So I was diagnosed with hypothyroidism last week by sheer accident. The doctor is investigating a seemingly unrelated problem (although this may not be the case now) and did the blood test on a whim.
I don't know my results, I didn't think to ask for them but apparently they were at a level the doctor would consider "dangerous".
I have been started on 100 micrograms of levothyroxine and iron tablets as I am also anaemic.
I know its early days but when do I start to feel like I haven't been hit by a bus when I wake up every morning? I'm so tired its making me want to burst into tears for absolutely no reason.
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SJaggs
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When you get blood tests done in future, always ask for a copy and if you have a query, post the results here complete with the ranges as labs differ throughout the country and it makes it easier to comment.
I am not medically qualified but would have thought it would have been better to start at 50mcg for a few weeks and gradually increasing by 25mcg till you reach 100mcg. Your doctor should have told you to come back in about 6 weeks for another blood test, so do get copies of this.
Tiredness, fatigue, emotional are all symptoms of hypo but it could settle down in a few weeks.
Ask your GP to do a vitamin B12 and Vit D blood test as well as hypo people are usually deficient in these too.
Hey there welcome to the place where you will be taken seriously
If he's started you on 100 then you are very hypo.. most of us start on 25 then 50 then 75.. though most people end up on 100-200 for maintenance, the GPs prefer to start us gently
So first thing to expect is a bit of side effects from the drug, palpitations are common, don't panic.
You should ask for a vitamin D test if you are also anaemic because you wil need to have a vitamin D level of more than 80 and preferably up to 130 to really be able to use the Levothyroxine which we mostly call T4 or Levo on this site
If the T4 doesn't sort you out, you may end up taking some T3 as well but it will take months to get to the stage where they know it's not working properly
I was diagnosed in September last year and didn't get on to 100 until March this year and have still not gone back to work full time as am now just starting T3 as well
The drugs will take a long time to work.. they should test you again in 6 weeks to see how you're doing.. if you're no better they will up your dose
There is no point testing any earlier because T4 is very slow to uptake.
You should definitely get yourself on some home bought vitamins but don't take them within 4 hours of your Levo.
Vitamin C - a gram a day
Vitamin D3 I'd take 1000 IU minimum a day until you get your test done and see how low you are.
Buy this book Your thyroid and how to keep it healthy by Barry Durrant Peatfield.. and if you don't read it, you can throw it at your GP who will doubtless annoy the hell out of you before you feel better
When I was severely anaemic it took months before I started to notice a difference. I likened taking iron to swallowing a brillo pad. On Levo it was 4 months before I started improving - I actually felt worse to start with. So stick with it. You will start to improve but it will take time.
Redditch has told you the supplements to take - and Dr P's book is excellent.
All good help above (Shaws, Redditch & Rosetrees) - just one little thing - have you been told to take your levo first thing (or some prefer last thing) just with water? and at least an hour away from food or iron tabs etc. (vit C helps iron too). Best wishes J
Many people feel better taking their Levo at night as they go to bed with water. it is apparently better absorbed this way, as some foods can interfere with absorption. There is a lot on this forum about this - try tags and there was a poll on this with many comments. Pleased that you've found this forum but sorry that you're suffering. It's a good idea to keep a diary of symptoms as well as the details of tests as advised above. Are you for example, very cold? Take your temperature on waking called basal temperature. Good luck and keep reading!
when you are first diagnosed it can be kinda scary but I promise it does get better. I have had this now for over 2 yrs and yeah I still have probs but my world hasn't ended. I been thru a lot long the way and had times when I wish the ground would open up and swallow me but hey im still here hang on in there
Please read the part about starting medication. I hope you haven't been taking the full shot of 100 mcg. at once. Most start with 25 mcg. and work up to 100 or more in a matter of weeks.
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