Help, Still feeling terrible

[Fuel1212]

I am very frustrated. My friend and I have waited all winter for snow (snowmobiling) and of course I am once again feeling terrible and can't go. Well enough complaining............

History: Hashi's, Papilary Carcinoma, Partial Thyroidectomy

Recent Labs
TSH .42   (.40-4.5)
FT4 1.5  (.8 - 1.8)
FT3 327 (230-420)

I am feeling terrible. Muscles and nerves sore and super sensitive. My sleep, I always wake up around 4am-5am and feel like an adrenaline feeling or something weird that affects my whole body. Ringing in ears, Cloudy head, sore all over, heart beating hard but not fast HR 65. I also feel the need to stretch a lot as well as am chilled to the bone and CANNOT get warm.
I am on 100mcg of Levothyroxine and wondering if I am too high? I also have Cytomel 5mcg that I have NOT taken yet since the doctor said this might be my adrenal glands messed up. Does anyone have any suggestions for me? Can I be allergic to the synthetics? I am at my witts end with this whole thing. Please help Thanks

[LazyMoose]

So you did have a 24 hr, four point saliva adrenal test, .......good. With it being low all times of the day, it can affect the thyroid. One can weaken the other. So I hope you are taking something for it, or plan too. Not to be ignored.

You could try Synthroid, different fillers can make a difference with some people.

If you have insurance and your doctor is not the type that gives up, you might look into a sleep study. Your sleep issues may not be endocrine based. Sleep studies are not just for breathing issues.

[Fuel1212]

Moose thanks, I have been on the Levo for about 4months. My doctor started with 25 for maybe a week then jumped up and up until I was at 100mcg in probably about 1month or maybe 2 at the most.

The Cytomel was given to me from another doc I am seeing that knows thyroid issues better. My levo was not dropped, however, I have some left over 75mcg in the cabinet.

I had a saliva adrenal test about 6months ago and showed low cortisol all stages of the day. My Cortisol/DHEA ratio was 4.4 (5.0-6.0)
The doctor thinks it is adrenal, but I am wondering if its just hyper? Adrenal Fatigue usually people are sleeping all the time and have no energy, this is not me, I just feel like crap and can't sleep at all.

The reason I haven't taken the cytomel is because that doctor told me if this is adrenal issues the cyto will rev me up even more. I guess I can just try maybe cut in half in morning and half in afternoon?

The electric jolts are what feel like adrenaline shots or kind of like dropping in a dream. Right as I am dosing off they keep me from sleeping. My arms and legs feel fatigued and are impossible to relax. Sometimes I have internal vibrations with them.

I am wondering if the levo just doesn't agree with me, or if it is a doseage issue? I would love to go on the natural dissected, but have heard both stories bad and good.

I really appreciate your time! Everyone thanks

[LazyMoose]

       "Hi there, the current labs I gave were from just the 100mcg of Levo."

- OK, the reason I asked is when a doctor adds Cytomel to Levothyroxine, the daily dose of Levothyroxine is usually dropped a little, to avoid any over medicated hyper symptoms. You do not mention if the doc did this.

     "I have been afraid of taking the Cytomel since I was told it will affect my adrenals."

-  Why would a doctor prescribe something if he clearly thinks its bad for you. I have never heard of it being bad for adrenals. If the doctor is truly concerned about your adrenals, has he given you an adrenal test to check their current state? Several tests available for adrenals. I would ask him detailed questions on his adrenal comment for a little more clarity.

I dont know how long you have been on Levothyroxine (never said?). If its been more than say......6 months to a year and you are not feeling any better, its time to try something different. Clearly doing the same thing will have the same results........in your case, lack of progress towards healing. Doing nothing does nothing.

Like gimel said, "Since T3 reacts pretty quickly, you should know within a week or so if  it's helping."  

-If you take T3 and don't like it, then stop; it will be out of your system fairly quickly.

        "electric like jolts that keep me from sleeping"

- kind of vague description, where do you feel this? If in hands like carpal tunnel symptoms, that can be from hypo.

[Fuel1212]

Hi there, the current labs I gave were from just the 100mcg of Levo. I have been afraid of taking the Cytomel since I was told it will affect my adrenals.

Yeah it seems like I have hypo and hyper which just stinks. I wake up and feel like my muscles have been flexed while sleeping. Then shortly after I feel the adrenaline or whatever it is. From there forget sleeping, just as I try to dose off I get these electric like jolts that keep me from sleeping.

I love snowmobiling. Unfortunately, if I go out for a while, I feel it for days after. Just feel anxious and major muscle and nerve sensitivity issues.
My parents have a place near Tomahawk Ws were we used to ride all the time. I have heard good things about the UP.

TY

[gimel]

I don't know enough to rule out adrenal issues, but I do believe that increasing your FT3 level could be beneficial.  Since you were given a low dose of Cytomel, I would try it, myself.  Split it in half and take in morning and afternoon.  Since T3 reacts pretty quickly, you should know within a week or so if  it's helping.

[LazyMoose]

Well I remember you posting here before, but not the details.

How long have you been on synthetic T4 Levo.......and have you ever tried Synthroid?

So that lab was with this current dose of levo without the cyto?
If YES, and you think your feeling a little hyper (you mention adrenaline feeling) tsh is close, the cyto added to your current dose will make you feel more hyper, but most likely will help with the muscle pain.

On the other hand you also have hypo symptoms. Tough one as hypo and hyper cross over in some symptoms.

Your hard heart beat (palps) can also be from hypo, not just hyper.

Is that adrenaline feeling at night accompanied by night sweats (common for male or female) and is associated with hypo?

Proper sleep (another challenge) can help with the muscle pain to, took me about 3 weeks of good nights sleep to feel a difference though.

I used to snowmobile, really aggravated my hypo muscle pain (back and hips) on those long rides. The newer style chassis have got to feel a lot better on the back!  Ever made the drive to the U.P. ?

[punkin1515]

Hello. I am so very sorry that you are not feeling well, especially at the Holidays! :( I have Graves and soon must have my Thyroid removed but I do not know much about the numbers.
I do hope you feel better soon! I am sure someone will come along who can answer all your questions. I will keep you in my thoughts and Prayers.... Best .... Cara