Levo. advise please.

[siskin]

Was on 50 mcg for 8 weeks then added 25 mcg for a further 5 weeks.

I see doc. to-morrow and was wondering if I should ask to go up to a total of 100 mcg or stay as I am for a little longer.

I feel as if I am getting some benefit but still very tired and little energy but not so cold and no longer constipated.

I tend to respond best to meds when it is gently gently.

Thoughts please.

[shaws Administrator]

It's usual to increase by 25mcg increments after the initial dose of 50mcg, so ask for an increase. Some doctors stick to the TSH result instead of clinical symptoms too so it means sometimes that we are not given an optimum dose to remove all symptoms and feel well.

On the morning of your blood tests take levo after them not before and test should be as early as possible as TSH is highest then.

[siskin in reply to shaws]

Thank you shaws, doc said stay on 75 a bit longer. she is obviously worried about heart probs. asked if getting palps, etc., I am going along with her, I don't want to antagonise her. In over 3 yrs. she is 1st doc. to take me seriously. She will do blood test after another month. I think I can persuade her to do T3.

I am not sure but I have a feeling she is feeling her way on this.

[shaws Administrator in reply to siskin]

I had constant palps on levo and when T3 was added to T4 I felt an immediate improvement. I hope she does prescribe even on a trial basis.

[siskin in reply to shaws]

Thanks shaws, I think she will be o.k. if I tread gently.

[shaws Administrator in reply to siskin]

As the saying goes "gently does it".

[Clutter]

Siskin, ask for a dose increase but be aware it will likely depend on the outcome of your blood test. If your GP agrees a 25mcg increase you can cut an existing 25mcg tablet in half to increase by 12.5mcg for a week or two before increasing to the full dose. You'll need a pillcutter which you can buy from pharmacies for around £3.00.

[siskin in reply to Clutter]

Hi Clutter, thanks for reply, please see my response to shaws above.

I like your idea of cutting but wont doc give me extra 50 mcg and drop the 25's

i.e. 2 x 50mcg. I only get 28 days supply a month. Think I will have to work this one out.

[Clutter in reply to siskin]

Siskin, Explain to your GP that you want to increase by 12.5mcg increments because of sensitivity to dose increasing and ask for 50mcg + 2 x 25mcg for the first month, after that 100mcg will be fine.

[siskin in reply to Clutter]

Thank you Clutter, was wondering how to solve it. I am usually pretty quick off the mark on most things. Having a senior moment.