curious results

[cozliz]

taking 180mcg of armour thyroid. usually do better on it. if i take synthyroid, my bones ache.  have been fatigued so was retested. 5 months ago, all were within range. now can barely move nor concentrate.live on an island, no endocrinologists here. can you advise. feel as if i am losing a battle with the thyroid swings. started graves disease 40 yrs ago and mild heart failure now. bp running low and weak
T4 free -6.84    (9.-20)
T4 total 53.46  (60-120)
T3 free 2.41     (4.0-8.3)
T3 total 1.07    (.92-2.23)
TSH  11.51       (gtr .15)

[gimel]

Other than being easier to administer ( one daily dose of T4 versus 2 doses of T3 med), I can't think of any reason to switch back and have to go through all the potential effects of the change, such as getting dose right and then making sure that your body is adequately converting all that T4 to T3.  So you should resist what the internist wants to do.  

I think I would only increase by 1/4 grain at a time, and give it 3 weeks to fully be reflected in serum thyroid hormone levels.  Slow and sure is the best approach.  

[cozliz]

how slowsly should the increase be? the internist wants to add synthetic t3 and have me go back on synthyroid, but sticking to my guns on this one. have sent him the research articles ans stop the thyroid madness info. seems somewhat pen. thanks again

[gimel]

In my opinion if you are already taking Armour Thyroid and it is readily available for you, then I would not add another variable to the mix by switching to another brand.  And by the way the consistency of Armour has to be verified according to FDA regs, so don't let the doctor use that excuse.  

You badly need to increase your thyroid levels to help relieve symptoms.  Since you have heart issues, you will need to be cautious and increase your dosage very slowly.  Also, don't forget that you need to find out your Vitamin D, B12 and ferritin levels and supplement as necessary to reach optimal levels.  

[cozliz]

gracias! guido's is still open they ave even opened a less expensive charming garden restaurant deli nearby.
feel hopeful that i can insist to remain on armour with increased dosage and supplement with t3 if. need. was concerned doc would give me the old armour is not constant rumor. i thought perhaps it was expired but is well within the date. will ask to have feritol and vit d levels checked as well as have been housebound since i went downhill.almost paralyzed with fatigue thank you ver much for the info. just discovered armour is available in mexico. however am wondering if the nature thyroid and its simpler version might actually work better. any experience on this?  was trying to find a doc to prescribe westhyroid but cleve clnic want to see me in person now.opinion? thanks again!! can not tell how you much more hopeful i feel knowing i do not have to try to go to merida to see indo who will not prescirbe dessicated thyroid anyway.  sending calm blue waves from cozumel

[gimel]

Is Pizza Rolande, i think it was, still in operation?  Some time ago I enjoyed lunch there every day for a week.  LOL

Usually hypo patients taking 3 grains of Armour have higher Free T3 and free T4 than yours.  Your Free T4 and and Free T3 are terribly low, which is why you would have those symptoms.   But as a good thyroid doctor told me, dosage is irrelevant.  Only the effect on symptoms matters.  So you need to get your doctor to raise your dose gradually until your symptoms go away.  Members here say that symptom relief required Free T3 in the  upper part of it range and Free T4 around the middle of its range, at minimum.  

You don't really need an Endocrinologist, just a good thyroid doctor.  By that I mean a doctor that will treat clinically, by testing and adjusting Free T3 and Free T4 as necessary to relieve symptoms, without being constrained by resultant TSH levels.  Symptom relief should be all important, not just test results.  You can get some good insight and info for your doctor from this link written by a good thyroid doctor.  

http://www.hormonerestoration.com/Thyroid.html

Since hypo patients are frequently too low in the ranges for Vitamin D, B12 and ferritin, I suggest that you get those tested also.  D should be abut 55-60.  B12 should be in the very upper part of its range, and ferritin for women should be about 60 minimum.  All three ave very important for best results for a hypo patient.  

When you have had a chance to increase your dosage of Armour and note the effect on how you are feeling, and also have new test results, please post them and we will be glad to help interpret and advise further.