just an update.... inability to tolerate meds

[Olsbird]

Just as update on my 6 years of trials and tribulations on thyroid meds as I know a few people are following me. For those that arent familiar with my posts, I have tried everything - NDT, T4, T3 - and have been ill on all of it (even different brands) as quite low levels. By ill, the range of side effects has been from feeling too hot to feeling freezing cold and cannot get warm, chest pains, missing heartbeat, cant breathe properly, tight chest, burning in chest, aching back, stabbing sensation in my lower back, sensation of prickly heat, banging headaches, pressure headaches.....to name but a few. thanks to my (relatively new) GP who has been marvellous and patient with me, I hope I may be getting somewhere. I started off at 1/2 of a 25 mcg Eltroxin (levothyroxine) tablet a day for 6 weeks, then increased by 1/4 tablet/daily. Waited 6 weeks then increased by another quarter tablet daily and so on. Each time I increase, I feel rough with some or all of the above side effects for somewhere between a few days and a couple of weeks but then it has (so far) settled down and Ive felt ok. Im now up to 1 and a half tablets daily which for me is absolutely amazing as I could only tolerate 1/4 tablet of NDT every other day and have never been able to take this much levo. 50mcg sent me to A+E I felt so ill and I cannot just take 25mcg straight away without feeling terrible. Ive seen countless Endos who all scratched their heads and have seen gastroenterologists and immunologists as they all tried to figure out why I was reacting so awfully but everyone was clueless. So with the help of my lovely GP I have just persevered on the 1/4 tablet increase 6 weekly. The last blood test I had (3/4 tablet) I was still way out but it was getting better and the last few weeks I actually feel like I might be losing some of the 3 stone I put on. So for those of you similarly struggling, just bear in mind my story and if you haven't tried my route then you might want to do so. All the Docs are bewildered by my reactions at such low doses so I guess its quite unusual to be so sensitive to the meds but it is what it is and my current GP just seems to be the first to accept that. Anyway, Im not there yet but Im hoping if I persevere I may just get there. Good luck to you all. xx

[jgelliss]

I am so so sorry your going through very difficult times. But I would refer you to Slowdragon and SeasideSusie's Excellent posts on adding nutrients to help with our thyroid medications to work well for us. For e. g. Vitamin "D"/K2, B-12/folate,B-Complex,Iron if you test low.

Please ask your Dr to test your nutrient levels.

Sending you strength and positive vibes.

[Lalatoot]

I have always had to split my levothyroxine dose to 2 or 3 times daily as I couldn't tolerate it in one.Hope things continue to improve for you.