Does anyone here have an underactive thyroid?

bank_of_slate

I'm currently taking 125mgs daily but I think it needs to go back up again.
I'm feeling very cold and sleepy again and for the last few days I've elt quite dizzy like the room is spinning and my brain is drunk!
Going for a blood test next week
... Linda xx

melbury

poppy_f1 wrote: »

i was diagnosed just over 2 weeks ago, never even considered that i had this, i was getting tests for other reasons but the GP tested me for everything, once i read up on the symptons i was surprised to see how many actually applied to me (struggling to lose weight, feeling cold and tired all the time)
been on medication but only 50mg of levothroxide(sp?) but have to go back in approx 4 weeks for more bloods to get my dose more accurate

reading some of the stuff scares me and its making me think about a lot of questions to ask my GP but i havent noticed yet any difference, maybe its cos of the dosage im on, its not making a big difference

doesnt help that the reason i went to the GP in the first place hasnt been sorted out (having to go for a mri scan via bupa on friday as their initial thoughts was gallstones but a ultrasound showed up nothing)
all i can say is im glad i now get free prescriptions as having to shell out for medication for the rest of my life would cost me a small fortune, plus it helps for the migrane medication when i need it

I was started on 50mcgs but didn't feel any different, so have been put up to 75mcgs for the past two weeks, but still don't really feel any different. I read that this synthetic thyroxine doesn't work for everybody, which is a bit of a scary thought. Does it have to build up in your body over a number of months before it makes you feel any better? It makes you wonder how many years you have been walking around with a thyroid gland that is barely working without even knowing:eek:

lifecatalyst

melbury wrote: »

Like Poppy the original problem that I went to the doctors about is still unresolved. I get a very strong fluttery feeling in my chest, it even wakes me up at night - sometimes think I am having a heart attack:eek: Could this be yet another symptom of the underactive thyroid? The doctor doesn't seem to think so, but I don't know.

I was diagnosed with an underactive thyroid a couple of years ago. I also get heart flutters/palpitations, but they diminish & almost disappear when my thyroxine is at the optimal level. My TSH level needs to be suppressed very low & now the endecronologist has instructed my GP to keep it at that level i feel much better. My thyroid is underactive due to autoimmune disease (Hashimoto's). The GP tested me for antibodies for Hashimoto's. My mum (age 77) was also diagnosed shortly after me & treatment has also resulted in her longstanding problem with high Cholesterol reducing with Thyroxine.

One of the best sources of information i found was Mary Shomon's site http://thyroid.about.com/cs/basics_starthere/a/thyroid101.htm I'd also highly recommend any of her books, especially Living Well With Hypothyroidism.

It took me a while to feel better on treatment & by then i'd read all the books, joined online groups, tried all the supplements & got other blood tests done as well as the usual TSH test.
~Linda~

melbury

Even though I have been on 75mcgs dose for a fortnight there is no improvement. Every night I wake up at least three times and I am absolutely freezing cold and my heart is thumping - is this a normal thing with underactive thryoid? I am getting to the point where I dread going to bed. When I saw the endocronologist he didn't think the heart flutters were anything to do with the thyroid, but I just don't know. I have looked on lots of sites and it does mention heart problems and thyroid problems together on quite a few.

tweetyshells

Palpatations can be cause either as a side effect of the thyroixine or for the fact your thyroid is underactive still.
They are linked.
I am getting really bad palpatations today and a few days ago. Due for my blood test now monday week so am hoping to get some answers then, as it doesnt feel right.
When i had my dose put up i was told to not to expect to start feeling any difference for at least 6 - 8 weeks. So those who have only taken for 2 weeks don't be disheartened it just takes time.

melbury

tweetyshells wrote: »

Palpatations can be cause either as a side effect of the thyroixine or for the fact your thyroid is underactive still.
They are linked.
I am getting really bad palpatations today and a few days ago. Due for my blood test now monday week so am hoping to get some answers then, as it doesnt feel right.
When i had my dose put up i was told to not to expect to start feeling any difference for at least 6 - 8 weeks. So those who have only taken for 2 weeks don't be disheartened it just takes time.

Thanks for the reassurance and hope your blood test goes well. Do your palpitations feel like fluttering all the time in your chest? Originally it was worse in the evening (after a meal) and at night, but now it is getting to be all the time.

As I posted earlier, it was because of heart palpitations that I originally went to the doctor. I suppose unless they specifically decide to test your thyroid function, any problems can go undetected for ages. I will try to be more patient waiting for the thyroxine to kick in, I have to go for another test in a couple of weeks and if my TSH level is still too high, I am going to be put up to 100mcgs.

jeannieblue

I don't have any thyroid problem, but have been keeping an eye on this thread as my sister does.

I'm just concerned for Melbury at the moment (no disrespect for anyone else). Being one who has had palpitations on and off for many many years for various reasons - stress caused alot of it. I was always lead to believe that palpitations kinda meant you had quite a healthy heart! Far from about to have a heart attack, which is what we all fear when its happening!

When those fluttery palpitations start, the panic rises, you get up, you don't know what to do with yourself, the panic makes it worse, its the early hours and you just feel so damn alone. You almost feel like its the end...

Its not Melbury, you are so normal. Its just that when they strike, its so often when you are your own and you feel isolated and scared.

Be proud that your heart can sound so strong!!! Don't lie there and suffer, get up, i often have a cuppa which is probably not the best thing (ie caffeine) settle back into bed with a 'nice' book and if I get any more sleep great. If not, I've had a nice read. Not easy if have to get up for work in the morning!

Hopefully, as the people that know, have said, the medication will settle in, you'll get the right dosage for you, and life will go on more smoothly. Meanwhile, go with the flow and be kind to yourself.

xxx

tweetyshells

When i get them regular like today then yes it was pretty much constant at times. But they were really strong for me, so much so i had trouble breathing.
I'm hoping they will calm down soon enough as today was really scary!

jeannieblue

I've been texting my sister about this, she is great, sadly not have a lap top to get comfy with and come on site! I've told her about MSE and hope that she will be contributing soon!

Meanwhile, she recommends very highly a book by Dr Barry Durrant-Peatfield, she says it is brilliant and the doctor is very 'forward thinking'. Not many around. After reading it, she says she felt very reassured.

Those palpitations are a right b*gger. I've had them on and off for more years than I care to mention! They are very scary, I found them worse at night because everyone else is asleep and you feel so alone.

They don't scare me so much now cos I'm used to them, but I do hate them during the night! Esp as have to get up for work!! I also found that when I had to have a hysterectomy and had to go a year and a bit without HRT, that I got them then and also night sweats. Unnerving. But supposedly natural!

My sister is also investigating remedies and such in the USA - sadly they are often more advanced and 'forward thinking' than over here.

I wish I could take your palpitations off you lot for a night or so to give you a break x x x

jeannieblue

Further info via text from sister...............

Dr Barry lists forty four symptoms and says thats not a comprehensive list!
You can get chest pain and palpitations, she's had both. It affects the chest muscles too so you can get a feeling of being breathless. You get tired but you can't sleep.

Well, think this book could be worth buying - lots of info, not necessarily rid you of the symptoms, but help you to realise that you're not alone, and its part of the blasted condition!

Hope some of this has been helpful x