jack

[Jack5151]

I have been on 100mcg of Levothyroxin for hypothyroidism about 9 months. Then all of a sudden my blood pressure, heart beat, heart pounding in my ears, dizzy, blurred/double vision and many more symtons. The first available appt. with an Endo is 2-20-12. The lab work from my primary doctor has my TSH at 0.21 and my Free T4 at 1.29. She said that I should reduce my Levo to 75mcg until I can see the Endo. Is this enought or should I reduce to 50mcg. I need help now. I have been like this since 12-22-11.

[Jack5151]

I guess my new Endo next month will check the Free T3 and T4 levels, ultrasoud . (I have moved, the reason for new Endo & Dr.) The Phys. Asst. that I had had left the Dr.'s office that I went to and the new one was always worried about the Free T4 being just below the low end of the range. I went to a Endo and he did lab, ultrasound w/ the iodine capsule, etc. Glad you are a golfer also.

[gimel]

Not too sure if that approach would be consistent enough for you.

Also, if possible I think it would be a good idea to get tested for Free t3 and free T4 right now, before even reducing your meds very much, to quantify your levels that don't seem to be working for you.

If not Hashi's, then what was the doctor's diagnosis as to the reason for you being hypothyroid?  

And by the way, as an avid golfer myself, I don't think you should wean yourself off golf quite so fast.  It could be hazardous to your health.  About one round less per year would be a much better schedule.  LOL

[Jack5151]

The tests were probally done March 2011 for the Endo that I had at the time. I use to also go to a primary care Dr. and see a Phys. Asst. about 5 years ago and he would always talk about my Free T4 being just below the low range. He said that I should eat shrimp for the iodine to bring the level up. But it seems that it depends on where I live wether I eat them or not. I am retired and played golf 4 to 5 times a week back then, so he wasn't to concerned.  Now I see that there is a iodine supplement. Now that all this has happened to me I am considering weening off of the meds. and try the iodine supplement.

[gimel]

When would that have been?

It would be worth your time to make sure that you have had those tests done previously, and that the results were clearly okay.

[Jack5151]

I guess, because I remember him looking at results of tests when I went to see him and he said, "good" you do not have Hashi's Desease.

[gimel]

Just curious.  How does the doctor know you do not have Hashi's?  were you ever tested for the thyroid antibodies?  

[Jack5151]

Sorry for the mess up, but I am new at this. The Endo said that I do not have Hashi's desease. and does want to do another ultrasound.

[gimel]

I already replied on your other post.  to avoid confusion and keep all your info and replies in one place, I've copied the following from the other thread.  



gimel

To: Jack5151
With those symptoms, I'd cut back also, for now.  I would suggest that you get tested again for Free T4 and Free T3, along with the TSH.  Has the cause of your thyroid problems ever been diagnosed?  Since the most common cause of hypothyroidism is Hashimoto's Thytoiditis, I would suggest testing for the thyroid antibodies, TPO ab and TG ab.  

If Hashi's is the cause, be aware that some Hashi's patients also have nodules form in the thyroid, that then leak thyroid hormone faster than normal, and symptoms will cycle from hypo to hyper and back.  Not saying that is your problem.  Just something to keep in mind.  You may just be over medicated for now.

When did you start on the T4 med and what was the starting dosage?

Jack5151


To: gimel
Thanks for your answers as I can't seem to find out what I am to do until I finally get to the Endo. About 9 months ago, 25mcg, 50mcg, 75mcg, then 100mcg. yes a small nodual on my thyroid.


gimel


To: Jack5151
When you do go in for followup testing, then it would be a good idea to get an ultrasound of your thyroid to see what the nodule looks like currently.