Me again...

[destiny391]

To cut a long story short, I was diagnosed just over a month ago, TSH was 316. Started 25 mcg levo, it was then increased to 50 and then 75 one week later. My latest TSH was 131 so it's obviously still way too high but at least it's going down.

I've been signed off work for about a month now (one week at a time). When I got the latest results, my gp decided to refer me to an endo. He spoke to an endo who advised him not to increase my dose of levo despite the fact that I'm still feeling like c*ap.. Obviously the dose isn't high enough so I don't understand why they don't want to increase it? My endo appointment is not until May 6th which is a very long time when feeling this ill..

I have loads of levo at home, is it worth me increasing the dose myself or do I just wait for my endo appointment?

[Sue777]

You will most likely need another increase when you see your Endo after your next blood test results However your TSH was very high and you have had 2 increases in meds in the first month. I know it's tough when you feel so ill and tempting to increase but your body needs time to adjust to these increases and so I would stay on the 75mcg for now. Rest and sleep as much as you can and be kind to yourself - you are going through a rough time X

[destiny391 in reply to Sue777]

I guess you're right.. I've been sooooo tempted to up my dose hoping I'd feel better. But I suppose the doctors are there for a reason and I better follow their advise. Thanks Sue xx

[Sue777]

Hi I've been thinking about my last reply to you. Perhaps after 4 weeks on 75mcg if you are still feeling awful you could ask your GP if you could increase to 100? Or if you get no joy with GP ring your Endo for advice. My Endo rang me yesterday and advised me to increase my Levo as undermedicated....

[destiny391 in reply to Sue777]

The gp did say last week that I should go for another blood test in 3-4 weeks so I'll speak to him then about an increase.

I'm just having such an awful day today. Called the gp to sign me off for another week. Whilst I've been signed off I've also been made redundant from work.. I think it all got to me today and I just broke down and started crying. I can't apply for new jobs as I don't know when I'll feel better. I've been hoping to return to work even for a week or two whilst I still have the job but it's not looking good.

I've kept my head high since I was diagnosed but I guess we all get to a point where we can't do that anymore. Hopefully it's just a bad day and ill feel better tomorrow again

Thanks for your response.

Xx

[Hidden in reply to destiny391]

I'm so sorry to read this - you are having a really tough time... You have been given great advice here - it is important to increase slowly.

I just want to add that two years ago I was recently diagnosed and felt as you describe - I was frightened and didn't think I'd ever get well. But now, I'm so well - really active again and I feel like the old me.

I have also just become redundant, although I'm looking at this as one door closing - what will open? I'm excited about the future - but it's taken a few months to get over the shock and at first I was devastated.

You've had a double whammy as the timing has come with your diagnosis... BUT - You can get well again although it may take time and patience, and when you're well you can move on with your worklife too. Don't give up!

Good luck. Liza

[destiny391 in reply to Hidden]

Liza, thank you so much for your kind words! I don't think anyone understands how ill this condition can make us feel, unless they've been in this situation. And that's why this forum is so helpful. My hubby and my family are very understanding and helpful so I'm lucky.

I've held my head high since I was diagnosed and yesterday I think I just had to let it all out.

I know we're all different but how long would you say it took you to get better?

I'm sorry to hear about your redundancy. But you're right, hopefully it will lead to something better for us both!

Once again, thank you for your reply.

Xx

[Hidden in reply to destiny391]

You sound more upbeat today - I'm pleased you have a good support network and you're right - this forum helped me so much too.

To answer - how long did it take me to get better... it's an ongoing process. In some ways I started to feel better as soon as I started taking levothyroxine. Hypothyroidism had effected every part of my well-being and I regained wellness bit by bit.

My confidence had been shattered and I needed to find my optimal treatment. During the time I was untreated there was weakness and damage to my muscles. In the last few weeks I have at last, started to exercise again at the level I was at before I became ill. Two years ago I could do very little - even a walk to the corner shop was exhausting. It has taken two years to get to this level and I hope it will help me shift the three stone I gained which seems determined to stick with me! Hypo weight gain - arghhhhhh!!! Apart from the weight gain the other change has been that I often need to have a little afternoon nap - something I couldn't do when working, so I'm making the most of the situation

I wrote my story last summer, in the hope that it would encourage others, and that it is possible to regain wellbeing. For me it was about learning how to change gear and manage life with this condition. Here is my story, scroll down to Liza's story; thyroiduk.org.uk/tuk/get_in...

Good luck! xx

[destiny391]

Thank you, I will discuss this with my doctor before my next blood test which will be in about three weeks,

[beaton in reply to destiny391]

Ask your endo. to request B12 etc. on your next bloods,then he will have the results before you see him rather than having bloods done at your consultation.xx

[Hidden]

Hello, it sounds like you and me are in the same situation!! I was feeling awful and about one month ago now I went to the doctors, got some blood tests and they found I had an underactive thyroid - I had a tsh of 267 and t4 of 1. They started me on 25mcg, then upped it to 50mcg a few days later. I saw a consultant on Thursday who advised me to up the dosage to 75mcg which I did yesterday (was on 50mcg for about 3 weeks ). The consultant is going to put me on a plan and envisages I will need to be on about 150mcg eventually - can't wait to feel more myself!!

I feel a lot better than I did, luckily I've been able to get to work throughout (I've dragged myself as I started a new job the Monday after I was diagnosed!!) so I'm sorry to hear about your situation - I'm sure it hasn't helped how you are feeling we'll get there soon xxx

[destiny391 in reply to Hidden]

Thank you for your reply

First of all, well done for dragging yourself to work! There's no way I'd be able to do that the way I've been feeling!

I'm glad you're feeling a bit better, the 75mcg that I'm on has not made any difference for me. Hopefully I will after my next increase.

Let me know how you get on

Have a good day.

Xx