T4 Medication Implications?

[pelle1]

Hi everyone..

I just would like to know anyone using T4 medications what are the implications..how long does it take before you start to feel better in any ways weight..moods..motivation etc...

someone pls help me!!

[lynmynott Partner Thyroid UK]

Hi Pelle,

Just a quick response from me as I'm supposed to be off today! Thyroxine takes around 10 days to get properly into the system but it varies as to how soon people start to improve. Some people can notice a difference within a month but for others it takes a bit longer. Note, though, that this may be the start of the journey - it can take many months to get huge improvement, depending on how long you have been ill and whether you try and do too much too soon!

[Daisy in reply to lynmynott]

I have noticed a difference within a week. Had my first unbroken night for two years. Have not had an afternoon nap today - this is exactly one week since starting medication

[Annamaria]

I am on Thyroxine since early june and I have not noticed any major improvement as such, but i have noticed a small difference in that the joint pain i have had in my right hand and right foot is not as bad as it was before i went on the meds, I dont know if this is due to the meds or not though?

[lynmynott Partner Thyroid UK in reply to Annamaria]

Hi Annamarie,

Just a quickie again! It could well be. My main symptom was muscle and joint pain and it improved on thyroxine but it took time.

[rosee]

I've been on 100mcg levothyroxine for nearly 5 years, my blood tests always come back 'normal', I just wish I felt normal! I only feel slightly better for taking the meds

[Hidden in reply to rosee]

you should strive for meds to be changed until you feel 100%.

If you don't feel better then the meds are wrong.

Get copies of your test results and post them. TSH should be around 1 or less and free t4 needs to be top third of reference range.

Are you taking selenium to help conversion of t4 to t3?, Vitamic C too.

[rosee in reply to rosee]

Last TSH on 28/07/10 was 3.03 (range 0.3-3.94). I know this is too high, GP refused to test T3 or anti-bodies and said the lab would only test my T4 if TSH was outside the range. GP turned quite nasty when I asked to change my meds. First she lied and said there wasn't any alternative, then when I said I could have natural thyroid she said you can't get it on NHS when you can she just doesn't want to give it to me. She wasn't interested in any of the info I'd printed off. In the end she referred me to the endo, who I'll be seeing 17 Sept. Apparently you have to expect to feel tired and rough sometimes with under-active thyroid. Another time I was told it's because I'm getting older (I'm 34!!).

I was taking a multi-vitamin which contains selenium but didn't notice any difference at all so stopped taking it.

Rose x

[Hidden in reply to rosee]

Rosee,

Time to find yourself a more caring doctor, and check that the endo you're off to see has an interest in thyroid, not just diabetes. There apparantly is a list of good doctors or endos, available but I don't know who you approach... one of the volunteers might know.... you can also check on drfosterhealth.co.uk the doctor should work with you, not turn nasty. You can complain about her uncaring attitiude and ask the local patient care trust to help you fnd another doctor.

You shouldn't feel tired and rough if the replacement medication is correct for you.

nel

[rosee in reply to rosee]

Thanks Nel,

I did go on drfoster but they were quite far away so thought I'd try the local one (you never know!) although I'm not holding my breath - I rang the secretary to try and find out his special interest to be told he specialises in endocrinology, he does all of it!

If I don't get anywhere I'll get another referral (from a different GP!) and have to travel further afield.

I wouldn't mind if I felt rough sometimes, but it's constant, the last time I felt good was probably 2 years ago when my T4 was just outside the top of the range.

Rose