Just when I thought my dosage was sorted....

[Nicky74]

Past 3/4 weeks I've had heart palpitations (not just fast, irregular beats) they are all the time and especially at night when I want to sleep, so this morning I thought I would give my medication a miss ( 20Mcg T3 and 50Mcg T4) I felt rough all day, heart no better, until now. The point is if I have been on the same dose for near 2 years why am I getting these symptoms now? I don’t understand…. this has happen before I was on 100mcg of T4 for year and half then developed heart palpitations for months after that. I was sent for ECG’s and both times my heart was fine.. I had a TT in 2013 how long can I get away with not having my medication, I feel I need to give my heart a rest.

Hope you can help

Nicky x

[shaws Administrator]

I'd at least take your T3 only for a week or so to see how you feel without levothyroxine. I have a thyroid gland but levo gave me constant palps particularly during the night. They stopped when I didn't take levo and took T3 only. T3 on its own, for me, (may not be for everyone) calmed all palps and I've had none since. I take around 50mcg of T3.

I also had clear ECGs and cardiologist was puzzled. I think that sometimes our body doesn't like certain fillers/binders or T4 which give us symptoms.

I am not medically qualified. Levothyroxine (T4) is a prohormone and has to convert to T3, so if it's not converting sufficiently for you, that could also be the reason your not too well.

[Nicky74 in reply to shaws]

Thanks Shaws, I'll give it a go on just T3 tomorrow....cheers

[shaws Administrator in reply to Nicky74]

It is really a guessing game, isn't it. Trying to figure out why we're not improving or getting other/different symptoms. Good luck.

[shaws Administrator in reply to shaws]

After a week when T4 has dropped in your system, I would increase by a 1/4 T3 every 7 days taking note of your pulse/temp. If either rises too high drop to previous dose.

(I am not medically qualified but T3 alone made a huge difference).

[puncturedbicycle]

Not to disagree w shaws - just a different experience really - I only get palps when undermedicated and when I tried to reduce my levo I got the world's worst anxiety (my theory is that falling t4 is something to do w it). I have Hashi's though, no tt.

I suspect if you've missed out your meds and you're still getting palps you're not overmedicated. Give shaws's trial a go but if no joy it may just be that it's time for an increase. Some people need more meds in the winter.

When was your last blood test? Anaemia can cause palps too. Are you keeping an eye on vits and mins?

[Nicky74 in reply to puncturedbicycle]

Thanks puncturedbicycle, no I do have my It's and minerals they really make a difference. I'm getting my bloods do again today... we will see.

Thanks for the advice

Cheers

[silverfox7]

Yes I've found it's one of those symptoms that can happen if under or over so in those situations I've found it safter to try cutting down first.

[dotti]

Just as an added thought i suffer with palps and am hypo, have had them for years sometimes a fast heart rate but usually irregular beats and are worse at night. I had numerous ecgs which came back normal,mainly because my heart was not playing up when i had them they are very hard to catch.

Eventually after several tests echo cardiogram, treadmill test e.t.c it was discovered that i have an electrical problem within the heart, something called a conduction delay.

The cardio i see who is fantastic ( after seeing several crap ones!) told me not to worry which i know is hard to do, but when it gets bad i take a low dose beta blocker which really helps i take it well away from my thyroxine and dont take it everyday only when palps are bad.

Hope you get well soon

Dotti x

[Nicky74 in reply to dotti]

Hi Dottie

Thanks for the advice....I think it's best to know so you can treat it, but I'm sorry you had to go through all the doctors and tests to get it sorted.....

Thanks again

Cheers

Nicky x

[sulamaye]

What you re describing sounds like atrial fibrillation and you must get it checked out again. The key part is the irregular heart beat, take your pulse and if it is over 100 and the heart beat flutters, bumps is not regular like a drum beat you must contact your GP. I was in hospital for four days with atrial fibrillation my GP checked me out and sent me to hospital, the GP did an ecg and also listened to my heart as the BP machine wasn't picking up all the beats they were so fast.

I am on t3 only with a suppressed TSH but also have m.e. What meds are you on and what was your last blood results?

[Nicky74 in reply to sulamaye]

Hi Sulamaye

Past 2 days I've just taken 20mcg of T3 nothing else, I'm much better for it, apart from the tiredness.....the AF sounds right, and it is linked to my medication, got my bloods done yesterday so we will see what happens, when and if the doctor gets back in touch. I feel bad because both the ECG's I had my hart beat was fine (sods law), I just look like a hypochondriac... Anyway thanks for the advice.

Cheers

Nicky

[sulamaye in reply to Nicky74]

If it comes and goes that's hard to track, I have m.e so am used to tests never showing up what I find out at home! However if the a fib is persistent, mine went on for two days before I saw the dr, get back in touch with your GP and try again. They can give you a 7 day heart monitor via the hospital too. A fib has a risk of stroke because the blood isn't pumping properly so can pool in the heart and form clots.

[Nicky74 in reply to sulamaye]

Thanks, I know I need to take it seriously, so far all good on the no T4....Cheers x