i'm new here!! 3 weeks since diagnosis - anyone else felt worse after tablets?

[Kbrackett]

Hey guys!

Gosh am i thankful for this forum! It has certainly helped lift my spirit at a time when i was so confused, it's nice to know i am not the crazy physco i thought i was becoming, & even nicer for my partner, who was starting to believe that he had something wrong with him!

I was told i have hypothyroidism at the start of July, It was my 3rd or 4th blood test since November 15! My doc simply said that my thyroid was a bit sluggish and i would need tablets for the rest of my life. She didn't provide anymore information so I've had to look it up myself. (as i am sure that many of you also have)

I have been prescribed 75mg of levo and i am aware that my dose is likely to be changed as i have more blood done, i've also made a note of the other test's i need to ask for, i will ask at my appointment this Thursday. Is it easy to request these other tests or can my GP make it difficult if she doesn't believe i need them?

Also, has anyone else experienced feeling really great almost instantly after starting the medication and suddenly crashed and burned? don't get me wrong, i never thought this was going to be a quick fix but i also never thought the tablets would make me go up and down like this. I felt better for almost two weeks and the last week has been awful, no energy, awful moods, depression, joint aches etc!

Roll on my bloods next week.

Thanks in advance for your replies!

[Clutter]

Welcome to the forum, Kbrackett.

GPs will only order tests they consider to be clinically necessary. If your GP can't/won't order the tests you request you can order private tests via Blue Horizon and Genova.

If you had instant improvement it is likely to be a placebo effect as 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.

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.

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.

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.

thyroiduk.org.uk/tuk/about_...

__________________________________________________________________________

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.