I felt better before thyroid meds

[klc315]

Hi,

I was diagnosed as hypothyroid in May 2006 during a routine physical.  I had just turned 50 and gone through menopause without much todo.  I had not been to a doctor in about 5 years. Symptoms at that time were severe stomach discomfort (I thought I might have an ulcer or something) and significant weight gain -- (which did not alarm me since I have battled weight all my life.) I was cold all of the time but I always have been. Some joint and muscle discomfort -- but what 50 year old fat woman can't complain of that? Blood work showed TSH of 138.15 and elevated cholesterol.  Further tests revealed Thymoglobulin antibodies of 283,  Thyroid Peridoxidase antibodies greater than 1000.  

I was prescribed synthroid -- the white one.  This was on a Friday.  Over the weekend, I experienced increasing symptoms of weakness, fatigue, cold intolerance, aches and pains like I had never known before, heart pounding, blood pulsing in my face and neck, my face bloated like a puffer fish  -- my right eylid felt like it was melting!  I almost went to the ER -- I thought I was going to have a heart attack! On Monday, I called the doctor and relayed my symptoms.  She tried to blow me off but I insisted that she see me. She performed and EKG -- made me an appointment with a cardiologist and told me to keep talking the synthroid. (all kinds of cardio tests and he came up with nothing) I complied for a couple of more days and had to stop  taking the synthroid. It was a few weeks before I could get in to see an Endo. He put me on Armour thyroid.  I felt less crappy on this but he told me I had to keep taking something or I would die.  He said that my symptoms would gradually improve and I would be amazed at how good I would feel.  So, I 'cowboyed up' and complied. It took over a year for my TSH to get to 'normal' levels.  (when my insurance changed and I had to use a different lab, the results were dramatically better)  Most of the time, I feel less crappy but never good. I felt better with a TSH of 138 and no drugs.  I have episodes (every couple of months)  of all of the symptoms overwhelming me to the point where I can barely function  -- but mostly I tolerate and do what I have to do. Chest pain, shortness of breath, fatigue, flu-like aches and puffy face.   Somtimes, a dosage adjustment or time passing and I am ok for a while.  I wear a sweater or jacket constantly and I keep my space heater on high. My Armour thyroid dosage has been adjusted several times -- now on 2gr daily.  I had a thyroid ultrasound -- insigifigant nodules.  No other tests have been ordered.

I have researched and read everything that I can get my hands on regarding hashimotos and hypothyroid. I have a high paced, stressful job and I am very successful.

Additionally, in the last year, I have been having 'positional vertigo' daily (when I m lying down and I turn my head, the room spins) and ocular migraines. (one a week or so)  Doc said that not thyroid related and probably nothing to cause concern but I could go see a Neurologist if it would ease my concern. Eye exam is normal. Blood pressure is normal.  I have lost 40 pounds in the last year on Nutrisystem and exercise.

So -- I am right now, in the middle of one of these episodes.  I had blood work drawn 5 days ago and my doctor -- nor anyone in his office has yet to even call me back. I called to request his return call twice.  Perhaps the numbers are in the normal range and he has sicker patients to deal with -- little kids with diabetes, I guess (far more important than a Hashimotos patient.)  He did not ask to see me, just get blood work.  Anybody can tell by looking at me that I feel like hell.  Can't an endocrinologist treat beyond just what the TSH numbers are?  How I feel is what matters!!   I would go to the ER -- but what can they do for me there?  Since I have had this pounding and pain in my chest several times without having a heart attack, I suppose that I am not going to have one now.  I am considering changing endocrinologists again.  It would be a long drive but I would be glad to see you at your office in Sarasota.  I do not want to run from one doctor to another.  I just want to feel better.  I read the post from people on these sites. Does anytone with hypothyroid ever feel good? Or are we just to accept the fact thay we have this disease that makes us feel like **** all of the time?

[chigirl29]

Estrogen decreases the function of thyroid hormone. Estrogen increases the production of a protein called thyroid binding globulin. This protein binds thyroid hormone making it inactive. Thereby, decreasing metabolism and increasing fat deposits. The body stores fat in order to have enough energy for a fetus if a pregnancy develops.

http://www.taylormedicalgroup.net/new_page_23.htm

[chigirl29]

I would see a neurologist for your vertigo issue.

Also, estrogen blocks the thyroid hormone and since you just went through menopause and lost a lot of weight--you may be having a hormonal imbalance in that area which would cause your thyroid problem to be a secondary issue and not the primary issue.

I would have more bloodwork done and see a different doctor if it makes you more comfortable.

Take Care.