Feeling absolutely wretched and anxious - Thyroid UK

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Feeling absolutely wretched and anxious

App1 profile image
App1
12 Replies

Newly diagnosed low thyroid started med 50 last week, and suffering from a urinary track infection which has been going on since early March antibiotics. Awaiting ultrasound result. Wake most nights from 1 pm and lie propped up as feel I want to pass out.

Brain fog diminished a lot in the week, but exhaustion and feeling cold/hot out of my control. Any suggestions on keeping my anxiety level down.

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App1
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12 Replies
greygoose profile image
greygoose

Hi App1, welcome to the forum.

Anxiety is a hypo symptom. For me, it's the first sign that my dose is too low. And, I have to tell myself that it's not real, it's just a symptom, and it will pass when I increase my dose.

You are just at the very beginning of your thyroid journey, on a very low dose of thyroid hormone replacement. It's going to take time - and several increases in dose - before you're well again. Patience is of the essence, I'm afraid. Be kind to yourself. Look after yourself. Do whatever you need to to make yourself comfortable. But tell yourself, 'this too will pass'. xxx :)

App1 profile image
App1 in reply to greygoose

Thanks for your reply and for reading my post, I’m finding the Forum useful.

greygoose profile image
greygoose in reply to App1

You're welcome. :)

Buddy195 profile image
Buddy195Administrator

Like GG has said, be kind & patient with yourself and with time & care, your symptoms will improve. Anxiety has been my worst hypothyroid symptom and it is heightened if my thyroid medication or key vitamins (folate, ferritin, B12 and vit D) are not optimal. I test privately for these & follow forum advice to supplement as needed. Please don’t be tempted to supplement before testing.

Re anxiety, I’ve found mindfulness & Pilates helps me relax. I’m a fan of guided meditation eg Mark Williams & Danny Penman book and app. Try to do more of what you find relaxing & avoid anything too strenuous if you have adverse symptoms.

SlowDragon profile image
SlowDragonAdministrator

Which brand of levothyroxine have you been started on

50mcg is on the standard starter dose levothyroxine. Bloods should be retested 6-8 weeks after each dose increase

Dose is typically increased slowly upwards in 25mcg steps over several months until symptoms resolve

Do you have your results from diagnosis?

Has GP tested thyroid antibodies, vitamin D, folate, ferritin and B12 yet

If not, request any missing tests along with thyroid at next test

Always test thyroid levels early morning, ideally before 9am and last dose levothyroxine 24 hours before test. This gives highest TSH and lowest Ft4, so that your more likely to get GP to agree next dose increase

As greygoose and Buddy195 say, for many of us anxiety is very common hypothyroid symptom and it does improve

If you add any test results you have here

Then come back with new post once you get next results after 6-8 weeks on 50mcg levothyroxine

SarahJane1471 profile image
SarahJane1471

I can only add that if you listen to the advice from the people above ⬆️ you will want to be thanking them daily. They know their “stuff” 😄

App1 profile image
App1 in reply to SarahJane1471

Thanks to all of you. I got general blood tests which showed low and then was at A and E who did same and told me that I needed the treatment, all in a couple of days. Will read through forum info, its a lot to take in. Measuring levels etc is a whole new mysterious world. Again thanks

SlowDragon profile image
SlowDragonAdministrator

Looking at your age, 70

You should have been started on either 25mcg or 50mcg levothyroxine

Bloods should be retested 6-8 weeks after each dose increase

It’s extremely common when we get older to have low vitamin levels

Also extremely common when hypothyroid to have low vitamin levels

Request GP test folate, B12, vitamin D and ferritin at next test if not been tested yet

Come back with new post once you get results

App1 profile image
App1 in reply to SlowDragon

Thanks, useful info.

Hylda2 profile image
Hylda2

Hang in there. I’m 79 this year and all good x

App1 profile image
App1 in reply to Hylda2

Thanks, I take my med about 6.30 am and find the best hour or so is just before that when I feel ‘normal’ with no fuzzy head and tired limbs, a good reminder that it must/may somehow come to the fore more often. I’m 70.

mrskiki profile image
mrskiki

I got bad anxiety, before my diagnosis. I'm following all the advice here on vits and testing and slowly improving. Can't believe I was reluctant to leave the house at one stage. When I was in hospital I was also told that UTI s can have impacts on your feelings and behaviour so that is probably making it harder, you may feel better once that is sorted too x

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