Recent diagnosis of hypothyroidism and have concerns of feeling like throat swollen one side when swallowing

[ah2019]

I have been on 100mcg levo since 9th of November after initial start on 5th November of 50mcg, prescribed after thyroid test

Serum TSH level 23.98 mu/L 0.35 - 3.50 Abnormal 30 Oct 2019

Serum free T4 level 9 pmol/L 8 - 21 Normal 30 Oct 2019,

I now know I need to request other tests, ie FT3 TPO TG thyroid antibodies, vitamin D, folates, ferritin, B12, after posting on here when I was diagnosed. I have an appointment on 12th December when I intend to ask for these as well as the TSH and T4 to see how things have improved.

My question is, should I try to go sooner as I have a concern that my swallowing is not right and sensation of feeling something not right one side of my throat especially when swallowing. It seems all on my right side, back of nose too feeling like not clear when swallowing, if this makes any sense. Feels sore sometimes but I do not have a temperature.

Can you also have days when you feel that you are doing ok, and only a couple days later suddenly not feel right, distant, foggy, tired, slow decision making. I don't know if it is just a coincidence but previous to these times I have been doing more actively, but nothing that I shouldn't be able to cope with at my age 56!

Thank you

[Heloise]

Hi ah, Your thyroid hormone has a big job and works in tandem with your adrenal glands. Smooth muscle is a large aspect of your metabolism and your throat is a smooth muscle. My muscles were in chaos when my tsh was as high as yours. Lots of other changes took place if your body was struggling to get thyroid hormone into your cells.

While you are in range, I do not think we would call your FT4 normal for you if you are having symptoms. Keep in mind that your digestive tract is also smooth muscle. Elimination can become an issue, even digestion, so those tests you hope to get will let you know where you have shortfalls.

Your body will try to reverse all the things it has probably tried to compensate for without as much hormone as it needed and it depends on how long this was going on. Your whole system is involved and it is complicated but give it time and give your body as much help as you can with good nutrition and good sleep. There are many doctors online that can be very helpful. I still refer people to John Bergman or Stop the Thyroid Madness Now STTM website.

Your Levothyroxine has a half life of two weeks and it takes about six weeks to get fully dosed.

[ah2019 in reply to Heloise]

Thank you for your reply, it helps to hear that what I am experiencing is not unusual for people with hypothyroidism. The sensation of something stuck in my throat is concerning, however it is not the same all the time. Its when it gets more obvious I worry.Hopefully it will settle down as the weeks go on. I will just have to be patient. I`m slowly learning just how much the thyroid plays a part in your everyday functioning.

[Heloise in reply to ah2019]

It's a good idea to learn as much as you can because conventional doctors know little about the research but functional doctors do. Izabella Wentz has several good books. When your thyroid is off the rest of your hormones probably are also particularly post menopausal. Progesterone was a big help for me. Best wishes.