Answer/Reply:

Get another Dr.!!!!! She shouldn't yell at you for ANY reason. She needs to get a life. As for you, find another Dr. NOW that listens to your concerns and really cares about your health. You know your own body better than anyone else and if your current Dr. isn't concerned about you, forget her. Your health comes first, so don't worry about hurting your Dr.'s feelings. She obviously doesn't care about yours.

41 year old Female

Posted: 2009-06-21 18:12:10

Answer/Reply:

Get another Dr. This Dr is not taking your concerns and symptoms seriously and she is putting your health/life at risk. You have the right to go to another Dr and ask for a secong opinion as well as better health care.

42 year old Female

Posted: 2009-06-26 17:16:12

iGuard.org Answer/Reply:

Levothyroxine has a very narrow therapeutic window, meaning that lab work should be done every 6 weeks or so until the values are stable to make sure your dose is correct. Your doctor is correct that sometimes the levothyroxine can take a while to get to the therapeutic range if many dose adjustments are needed. The symptoms you are describing can be caused by many different ailments. Further testing would need to be done to find the cause of your symptoms.

Posted: 2009-06-22 11:50:11

Answer/Reply:

I would get a second opinion on the subject. If she's not trying to identify what the causes of your symptoms are either I'd try another doc, really. No doctor should treat in such manner any of its patients, they know, we DON'T... basic reason why we need them...
Good luck, I hope you feel better soon!

22 year old Female

Posted: 2009-06-28 11:05:08

iGuard.org Answer/Reply:

In order for a generic to be approved by the FDA, the manufacturer performs tests to show that a generic medication contains the same amount of active ingredient as the brand name product. For most medications, pharmacists are allowed to substitute a generic product for a brand name product and the patient will find the generic works just as well as the brand name product.

Levothyroxine is a little bit different than other medications. The smallest change in dose can effect the thyroid hormone levels - which is why your doctor is monitoring your thyroid hormone levels when you are taking levothyroxine. The generic levothyroxine medications have been approved to be the same as the brand name product. With that said, switching between brand and generic or different brands of generics may cause some fluctuation in hormone levels for some patients. Discuss with your doctor exactly which brand/generic name you are taking and what works best for you. It is best to stick with one specific brand/generic name of levothyroxine - any changes in brand/generic of levothyroxine should first be discussed with your doctor. If you have any more specific questions about generic substitutions for levothyroxine, please follow up with your pharmacist or your doctor.

Posted: 2009-06-15 12:09:00

iGuard.org Answer/Reply:

There is no interaction between levothyroxine and alcohol listed in the iGuard drug interaction system. However, alcohol can cause changes in your thyroid's activity level, which can affect your thyroid hormone levels. For this reason, it is best to limit or avoid alcohol consumption while taking levothyroxine.

Posted: 2009-06-15 12:09:52

Answer/Reply:

Alcohol has made some people gain weight even if they're not on prescription drugs ( i.e. beer gut) and if you drink regularly, you run the risk of gaining more weight than if you only drank occiasionally, whether or not you're taking Levothyroxine. Moderation is key, but personally, I wouldn't drink if I were you, just to be on the safe side. :-)

41 year old Female

Posted: 2009-06-21 18:16:33

iGuard.org Answer/Reply:

Hypothyroidism can affect liver function tests, which are the liver enzymes. Left untreated, hypothyroidism can continue to harm the liver. A TSH level of 4.0 is still within normal limits for most patients. The higher the TSH level is, generally-speaking, the more hypothyroid the patient is. If your TSH levels are above 4.5 AND you have signs and symptoms of hypothyroidism, the dose of thyroid replacement medication may need to be increased. If you have additional questions or concerns, please make an appointment with your physician as he or she can provide answers that are specific to your symptoms, lab values and complete medical history.

Posted: 2009-06-15 12:13:28

Answer/Reply:

I am very fortunate that I have been on thyroxin for several years and have had tremendous success in controlling my thyroid enzyme levels. I feel good most of the time with my thyroid being normal again. As yet I have not had any adverse reactions.

65 year old Female

Posted: 2009-06-16 21:36:47

Answer/Reply:

Testing for Thyroid levels seems backwards. Your level should test between .45 and 4.5 (using the TSH indicator). When you thyroid is LOW, your number will be HIGH. Having the correct amount of thyroid will keep the TSH number in that range. Since you are barely outside of the range, your dosage of Thyroid medication will most likely be pretty low. I am currently on 100mcg. If I am totally off of my medication, I test at about 24. Keeping your thyroid levels in the correct range will definately assist in monitoring you weight. Your doctor will most likely order a follow up test after about 6 weeks on to double check for the correct dosage, then test periodically to double check for any changes. The frequency of the tests will depend on how stable your thyroid function is. Since you are barely outside the range, after verifying the dosage he will probably only test about once a year. I have to test every 4 months because mine is continuing to shut down and I have had to raise my dosage 5 times in 7 years.

Do a little research on the thyroid and you will understand better why it is important to keep the levels in the corerct range. Thyroid levels affect just about every system in your body!\

Good job on the weight loss! It sounds like you are doing the right things!

40 year old Female

Posted: 2009-06-10 12:10:59

Answer/Reply:

Hello,


I just read your post, and am hoping that I can offer you some advice.

I notice that you take Synthroid (T4). And I bet you feel like crap, huh? I bet you have an afternoon crash to where you feel like a nap. I bet losing weight is beyond impossible. I bet that you lie awake some nights, and wonder why you can not sleep. I bet that you have dry skin, brittle nails, and lifeless hair. I know these things because T4 is the biggest joke on the market.

I suffer from Hashi's, and have had this for 12 years. Please know and trust your instincts. Doctors do not know it all. They may think that they do, but research is being done everyday, and the people that suffer from a thyroid issue, have stumbled across some very important information... that doctors DO NOT tell you.

I have never replied to a post here before, so I do not know what is published. I will gladly give you my email address, provided that it is not public information. I implore you to do research on your own... especially in the area of rT3.... that is your problem right now. Please, please, spend some time researching this, and if you do decide to stop taking T4... you will feel beyond amazing. I do wish you the best of luck!!

31 year old Female

Posted: 2009-06-02 12:06:09

Answer/Reply:

yes can you tell me what other options that i have, i really don't know if i feel better or worse since i started taking this drug

47 year old Male

Posted: 2009-06-02 23:23:55

Answer/Reply:

I was having the same problem even though i was taking my meds everyday.

I then did a little research and realized my diet was causing the blocked absorption of the medication.

You can't eat within 1 hr of taking the meds. Nor can you drink milk in the morning. ( I was having a bowl of cereal with milk for breakfast)

Also, wait before taking fiber, anything with iron, calcium or multivitamins at least 4 hrs after taking your meds.

Also, research "goitrogens"-- they are foods that block the absorption of the thyroid supplement. Cabbage, broccoli, soy are just a few. It's unfortunate, but we have a lot of adjustments to make and maintain. I feel I should change my major to medicine and specialize in Endocrinology after all the research I have to do for myself. lol

27 year old Female

Posted: 2009-05-30 10:09:03

iGuard.org Answer/Reply:

Your tired feeling may be a sign that your levothyroxine dose may be too low. With levothyroxine, the dose varies greatly depending on the patient. Dosing should be based on blood work that your doctor orders. If you have been taking levothyroxine for a year and still have symptoms, you need to see your doctor as soon as possible to discuss your concerns. Diet pills can interact with thyroid medication causing increased heart rate and blood pressure along with more serious side effects. You need to discuss your symptoms and concerns with your doctor before adding any other medications or over-the-counter supplements.

Posted: 2009-06-01 08:45:06

Answer/Reply:

I had my thyroid removed about 12 years ago because of goiters, I too was having problems swallowing and even breathing at night while laying down. I had the goiters for about 5 years before they, and my thryoid, were removed. I would talk to your doctor about having your thyroid removed, by the sounds of things it isn't doing you any good by staying in your body. I don't really know much about hashimotos disease but it doesn't sound good. After having my thyroid removed I was put on thyroid medication, thank God my 2 children were in their teens when all of this happened because they were a real help to me. It was such a relief to be able to swallow and breath normally after the operation. As far as gaining weight, the more that you stress about a few extra pounds the more you will gain! You really have to have a positive attitude, feel good about yourself, and just try to eat healthy. I am sure that with having 2 small children you are getting some form of exercise. Face it, you have double trouble when it comes to your hormones, the thyroid and the hysterectomy, no wonder you are having all of these problems. Get some people in your life that you can talk to and do things with, don't just set at home with the kids and be depressed. You will find that the more you get out and do things the more energy you will have and you will slowly lose the weight that you have put on. If you even need someone to talk you can email me at culater4260@hotmail.com Take Care and God Bless

49 year old Female

Posted: 2009-07-07 15:04:03

Answer/Reply:

Your Dr is an idiot.

Increased glucose level is a side effect of the levothyroxine. Maybe you should find another Dr or a specialist (endocrinologist) and ask them. Do a little research before you go so you're knowledgable and they dont just throw a bunch of big words at you like they are sooo smart.

They do that to me all the time and by the time i'm done asking questions, they are asking me if i'm a med student. I'm not. I just have to do my own research to know for myself before the Drs WILL NOT tell you. They will wait for you to come in 20 times before you find out basic information. Sometimes I feel they even hold out on that information because you will be able to manage your disease and wont come back to them ever and they lose business.

27 year old Female

Posted: 2009-05-30 10:12:41

Answer/Reply:

Thank you for being so brave. Yes, doctors are idiots, and we all need to take a stand and reclaim our lives.

First of all, Synthyroid (T4), is the worse med to be on. Doctors do not tell you everything, so yes, you are forced to return. I implore ALL people who take T4 to do some research on their own, especially in the field of rT3. If you are experiencing hypo symptoms while ON T4, its obvious that its not working, but doctors force you to believe that you NEED it.... wrong, wrong, VERY wrong.

Anyone can email me: kittiekatville@aol.com. I will share ALL my info with you, and assist if I can. T4 was killing me. My body was shutting down, and the doctors claimed that it was ALL IN MY HEAD. Its not... since stopping my T4, life is AMAZING. I feel normal, weight is coming off, and people say that I am glowing with positivity. You can as well... doctors do not know it all, so please be educated when you seek their "help",

31 year old Female

Posted: 2009-06-02 13:00:39

Answer/Reply:

If you are doing so well OFF Synthroid why did they put you on it in the first place? I am saying "IF". if you are ok off of it, then you may not have have thryoid disease. Just my observation.
Because if you have a thryoid problem you will need something.

For a lot of people like me, it is literally a sanity saver.
My brother had thyroid cancer and had a thyroidectomy and has to be on Synthroid as well as other meds. He has never had problems. However, in the first few years, it took awhile to get his dosage correct.

I have only 1/2 of my thyroid. I had a large growth that made me choke at every meal. The nodule was pressing on my trachea. Also, coughing constantly and gaining weight inexplicably.
I thought the choking was all emotional (yes, I did) or menopause.

Once I had surgery I felt better for the first 2 months and lost weight --
3rd month post op, I started putting the weight back on, & became a different person. Didn't want to do anything, go anywhere and had cravings CONSTANTLY. My feet started hurting so bad I could hardly walk. I was a mess.

I thought it was plantar fasciatis. Then I had an estrogen CRASH and my body stopped absorbing estrogen. I became allergic to the patch. The amt of estrogen I was going to have to take was 3 times the normal amt. I knew something drastic had changed within me.

In the 6th month post op I finally saw the Endo. I did blood work, but all he had to do was look at me, listen to me, and see how much weight I had gained,and said "this is easily treated."

I started on Synthroid .75 and aside from itching I have had positive results. I have lost 10 lbs that obviously should not be on me, and my appetite has gone from craving junk, to being normal-hungry. I have a lot more energy and my thinking is clear again.

My voice is not hoarse and scratchy like it used to be.
Synthroid is NOT bad for everyone.

60 year old Female

Posted: 2009-09-01 08:55:01

iGuard.org Answer/Reply:

iGuard has received reports of levothyroxine causing increased blood glucose levels and some reports of levothyroxine causing decreased blood glucose levels. You can try taking your levothyroxine at least 2 hours after you eat and see if you notice a difference. If you are still having problems with your blood glucose control, please make an appointment to discuss it in depth with your doctor. Your doctor may want to adjust your diabetes medication.

Posted: 2009-06-01 23:56:51

Answer/Reply:

The Nurse is an idiot.

Levo taken with food blocks the absorption of the meds. Thats why she's not seeing any results.

Make sure the meds are taken by itself on an empty stomach IN THE MORNING. No calcium, iron or vitamins within at least 4 hrs of taking the meds. So, no cereal for breakfast. (i was doing this and wondering why i was still sooooo tired and gaining weight)

Do a lil research on "goitrogens" and make sure you're not getting too many of these since they block the absorption of the meds when in large quantities. Cabbage, Cauliflower, Broccoli, and soy are a few.

Make sure you check with a pharmacist on the drug interactions if you end up taking antibiotics because that also blocks absorption. I was taking antibiotics and prednisone for my asthma and no one bothered to mention that it would interact and block the levo. prednisone also CAUSED me to gain MORE weight. yay!

27 year old Female

Posted: 2009-05-30 10:18:15

iGuard.org Answer/Reply:

Levothyroxine should be taken on an empty stomach approx 30 minutes before a meal with a full glass of water. It is typically taken in the morning but can be taken anytime consistently during the day. This is a medication that requires regular blood work to ensure the dose is optimal for you. Weight gain could be a symptom of a dose being too low or not taking your medication regularly. You should not take any diet pills in conjunction with this medication as there are possible significant interactions. Following up with your doctor about your concerns is very important based on the above info you have shared.

Posted: 2009-06-19 23:08:37

Answer/Reply:

A side effect of levothyroxine is reduced bone density causing breakage. Maybe she should include some calcium (at least 4-8hrs(im not sure which, im still looking) after taking the meds).

Perhaps the dosage is too high. It may need to be readjusted. go back to the Drs and have some tests run.

27 year old Female

Posted: 2009-05-30 10:04:45

Answer/Reply:

Sounds to me like you have the wrong dosage. I have been taking Levothyroxine for the recent 15 years of the total 30 that I have been on meds since half my thryroid was removed. I am definitely not starving all the time. I work out for an hour a day and am a vegetarian (taking supplemental vitamins to ensure I keep my vitamins & minerals in balance). I am 65, 5'2" and 102 pounds with a BMI of just about 18, which is in the recommended range for a female my size. So - yes, you can manage your life with this med if you have the right dosage - along with a decent life style. I also don't eat dessert because I have been pre-diabetic for about 45 years and never taken meds for the diabetes because I eat carefully. Once your food and exercise is in balance, life can be good ! And FYI - when I was less educated and didn't control my eating habits, at age 12 I was 4'9" and 130 pounds ! I have lots of self control and went on a diet at 12 to lose 50 pounds that I have kept off all these years.

65 year old Female

Posted: 2009-05-27 10:37:33

Answer/Reply:

When the doctor first put me on Synthroid, I had the opposite happen to me. I lost 8 lbs in three weeks because I was never hungry. I agree with the other person who posted and I would call my doctor to check to see if your symptoms may be "normal" until your system adjusts. It took nine months (checking my thyroid activity every three months) to get the right dosage that put my thyroid in the normal range. Call and check so you have peace of mind but expect some adjustments over the next few months to your dosage.

43 year old Female

Posted: 2009-05-27 15:41:07

iGuard.org Answer/Reply:

Your symptoms may be drug related, dose related or may be because of your thyroid condition. In general levothyroxine is a medication that needs close monitoring and adjusting to get to the best dose for your body. If these symptoms are still bothering you, you should follow up with your doctor for evaluation. It may take several adjustments to get the optimal dose.

Posted: 2009-05-27 20:59:56

Answer/Reply:

I've been on synthroid for years, I have taken Tylenol and Liquid Advil with no side effects, just follow the manufacturers directions on dosage.

56 year old Female

Posted: 2009-05-26 19:13:13

Answer/Reply:

Thank you very much for taking time to answer my post, you have been very helpful!

57 year old Female

Posted: 2009-05-26 20:24:45

iGuard.org Answer/Reply:

Tylenol does not have any drug interaction with Synthroid. Tylenol can be taken at the same time or apart from the Synthroid. Your physician should be made aware of your Tylenol dose as it may interact with other medications you may be taking and certain patients, especially those with liver problems, should avoid Tylenol.

Posted: 2009-05-26 23:09:24

Answer/Reply:

I also take synthroid for over a year now on empty stomach first thing in the morning and wait at least 30 mins before eating, etc. I take Tylenol when I need it and have had no problems. I've also taken things like gas relief pills and Rolaids... no problems though the doctor did put me on prilosec (20 mg) once a day with my synthroid pill because if you don't wait at least four hours after your sythroid to take Rolaids, it will reduce the effectiveness of the synthroid.

43 year old Female

Posted: 2009-05-27 15:37:37

Answer/Reply:

Hmm, I know that the change of life does make some women lose their hair but so does having hypothyroidism. In any case, it is my understanding that the medication does not cause this. As a matter of fact that happened to me when I was in my early twenties and before I found out I had this disease. I am now 42. Taking leyvothyroxine (sic) actually helped me to grow my hair back to some extent. On the other hand, your meds could be a little off. How long have you been taking them? BTW, the meds dont' work for all symptoms for all people. This of course is contrary to what many docs believe but most patients will tell you this. Even the endocronologists don't understand exactly why thyroid problems occur. On the other hand, if you have not seen an endo. yet, please do. M.D.s have normally only had about 1/2 hr of education pertaining to thyroid problems and rarely keep up on what is going on. Many, many of them are pretty clueless when it comes to this stuff though most are not willing to admit it.

42 year old Male

Posted: 2009-05-31 17:17:40

Answer/Reply:

I used to take all my vitamins and calcium pills right along with my thyroid pill in the morning because there was no warning on the thyroid container so I took higher dosages like .200, .150, etc. But lately I am on .88 because Walgreens had a warning on their bottle not to take your vitamins for at least 4 hours, especially calcium, etc. so I guess you end up on a higher dosage if you take your vitamins wrong.

68 year old Female

Posted: 2009-05-23 16:14:06

Answer/Reply:

I too had a weight problem, tried many things and I have to admit, I joined Weight Watchers and to my amazement I lost 80 lbs in a year. It does help! They teach you how to eat and I found with my thyroid problem I had to control how much I ate, I eat everything I like but do it so differently now. The other programs didn't work because I like to cook and bake and really don't want all my meals out of a package. Hope this helps. My mom and two sisters also suffer from hypothyroidism and we were all overweight big time, all but one sister joined and now we are at a comfortable weight, while the other sister is still quite large, so yes you can lose weight being on this med and having this condition. Thank goodness :-)

56 year old Female

Posted: 2009-05-26 19:19:42

Answer/Reply:

Hi. I was diagnosed hypothyroid due to Hashimotos disease at 32. I am now 37 and weigh 129 lbs at 5'6" tall. You can be thin with this condition, but it HAS to be controlled. If your TSH is at an optimal range for you (I feel best under 2.0), you can maintain a healthy weight. If your TSH is high, it will be hard to keep the weight under control, if not impossible.

My doctor said everyone reacts differently, with some people being more prone to weight gain, others to problems with their hair or cholesterol, etc. The longer the condition is under control, the more all symptoms improve, even if you have had them for a long time.

As my doctor said "this is no excuse for weight gain".

38 year old Female

Posted: 2009-06-01 14:28:42

Answer/Reply:

TO EVERYONE TAKING SYNTHROID: I was diagnosed with hypothyroidism when I was 43. I only gained about 10 pounds, and I currently 45 and weigh 140 at 5'3". However, I began to sleep very poorly about a year or so after my thyroid condition was diagnosed, and was very tired. I noticed I woke up often, just in the middle of taking a deep breath. A sharp doctor sent me to a sleep study which showed I had mild obstructive sleep apnea, waking up around 180 times in one night. I tell you all this since there is some sort of correlation between hypothyroidism and OSA. And since I am active ( run regularly and am in the military) and not very overweight, I am definitely not the typical OSA patient. My thyroid blood tests are always fine, but if I wasn't being treated for OSA, I would be dead tired.

45 year old Female

Posted: 2009-06-02 20:10:02

Answer/Reply:

Hey, you are the first person that I have seen post that they also have sleep apnea...me too! I started having apnea problems about a year after I developed goiters on my thyroid. I thought that the goiters were causing a blockage in my throat when I was laying down but I realized that when I had my thyroid and goiters removed that I was still having the apnea problem. I have not had any treatment for the apnea, my doctor has wanted me to go for sleep studies but I don't have any insurance so I haven't gone. I too wake in the morning feeling like I need a nap, I guess it is true when they say that broken sleep is worse then no sleep at all! I noticed that I have more problems with the apnea when I am over tired or stressed. Maybe they should do some studies to find out just how many people with thyroid problems also suffer from sleep disorders. I guess that I should probably find a way to be able to afford to have the sleep studies done, maybe there are a few of us on this forum that are feeling like crap because of a sleep disorder instead of problems with out thyroid levels...something to look into!! Thanks for posting. Take Care

49 year old Female

Posted: 2009-07-07 15:38:55

Answer/Reply:

Hi-
I'm a 40 yr old female who has hypo as well for 11 years. I'm on Synthroid and take it daily. I had 2 kids which I gained over 50 lbs. I lost all of that weight and then some. It is a myth that you will become overly obese. The problem that I found is that diet alone will not help. Sure you can eat healthly, however you need to exercise if you want to maintain/lose weight. You can eat lower cal dishes and maintain but if you want to lose the weight you must exercise.
It's not a death sentence and you will be fine. You will become accustom to what you can and should eat just like anything else. Just keep taking your medicine and you will be fine.

40 year old Female

Posted: 2009-06-04 06:51:37

Answer/Reply:

I am not a Dr. or a Pharmacist, but it should be fine to take Prilosec OTC while taking Levothyroxine. I take Zantac OTC and am on 224 mcg of Synthroid with no problems. If you're worried about interactions with your 5 meds, I would definitely talk to your Pharmacist or Doctor. They would gladly tell you when best to take the meds and any contraindications that they might have. Just to let you know, I have asked my Pharmacist many questions about my meds (currently 5) and they always know the answer or how to find the answer that best benefitted my situation. God Bless and best of luck to you.

39 year old Male

Posted: 2009-05-13 01:15:27

Answer/Reply:

Hi I am on LEVOTHYROXINE I was told to take acid reducing drugs and tums 4 hours after it. So I would take the LEVOTHYROXINE in the morning and your Prilocec at bedtime.

36 year old Female

Posted: 2009-05-23 10:08:10

Answer/Reply:

Dear 72 year-old male,

Good idea to take your medications that you are currently taking to the pharmacist! There are many drugs that interact. For example, vitamins and certain herbs can effect levothyroxine, which I also take for hyPOthyroidism (slow). I not certain about the Prilosec, so best bet take it the professionals. Good health to you!

53 year-old female

54 year old Female

Posted: 2009-06-09 16:50:30

Answer/Reply:

You should talk to your doctor about this ! They know what you can take and what you can't !

55 year old Female

Posted: 2009-06-09 17:30:12

Answer/Reply:

to get the proper absorption of your thyroid medication you are to take on an empty stomach at least 30 minutes before your first meal of the day, and you are not to take it with antacids(they cause you not to absorb the thyroid medication properly). I have been on Synthroid 88mcg for 9 years now, and that is the advice my physician tells me. I also work in a nursing home and that is how we give it to our patients. Take antacids at least 4 hours after taking thyroid medications

36 year old Female

Posted: 2009-06-09 23:18:27

Answer/Reply:

Your thyroid needs to be taken in the morning at least 30-60 minutes before any other medication or food. When I get up to use the restroom around 4:00 - 5:00 a.m. I take it and then when I'm up for the day, there isn't a problem. I have been taking levothyroxine for at least 8 years and prior to that a natural thyroid. My dosage hasn't needed to be changed for years on levothyroxine but when on the other medication it was being adjusted quite often. Follow the directions of your doctor always and do ask the pharmicist about the timing of the other medications.

45 year old Female

Posted: 2009-06-10 10:30:03

Answer/Reply:

I'm taking levothyroxine for almost 20 years and it works fine with me. I know you can not take calcium at the same time as levothyroxine. I take it in the morning before breakfast and calcium at lunch and dinner other way they don't do what they are suppose to do. I don't know about prilosec the best way to know is asking your doctor or pharmacist. I take around 15 tablets of different medicines at day and the best way is writing down the name of the medicine at time you should be taking it. Also helps setting an alarm (all cell phones has alarms today).

I hope this helps a little. Good Luck.

40 year old Female

Posted: 2009-06-11 11:04:50

Answer/Reply:

Hi 43 year old female with hashimoto's, I am a 46 year old female with Hashimoto's and I can empathize with everything you are going through. I was diagnosed with this illness right after my 8 year old son was born in 2000. I thought at first that I had MS but after I had a horrible fall with my son in my arms( he was fine, I got pretty banged up) and I went to the doctor my thyroid levels were so off my General doc said it was like I had no thyroid at all. I had high blood sugar, high cholesteral and felt terrible. My GP decided she was going to treat me and put me on .25 mcg of Synthroid and this continue for 2 years with me feeling no better. I then did some serious research and found an Endocrinologist who after examining me and running a battery of tests immediately put me on .125mcg of Synthroid . It took a few months but I started to feel better. Now before this becomes a book too lol, the advice that I would give you and I am not a doctor is first make sure you are going to a well reknown Endocrinologist ( I did and it makes all the difference), Second, there are alot of other illnesses associated with Hashimoto's that can cause alot of problems. I not only have hashimoto's, I was diagnosed with Crohn's disease( Inflamation of the intestines) which is caused by the Hypo Thyroid. Because Hashimoto's is an Immune disorder unfortunately the list of suspects is endless. Please do yourself a favor and research docs, research Hashimoto's because it attacks the thyroid and mine is about 30cm now and it should be about 10cm, in some cases they need to remove the thyroid all together. I think you need ( and this is only my opinion I obviously don't know you) to research docs,find a new doc or docs and make sure they work together. Also , research supplements and vitamins I am on alot and they seem to be doing the trick. Just make sure you ask your doc first. Go on NatureMade.com and ask an expert. I wish you luck and if you want to talk again just reply. Oh, by the way I am also going thru menopause and my Endo said that has alot to do with the flux in TSH, I have mine tested every 3 months too. Verry frustrating but hopely there is a light at the end of the tunnel .

47 year old Female

Posted: 2009-05-12 08:15:41

Answer/Reply:

Hi, I am 21 years old and I have had the most ridiculous, most miserable time of my life these past 6 months. I recently found out that I have hashimoto's. I have been so upset and have no idea what to do. I have been going to my family doctor and I have an endroconologist appt. in july but it seems so far away. I was on levothyroxine and then back off and now i am back on it because my levels was just dropping to low. This is really terrible and I just know how to deal with it. I have probably been to the ER 10 times. I need some good advice, I am so scared. Will I ever feel better again?

21 year old female

21 year old Female

Posted: 2009-05-21 16:36:08

Answer/Reply:

I am also suffering from hypothyroidism and take levothyroxine everyday. Unfortunately, you can't stop taking your med. for this condition. This is a life long illness and therefore you have to keep up with your meds. Your levels will go down if you stop taking them and that could be a serious problem.

50 year old Male

Posted: 2009-05-30 07:18:20

Answer/Reply:

Hello,


I just read your post, and I want to say that life will get better. I also suffer from Hashi's. It is been 12 years now, and for the past 11 of them years, life was unbearable. But there is hope, and I pray that you seek answers on your own.

First of all, I am hoping that you are not taking Synthyroid. That stuff is beyond terrible. It will make you feel like crap, and doctors force you to believe that you can not live without it. They are wrong. Research is being done everyday, and us sufferers are finding new ways to treat Hashi's, and its the best thing I have ever done. I do not have anymore hypo symptoms, and life is fabulous.

I have never replied to a post here before, so I do not know how they work. I will gladly give you my email address, so we can speak further, if you would like. But I do not feel comfortable leaving it for all to see.... this disease has many potholes, and most people think that Synthroid is saving their life. Synthyroid is the biggest joke on the market... and I work in the medical field, so information does kind of fall into my lap.

Please know that you will be fine. If you do contact me, I will ask you some questions, and depending on the answers, I can tell you if Synthroid (T4), is the right avenue for you. Have a wonderful day, and I do hope to hear from you soon.

31 year old Female

Posted: 2009-06-02 11:59:16

Answer/Reply:

Hi there, I have had Hashis for over 6 years now, if you go to about.com or google Mary Shoman there is a lot of support.Also guidance regarding vitamins and minerals to take.
I now feel better on T4 Levothyroxine(125mcu) and T3(Cytomel) 25mcu together. I was on Levothyroxine alone before and my TSH levels were over 5, the aim is to get them to 0.5 to 3. Now mine are 1.76 which is the best they have ever been. You will only feel better when you have reached these sort of levels. Get your blood tested about every six weeks or so.
I have cut out Flouride, drink mineral water, no monosodium glutenate, no additives or e numbers, thickeners, stabilizers. I still have problems with my weight but am working hard on that one. Hope this helps. Lastly try and join a forum for support there are so many of us you are not alone.

53 year old Female

Posted: 2009-06-05 14:25:33

Answer/Reply:

Hi 43 year old female . . . Has your doctor ever talked about a thyroidectomy. I am not a Doctor but this seems to be a possible answer. Without the Thyroids, synthroid may work better and you will not have this up and down of Tsh levels.

I had Thyroid nodules and never had to be on Synthroid. But last year it turned into cancer and my Thyroids were removed. I am on Synthroid and am tested every three months. The dosage has been change only once. The only thing I am finding in reading everyone's comments posted is a possible problem with my knees which I will speak with my Endocrinologist.

If this doctor is not helping you with your problem, seek a second opinion. Remember, Thyroid problems can lead to heart and other internal organ problems. Get it under control as soon as possible. God Bless You.

54 year old Female

Posted: 2009-05-24 08:02:01

Answer/Reply:

to 43. My TSH was 38.0 last september when the condition was discovered. It was brought down to 7, then 1.43 in January, then 0.64 a month ago , now it's 2.47. I'm glad to see some doctors take these figures as a start and then have a look at your symptoms. Mine were - sick, dizzy, fatigue, speechdifficulty etc. They are changing slowly. I don't feel the cold anymore, nor do I have all those syptoms together putting my family nto a tizzy. But I can get unbalanced, wierd waves of fainting up and down the body, malaise so bad I have to get someone to walk on my back while I lie on the floor. I take 100mg a day levothyroxine and this has not been changed since January. Imust tell you that I have had similar symptoms for 25 years. Many doctors and al sorts of test. Nothing was found. Then two years ago I had a heart problem and ws put on amiodarone which can knock your thyroid. I can't tell whether I lost those years because of the heart or the thyroid. I'm 80 but I will keep on trying. I feel for you and hope you will improve.

82 year old Male

Posted: 2009-06-05 08:36:48

Answer/Reply:

Unfortunately, when you have hasimoto's which is an auto-immune problem the thyroid has to stay put.I asked the same thing of my endocronologist years ago and was told that with hasimoto's your immune system basically attacks your thyroid so without the thyroid your immune system would attack a more important organ like your heart, brain, lungs etc. so your thyroid is basically the player on the field that has to take one for the team so to speak.

Sometimes it just takes longer to regulate your dose when one has hasimoto's. You might give relaxation exercises, yogo, tai chi, deep breathing exercises a try. They sure helped me.
I'm on a mid dose and it works pretty good for me.

Hope these suggestions are helpful for you.

Good Luck !!

50 year old Female

Posted: 2009-06-09 08:31:47

Answer/Reply:

Unfortunately, when you have hasimoto's which is an auto-immune problem the thyroid has to stay put.I asked the same thing of my endocronologist years ago and was told that with hasimoto's your immune system basically attacks your thyroid so without the thyroid your immune system would attack a more important organ like your heart, brain, lungs etc. so your thyroid is basically the player on the field that has to take one for the team so to speak.

Sometimes it just takes longer to regulate your dose when one has hasimoto's. You might give relaxation exercises, yogo, tai chi, deep breathing exercises a try. They sure helped me.
I'm on a mid dose and it works pretty good for me.

Hope these suggestions are helpful for you.

Good Luck !!

50 year old Female

Posted: 2009-06-09 08:33:34

Answer/Reply:

I am not a doctor but I had thyroid cancer in 2002. They first removed my right side hoping the left side was okay. They sent a piece of the other side off to the lab and relized I needed to have the other side removed. I had two radiation treatments and my Synthroid (175) has been regulated for 5 years now. no ups or downs.
What I am getting at is can they remove your Thyroid all together. Its not doing you much justice in there. Maybe then it will all regulate.. Just a thought..

47 year old Female

Posted: 2009-06-02 11:35:06

Answer/Reply:

Hello Hello,


Thank you for sharing so much of your story. Allow me to tell you a bit about myself. I was diagnosed with Hashi's in 1996. Placed on Synthroid (T4), and adhered to the doctors warning to never STOP taking it. I am now 31, and for the past 11 years, have felt like dog crap. BUT, I have found that doctors are not right when placing people on T4. That drug is terrible for most people who suffer from Hashi's.

Let me guess: You have an afternoon crash and feel like a nap. You are experiencing hypo symptoms, and when you tell that to the Endo, they increase your T4. If this sounds like you, please get up with me... I have some information for you that will change your life. I have never replied to a post before, so not too familiar on whats shown publically. Please research rT3, and stop taking that horrid T4.

There is hope for you... the weight will come off. You just need the right meds. Your life depends on this, as I was actually dying from ingesting my T4. Doctors are not listening to us, and its time we took a stand. Please become your own advocate on your health, and reclaim your life.

31 year old Female

Posted: 2009-06-02 12:48:08

Answer/Reply:

I have had Hypothyroidism since I had my hysorectomy in 98...well that was when it finally showed it's face that is as it runs in my family on mother's side. I was on .25mg for 5 yrs then I lose of job casued me to lose insurance so to my ability to get meds. Tried going the free clinic routine but because I had enough in my body I kept showing just slightly inside the normal range...but I had alot of problems with heart palpatations to point that they were going to put me in the hospital to do another heart cath.....I have vasclar spasms. Luckly my husband got a good job and the insurance kicked in so I now have a great doctor who listens. My heart Palpatations were due to not having my meds...the slightly inside the normal was from incorrect testing....I was put on .50mg for 6mos and now on .75mg. I also have CFS (Chronic fatigue) and FM with inflammary Osteoarthristis. And last year it was discovered that I finally was going through menopause which was adding to the everything regarding the Thyroid. I can't take the normal HRT so I found a great alternative which has calicum, and everything to help the body reproduce the hormones that is needed to help be healthly. It is called FemGuard Balance+ by Design for Health. This line can only be gotten through you Dr so I would advise you to go to the website and get all the info you can on all the products that they have regarding Thyroid problems, Menopause and endro problems. Then take it to you doctor to decuss this with him/her. Now many doctors do not believe that this works so I would also recommend going to a Chiropractor that deals with whole health and wellness. Mine did a test to see what metals I might have built up in my body as heavy metals can have an effect on how you absorb meds and food...also how these metals can effect the organs and hormonal release. There is also a test to see what minerals or suppliments that your body needs...though I can remember the name right now. I just know that it turned out that I had too much Nickle and Aluminum in my body so I had to stop using my anti perspriate and antacids along with not having enough Calicum (because of the thyroid pills) so I had to up my calicum (which my FemGuard has) which I took at night. I would not recommend trying a alternative thyroid suppliment till you have had this test or a good discussion with your doctor. You can't just take both or either alone you will have to wean off the thyroid meds or get the correct balance of the two for you.
Now as far as the FM and inflammary arthritis the FemGuard I take helps with that but I will post another for that by itself as there things that you can do in diet and suppliments that will help alot....I no long have problems.
Blessings
Misty

52 year old Female

Posted: 2009-06-03 15:55:58

Answer/Reply:

Now for the FM & arthritis part of your problem. As I mentioned in my posting regarding the alternative thyroid upping you calicum will help and going to a Chiropractor that specailizing in whole health and wellness with help with this. Another is you can take herbal suppliments like those things tha tyou might find in you kitchen. Ginger, Tumeric, Garlic, Alfalfa tablets (or the spouts) and foods like Strawberries, Pineapple (raw not canned....or you can go to Health food store and get Bromlein which is the ensyme from pineapple). Stay away from Potatoes (white), tomatoes and Eggplant in fact all the nightshade family. You can do a search online for diet and foods that ease arthritis or FM or that you need to avoid to get more info. I also use accupructure to help with the thyroid, CFS/FM and arthritis but not everyone hasd that option. I hope that all the info I sent to you is of use or helpful. I know that since I have started using all the things I suggested to you I have gotten my thyroid problem (except for those associated with menopause as well....libdo and weight), my moods, depression (which I take 5HTP an ammno acid), CFS/FM and my arthritis all under control. I even worked in the yard everyday last week with my husband and son without being so down that I could not walk....a year ago I might have been able to do a day then I would be down in pain for 3 days. I also have so much energy that it is unbelieviable (one thing I forgot to mention is that I make sure that I get enough sleep which is 9 hrs for me.....the 5HTP not only helps with depression it also helps relax you enough to sleep in REM...a problem getting into when you have FM). So for me I have more ups then downs then I did.
Blessings
Misty

52 year old Female

Posted: 2009-06-03 16:14:27

Answer/Reply:

You should really talk to your endocrinologist about Levoxyl. I have been on it for 2 years now and it is much better than all of the others.... this is not a generic form of thyroid hormone, it is the real thing. I onlyhave had to have my levels changed 3 times... the first was when I actually went to see an endo when I first got pregnant, then while i was pregnant (due to the 26 pounds I gained during my pregnancy), and the last after i had my son (lost too much weight - 40 pounds). I have Hashimoto's as well and this one has worked well for me.... I am currently on 137mcg of levoxyl and like i said it is really the best....

On another note, my mother has been one about 5 different thyroid meds since she was 13 and even she says this is the best one she has been on... btw she is now going to be 59 in July...

34 year old Female

Posted: 2009-06-04 17:01:54

Answer/Reply:

Hi 43
Had my thyroid taken out in 1972, My sugguestion is take charge of your body and find a doctor that will help you. I had been handed diet pills and diet books. Until I found a doctor that really cared. I take levathroid and have no problems. I am now 63. Good luck and may God Bless You Always!

63 year old Female

Posted: 2009-06-07 20:30:44