Levothyroxine after a very long fight, now been medicated 4 weeks. No change in symptoms +ve or -ve

[siskin]

See Doc. in 10 days should I ask to stay on same dose 50 mcg longer, ask to go up slowly say 25 mcg or up a further 50mcg. Am 76

What are usually the 1st symptoms that show improvement may be happening?

Opinions appreciated.

[shaws]

Hi Siskin,

I am glad you have now been given levo. 50mcg is a starting dose and you should have an increase automatically to 75mcg and so on about every 6 weeks or until you feel much better. Get a print-out of your blood test, (with ranges), and don't take levo on the morning take it afterwards and have it as early as possible.

Some doctors believe it is the blood tests which is paramount when prescribing thyroid hormones and tell us we are now in the 'normal' range and don't need further increases despite still having clinical symptoms. If that happens to you say you want an increase until your symptoms go and that you can have a very low or suppressed TSH if it makes you feel well. If he disagrees we can provide an article.

I hope all goes smoothly for you.

Post your blood results when you get them for comments.

[siskin in reply to shaws]

Thanks for that shaws.

[siskin]

Thank you reallyfedup123, folate and ferritin have not been tested nor Vit D. B12 was tested about 18 months ago and was at very top o f range, so it was ignored by previous doc. as Hb was below range have been on Ferrous sulphate for about 1 yr. I do take it with Vit C. soluble.

Will ask doc for the above tests this is a new doc to me so may be in luck.

[greygoose]

To be honest, I'm not surprised you're not feeling any improvement. 25 mcg is a very low dose and not likely to do much for you, and 4 weeks isn't long enough to feel much improvement on any dose. As to which symptoms improve first, that is a very individual thing.

I definately think you need to ask for an increase. Staying on the same dose wouldn't be very productive. I presume you are getting tests when you see your doctor. See if you can persuade him to do the FT3 as well as the TSH and FT4. Also, vit D, B12, Folate, iron, ferritin and magnesium. You are more than likely deficient in magnesium, most people are.

Hugs, Grey

[siskin in reply to greygoose]

Hi greygoose I didn't post very clearly, I was started on 50mcg and was wondering if should ask to go up 25 or 50mcg. or stay on 50 a bit longer.

I agree with you I have to try and get those blood tests done, but as I am with a new doc. (I am getting her trained) I feel I have to tip toe quietly, don't want to antagonise. Might get bitten.

Change of subject, did you see the Attenborough film of the greylag geese leaving their nest for the first time. Amazing survival and filming.

[siskin in reply to siskin]

Hi again greygoose have just read your profile and see you live in France. so you may not have seen the film. It was part of a series by David Attenborough called Life Story.

Regards siskin

[greygoose in reply to siskin]

No, it was perfectly clear. You should go up by 25 - doses should always be increased or decreased by 25, any more than that stresses the body. I said you should go up, don't stay on 50 for more than 6 weeks because it's only a starter dose.

No, I haven't seen that film, but I know that he makes some wonderful nature films. Wonderful man.