Concerned Mary

[Bonnie51mom]

Hi everybody my name is Mary and just found out that I have a Thyroid problem and I have so many questions that I want to discuss with somebody

[SeasideSusie Remembering]

Ask away Mary, plenty of people happy to help where they can

If you have any test results, post them with their reference ranges. If you are on thyroid meds, tell us what and the dose.

[Bonnie51mom in reply to SeasideSusie]

Hi Seaside Susie I started taking Levothyroxine 25 mg half a pill every morning as of today

[SeasideSusie Remembering in reply to Bonnie51mom]

That's a very low starting dose. Unless the patient is a child, elderly or has heart problems we quite often see 50mcg as a starting dose where in the UK.

How much information have you been given? Advice given here is to take Levo on an empty stomach, one hour before or two hours after food, with water only, no tea, coffee, milk etc. Take it two hours away from other medication and supplements (four hours for Vit D, iron, calcium, magnesium).

You should have a follow up test 6-8 weeks after starting Levo, then an increase of 25mcg, retest 6-8, weeks later, etc, until you are on the correct dose and your symptoms abate and you feel well.

When having blood draw for thyroid tests, always book the first appointment of the morning, fast overnight (you can have water), and leave off Levo for 24 hours. This gives the highest possible TSH which is what is needed when looking for an increase in dose or to avoid a reduction. If you do this every time then continuity of conditions mean that you can accurately compare results in the future. Keep a record of all your results, with reference ranges, dose of Levo, how you feel, etc. It will come in very useful.

[Bonnie51mom in reply to SeasideSusie]

Thank you Seaside Susie I am 50 years old and yes I will do a follow up in 6 weeks

[Bonnie51mom in reply to Bonnie51mom]

Hi Seaside Susie I have been taking the Levothyroxine for 12 days and my skin is so dry even after I put on my lotion have you ever had this problem?

[Nicki24110]

Hi Mary, I'm in the same boat. It's a bit scary but the guys on here have been great, answering all my questions x

[Nicki24110]

Hi Mary, I'm in the same boat. It's a bit scary but the guys on here have been great, answering all my questions x

[Bonnie51mom in reply to Nicki24110]

Hi Nicki24110

[Nicki24110 in reply to Bonnie51mom]

Hi Bonnie, where are you from?

[Bonnie51mom in reply to Nicki24110]

United States