Weak left arm after meds: About an hour after... - Thyroid UK

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Weak left arm after meds

greenfingers profile image
11 Replies

About an hour after taking 75 mcg thyroxine my left arm feels weak almost as though I am going to have a stroke, my heart races too. As soon as I lower the dose to 50 mcg it doesn’t do it. I’m not sure if it’s anxiety or actual reaction to the meds.

Has anyone else experienced this please?

My dose is now too low but am afraid to higher it.

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greenfingers
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11 Replies
Lalatoot profile image
Lalatoot

I did not have the same symptoms but I felt sick after my dose of levothyroxine once it got higher. My endo suggested that I split the dose and that avoids a higher spike of hormones entering the system . I take 50mcg morning and 50 MCG bedtime.

greenfingers profile image
greenfingers in reply toLalatoot

Thanks for that, I thought about doing that. I will give it a go.

SlowDragon profile image
SlowDragonAdministrator

When were vitamin D, folate, ferritin and B12 last tested

Looking at previous posts you were under medicated and on PPI both of which lower vitamin levels

What vitamin supplements are you currently taking

Have you managed to ween off PPI

How long have you been on just 75mcg levothyroxine

Do you always get same brand levothyroxine

Bloods should be retested 6-8 weeks after any dose change or brand change in levothyroxine

Always test as early as possible in morning before eating or drinking anything other than water and last dose levothyroxine 24 hours before test

So if splitting dose levothyroxine on typical day, day before test will need to adjust timings

greenfingers profile image
greenfingers in reply toSlowDragon

I had a private test on September 22nd. Results as followsFerritin 139.0. Ref 13-150

Magnesium 1.03. Ref 0.66-0.99

Cortisol 498.0. Ref 6am-10am 166-507. Test time 08.15

TSH 5.41. Ref 0.27-4.20

T4 total. Ref 82.6. Ref 66-181

Free T4. 15.3. Ref 12.0-22.0

Free T3 2.91. Ref 3.1-6.8

Anti -Thyroidperoxidase. abs 9. Ref <34

Anti- Thyroglobulin Abs 33. Ref <115

Vitamin D 85. Ref 75-100

Vitamin B12. Ref 300 not active test.

Serum Folate 13.60. Ref 8.83-60.8

Vitamin D I can’t get higher than that unfortunately.

I knew TSH would be too high as I dropped to 50 mcg due to weak arm and feeling like a stroke was about to happen. On reflection I have been very stressed so could that be the reason?

Stopped PPI’s months ago, have taken the odd Rennie at night, still get a bit of reflux but it has improved.

Been on 75 mcg for about a year last results were around 1.

Any help would be appreciated.

SlowDragon profile image
SlowDragonAdministrator in reply togreenfingers

Which brand of levothyroxine are you currently taking

Approx how much do you weigh in kilo

Guidelines on dose by weight is approx 1.6mcg levothyroxine per kilo

How much vitamin D are you currently taking

B12 and folate are too low

Are you currently taking any vitamin B complex or separate B12

If not, likely to find benefits taking both

Suggest you increase levothyroxine to 75mcg (splitting as 50mcg and 25mcg if you find it better)

Taking one dose waking, one at bedtime

Retest in 6-8 weeks

greenfingers profile image
greenfingers in reply toSlowDragon

I take Wockhardt specifically asked for, I have been on it for over a year.I weigh 56 kilos.

Vitamin D I can only take 400 iu a day as it gives me horrendous wind, the ones I take have nothing nasty in it!

I can’t take any B complexes as these also effect my digestive system!

I will try the split dose as I know I need it.

Thanks for your input. I think I am a lost cause.

SlowDragon profile image
SlowDragonAdministrator in reply togreenfingers

B12 sublingual tablets avoid gut

Eg Jarrow

amazon.co.uk/Jarrow-Methylc...

Common to get mild stomach ache 1st time taking B12 especially if levels are low

SlowDragon profile image
SlowDragonAdministrator in reply togreenfingers

Vitamin D mouth spray works well as avoids poor gut issues

One spray is 1000iu

amazon.co.uk/Better-Dlux-10...

in reply togreenfingers

As we get older it’s more difficult to absorb B12 but patches are available on Amazon. I have found them to be really good. You may find a Vit D alternative that is better for you too. I’m sure you’re not a lost cause, though I think that about myself a lot lol

SlowDragon profile image
SlowDragonAdministrator

Low B12 and folate

supplementing a good quality daily vitamin B complex, one with folate in (not folic acid) may be beneficial. This can help keep all B vitamins in balance and will help improve B12 levels too

Difference between folate and folic acid

chriskresser.com/folate-vs-...

B vitamins best taken after breakfast

Thorne Basic B is a recommended option that contains folate, but is large capsule. You can tip powder out if can’t swallow capsule

IMPORTANT......If you are taking vitamin B complex, or any supplements containing biotin, remember to stop these 7 days before ALL BLOOD TESTS , as biotin can falsely affect test results

endo.confex.com/endo/2016en...

endocrinenews.endocrine.org...

Low B12 symptoms

b12deficiency.info/signs-an...

With serum B12 result below 500, (Or active B12 below 70) recommended to be taking a B12 supplement as well as a B Complex (to balance all the B vitamins) initially for first 2-4 months, then once your serum B12 is over 500 (or Active B12 level has reached 70), stop the B12 and just carry on with the B Complex.

B12 sublingual lozenges

amazon.co.uk/Jarrow-Methylc...

cytoplan.co.uk/shop-by-prod...

healthunlocked.com/thyroidu...

Only add one supplement at a time and then wait 10-14 days to assess before adding another

jamesal0 profile image
jamesal0

so take 50 mcg.

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