Legs feel like lead and shake

[Jude1964]

Hi, I'm new to this, just been diagnosed with under active thyroid, I'm on 25mcg Levothyroxine and tbh I feel awful, i feel exhausted and I cannot do anything, can't walk anywhere and stairs are a mare, and it affects my breathing, I've had scans for lungs and heart, done a respitory test, which was fine, I'm beside myself as having to get people in to do cleaning, washing, shopping etc

Washing my hair is even a mission

It's really difficult as I'm a carer to 3 children

Are these normal symptoms? And are there any suggestions anyone can give? As feeling I can't cope, and unable to go anywhere, it's so depressing 😢

[SeasideSusie Remembering]

It takes time Jude. You're on a starter dose and it has to be built up slowly. However, unless you are frail or elderly you could have been started on a higher dose.

You need a new test 6-8 weeks after starting Levo, you will get an increase of 25mcg, then you need another test 6-8 weeks later, another increase, and so on until your symptoms abate and you feel well.

When having thyroid tests, always book the earliest appointment of the morning, fast overnight (water allowed) and leave off Levo for 24 hours (take after the blood draw). This gives the highest possible TSH which is needed when looking for an increase in dose or to avoid a reduction. Do this every time so that you can accurately compare all your results.

Do you have your last test results? Always ask for a print out, we are legally entitled to them and it helps us see whether there is room for adjusting our dose of Levo if we still have symptoms.

Take your Levo on an empty stomach, one hour before or two hours after food, with a glass of water only, and any other medication and supplements should be taken two hours away (four for some supplements).

[Jude1964 in reply to SeasideSusie]

Thanks Susie, looks like I'm on a long road to recovery

[Marz in reply to Jude1964]

Have you had your levels of B12 - Folate - Ferritin -VitD tested ? Sounds to me as if your symptoms point to LOW levels. When you have the results pop them into a new post for people to comment.

Hope you soon feel better.

Do you have your Thyroid test results ?

[Jude1964]

I don't have anything, I'm having a blood test next week, so I'll ask the doctor for the results

[SlowDragon Administrator in reply to Jude1964]

They may not automatically test these. You probably need to check/request that they are done.

Also ask for thyroid antibodies to be tested, if not been done already

Always get printed copies of all test results including ranges (figures in brackets)

Keep good record of all test results so you can track your progress over time.

[Treepie]

Leaden legs is a typical symptom and your dose is a very low starter dose.Fatigue also. As you have been diagnosed there will be blood test results.Always ask for the details with the ranges( shown in brackets) to post for comment.

[Raucous]

That is a very low dose - I'm sure I was started on at least double that 13 yrs ago, and my symptoms weren't as bad as yours.

Insist of having your test results so you can post on here, and if like many surgeries and labs they won't test the full range you can get a private finger prick test done from medi checks or blue horizon.

[Jude1964]

Thanks for all your replies, once I get them I'll post them on here

I also have a scalloped tongue, when I asked the doctor, it was just dismissed, but I've just read that's another sign