Thyroid

[bourb0nbiscuits]

Does anyone take their levothyroxine at night? I’m tempted to try and see if it makes a difference to how I feel. Although I’d need to be strict and make sure I stop eating at a certain time so that it can still be taken on an ‘empty’ stomach.

I’ve been taking levothyroxine nearly a month, I had radio iodine treatment in April. After about two weeks ( of taking levothyroxine) I felt like I had more energy but now I feel quite tired again a lot of the time & I’ve put on weight. Really fed up & kind of wish I hadn’t had the radio iodine treatment & just carried on with the carbimazole. I take mine in the morning either as soon as I get up or half hour after I’ve had my morning cuppa, apparently caffeine can effect how it works

 

[Cotton3112]

Mine have been all over the place for years from the highest end of the scale I'm now right under, my last readings were T4=14.6 TSH 5.53 apparently it's been a big drop from my usual readings ( I'm hyperthyroid) have to get bloods done every 6 weeks until they decide what to do .I dropped after my covid vaccine they're waiting to see if it comes up again so I'll have to stick the cold for longer


It's rare how much the thyroid can affect you. I never even gave it a second thought before it went wonky there's so many symptoms from it from diarrhea to shakes and everything in between .Hope you get it sorted soon it's such a horrible feeling .

I’m so glad I read this! I’m currently overactive and I am always cold!! I never even linked it to this and I’ve been on and off since 2015 I spend half of my day shivering

 

[monga]

I've had thyroid issues for years now. I've had considerable issues with being hyperthyroid but they weren't really recognised at the time. The first flare up at 16 wasn't attributed to anything despite tests. In my twenties it was diagnosed as anxiety, despite me having severe heat intolerance and having dropped to under six stone in weight.
I developed changes to my voice in 2015/6 and scans revelled a dangerously enlarged thyroid that was deviating my windpipe.
I had a hemithroidectomy in late 2016.

Things have gone well until recently. The remaining half is now massive and keeps growing. I'm also borderline overactive again which I'm fairly sure shouldn't happen with only half left!

I'm struggling to breathe at night and it hurts my neck structures to swallow. I've been referred back to Endo which is fine except I thought they were referring me to ENT.

I really don't want to be in this situation. I don't want surgery and I don't want to be on more medication for life whilst being plagued with brain fog whist my levels adjust. It's also crap to not know what's causing the anxiety I'm experienced. Is it genuine or just a side effect?

Totally gutted to be here again and desperate hoping it doesn't get worse.

Unfortunately it can grow again , your endocrinologist should be checking every 3 months and adjust your meds accordingly .It's a shit condition even though many think losing weight while eating like a horse is a great thing it's the other side effects that are scary x

 

[monga]

Just tested positive for covid so I guess that explains the tiredness

Well take it easy as least you've got a cause for the tiredness ,hope you feel better soon x

 

[hettywainthroppp]

I reached breaking point a while back because bloods were “fine” but symptoms were out of hand. Finally the doctor agreed to increase medication based on symptoms alone, but it takes convincing and that in itself is exhausting when you feel so low.

It really is. My doctors only agreed to start me on levothyroxine based on symptoms, never mind the fact that I only have half a thyroid.
I’d been so ill for two years post op, and I believe it was only because they couldn’t see me due to the pandemic that they caved in and started me on a very low dose, which helped, but had to be increased a year later.
It’s sad that it has to come that though isn’t it.

 

[knivesnflowers]

had some bloods done on monday, and as of feb my TSH has jumped from 0.97mu/L (same in oct 22) to 3.4mu/L. i know it's within the normal range of <4 but with hashimoto's i'm sure it's meant to be lower. also can't find my T3 or T4 results anywhere on the app with my others but surely they've tested them too? no antibody results either but no idea if they're routine or not ( although i think they should be with autoimmune conditions!)

there's a note on the TSH to say no action needed, would i be a pain in the arse if i rang up on monday to talk it through with a dr?

 

[GamerLlama87]

I literally take mine whenever these days. I have a toddler who thinks sleep is for the weak and currently pregnant along with awful sickness if I don't constantly nibble on things so I'll be buggered if I'm gonna wait a whole hour before consuming caffeine and food

 

[Hairraiser]

I’m losing my mind here.
So the last 7 months or so I’ve felt worse as time as gone on, I’m losing my hair rapidlyat the front mainly. I’m really low in mood, no energy at all. The main issue for me which is totally debilitating is being constantly cold. And I mean to the point where even an electric blanket, 15 tog duvet , and hot water bottle just ain’t cutting it.
I find if I sit still for long periods I’m get more and more cold, which I know is normal but I’m trying to warm myself up and it’s failing.
I’m also adamant my house is colder than it actually is, I feel like it’s freezing but my hubby and my son are both boiling hot. It’s a new build house so you’d expect it to be nice and warm. But I don’t feel like it is, I’m now convinced it’s me that’s the problem here. Please someone give me some reassurance that this a symptom of hypothyroidism, I’m 90% sure I have ir cause my mum has the same.

it’s driving a wedge between me and my husband cause I’m constantly complaining and also he is trying to reassure me but I know he’s only saying it to keep me happy.
I dunno, I feel like I’m on a slippery slope to my 3rd mental breakdown in the space of 3 years.

I also find sometimes that my legs and arms ache, it’s not constant but it defo appears now and again, especially if I’m cold.

I’ve got a nurses appointment for next week to have a blood test done, I’d really like a full check over but I know I’m lucky to even get the blood test! So we shall see.
Either way, I’m fed up of feeling like this now and can’t stop crying at every given moment

 

[monga]

Oh really!! I'm just annoyed aswell that I was given NO information about it!! It was literally "here's your diagnosis, deal with it til we can fit you in"
Yes I think it's definitely down to an autoimmune condition because like I said, I have a different one and they all seem to go hand in hand unfortunately!
Ahhh thanks so much for all your advice!! I'll definitely be calling the gp tomorrow and even ask if the specialist can fit me in sooner!

Good luck let us know how you get on x

 

[monga]

nails and hair are okay besides my hair gets oily quickly these days but I moved area recently so it could be water supply thing. My old area was soft water but not sure about here. Periods are a weird one cause I take a mini pill so I don’t get periods besides the spotting. My gut is pretty good, tmi I usually go 1-3 times a day but I’m vegan so I eat a high fibre diet naturally.
ETA: thank you for replying. It’s really helping me

There's no harm getting it checked ,especially if it runs in the family it can take a few tests to pick up btw ,don't let things fester if you're worried always get yourself checked that's what doctors are there for x

 

[Bidscavan]

Anyone had thyrogen injections for thyroid cancer treatment? Due my first dose tomorrow ahead of RAI on Thursday!

I haven't but couldn't pass by your post without saying best of luck hope all goes well x

 

[knivesnflowers]

Just out of interest, have you got wrist pain? They tried to tell me mine was carpal tunnel but the wrong fingers hurt for it to be that. I've read bits that say it can cause wrist pain but I've never found anyone else who has experienced it.

not sure if you mean thyroid issues in general or specifically postpartum (sorry if the latter bc that's not me) but yes! started flaring over lockdown, assumed it was with WFH for longer periods of time but saw a physio earlier this year who said it's likely a TFCC tear based on symptoms and physical assessment but no xray etc. i wear a wrist widget now fairly regularly and have seen a change in how much i 'notice' it tbh! also use an ergonomic mouse where your thumb points up and have got on well with that too

another q but honestly might be different based on what's causing the nodules - how often do you get an ultrasound? my first and only one was almost 7 years ago after being diagnosed, keep asking docs but can never get a straight answer

 

[hettywainthroppp]

So I gained weight due to thyroid and then developed mental health issues not long after, due to the thyroid and other life stuff going on so I lost a lot of motivation initially.

Then once I got that more under control I started calorie counting, upped my exercise routine (I walk a lot and gym a few times a week) and that was it really and it worked for me. Very slowly compared to how I've lost weight in the past but I got down from around a UK size 18/20 to a 10/12. Its such a miserable feeling essentially knowing your body is a constant fight with you.

Thanks for replying, and well done on such an impressive weight loss!
I think lack of motivation with me has a little bit to do with depression to be honest. But I’m not sure if low mood could be to do with my thyroid level.
Did you find the losing weight slowly very unmotivating? Like you, I’ve lost weight in the past and it’s just dropped off, so to see it all coming off so slowly almost makes me think why do I bother.
How long did it take you in total to lose the weight?
I need to get moving, walking more and going to the gym, and get my head into it I think.

i think magnesium can help with muscle aches! but according to this article you need to them at least four hours apart from your thyroid meds. maybe take this with a pinch of salt though bc i'm on amitriptyline and it's never been flagged as a concern https://www.singlecare.com/blog/thyroid-medication-interactions/


also, does anyone have experience with low thyroid symptoms, okay thyroid blood work but other abnormal results? they have only tested my thyroid levels for the past few months but did a fbc this time. i have high lymphocytes, high phosphorus and low folate. they did a mono test in the lab and that was neg, and i'm getting more bloods done next week but i think this combo has been causing my symptoms (assuming low folate means high homocysteine). now down a MTHFR mutation rabbit hole ...

I have tried magnesium before, and they do help. I’ve been using a magnesium spray but it makes your skin tingle and itch like crazy when it’s applied.
The heat makes the aching worse and also makes my feet swell slightly too.
I always take anything hours apart from my levothyroxine, even my contraceptive pill.
The joys of being hypothyroid ‍

 

[Happytobedivorced]

Your GP usually refers to endocrinology to see what’s causing it they’ll offer the appropriate treatment to keep it under control.

Thanks for replying- I do have symptoms too. I’m just concerned if the next blood test is ‘better’ I’ll be fobbed off again. Just have to wait and see but everything I’ve read about an underactive thyroid has concerned me. Maybe I’m just panicking though!

 

[bananasplit88]

Does anyone know if your dose of Eltroxin should be adjusted if you lose a stone or so in weight? Have been hypo for years, my dose hasn’t changed in 3 years but lately I think I’ve swung a little bit hyper - very mild symptoms as yet. I’m due to get my levels checked next month anyway but I’d be interested to hear other people’s opinions on it.

 

[Ticketyboots]

Does anyone else suffer with sweating of the hands quite frequently? I’m pretty insecure about it and was wondering if there are any treatments or anything I can buy to help stop the excess?

Sorry to hear this. Look out for an antiperspirant called DRICLOR. It is used in cases of excessive sweating, hyperhidrosis. You can get it over the counter. But if that doesn't help contact you GP who can prescribe a stronger version.
Good luck.

 

[Reagent]

Has anyone had radioactive iodine treatment? I’ve been hyper on & off for about 4 years , on & off carbimazole. I’d got it reduced to taking 5mg every other day & was hoping to be discharged at next appointment with endocrinology. In November I started feeling rough & thought I was peri menopausal but had a blood test last Monday & have been told to increase the carbimazole to 20mg a day & start propranolol too- and think about either RAI or surgery. I’ve always said I’d just carry on with the medication before but enoughs enough I’m having a permanent treatment this time.

I had it about 6 years ago. I had tried carbimazole but it didn't agree with me. I had every known side effect and had to stop taking it when my liver began breaking down. My first treatment of RAI didn't work. I had to wait several months and had another dose. Thankfully it worked and my thyroid has been normal ever since. I would say go for it. There is a chance it will knock you underactive and you will need thyroxine, but surgery would have the same outcome. The endocrinologist will give you the best advice and options. Good luck and I hope it goes well.

 

[mcfeez]

Debating going back on the implant, slightly suppressed TSH for thyroid cancer purposes. Anyone on the implant and it’s been fine, no failures?

Not the implant but I take the combined pill with levothyroxine (for hypo though) and I've found it totally fine. Appreciate not the same but if you are worried you could speak to someone at your GPs

 

[mcfeez]

Does anyone find they have some thyroid related symptoms but doctor isnt keen to budge medication? I've found my sleeping has become terrible in recent weeks and for even longer, I'm just not able to get warm at all, pretty much always cold. My TSH is usually always around 5 and doctor say that is a little high but normal but then says if I want to conceive a baby we'd need to adjust it (which is confusing).

 

[monga]

I mentioned it again to my doctor when I had a medication review, and she wasn’t very reassuring.
Dreading going into the winter feeling like this.

Yes they won’t do anything unless the readings abnormal , you can only hope it drops below borderline for them to give you anything.