This is my first post, and I am very excited and hopeful. I have added all my background in my profile. Here are some key points and my question.
* Diagnosed hypo/hashis 1 year ago
* T4 50 mcg daily cleared up all/most symptoms EXCEPT debilitating fatigue usually accompanied by brain fog (I still do get cold... but that's the least of my worries when I can't stay awake or function)
* GP (who is a good dr. but doesn't know much about thyroid) then reduced T4 to 25 mcg and ADDED 10 mgs T3 (5 mcg in the am & 5 mcg at night)
* I recently split the T3 into 3 (wake up (2.5), noon (2.5), bedtime (5)) when I noticed I was napping/falling asleep around 2 pm. (And I have been napping less at that time since)
Symptoms check: I am "better" but still bumping along the bottom, like chin right above water but doesn't take much for me to dip under. I am still generally fatigued and brain fog (but both are "better" than before). I am still taking compelled naps randomly, but fewer. Although every week or so I lose an entire day to fatigue and naps. I feel my old circadian rhythm trying to peek through -I am no longer passing out at 10 pm, rather around midnight like pre-diagnosis. Headaches are periodically regular but I am not sure at all the cause (allergy? thyroid? ??)
Side effect notes: I have had - and increasing with the T3 - chest/heart racing. Had them from the start on T4. Dr never warned me about them. I used to call them "chest shocks" and it feels like a rush of adrenaline in my heart. I am aware of what anxiety feels like now - pure physical/chemical not based on anything that's happening in reality. I think another dimension of this is how at times I can be equally exhausted but also feeling a buzz and part of me feels awake simultaneously.
THE ASK: I need to ask for my next med change. All blood test results are in my profile. Here are my thoughts from what I've read on this forum:
* I am guessing I need more T4. Am I right? How much should I go up to? I did the math and based on body weight (140-145 lbs) I could be at 100. (63.5 kgx1.6) how much do I add every 6-8 weeks until I can test again?
* I think my dr. should have considered giving me more T4 before he even added the T3. But here I am on T3 too. I feel like it's working... but maybe more F4 alone would work too.
- Do I have enough info to know if I am indeed a "poor converter"?
- Do I only change one thing at a time? Like - leave the T3 as is until a T4 change stabilizes? Or would I ever change the T3 at the same time (either up or down)?
Thank you for reading, and for your insights. This message board has completely changed my post-diagnosis life, and I am so grateful.