Hello everyone
I went for my appt to see endocrinologist at my local hospital. I've been on 75mcg for about two months now. Although my mind is buzzing away with so many things I'd like to do, I physically cannot get up and do those things. I'm not overweight, but I feel as if I'm carrying a heavy load and my muscles are weak and fatigued. I'm still experienced severe mood swings, depression, loss of libido, lost interest in living and the list is endless.
I mentioned this all (yet again) to the endo and she said my T4 was 19, TSH 0.1 and T3 at 4 and there's nothing else she can do. I was very upset and refused to accept this. I talked about perhaps splilt dosing or taking T3. She wasn't happy about doing this and reluctantly gave me 10mcg that I have to split from 20mcg (she said they're not available in 10mcg). She told me to go down to 50mcg levothyroxine and introduce 10mcg of T3.
I don't even know if I'm doing the right thing or not, has anybody got any advice to offer.]
She also took blood tests to check my B12 and Calcium levels.
I appreciate any replies.
ms
Hi ms.
I have to split the 20 mcg tablets of liothyronine. I suggest you get a pill cutter.
If you hve only been on thyroxine for 2 months then you are not going to feel very well yet. I took 18 months to stabilise and you should really have been started on a low dose and build up slowly every 3 months or so. It is not like taking aspirin for a cold, recovery is slow and long because the body has to build up its deficiency slowly.
I am surprised at you being given Lio so soon when you have not been on thyroxine long enough to tell.
Your blood results don't actualy look too bad except the T3 is a little low - best to be around 6, but you maty well reach that if you persevere with the thyroxine.
In my experience, changing the dosage too often can make you feel quite unwell. I think you are expecting too much too soon. Sorry, but you really do need patience with this condition.
Hope that helps.
Hi Alicia
I've been on 75mcg for about two months and before that I was on 50mcg for two months.
I initially started taking thyroxine in July 2006 and haven't been right since. Last year I came off 75mcg because of symptoms of an overactive thyroid which my GP ignored. It's a long story but I'm back on thyroxine and the same thing is happening where I have symptoms of an over active thyroid. I've been in touch with other people in similar situations and they also agree that I'm experiencing overactivity of the thyroid.
I'm reluctant to take the T3 just now but will take 50mcg and 75mcg on alternate days to see if this works. You're right, I have to be patient which I think I've been for quite a long time. The only thing that is upsetting is that there are so many people suffering in this way and many are fobbed off.
Thanks for replying
ms
ms, you understand that I have no medical experience or qualifications so my opinion is just that, an opinion.
Generally speaking, if your body is not converting T4 to T3 properly the T4 builds up in your system until there is too much of it and you get the 'overactive' symptoms whilst at the same time still feeling lousy because you are not getting enough of the T3 which is the active thyroid hormone. this is the position I was in before my consultant introduced me to the T4/T3 combination therapy.
As a general rule of thumb, I was told that if you are on a high dose of thyroxine, ie over 150mcg, and are not getting relief of symptoms or getting overactive symptoms whilst still feeling ill, the chances are you are not converting and would benefit from the combination therapy.
A great support I found, and where I learned a lot about the condition, is the Thyroid UK organization. I'm not sure if we are allowed to post links on here, but just google it, you will find it.