Is it normal?

[Feelingtired123]

I just wanted check if it was normal to feel lightheaded/ slight dizzyness when taking Levothyroxine? I’ve a TT but haven’t yet had my levels checked properly by my doctor as I’m only just 4 weeks in from surgery and I think it’s too early. But it’s just not going away. I was going to pop down to docs to do self service blood pressure check but can’t see doc for another week.

[bantam12]

Early days so obviously your body is adjusting to the changes, it will take time to recover and get to the right dose.

[greygoose]

Could be low B12 after the anesthetic. That happens quite often, I believe. It happened to me for a different sort of op.

[Feelingtired123 in reply to greygoose]

I’m taking b12 so hoping that is ok although not been checked for a while. I’m just realising I’ve just got on to a roller coaster! When I had Graves it was pretty much rubbish all the time in a different way but I think with levo I do stand a chance of getting balanced ( fingers crossed) or somewhere near. Not hoping hoping for magic just a bit more normal but I know it’s only the beginning.

[greygoose in reply to Feelingtired123]

How much are you taking? Maybe increase the dose for a while, til the light-headedness calms down?

[Feelingtired123 in reply to greygoose]

I’m taking 125 Levothyroxine which is what they prescribed when I left the hospital. I’ve also got palpitations but only mild constant thumps. Nothing like I used to get with Graves so i consider myself very lucky but maybe I’m not supposed to have palpitations? If I increase dose my lowest dose pill is in 25, do you think that would be ok? Or, I could hold out until next Friday when I get a blood test which will be a bit of a fight as I know they will only want to do limited tests.

[greygoose in reply to Feelingtired123]

It would be best to wait for the blood test before increasing, otherwise, you'll skew the tests.

But, how much B12 are you taking?

[Feelingtired123 in reply to greygoose]

Thank you, yes that makes sense to wait. I’m taking a sublingual b12 which says 500 ug methylcobalamin and 500 ug adennisylcobalamin. I’m taking 1 a day.

[greygoose in reply to Feelingtired123]

OK, that's good. But, if you continue to feel dizzy, you could try increasing the dose of B12 for a while, see if it helps.

[Feelingtired123 in reply to greygoose]

Good idea thank you. I think I’ll do that right away.

[greygoose in reply to Feelingtired123]

You're welcome.

[shaws Administrator]

I am sorry you don't feel so good. Many of us don't initially but as you have had a TT, I think you might feel worse than you'd expect as you don't know yet whether you'll convert T4 to T3.

Levothyroxine is an inactive hormone and it has to convert to T3. T3 is the Active thyroid hormone and we have millions of T3 receptor cells, the heart and brain need the most.

When you go for your blood tests - always at the very earliest possible, fasting (you can drink water) and allow a gap of 24 hours between your last dose of levo and the test and take afterwards. Please request Free T4 and Free T3, especially as you've had a TT. Levo is usually taken first thing on an empty stomach and wait an hour before eating as food interferes with the uptake of hormones. Inititally you have a blood test every six weeks with an increase in hormones.

thyroiduk.org.uk/tuk/testin...

I hope both your doctor and endocrinologist is sympathetic and knowledgeable.

[Feelingtired123 in reply to shaws]

Thank you and sorry as I’ve only just seen reply. I have my blood test in the morning so will take your advice about the Levothyroxine. Many thanks again

[shaws Administrator in reply to Feelingtired123]

It is such a struggle for us but particularly for those who have had their gland removed altogether. I think it should be compulsory for everyone to have a T3/T4 combination but that wont happen. Many people seem to feel fine on levo but I'm certainly not one of them. I'd ask for a T3/T4 combination as you have no thyroid gland at all. Those of us who do have one and didn't have a TT should be cared for more kindly I think. I have my gland and even if it doesn't work apparently, it was a struggle to get to the right dose and right combination. It is important when having a test that they do both FT4 and FT3 and they should be in the upper part of the ranges.

[Feelingtired123 in reply to shaws]

Yes, I’m gearing myself up for tomorrow as I’m going to ask to have FT 4 and FT3 which I know they will say is not needed! It’s so hard. I will ask about the T 3 medication as well. I’m so pleased to hear that you have found a balance of medication that works for you. Many thanks again.

[shaws Administrator in reply to Feelingtired123]

I, finally, went onto T3 alone. If it wasn't for TUK and this forum I'd have had no idea of what to do or what to ask and if you're in the UK I don't know how endos expect someone without a gland to recover on T4 alone.

[Feelingtired123]

That’s good to know about the fact that you’re on T3 alone. I feel this is just the start for me but at least through being on this forum I can ask questions and get valuable answers back. I’m so grateful.