Hi, On thyroxine one week, will swelling go down to help breathing problems soon or is it likely to take months? Been ill for 10 weeks Thank

[Yorkshire123]

Breathlessness has been for 10 weeks along with aches and pains etc

[shaws Administrator]

I am sorry you are feeling so unwell, but it does take a little while for the levo to work. It is always better to go gradually.

The symptoms you describe are clinical symptoms of hypo and hopefully you will feel better soon. Are you seeing an Endocrinologist or your GP? Breathing especially must be a worry to you.

[Yorkshire123 in reply to shaws]

Thanks. Yes it is a worry. Under GP who said the breathing problem will improve. I have heard of others who this happened to and levo worked but Uam not knowledgable about any of it yet. Have a sensation of swelling in gland. Breathing problem comes and goes. Thanks for your response.

[shaws Administrator in reply to Yorkshire123]

It is a big learning curve, I must admit and we have to read and learn in order to get better.

From now on always get a copy of your thyroid gland blood tests with the ranges for your own records and so that you can post them here if you have a query. Also ask GP to test Vitamin B12, Vit D, Iron, ferritin and folate as you need iron to convert levothyroxine to enough T3 (which is the Active thyroid hormone - T4 (levo) is inactive).

Take your meds first thing with one glass of water and don't eat for around 1 hour. It is better for absorption and foods cannot interfere with the uptake. Some find they feel better if they take meds at bedtime, in that case you do not eat 2 hours beforehand.

If you don't feel your breathing is improving shortly, I would ask for a referral.

[Yorkshire123 in reply to shaws]

Thanks again.I am due at the GP on Friday to have a look at my neck etc so I will ask for my blood levels and these tests you recommend if they have not already been done. Breaathing problems is a symptom though?!!!

[shaws Administrator in reply to Yorkshire123]

I have sent you a p.m.