I went to see a Doctor a couple of weeks ago regarding pain/achy feeling in my left shoulder and hip and also mentioned as a second issue I was struggling a bit with my energy levels and suggested I thought this was because I was aching so much. I've also had 3 'bouts' of extreme crying that has lasted a few days in the past year but I didn't mention this as put it down to my stressful job. I expected her to send me to physio as my sister recently had issues with her neck and that's what she got (same Doctor) but I got sent for bloods.
TSH 5.46 (0.27 - 4.2)
T4 17.0 (12.0 - 22.0)
TPO 262 (0.0 - 34.0)
Doctor said I was borderline Hypo and that the situation would get worse (was not expecting this), have been prescribed 50mg of levothyroxine, told to return for bloods in 2 months and that's it, she doesn't want to see me unless I need to see her.
The only family history of thyroid problems are 3 of my Grandfathers half sisters, 2 over active, 1 under active.
Does my TPO mean I have Hashimotos? as my Doctor never actually said this.
On my 3rd day with Levothyroxine and when I woke up this morning my heart was racing and my left hand is shaking a bit again, is this normal? as have read that the medication takes a while to work.
Should I be doing anything myself apart from taking the Levothyroxine? as really don't want the situation to get worse like my Doctor said.
Have read somewhere that Levothyroxine should be taken with water, I take mine with water and then have a cup of tea, can't live without tea! And that it should be taken the same time everyday, I'm going to find this hard as about to start a new job working shifts 6-2, 2-10. is this correct?
Any advice would be much appreciated!
Thanks
Written by
Sparkee
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You can take it at bedtime. Some of us find it either suits lifestyle better, or some of us find it "works" better that way.
But whenever you take it it does need to be on an empty stomach and no food or drink (even tea) for an hour.
If you take it at bedtime, then need to leave a good two hours after main meal, or even longer if had a large feast!. If you eat late, then can take it in middle of night when get up for the loo.
If you get your self a weekly pill dispenser it can make remembering if you've taken it, or not, much easier! Very important to take every day and not to skip doses.
If you read posts on here you'll learn a lot!
Yes, feeling a bit "over treated" and shaky/anxious is quite common, as your body is adjusting to your metabolism picking up. That should pass in a few days/weeks. But if it is unbearable, you can go back to GP and discuss dropping to slightly lower dose while you get use to it (eg 25mcg one day and 50 mcg the next). But best to "stick it out", if you can.
But actually your GP seems "on the ball" to have started you off on 50mcg.
You can do bloods at 6-8 weeks. Usual advice for any thyroid blood test is to get it done as early as possible in day (9am or earlier) - no food or drink beforehand, but do drink water so not dehydrated. DON"T take your normal Levo dose in the 24 hours before hand, take it straight after.
Yes with high TPO this means you have hashimoto's.
Recommended Websites
Thyroid UK.org
Thyroid Pharmacist- Isabella Wentz - "Hashimoto's the root cause"
Lots of us find changing to a gluten free diet helps. Something to consider
Thyroid peroxidase antibodies are positive for autoimmune thyroid disease (Hashimoto's) which causes 90% of hypothyroidism. 100% gluten-free diet may improve symptoms and reduce antibodies.
Levothyroxine can be taken any time of day or night. 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.
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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