Short of Breath: Increased tiredness, day time... - Thyroid UK

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palberts01 profile image
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Increased tiredness, day time fatigue, bloating, short of breath had total tjyroidectony 2 years ago

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palberts01
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palberts01 profile image
palberts01

Bloating

mistydog profile image
mistydog in reply topalberts01

You need to post your latest bloods with ranges. It sounds like you are undermedicated but we are only guessing without the numbers.if you haven't got them, ask your surgery for a printout.

palberts01 profile image
palberts01 in reply tomistydog

3/13/17

TSH 0.53 (0?45-4.5)

FREE T4 1.4 (0.8-1.7)

FREE T3 2.6 (2.0-4.8)

terrible night restless, cramps

Vit D low every time I take bit D increase in cramps, iron was low last time but supplement makes you vomit

palberts01 profile image
palberts01 in reply tomistydog

3/13/17

TSH 0.53 (0.45-4.8)

FREE T4 1.4 (0.8-1.7)

FREE T3 2.6 (2.0-4.8)

Dr says labs perfect, low vit d when taking more cramps swelling, iron causes stomach upset, horrible night restless leg cramps tried T3 thought going to die heart palps, and migraine

palberts01 profile image
palberts01 in reply tomistydog

TSH 0.53 (0?45-4.5)

FREE T4 1.4 (0.8-1.7)

FREE T3 2.6 (2.0-4.8)

terrible night restless, cramps

Vit D low every time I take bit D increase in cramps, iron was low last time but supplement makes you vomit

shaws profile image
shawsAdministrator

I think you are not yet on an optimum dose. You haven't given much information on your Profile but I am assuming you aren't in the UK as I see you take Synthroid.

I suspect you aren't on an optimum dose and you should have at least some T3 (liothyronine) added to your synthroid (you may need to lower dose slightly).

When you have a blood test (I think you should have a new one) ask for:-

TSH, T3, T4, Free T4 and Free T3.

The test should be at the very earliest possible, fasting (you can drink water) and also leave about 24 hous approx between your last dose and the test and take afterwards.

If you haven't had a B12, Vit D, iron, ferritin and folate tested these are very important to have optimal as well. Deficiencies can cause symptoms.

When you get your results, put on a new post with the ranges (these are important as labs differ) and members will comment.

New Research by several research departments have shown that many feel better when T3 is added to T4. (liothyronine and thyroxine).

Synthroid or any other levothyroxine is inactive. It's job is to convert to T3 (liothyronine). It is T3 only which is required in our billions of receptor cells and is the only active hormone. We cannot function without it. If our conversion from T4 to T3 is poor we need some added.

The following is from an archived site as the doctor died but there is still a lot of good information. Some links may not work but the following does.

We have to read, learn and ask questions if we are to have a good/healthy and painfree life.

web.archive.org/web/2010103...

The aim of replacing thyroid hormones is that the TSH is 1 or lower, Free T4 and Free T3 towards the upper part of the range.

Always get a print-out of your results with the ranges as nowadays doctors do not know best how to support the patient and make them well which is possible with the correct dose and the correct hormones.

palberts01 profile image
palberts01 in reply toshaws

TSH 0.53 (0.45-4?5)

FREE T4 1.4 (08-1.7)

FREE T3 2.6 (2.0-4.8)

VIT D LOW BUT EVERY TIME TAKE SUPPLEMENTS CRAMPING INCREASES, IRON LOW TRIED TO TAKE SUPPLEMENT VERY SICK VOMITING

shaws profile image
shawsAdministrator in reply topalberts01

Your FT3 is too low, should be towards the upper part. You need an increase in levothyroxine.

I cannot help with Vit D so I'd put your results on a new post and more people will comment plus iron too.

Katepots profile image
Katepots in reply topalberts01

Talk to dr about reactions to vitamin d and iron as you could be having a reaction to the fillers in the pills they are giving you.

Important that you take.

Check your B12 as sounds like it could be low and that will cause you problems.

As for bloating etc, gluten free is your answer.

MrsRaven profile image
MrsRaven in reply toKatepots

I am unable to take iron in tablet form, but can tolerate Spatone. That might be a way forward.

palberts01 profile image
palberts01 in reply toshaws

TSH 0.53 (0?45-4.5)

FREE T4 1.4 (0.8-1.7)

FREE T3 2.6 (2.0-4.8)

terrible night restless, cramps

Vit D low every time I take bit D increase in cramps, iron was low last time but supplement makes you vomit

shaws profile image
shawsAdministrator in reply topalberts01

I have found this link re Vit D from food sources:-

prevention.com/food/healthy...

Your T3 needs to be increased so doctor has to increase your levothyroxine (he probably wont as TSH is low but TSH is only useful if we aren't diagnosed, not when we are).

On the following link you will see why it is important to get a FT3. I doubt your doctor realises he has to raise your levo to increase FT3. You can get a FT3 test privately from a recommended lab.

This is a good link for info:

medscape.com/viewarticle/87...

palberts01 profile image
palberts01 in reply toshaws

She tried adding 10mg T3 and I had HORRIBLE headaches and heart palps. When she ups my levothroxine dose I feel really good for about 6 weeks then these symptoms start in again. I'm wondering if I should go on NDT

shaws profile image
shawsAdministrator in reply topalberts01

Did you reduce levo and add 10mcg T3?

As you feel o.k. if on levo and after six weeks symptoms appear, you need another increase. We should have an increase when symptoms return and so on until we feel well. If the doctor refuses and only looks takes account of the TSH the patient will not fully recover. Some of us need a suppressed TSH.

JOLLYDOLLY profile image
JOLLYDOLLY

Hi, I agree that you need to have your blood rechecked. Also ask for ferritin/folate levels to be checked too. B12 deficiency and anaemia can cause shortness of breath and can go hand and hand with thyroid conditions, especially when you rely on medication to do the work of the thyroid.

I only have a partial non working gland. (born with it). So have to rely on medication to do the work. TSH levels are not a good indicator when you do not have a thyroid gland as you will have a naturally suppressed level of hormone in your body. But you definitely need your T4/T3 levels rechecked as well as ferritin and folate levels. Also get the GP/Dr to check for vitamin D deficiency.

Hope this helps and you can get the help you deserve.

Take care :)

Dreamer12 profile image
Dreamer12

Hi palberts01

Sorry to hear you have been feeling breathless. I was very breathless, until I got all my vitamins and T4/T3 in place. I even had inhalers for nearly two years. But it was hypothyroidism that was the cause. If I stop taking the medication as the gp/Endos have suggested it returns rapidly. Now I have no breathlessness and no inhalers!!!! hope you feel better soon. If you put your results on here you will get lots of very good advice . Take care xx

MrsRaven profile image
MrsRaven in reply toDreamer12

I am not optimal atm, following a bug I caught, and feel I am being suffocated sometimes. It has happened before and will come right with correct medication,

sara747 profile image
sara747

Check for mould and water damaged building. 24% of population suffer chronic inflammatory response syndrome from mycotoxin exposure. Thyroid / -auto immune / inflammation etc. Shortness of breath common with stacybotrys chartarum

Redditch profile image
Redditch

Have you had bloods done? Sounds just like me in 2011. I am good now.

My.Bloods had been TSH 13 FT4 3 and TPO Antibodies 197 on diagnosis

After 3 months of levo my. Bloods were TSH 3 FT4 9 and TPO Antibodies 45

My GP said I was fine

I was up for about 3 hours a day

I changed to T3 and then NDT before I felt well.

How much medication are you taking and what are your bloods.?

palberts01 profile image
palberts01 in reply toRedditch

Labs 3/13/17 These were drawn noon 8 hrs after dose. Terrible nights restless, cramps at wits end

TSH 0.53 (0.45-4.5)

FREE T4 1.4 (0.8-1.7)

FREE T3 2.6 (2.6-4.8)

MrsRaven profile image
MrsRaven in reply topalberts01

You need to test vitamins and minerals. Low magnesium can cause cramps, as with some other things. Try drinking tonic water in the evening, till you get your tests done. The quinine might help.

palberts01 profile image
palberts01 in reply toRedditch

TSH 0.53 (0?45-4.5)

FREE T4 1.4 (0.8-1.7)

FREE T3 2.6 (2.0-4.8)

terrible night restless, cramps

Vit D low every time I take bit D increase in cramps, iron was low last time but supplement makes you vomit

125 mcq

Redditch profile image
Redditch in reply topalberts01

Right then, get yourself outside in the sunshine as much as possible try changing the brand of D concentrate on getting iron from diet. Have you had your 23andMe DNA test? Some people have a gene that is significant in trying to maintain some levels. You've got to get that D up. T-shirt and garden for you

palberts01 profile image
palberts01

3/13/17

TSH. 0.53. (0.45-4.50)

T4 FREE 1.4 (0.8-1.7)

T3 FREE 2.6 (2.0-4.8)

unable to sleep at night without jumping up 3-4 times with cramps

palberts01 profile image
palberts01

3/13/17

Drawn 8 hours after dose

TSH. 0.53 (0.45-4.50)

FREE T4. 1.4 (0.8-1.7)

FREE T3 2.6 (2.0-4.8)

PER DR LEVELS ARE PERFECT terrible night restless, cramps

mistydog profile image
mistydog

I would suggest that you have a magnesium deficiency. If you can supplement with Chelated magnesium you may find it helps.

Redditch profile image
Redditch

You feel dreadful it's not in your head

So the medication is working on your blood but not your symptoms

Are you getting enough Vitamin C and Vitamin D folate ferritin and Vitamin B 12? All of these are very important in helping you absorb your medication efficiently.

You may have to sort this out yourself.

Try to get blood test levels for the above and try to get your levels up to the top end of the ranges

Vitamin D deficiency is really common in our community and causes tiredness joint pain and more

Vitamin B 12 deficiency is also common and causes havoc

You need to sort this before the doctor has you on antidepressants and has you believing you're imagining this.

Good luck

Heloise profile image
Heloise

You're in a difficult situation. You aren't converting enough levo into FT3 and the T3 you have is not getting into cells. Restless legs can be due to low iron. You need your minerals as someone suggested magnesium especially and your ferritin is probably low. People may scoff at this but I've become a believer. You need acid to demineralize foods and breakdown amino acids so taking a teaspoon or two of unfiltered vinegar with meals will do wonders. I think a sublingual b12 and also methyfolate would be useful and in the meantime bone broth offers more soluble minerals. Hopefully you'll feel better soon.

Heloise profile image
Heloise

It would be good to get results for all four iron blood tests. stopthethyroidmadness.com/r...

SlowDragon profile image
SlowDragonAdministrator

If vitamin D makes cramps worse that strongly suggests you have low magnesium.

Supplementing vitamin D increases the need for magnesium. Low magnesium can also cause palpitations

Try taking magnesium for week to 10 days before retrying vitamin D.

Magnesium is good for helping sleep & relax so many take in evening. But must be 4 hours away from taking Levo

Eddie83 profile image
Eddie83

Being short of breath is a classic hypothyroid symptom. While I was hypo, attempts to pedal my bike up the hill to my house caused extreme heart palpitations, and I had to gasp to get oxygen in, and even so I sometimes was afraid of blacking out and falling over. Now that I'm euthyroid (on T3+T4), it's a piece of cake.

What replacement are you on? If you are on T4-only, and your TSH is sufficiently low (somewhere in the 0.3-1.3 range), and you are still out of breath, then you likely are not converting T4->T3 well. If you have never had a FT3 test, get one now and if the result isn't about 75% up in range, then go on NDT, or add T3 to your T4.

palberts01 profile image
palberts01 in reply toEddie83

125mcq levothyrixine tried cytomel horrible headache heart palps

Eddie83 profile image
Eddie83 in reply topalberts01

Did you have a TSH/FT3/FT4 taken before you tried cytomel?

palberts01 profile image
palberts01 in reply toEddie83

Tsh 0.58

T4 1.42

T3 2.6

Eddie83 profile image
Eddie83 in reply topalberts01

Hmmm ... no units or ranges. I will assume that these measurements are the frees, your FT3 range is (the old) 2.3-4.2 pg/ml, and your FT4 range is 0.8-1.8 ng/dl. Are you aware that some people cannot tolerate FT4 that high in range? I should know that, because I am one of them! I would like to know how you would feel if you lowered your levo to get FT4 low in range, say around 1.0, then added T3 in slowly, 1.25 or 2.5 mcg at a time, until your FT3 was at least 50% up in range. Right now, FT3 is only 15% up in range, so you are not converting well. BTW, how does your levo dose compare to the T4 "full-replacement" dose of 1.5-1.7 mcg/kg body weight?

palberts01 profile image
palberts01 in reply toEddie83

TSH. 0.53 (0.45-4.50)

FREE T4. 1.4 (0.8-1.7)

FREE T3 2.6 (2.0-4.8)

PER DR LEVELS ARE PERFECT terrible night restless, cramps

Reply Like (0)

147 matches weight

Eddie83 profile image
Eddie83 in reply topalberts01

How could the doctor know levels are perfect? Every patient is different, and doctors' authority is threatened by the fact that medicine is an experimental science. The fact that your FT3 is only 21% up in range, proves to me that your levels are not "perfect". Yeah, there are docs who think low in range is the same as high in range. BTW, what have you been doing about critical nutrients like iron, selenium, folate, D3, etc.? Have you had any of your nutrients tested? And do you know if you are harboring Hashimoto's?

palberts01 profile image
palberts01 in reply toEddie83

I had a total thyroidectomy 2 years ago nutrients tested vit d was 18. Ranges (35-50) iron saturation was low iron tibc low but Dr never put me on supplements

Eddie83 profile image
Eddie83 in reply topalberts01

holy cow! The majority of docs are clueless about the relationship between nutrients and T4->T3 conversion. You may have to put yourself on supplements. To start, I think you should be on D3, chelated iron, and a trace mineral supp (which provides selenium). You will find many posts on this board about supplements, including also folate and B12.

palberts01 profile image
palberts01 in reply toEddie83

Yes and they were about the same levels as before

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