I thought I should introduce myself, but first would like to say how wonderful it was to find this site and to be able to access information from such knowledgeable people.
After reading posts I think I have had an underactive thyroid for some time but was unaware of it , assuming it was just my age getting older and perhaps being peri-menapausal and working long hours it was not surprising i was tired.
In April I ended up in Hospital with Sepsis and pneumonia but since discovered I had been suffering many of the smptoms of an underactive thyroid for some time including painful swollen joints particularly my legs, tinitus and vertigo, dry skin, carpal tunnel syndrome (all of whch I mentioned to the GP who sent me away with a tube of Voterol cream and the promise of an appointment to have my hearing/ears checked) I was never recovering.... with chest infections almost weekly and high dosage anti-biotics being prescribed. Three weeks ago. after being at the GP every week that month I was sent by a GP in the practice (not my own) to Hospital for another x-ray of my chest as it was rattling again and O2 levels were low which led to me being re-admitted to hospital thankfully just for the day, as they decided to let me out early evening. The chest consultant noticed my goitre and decided to have bloods checked for thyroid as well as infection and lo and behold they came back positive.
I was started on 50mg of Levo three weeks ago (for one week ) now on 100mg and back to GP on 29th for blood tests by which time I am hoping to be recovering ( I have been off work for an eternity) Some days I feel okay (not great but okay) and others not so great but have found that many of the symptoms I had which had disappeared are returning but am hopeful that I will be in the 85% that does well on Levo.
Once again thank you as i have found this site so informative that I feel I will know what my doctor is saying and be able to disagree with him (if required as I do not trust him one little bit )
Knd Regards
Maud
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Maud04
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Hi Newbie Welcome I was like you with an under active thyroid and this website was/is extremely informative. I also love the fact we are not alone! Enjoy this brilliant website 😊
For maximum absorption Levothyroxine should be taken with water 1 hour before or 2 hours after food and drink, 2 hours away from other medication and supplements, and 4 hours away from calcium, iron, vitamin D supplements and oestrogen.
It takes 7-10 days for Levothyroxine to be absorbed before it starts working and it will take up to six weeks to feel the full impact of the dose.
You should have a follow up thyroid test 6-8 weeks after starting Levothyroxine. Arrange an early morning and fasting (water only) blood draw when TSH is highest, and take Levothyroxine after your blood draw. Ask for a printout of your results and ranges 2-3 working days after your blood draw. Post the results and ranges in a new question for comment.
Most people will find symptoms resolve after their TSH drops to around 1.0 with FT4 in the upper range but symptoms can lag a couple of months behind good biochemistry.
I am not a medical professional and this information is not intended to be a substitute for medical guidance from your own doctor. Please check with your personal physician before applying any of these suggestions.
Content on HealthUnlocked does not replace the relationship between you and doctors or other healthcare professionals nor the advice you receive from them.
Never delay seeking advice or dialling emergency services because of something that you have read on HealthUnlocked.
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