Absolutely lost

[Lrm7]

Been struggling since I was diagnosed with an under active thyroid 3 years ago. Was put on levo by my gp, found it to be awful and only compounded my anxiety and depression. After researching online, tried Ndt, made a massive difference, gave E a huge increase in the quality of my life. Ran out, was unable to source again So tried from a different site. Been feeling awful the last few months, had bloods done few weeks ago and my tsh is now 34.3 (worst it’s been since I started levo at 30.4). Gp has now put me back on levo, a tiddly little 50mg dose and told me to return in 6 weeks. Not sure I can continue going on like this, I don’t even recognise my own body or thoughts anymore and have absolutely no control over it. Just so exhausted with it all. Knowing the next few months are only going to get harder due to the levo and tiny increases just makes me lose hope. Every day is such a painful tiring fight, sore skin, edema, hair loss, weight gain, urge to sleep constantly. Having an under active thyroid is a minefield when you have no guidance.

[adin]

Why don't you try Thai-ndt. No need prescription and it's cheap.

[greygoose]

I'm afraid that the tiddly little starter dose and tiny increases are necessary. It may seem hard when you feel so unwell, but believe me, if you started on a higher dose, or increased by too much at a time, you'd just be shooting yourself in the foot.

Levo is a hormone, and all hormones need to be started low and increased slowly. You need to give the body time to get used to it. Taking too much can shock the body, make you ill and then you have to start at the bottom all over again. Patience is absolutely essential with thyroid problems. You cannot rush hormones, I'm afraid. So, just hang on to the thought that eventually, you will feel well.

[SilverAvocado]

Lrm7, I agree with Greygoose that unfortunately patience is what we need. It can be very hard, but I think it's a little easier to realise that everyone is in that same boat and patience is the thing to work on.

I find meditation a great help for this, and also resting a lot and finding ways to enjoy resting. Watching films, listening to music or audiobooks, or if you're well enough to sit up and do things with your hands while getting the benefits of resting there are many crafts and hobbies to choose from.

This forum is also a huge help. It's empowering to understand the illness, understand the blood tests, and be in the position to actively decide whether you want to pursue NDT or Levo and the way to proceed.