TIRED, SORE EYES

[fiftyone]

Hi. I've recently reduced my thyroxine from 175mcg daily to 150, on doctor's orders because I have been suffering palpitations and AF. Although I generally feel okay, I notice my eyes have become somewhat heavy and sore, and wondered if this was a sign I need to go back on my original dose? Ihave been on the lower dose for two weeks and, so far, suffering no adverse symptoms except my eyes. Advice or thoughts anyone? Never had this problem before.

[shaws Administrator]

Your doctor has reduced your dose - most probably because your of TSH result and he thinks it is 'too' low.

There's no 'thyroid history' in your profile - only your name. You will note your eye symptom in the link below:-

thyroiduk.org/tuk/about_the...

I had severe palpitations when on levo and the cardiologist was puzzled and was going to put an implant in my heart to 'see what was going on'. I had umpteen tests before that but none revealed anything. Around that time T3 was added to the T4 and palps ceased. I am not saying that will happen to everyone but T4 is an inactive hormone and has to convert to T3 (the active hormone needed in our T3 receptor cells).

thyroiduk.org/tuk/about_the...

[Hidden]

Can you post the test results that led to having to reduce?

Eye problems (such as dry eyes (Blepharitis) can be caused by both hypo and hyperthyroidism, though for different reasons. I have it.

You should be able to get a prescription for Systane Balance eye drops. They soothe and slightly disinfect your eyes and prevent them getting too dry. They can be ought over the counter but are rather expensive. If in the UK you would need an eye test and recommendation from an optometrist first, then go to doctor and ask for some.

[fiftyone in reply to Hidden]

It's okay. Told my doctor I'm back on the higher dose. I should feel much better within a few days. I do already have systane eyedrops. Never really needed them on the higher levo dose.

[Hidden in reply to fiftyone]

I was forced to reduce my levo because of suppressed TSH on one result (which turned out to be a temporary extreme low). After several months I got breathlessness and swollen ankles, was eventually listened to and restored to previous higher dose. With some improvement and support from an excellent doctor, who admits that they weren't taught much about the thyroid in med school. Though I think I'm probably still slightly undermedicated. Test due next week, but I will likely have to argue my case (not with the doctor) yet again to get T3 included as well as TSH and T4. Or get a private test

[fiftyone in reply to Hidden]

such an uphill struggle, isn't it, trying to get properly treated.

[Hidden in reply to fiftyone]

Yes, even when you have finally found a really good doctor who is willing to listen and even learn from us.

They have to know about probably thousands of diseases and treatments, so no blame if they are out of their depth with some.

But it's rare to find one who has the courage to admit he doesn't know much about this particular disease, while we, as patients are forced to learn a lot in order to try and get well

[SlowDragon Administrator]

Atrial fibrillation can be due to low Ft3

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/175...