What's going on with me? :(

[Eliaheart]

Gosh... isn't it amazing how much of a rollercoaster ride this small gland can make us go through?

My Synthroid got increased 3 weeks ago because, despite a low TSH, my FT4 and FT3 had not increased much since my last dosage change and I still had hypo symptoms.

I got the whole symptom-flare thing. At least, that's what I thought it was. It's now been 3 weeks and some of my hypo symptoms are getting worse.

I'm bloated, very tired physically, very cold, and I have horrible muscle cramps. All hypo symptoms I was experiencing before treatment.

When I called my endo, he said it would be best to "wait it out" until the end of November, to wait for the meds to attain their maximal effect in my system. Somehow, I am not so sure I'll see any improvement during these 4 weeks.

I don't understand. How can a dosage increase cause hypo symptoms??? I really don't get it. Unless it's a Free T4 VS Free T3 ratio thing... I'm a poor converter, so maybe I feel worse when my free T4 is too high. I'm just throwing around ideas... I'm not even sure there are any clear answers.

Sorry about the pity party.

Thanks for listening,

Eli

Hypothyrodism diagnosed
04/2003

09/25/2009
TSH: 0.28 (0.35 - 4.5)
Free T4: 12.2 (9.5 - 23.9)
Free T3: 4.6 (3.5 - 6.5)
Ferritin: 18 (10-200)

Synthroid 0.088 mg
Cytomel 5 mcg 2 x/day
Effexor 37.5 mg
Ferrous sulfate 300 mg
Prevacid 30 mg

[javelina]

I don't think you have to worry about your T4 being high. Yours is only at 19% of its range and is very, very low. Your FT3 is only 37% of range too. You are still very hypo and that explains your symptoms. It looks like your dosages of T4 and T3 are pretty darn low to me and that your endo is being a bit timid about raising your meds. How much did he raise the T4 the last time? Also with that low ferritin you are still probably having symptoms from that too.

You probably aren't going to convince your endo to raise your Synthroid right away and if he's going to treat you based on TSH levels instead of symptom relief you might have an uphill battle. See if you can at least get your cytomel raised a bit to see if that helps but you also need much more T4 in your system. If he won't allow you to get your meds up where your FT3 and FT4 levels are up in the top third of range to where you feel best, you might have to seek another doc.

[Eliaheart]

Hi javellina

Thanks for your reply - it does make me feel better.

My last med increase was from 0.075 mg Synthroid to 0.088 mg Synthroid. The Cytomel and ferrous sulfate remained unchanged.

I also asked for a Vit. D test to be done next time I go for labs... thought it wouldn't hurt.

Man, thyroid issues really have us work on our patience, don't they??

[javelina]

Try adding in some adrenal fatigue on top of it all and you will know some serious patience trying That's what I'm currently dealing with .

Yes, get the vitamin D and a B12 done too. And consider ordering a saliva cortisol test online. But your levels right now just look too low and perhaps an increase in the meds might be all you need to help you.

[Eliaheart]

Javelina, thanks for taking the time to give me your insight I sure hope your adrenal fatigue and thyroid issues are gonna be a thing of the past soon.

I love my endo, and he usually treats symptoms rather than numbers, but he does tend to be on the cautious side. Which has been fine with me so far, but since the last dosage increase 3 1/2 weeks ago, I haven't been feeling well at all, so needless to say, I can't wait for November to be over and beg and plead him for new labs and an increase in meds (I'll probably push for the cytomel this time, since it made such an incredible difference in the way I feel when my endo added it to my regimen).

Never thought about asking about B12 - can hypo bring these levels down too the same way it does with ferritin?

Thanks again for all your help.

Eli