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Hi new here but not to HW site.

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Thyroid Disorders
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grandmaroses
Veteran Member
Joined : Jan 2011
Posts : 1355
Posted 9/21/2012 6:16 AM (GMT -8)
I just wanted to pop in and say hi, I have just been diagnosed with hypothyroid? I think I got it right, my doctor said my tsh is at 75.82 so said my thyroid is probably is no longer working. He put me on levothyroxine, synthroid 75 mcg, one tablet a day.

I just started this but I am feeling very nauseous does it effect everyone like this or am I just one of the lucky ones? I certainly wish I could say I am glad to be here but do to circumstances I will say it is wonderful to have a place where people with similar health conditions can gather and share.

I need to update my info on the bottom when I get some more energy I will.
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grandmaroses
Veteran Member
Joined : Jan 2011
Posts : 1355
Posted 9/21/2012 8:02 PM (GMT -8)
Wow this thread usually this quiet or have I already started on the wrong foot. If I have tell me what I did and I will try to do better.
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hypoHashi
Veteran Member
Joined : Jul 2012
Posts : 801
Posted 9/21/2012 9:27 PM (GMT -8)
Hello,
75 mcg as an initial dose is too high, people usually start with 25-50.

thnks
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grandmaroses
Veteran Member
Joined : Jan 2011
Posts : 1355
Posted 9/22/2012 7:53 AM (GMT -8)
Hi hypoHashimoto,

Thank you, I really seem to be having issues handling this. I did go online and checked the dosage according to my weight and it seems on target but I wish my doctor had eased me into it. I appreciate the reply, I am also wondering if everyone has this lump in their throat? It seems so much worse in the evening. Again I must say the headaches I have are so bad I hope my body gets used to this medicine quickly.
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maggiemay
Regular Member
Joined : Feb 2011
Posts : 161
Posted 9/22/2012 8:36 AM (GMT -8)
Hi Rose,

Welcome to the forum. With such a high TSH, you really must be feeling terrible. Everyone
seems to be so different when they start on Synthroid. Several people have posted here
complaining about nausea. I started with Armour and had no problems. It seems like most
doctors prescribe 75 mcg as an initial dose, but several books I have read recommend
starting with one-fourth that amount and increasing it every 7-10 days depending on
symptoms. You might ask your doctor about that.

I have Hashimoto's and I can tell when my thyroid is inflamed because I get that lump
in the throat. Have you had the TPO ab and Tg ab tests to see if you have Hashimoto's?

You might talk to your doctor about taking a natural thyroid replacement such as ARmour.
There are a lot of doctors very opposed to it, but I can tell you from my experience I feel
so much better on ARmour. I started on it, but last year I had a doctor who decided I
would do better on Levoxyl. WRONG! I felt terrible, so I'm back on Armour. If you look
on line, you will see lots of patient testimony from people who feel better on Armour.

Also, could the headaches and nausea be from some other problem. One thing that I
have read is common with people with thyroid problems is hypoglycemia which I also
suffer from. If I'm not careful with what I eat I get terrble headaches and nausea.
Just a thought. I really hope you start feeling better.

Oops, I just saw what you are suffering with. I'm wondering what medications you are taking
and if the Synthroid is reacting with one of those? Is your doctor aware of the medications
you are taking? I would definitely call his office and tell them about the nausea and headaches.
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maggiemay
Regular Member
Joined : Feb 2011
Posts : 161
Posted 9/22/2012 8:41 AM (GMT -8)
Rose,

You probably looked at this, but here is a list of precautions for Synthroid (Levothyroxine):

What special precautions should I follow?

Before taking levothyroxine,
•
tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to levothyroxine, thyroid hormone, any other drugs, povidone iodine, tartrazine (a yellow dye in some processed foods and drugs), or foods such as lactose or corn starch. Levothroid contains lactose, while Synthroid contains tartrazine and povidone.

•
tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications you are taking, especially amphetamines; anticoagulants ('blood thinners') such as warfarin (Coumadin); antidepressants or anti-anxiety agents; arthritis medicine; aspirin; beta-blockers such as metoprolol (Lopressor, Toprol), propranolol (Inderal) or timolol (Blocadren, Timoptic); cancer chemotherapy agents; diabetes medications (insulin and tablets); digoxin (Lanoxin); estrogens; methadone; oral contraceptives; phenytoin (Dilantin); steroids; theophylline (TheoDur); and vitamins.

•
if you take an antacid, calcium carbonate (Tums), cholestyramine (Questran), colestipol (Colestid), iron, orlistat (alli, Xenical), simethicone (Phazyme, Gas X), sodium polystrene sulfonate (Kayexalate), or sucralfate (Carafate), take it at least 4 hours before or 4 hours after you take levothyroxine.

•
tell your doctor if you have or have ever had diabetes; hardening of the arteries (atherosclerosis); kidney disease; hepatitis; cardiovascular disease such as high blood pressure, chest pain (angina), arrhythmias, or heart attack; or an underactive adrenal or pituitary gland.

And here is a list of the possible side effects. I see nausea and headaches, but as badly as
you feel, please let your doctor know.

What side effects can this medication cause?

Levothyroxine may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

weight loss

tremor

headache

nausea

vomiting

diarrhea

stomach cramps

nervousness

irritability

insomnia

excessive sweating

increased appetite

fever

changes in menstrual cycle

sensitivity to heat

temporary hair loss, particularly in children during the first month of therapy

If you experience either of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately:

chest pain (angina)

rapid or irregular heartbeat or pulse

Post Edited (maggiemay) : 9/22/2012 10:44:04 AM (GMT-6)

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kim123
Veteran Member
Joined : Jul 2006
Posts : 1201
Posted 9/22/2012 1:06 PM (GMT -8)
maggiemay- If one has Hashimoto's, then one can't take Armour...right? At least that's what my doctor told me when I asked her for it. Was she wrong?
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grandmaroses
Veteran Member
Joined : Jan 2011
Posts : 1355
Posted 9/22/2012 3:24 PM (GMT -8)
Thank you again, and yes I am feeling pretty darn rough. The nausea and headaches are horrible but the lump (frog ) in my throat just drives me into panic attack mode. I do not know why my dr started me on such a high dose the only other test he ordered is tsh in 2 months so I guess he thinks I can handle this. I still need to get the iron shot but have not been able to handle leaving the house to go to clinic as my stomach is far too upset. I remember my last iron shot upset my stomach and I do not think I can hold that in.
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Swimom
Veteran Member
Joined : Apr 2006
Posts : 1732
Posted 9/22/2012 7:39 PM (GMT -8)
KIm,

I have Hashi's and I take Armour Thyroid. The combination of Synthroid and Cytomel could not be balanced so after Armour came back on the market, I was given the oportunity to try it again. From what I have read, people seem to be having problems with the new formulation. However, I am doing better now than before Armour was taken off the market. The dosage needs to be adjusted now and then when flares occur but, I'm sure a lot better on Armour.

The results were nothing but side effects and were completely ineffective on T4 and T3 seperately or in any combo. Synthroid did one good thing though. It keep my thyroid from swelling up like a balloon; something none of the other T4's could do. I'm not sure how many people have little to no results from most of the T4's or T'3 but I am sure one of them. Virtually the only medication that has worked is Armour. It's a balancing act but it can work for some Hashi's folks.

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maggiemay
Regular Member
Joined : Feb 2011
Posts : 161
Posted 9/22/2012 8:29 PM (GMT -8)
Hi Kim,

I have never heard that people with Hashi's can't take ARmour. Just like Swimom, I feel so
much better on Armour. I started with ARmour, then it was hard to get so I was
switched to Naturethroid. I didn't notice a difference. Then a doctor decided I would be
better off with Synthroid and it was a big mistake. I started taking ARmour again because
it was easier to get and I feel so much better. Doctors don't like it and I just can't
understand their opposition to it. If your doctor won't prescribe it, I found that naturopaths
are very willing to write a prescription.
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grandmaroses
Veteran Member
Joined : Jan 2011
Posts : 1355
Posted 9/23/2012 6:49 AM (GMT -8)
I guess I need to do more research on hypothyroid my family doctor gave me the its easy to fix one little pill once a day line. I needed to know more about this without scaring myself so did a little research on the Canadian thyroid association website. I am going to ask to be referred to a specialist as I have far too many other diagnosis that have almost identical symptoms, how can I tell what is causing what? Too confusing for my brain.
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jujub
Elite Member
Joined : Mar 2003
Posts : 10424
Posted 9/23/2012 3:51 PM (GMT -8)
Rose, with both diabetes and thyroid problems, you definitely should be seeing an endocrinologist. Your primary care doctor did what works in most cases - but not all. Hope you're soon feeling better.
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grandmaroses
Veteran Member
Joined : Jan 2011
Posts : 1355
Posted 9/23/2012 7:59 PM (GMT -8)
Thank you Judy2, I am going to ask to be referred I am not getting any better yet but it has not even been a week but all I am doing is creating blood glucose lows now and adjusting my insulins.
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maggiemay
Regular Member
Joined : Feb 2011
Posts : 161
Posted 9/25/2012 8:48 AM (GMT -8)
Hi Rose,

I've been thinking about you. That is a really good idea that you are going to see an
endocrinologist. I was wondering if you have ever had your thyroid tested before this?

I read a book by Dr. Stephen Langer entitled Solved: The Riddle of Illness How
Managing Your Thyroid Can Help You Fight and Control: Arthritis, Cancer, Diabetes,
Obesity, Heart Disease, Fibromyalgia, Sexual Problems. I was just thinking if you
have had hypothyroidism for quite some time that may have caused or exacerbated
your other conditions. So it sounds like you are adjusting your insulin levels, hopefully
an endocrinologist can help you make the necessary changes to start feeling better.

Also, could you contact your doctor's office and ask about cutting back on the
Synthroid, at least until you can get in to see an endo? Hope you feel better.
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grandmaroses
Veteran Member
Joined : Jan 2011
Posts : 1355
Posted 9/25/2012 9:08 AM (GMT -8)
Hi maggiemay, I had my thyroid tested exactly one year ago and it was at 1, so then no sign of problem. I think as my symptoms started right after my back surgery my doctor kept saying be patient you just had major surgery, stop expecting to bounce back with your health conditions you are doing great.

I think my body is starting to accept the medicine now I am not as nauseous and I actually had a small burst of energy yesterday. I managed to do a load of laundry and I started cleaning my bedroom, trying to dust before winter settles in.
I still need that iron shot maybe this afternoon??
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