go away.  Your FT4 didn't drop too badly...just down from 1.4 to 1.3.  However, your FT3 took quite a dive, from 327 to 287.  Have you and/or your doctor considered adding a bit of Cytomel to your Synthroid?  Your FT4 is midrange, which is good, but your FT3 is in the lower third of its range...target for this is upper half to upper third, but also depending on the individual, of course.  

Well, the argument in favor of brand name drugs is that they are more "consistent" from one lot to the next.  However, that does not mean that they necessarily have more hormone in them; they could also have less.

Ibuprofen can upset the tummy.  You could ask your doctor about a prescription NSAID, like Celebrex.  It can still bother your stomach, but doesn't do it as easily as ibu, especially if you only use it short term.  

[juliva]

I have open labs so I will re check again in about 3 weeks. I was feeling pretty good  11-15-09 other then a few heart palps at these ranges

TSH .26
T4 1.3
T3 327

Ref. Ranges
TSH 0.40 - 4.50
TF4 0.8 - 1.8
TF3 230 - 420

I'm having problems with heartburn and indigestion right now to. Ibuprofen can aggravate the condition. It's interesting to hear you also dropped when switched to a brand name drug. Hmmm.. not sure what's up with that? Unbelievable how I ache from these smallest level changes/drops. I know I probably just need to ride it out.. hopefully my levels are back up and my body just hasn't responded yet. It just helps to know I'm not alone!

[goolarra]

Hi - sorry to hear you're not feeling well again.  I agree with the ibuprofen.

You should be feeling the effects of the increase soon.  I had the same problem switching from generic to Levoxyl...my labs actually got worse on the same dosage.  My guess is that it's being hypo that's causing your pain.  Are you due for more bloodwork soon?  If not, it might be a good idea to call your endo and set that up for 4-5 weeks after the increase.

What were your FT3 and FT4 when you were feeling good compared to now?  Don't forget reference ranges.

[yallolorry]

hi juliva, so sorry you are hurting, My doctor told me to take ibuprofen for these kinds of pains, mine weren't / aren't as extreme as yours sound so I haven't bothered and just put up with it but it might just be worth trying that simple solution before going for something more complicated - if you haven't already. Ibuprofen is good for inflamation, according to my doc...

good luck, wishing you well!