Levothyroxine Mishap

[Brumhoy68]

Hi

Life has been a struggle just lately for me. I have an elderly parent who has dementia who is taking up most of my time, other things in my life are just secondary now.

I take 15 tablets a day as I am epileptic and i also have had my thyroid treated by radio iodine treatment, so I am taking levothyroxine treatment 150mg a day. I had a blood test for my TSH in November and it was 0.5

I have suffered with shin pain in my legs and itchiness that has kept my awake on and off for a long time but apparently this is not connected to thyroid.

Unfortunately about two weeks ago whilst restocking my tablet box, I managed to put two boxes of 100mg levothroxines in there, so I have been taking 200mg a day instead of 150mg for that period.

During that time I had no pain in my legs and I was sleeping better.

Any thoughts would be most welcome

[Jaydee1507 Administrator]

Sounds like you might be under replaced. Do you have any recent blood results to share with us? Ask GP reception for a print out.

Are you able to take your Levo well away from your other medicines, food and caffeine drinks on an empty stomach?

Have you recently had ferritin, folate, B12 & D3 tested? OPTIMAL vitamin levels help our thyroid hormone work properly.

[RedApple Administrator]

Brumhoy68 'I have suffered with shin pain in my legs and itchiness that has kept my awake on and off for a long time but apparently this is not connected to thyroid.'

Shin pain and itchiness most certainly be connected to thyroid hormone levels. I had shin pain pre-hypothyroid diagnosis. Itching can be caused by hives, also linked to thyroid hormone levels.

The fact that both symtoms have ceased since accidentally increasing your levo dose, may indeed be a clue that your previous dose was too low. However, it's best to get your thyroid levels tested, rather than continue on a dose that may prove to be too high in the long term.

[Suzi_]

I know what it means to take care of a loved ones with dementia, I have been taking care of my husband with dementia, I haven’t had time to myself but a 10 minute walk, slow deep breathing and meditation helps. Self care is critical. This will pass too - phrase may help! I relate to u and wish u luck.

As far higher dose is concerned- it sounds like u r feeling better on higher dose, can u convince your gp to prescribe u higher dose? When is the blood test due?

[Brumhoy68]

My GP is not overly friendly. I got tested last in November where the only test done was TSH and nothing else relating to thyroid. Normal blood results were returned apart from elevated cholesterol levels and slightly raised red blood cell count normal for me. Is 0.5 a correct range for someone who has had radioiodine treatment.