I'VE CHANGED HOW I TAKE THYROXINE...SEEING CHANGES.

[ElspethMann]

I've had under active thyroid for twelve years and now taking 100mg of levothyroxine. Nobody ever told me how to take this, apart from telling me not to take it together with Calcium. I've only become educated in this since finding this wonderful and helpful site...many thanks to you all. Been feeling really bad last few months, extreme tiredness and stiffness, insomnia, occasional headaches and constipation...generally feeling 100 years old. With much force I've got a letter of referral to see Dr S in Birmingham, GP told me it was 'quite fashionable to do this' and did I have any problems in my life...yes only with my GP. Wasn't at all keen to do this but conceded, having not slept for three days I was in a very nasty mood.

It is now almost 6 weeks since changing the way in which I take my medication, empty stomach before and after. I'm actually beginning to feel better and although I couldn't run a marathon, my stiffness is so much better. Does anyone think I should carry on with my new way of taking thyroxine and perhaps delay my visit to Dr S for a while, not sure what to do now...any advice please.

[shaws Administrator]

I think it is worth persevering for a few weeks more. The fact that you are feeling an improvement is good. If you can get a new blood test in about 6 weeks and post the results here someone will comment.

Initially, if you are on levothyroxine Dr S will increase the dose as many doctors of his ilk, are convinced we are undermedicated. We used to get a dose of Natural dessicated thyroid hormone between 200 and 400mcg before the TSH came in and people were diagosed and dosed according to clinical symptoms.

If you take supplements, take them about 4 hours apart from the levo.

Also ask your GP to test your B12 and Vitamin D as both are usually deficient. Also check iron, ferritin and folate.

Dr S is 'fashionable' because we cannot recover our health otherwise and thank God he sticks his neck out as our modern GP's aren't trained how he was. (Dr S is a Virologist).

[ChemicalAngel]

Hi Elspeh, carry on with what you are doing as it is working for you, but still go and see Dr S as he can explain everything so much more clearly for you, and will make sure you are getting the right treatment.

Ann xx

[ElspethMann]

Thanks so much for your replies, will persevere for a couple more weeks. Having gone this far in getting a referral letter, would hate to miss this opportunity to discuss this with Dr S.

[PinkNinja]

I agree with the others. Although you are starting to feel better and may see further improvements in the next couple of weeks, it does sound like you are under-replaced. I suspect Dr S will try an increase in thyroxine. If how you take it has made this much difference, hopefully a slight increase will make even bigger improvements

[ElspethMann in reply to PinkNinja]

Thanks CarolynB...looking forward to feeling better, would be over the moon with any improvements.