Feeling despondent

[Tikaneko]

I was diagnosed with Hypothyroidism in about 2000 and had been taking 150g daily and felt really well! Then about 2 years ago the doctor dropped it to 75g alternating with 50mg, everything was fine for a short while. 18 months ago I started with weight gain, fluid retention, foggy brain, dry skin etc. Then my joints were soooooo sore I saw a rheumatologist who diagnosed me with psoriatic arthritis, I do not have psoriasis although it is in my family. They pumped me with various meds but they didn't really work very well. I stopped them as I felt it was the wrong diagnosis. About 10 weeks ago I saw a new GP. I was struggling with high blood pressure. He immediately saw from previous tests that I had been under prescribed for my thyroid he requested another test and low and behold he rang me to double my medication. So this last 18 months have horrible. It has affected everything I have been doing, everything has been a struggle I have even changed my job to make things easier. How could it have been allowed to get this far? Well now I need help to get my life back on track, I am feeling more positive than before and more energised with the knowledge that things will get better. Although I eat healthy but have been unable to do any exercise I need help to get back on track. So all you lovely people any suggestions, directions etc will be most gratefully received.

[Clutter]

Tikaneko,

It was excessive to reduce dose from 150mcg to 50mcg/75mcg. Dose adjustments are supposed to be gradual and gentle, 25mcg increments at 6 week intervals with testing to check levels are correct.

Your new GP has also made a drastic dose adjustment. Make sure you have a follow up thyroid function test to check levels 6-8 weeks after dose was increased.

Get into the habit of asking for a copy of your thyroid blood test results and ranges so you can monitor your own levels.

[Tikaneko in reply to Clutter]

Thank you, Yes I have been told to have another blood test. I did actually increase but did not double it as requested. So I did the right thing at least.