thyroid misery

TherapyBoy · 15-07-2017 9:48pm

Not sure what the rules are about recommending doctors but my endocrinologist is Professor Amar Agha in Beaumont hospital. He was a little bit stand off-ish at first but he's always been bang-on accurate with all of my diagnoses.

In 2008 I was having problems with a very rare thyroid replacement medication related condition, later discovered to be the first ever reported case in a Caucasian male, and he spotted it straight away. I think he's worth a vote!

Dustypearl · 26-07-2017 9:02pm

I have Hashimoto's thyroiditis. I am taking Levothyroxine 125mcg/day. I still feel chronically tired and, constant low mood, brittle hair, always freezing etc. My doctor told me that the only standard is to test for 'TSH' and says the lab wont test for the full range of thyroid markers.

I'm not too sure if its been posted before but I was wondering if anybody would have any experience with any foods that may help a flagging thyroid. Also, are there any foods that I should be staying away from? I do believe that a lot of autoimmunity can be helped if not cured by our diet. I know I have read that Gluten can be harmful but was wondering if anybody has experienced any difference whilst on this diet?

RentDayBlues · 26-07-2017 10:06pm

Dustypearl wrote: »

I have Hashimoto's thyroiditis. I am taking Levothyroxine 125mcg/day. I still feel chronically tired and, constant low mood, brittle hair, always freezing etc. My doctor told me that the only standard is to test for 'TSH' and says the lab wont test for the full range of thyroid markers.

I'm not too sure if its been posted before but I was wondering if anybody would have any experience with any foods that may help a flagging thyroid. Also, are there any foods that I should be staying away from? I do believe that a lot of autoimmunity can be helped if not cured by our diet. I know I have read that Gluten can be harmful but was wondering if anybody has experienced any difference whilst on this diet?

I'm on a gluten free diet, I have raised levels of antigens but no damage to my vili. One autoimmune disease seems to go hand in hand with another. But no point going gf unless you have to, to really do it requires a lot of work. I get seriously ill if I eat gluten, which is sort of good as it makes me incredibly careful on what I eat.

If you're doing it just to try to help your thyroid then you won't really be fully gf. Maybe look at getting tested for coeliac

I only get my TSH and T4 levels checked but I have an amazing gp who is happy to listen to how I am feeling in conjunction with my test results; this means that I keep my TSH below 1 as that's where I feel best but technically that's too low!

tanit · 26-07-2017 10:47pm

Dustypearl wrote: »

I have Hashimoto's thyroiditis. I am taking Levothyroxine 125mcg/day. I still feel chronically tired and, constant low mood, brittle hair, always freezing etc. My doctor told me that the only standard is to test for 'TSH' and says the lab wont test for the full range of thyroid markers.

I'm not too sure if its been posted before but I was wondering if anybody would have any experience with any foods that may help a flagging thyroid. Also, are there any foods that I should be staying away from? I do believe that a lot of autoimmunity can be helped if not cured by our diet. I know I have read that Gluten can be harmful but was wondering if anybody has experienced any difference whilst on this diet?

If you are coeliac or have a gluten intolerance of course it will help to go on a gluten free diet. But it's not going to make a difference if you are not. You might have an intolerance to some foods and avoiding them will help as your immune system will not overreact. Tomatoes, dairy are also known to cause problems but avoiding them without effectively knowing they are causing problems will not help you and in the case of dairy if you don't have a lactose or milk allergy you might end up having nutrition issues. You can try keeping a food diary and checking if certain foods make you feel sluggish after eating it them with that you can actually go to the doctor and see if you can get tested for allergies to them.

But unfortunately a gluten free diet per se will not help you if you are not coeliac. And the problem is that if you have a thyroid disease you have an organ failing and diet along is not going to cure anything. Try eating healthy with lots of veggies, non-processed foods, fruits and the like will help the basic diet doctors recommend it will be helpful.

The problem is that there is not enough research on the issue and most GPs are not exactly very helpful when you have thyroid disease. It's not a "sexy"
or awful disease and they completely disregard you when you talk about how bad you feel

Sorry about not being very helpful

qo2cj1dsne8y4k · 27-07-2017 1:16am

You can actually give yourself an intolerance. I came off all gluten last year thinking it would help, and it didn't but when I went back on gluten I was awful unwell initially

Dustypearl · 27-07-2017 7:22pm

Thanks everyone, I probably should have said that I have been tested for coeliac disease and it came back negative. The doctor says I possibly have gluten intolerance but its hard to stay on track when its not definitive. I was just wondering if eating gluten thyroid did damage you thyroid in general it might help me stay more on track.

tanit · 27-07-2017 8:54pm

Dustypearl wrote: »

Thanks everyone, I probably should have said that I have been tested for coeliac disease and it came back negative. The doctor says I possibly have gluten intolerance but its hard to stay on track when its not definitive. I was just wondering if eating gluten thyroid did damage you thyroid in general it might help me stay more on track.

With modern diets people eat a lot of carbohydrates and processed foods, etc. What it happens sometimes is that you end up with a bacterial overgrowth in your gut and the only way of stopping symptoms that are very similar to thyroid ones is to stop eat carbohydrates in general for several weeks going into months to help things going back to normal. It's not a gluten free diet because you need to stop eating grain and processed food for at least a couple of months but it helps a lot people with symptoms that are very similar to thyroid ones regardless of whether you have thyroid disease or not. If you have thyroid issues this kind of problem will make you feel like crap

I think in your case a food diary and going for the healthy diet with lots of veggies, fruits, fish and the like will help you find what works best for you if you don't really seem to have an obvious coeliac problem.

Myfitnesspal is a very good app, it's free, it has a terrific database and it will help you a lot with the whole food diary. It helped me to find out about my issues with insoluble fiber and my stomach feels much better when I'm good and avoid the problematic foods.

I hope it helps

qo2cj1dsne8y4k · 05-08-2017 9:19am

Not looking for med advice but need advice on how to find medical help that helps

My thyroid has been seriously troublesome since April 2016, coming to a head in may 2016, being severely unwell and ended up being told I had profound hypo (hashimotos) - I've been on eltroxin (1400 mcg weekly). My levels have fluctuated wildly, with my last tsh reading being 290 (tsh) and t4 being below the lowest they measure. My consultant in Dublin told me in may that it's the worst case she's ever seen and she seemed to be at a loss with me. I had bloods done that day to be tested in 3 labs. I've heard nothing since. My GP is reluctant to move forward with any recommendations until they hear back from hospital.

The past two weeks I've been very unwell. I'm catching everything. Cellulitis, ear infection, sinus trouble. I can't fight off anything. I'm bloated up like the Michelin man, my hands and feet are insanely swollen, I can't eat, I'm so tired. Getting up out of bed is a huge effort. In the past week I feel like I'm on gear, I have that horrible blank feeling constantly. I talk to people, just a sentence and I'm losing my train of thought mid sentence. It's noticeable. Friends are asking if I'm drunk. Thursday night I fainted but Drs are saying go back to GP for urgent referral to endocrinology. My heart feels funny. Last night there was 3 moving lines on everything I looked at. I woke up this morning to discover i puked all over myself in my sleep. I'm not unwell as in I can't pin point anything specific (example a chest infection) but I'm so unwell. Even moving my limbs feel like it's the biggest effort in the world. Because I'm constantly unwell with different things I'm paranoid my GP is going to think I'm suffering with my nerves (I'm not) but honestly I feel so bad and I think unless you've had this you can't understand how awful it is. Last year my tsh was 347, but I feel so much worse today. Every day I feel worse and nobody can help me. I need to find someone who'll help and make me feel better. I'm pure freaked vomiting in my sleep but I can barely keep my eyes open

The_Conductor · 05-08-2017 9:51am

Lexie- you need to be constantly onto your GP ensuring they are chasing the consultant and the hospitals for test results- and come up with an appropriate treatment regime for you. The manner in which you've been left dangling- is not satisfactory- in fact its dangerous. Keep on at your GP- and at very least- get them to treat the symptoms you're experiencing- it is not appropriate to set you free with no treatment regimen.

qo2cj1dsne8y4k · 05-08-2017 9:57am

I am continuing on with my 200mcg a day but it's not helping me

The_Conductor · 05-08-2017 11:55am

LexieOnRale wrote: »

I am continuing on with my 200mcg a day but it's not helping me

But you have no idea of what an appropriate dose is- given how your condition is not under control- you *need* to chase the GP on this. Simply continuing on 200Mcg- while its the only thing you can do in the absence of further instruction- is not sufficient- very obviously........

New Home · 05-08-2017 12:24pm

If I were you, I'd get a new GP and I'd demand to be referred to an endocrinologist, and I'd head straight to the A&E - your symptoms may be overlooked as something insignificant when taken individually, but all together they obviously show that something isn't right. And unless you had drunk three bottles of vodka, I wouldn't call it 'normal' that you should vomit in your sleep without you realising - you could have choked!!

njs030 · 05-08-2017 1:34pm

I agree that you should go to A&E. You might have a secondary condition that's being overlooked, at the very least your Meds need to be adjusted.
Vomiting in your sleep can cause you to choke and die. Its not something to ignore.

Is there anyone that could advocate for you? This is going on so long now perhaps someone could do the talking for you and be a bit more pushy if you're feeling you can't do that.

tanit · 05-08-2017 2:09pm

I agree wholeheartedly with everyone telling you to go to the A&E. Go there tell them what's going on that you are waiting for a referral to an endocrinologist and how bad everything is going on in the meantime. They can't withhold treatment they have to act.

Pick up a taxi and a friend or relative and go there. You need to be seen by a doctor vomiting on you sleep is not normal

La.de.da · 05-08-2017 8:36pm

Maybe you might need to change GP lexi.
There are other meds bar eltroxin that may suit more.
Absolutely go to A&E, you sound like you are going through the mill, no one should suffer like that.

I empathize with you. It's a tiredness,a heaviness and lethargy nobody understands unless they've been through it.

heather2 · 09-08-2017 9:44pm

Hi. Do you know what is the name of the thyroid support group that you mentioned your post. Sorry only saw these post on boards.ie now

heather2 · 09-08-2017 10:08pm

Hi. Just saw your post and I had more or less same experiences. I am interactive for 20 years. U get so used to changing moods etc that you don't know if this is normal or menopause symptoms. It is app frustrating. There are so many people talking on these forums and It is so sad that we all have symptoms that no one can explain what/why. We put up and shut up and only someone that has hasmitotos/underactive will understand this silent horrible thing that has to become everyday living for us. I am so tempted to check out an endocroligist myself but keep putting it off. To answer your question I too changed from morning eltroxin to night time hoping to see change....but worse it made me. I like to snack late so felt it should be taken on empty stomach. I take 75mgs Mon wed and Friday and 100 gms other days. My levels kept fluctuating going from too much to too little so had to come up with this plan myself. I worry about hormonal levels all over the place but don't know how to balance them.
Hope my experience is some help to yourself. Go back to morning meds.

davdd · 13-08-2017 12:13am

I posted about a month ago about dealing with hypo symptoms but getting nowhere with doctors. Since then I was able to find help and a really good doctor who doesn't cost a lot so I thought an update my help someone in the same situation as me.

Basically, I have had really bad hypo symptoms for the past year or so and I suspected an underactive thyroid but I went to three separate GPs (two in Ireland and one in the Netherlands) who told me that my TSH (ranging from 2.75 to 4.4 [I know these are low compared to a lot of people but I'm still symptomatic, weight gain, hair loss, brain fog, fatigue etc.) was within a "normal" range and refused to refer me to an endocrinologist or to offer any treatment.

At this stage I was down about €300 just from GP visits and blood tests and I was still intent on getting around the referral system to see an endo (which would have been another 200+) but then I came across some blog posts about thyroid disorders written by a GP in Maynooth and made an appointment asap. I'm not sure what the rules are about recommending doctors but I think others have posted about him before. His name is Dr Neville Wilson and he works out of the Leinster Clinic in Maynooth.

I took my latest blood test with me with a TSH of 3.92 (to save on the time and money of waiting for more test results) and he took one look at it and said that in his opinion anything above 3.0 is abnormal and, coupled with the symptoms I described, that in his opinion I was definitely hypo. He prescribed Nature-Throid then and there and told me to come back in three months for bloods and that I should call in about six weeks to let him know how I was getting on. He said idealy he'd like my TSH to be around 2.0 or as low as it take for me to not have any symtoms (because everyone is different).

I'm a month on meds now and I feel so much better already, I think I need to up my dose a little but for the most part my energy is back and my fuzzy head is gone. The total cost of my appointment was 65 euro and then 18 per month for meds - if I had went here first I would have saved a lot of heartache and money. From what I can gather, he offered the exact same service as all the good endos/GPs I've read about in Dublin (Griffin, McGovern, Smith) at a fraction of the cost and he was willing to prescribe natural desiccated thyroid as his treatement of choice.

Obviously do your own research and find a doctor who works with you, but I have to say Dr Wilson was so easy to talk to and he treats symptoms not just tests results. He even said that thyroid disorders are so misunderstood here because Irish doctors are fixated with TSH. Not knocking other doctors/GPs who have workd for other people, but if you're like I was - banging your head against a wall and feeling like you're getting nowhere - then I think it could be worth checking him out. Very straight forward from start to finish and I finally feel like I'm getting my life back.

http://www.leinsterclinic.ie/contact-us/
http://drnevillewilson.com/2016/04/08/hypothyroidism-detection-diagnosis-treatment/

jenizzle · 14-08-2017 10:17am

I too have been to Dr Wilson after a soul destroying few trips to my usual GP who would rather prescribe me Lexepro for anxiety instead of NDT which was working.

I have dipped a little over the last month or so, though. After sleeping 10-12 hours each night over the weekend I finally feel like I'm not shattered but my mood is changeable and my brain is very foggy. Still get dizzy easily and my temperature is all over the shop too! I'm still nowhere near as anxious as I was on Eltroxin though.

I'm back with Dr Wilson this week and hoping I'll be on my way to recovery. I found GP's will just throw Eltroxin at the problem instead of listening and investigating fully, and it can be very frustrating. I would also recommend getting proper blood tests done e.g. Ferretin (Iron), magnesium, calcium, B12 and Vitamin D etc as all these work together to keep you healthy and if one is out of sync, then it could affect others. Just be aware of timing as, for example, iron supplements stop NDT absorption.

Some FB pages I found really useful which were posted here but may be buried further in the thread:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/1543351072559397
https://www.facebook.com/groups/FTPOUKandEurope/

heather2 · 14-08-2017 10:44pm

Hi ... Thanks so much for this information.
I think I will look up Dr Wilson and possibly arrange to see him. I would thoroughly agree with Jemizzle about those blood tests.
I also have high cholosterol which i read can be related to underactive thyorid even though my diet is fairly healthy.
Great to see such help on these forums. I am new to it and find it so interesting.

davdd · 15-08-2017 5:33pm

heather2 wrote: »

Hi ... Thanks so much for this information.
I think I will look up Dr Wilson and possibly arrange to see him. I would thoroughly agree with Jemizzle about those blood tests.
I also have high cholosterol which i read can be related to underactive thyorid even though my diet is fairly healthy.
Great to see such help on these forums. I am new to it and find it so interesting.

Just picking up on high cholosterol bit- I'm 26 and mine is quite high for my age at the moment. I asked Dr Wilson about it and he said the same thing - that it can be the result of poor thyroid function and that with treatment and a proper diet it's easily managed

heather2 · 15-08-2017 7:15pm

Hopefully that is the reason..
I have made appointment with Dr Wilson so all going well pg. Hope all worked out for you

heather2 · 20-08-2017 3:10pm

tigerb wrote: »

totally agree about educating yourself -have learned loads already.I will start a thyroid diary. My head is relatively 'unfuzzy' today and I am feeling fantastic . Funny how you really appreciate the days when you feel ok.
I see how there is a thyroid group in the UK -is there anything similar in Ireland

Yes it's called thyorid ireland and is quite good. I know how u mean when you have good and bad days. I am on eltroxin and feel fantastic this week....the very week that I made appointment with Dr Wilson. I am thinking about changing over to NDT hoping It will get rid of a lot of other symptoms I have. To be honest I know nothing about this medication and hubby thinks I should really check it out before I go down that route. I am scared I may have side effects or damage my health down the line. You would wonder why the docs "seem" to be against it. Anyway that's my story so far. As u said it's so important to educate ourselves.
Also it could prove more expensive all round but once there's results it's manageable.. .I hope

paddyref · 20-08-2017 3:28pm

My wife has also seen Dr Wilson and changed from eltroxin to Westhroid ( NDT) 5 months ago. She wasn't doing well at all on eltroxin and is absolutely flying now. Would 100% recommend him, he really knows his stuff. Thyroid Ireland FB group also a great place for help and support.

heather2 · 20-08-2017 3:31pm

paddyref wrote: »

My wife has also seen Dr Wilson and changed from eltroxin to Westhroid ( NDT) 5 months ago. She wasn't doing well at all on eltroxin and is absolutely flying now. Would 100% recommend him, he really knows his stuff. Thyroid Ireland FB group also a great place for help and support.

Thank you for that paddy. Is it easy to get NDT then in chemists?

paddyref · 20-08-2017 3:37pm

She's had no problem getting it from our local chemist, took them a week you find it and get it in. They never heard of it before. Westhroid is even available on medical card, when paying it costs her â‚¬27 per month. Boots and loyds good to have it. Her regular gp is now fully on board with her new meds and writes up prescription no problem. She has only seen Dr Wilson once. He is very accommodating to those living far away.

heather2 · 20-08-2017 4:28pm

paddyref wrote: »

She's had no problem getting it from our local chemist, took them a week you find it and get it in. They never heard of it before. Westhroid is even available on medical card, when paying it costs her â‚¬27 per month. Boots and loyds good to have it. Her regular gp is now fully on board with her new meds and writes up prescription no problem. She has only seen Dr Wilson once. He is very accommodating to those living far away.

Excellent. That is great. Well I would love to hear how she is getting on again in the future and best of luck

heather2 · 20-08-2017 4:28pm

paddyref wrote: »

She's had no problem getting it from our local chemist, took them a week you find it and get it in. They never heard of it before. Westhroid is even available on medical card, when paying it costs her â‚¬27 per month. Boots and loyds good to have it. Her regular gp is now fully on board with her new meds and writes up prescription no problem. She has only seen Dr Wilson once. He is very accommodating to those living far away.

Excellent. That is great. Well I would love to hear how she is getting on again in the future and best of luck

o1aa · 28-08-2017 10:31pm

Great thread!
*help needed*

So I had under active thyroid when iIwas a teenager and was on meds for around a year and a half. Ive been doing routine blood checks in Poland every year and this May my TSH levels went up. I need to get T4, T3 and antibodies done to see if I need to be on the meds again.

What's the best way to get around blood checks- I mean cheapest? I have VHI but ofc they only partially cover GP visits/blood tests.

If I go to GP and he agrees I need blood test- do I pay extra for the tests or just paying for the GP visit?

TIA!

Emme · 28-08-2017 11:40pm

o1aa wrote: »

Great thread!
*help needed*

So I had under active thyroid when iIwas a teenager and was on meds for around a year and a half. Ive been doing routine blood checks in Poland every year and this May my TSH levels went up. I need to get T4, T3 and antibodies done to see if I need to be on the meds again.

What's the best way to get around blood checks- I mean cheapest? I have VHI but ofc they only partially cover GP visits/blood tests.

If I go to GP and he agrees I need blood test- do I pay extra for the tests or just paying for the GP visit?

TIA!

You shouldn't have to pay for T4 and T3 but I am not sure about the antibodies. To be honest doctors in Poland probably treat thyroid issues better than most doctors here. Could you go back to Poland and get the tests done there?

o1aa · 29-08-2017 5:40pm

Emme wrote: »

You shouldn't have to pay for T4 and T3 but I am not sure about the antibodies. To be honest doctors in Poland probably treat thyroid issues better than most doctors here. Could you go back to Poland and get the tests done there?

I can´t take more holidays this year.... The last time I was in Poland(May) I stupidly never asked for T4 and T3 to be done.

I'm not sure how the system works here and that's why I'm asking on this page. So If I go to GP and tell him I used to have under active thyroid, I should get TSH, T4 and T3 done free of charge ( I mean included in GP's visit).

If I could go to Poland and get all this sorted I would go in a flick of a finger! believe me.

jelly&icecream · 29-08-2017 5:54pm

They should do TSH and FT4 for you no problem. Antibodies too shouldn't be a huge issue if they are specifically requested. I have a problem getting them to do FT3 however. Even if the GP requests it the hospital lab often refuses to do it. I've had this issue with the regional hospital in Limerick. It seems to differ depending on the hospital.

If you're anywhere near Maynooth it might be worth going to Dr. Wilson who others have recommended above. If I don't get further with my GP soon I'm considering travelling to see him. He's not an endo consultant, just a GP who has a special interest in the area so shouldn't be too pricey.

Emme · 31-08-2017 1:17pm

Here is a link to an article which suggests that murderer Alan Hawe may have suffered from psychosis due to thyroid problem.

http://evoke.ie/news/irish-news/alan-hawes-thyroid-problem

There are articles in other Irish newspapers on the same topic. I am very angry about this article because it suggests that people who have Hashimoto's thyroiditis are psychotic. I have never heard of anybody having a psychotic episode with Hashimoto's thyroiditis.

The medical estabishment in Ireland should focus more on trying to treat Hashimoto's and other thyroid disorders properly rather than using them as excuses for vicious premeditated murders.

qo2cj1dsne8y4k · 31-08-2017 1:44pm

I am the same, I was so angry reading that article yesterday because I have hashimotos and am currently an inpatient with it being particularly bad and while I may be a bit hormonal from time to time, I've never had the urge to murder my entire family

NiceyNice · 06-09-2017 1:02pm

Hi Guys,

I hope I am in the right thread here. I was prescribed 50mcg of Eltroxin a few weeks ago by Merrion Fertility Clinic. My thyroid levels are within normal limits but the low end - don't ask me the exact result, I was just shown it on the screen. Anyhoo, the consultant prescribed it as a precautionary measure as TSH can cause early miscarriage.
I'm on day 14 now and I feel lousy. About a week ago, my breathing became much shallower. I get breathless walking up a flight or stairs. Walking and talking is difficult. I'm wheezy with a dry cough. I'm an ex-smoker, who worked in smokey bars and nightclubs pre-smoking ban. I am currently a vaper. My breathlessness became so bad yesterday that I ended up in DubDoc last night. After a thorough examination (but no scans or x-ray), the doctor told me that my body is adjusting to the medication. The muscles in my chest are tightening and it's nothing to worry about. He said if it continues after 2/3 months, then maybe stop taking Eltroxin.
I never thought it could have such a side effect. In hindsight, I have been pretty moody lately too, with a fuzzy head and low attention span. I suffer from general anxiety also, although I haven't been having full panic attacks, I have noticed my anxiety levels being slightly higher than usual.
And the strangest thing is my mouth and tongue taste raw - and I can feel food and hot drinks passing all the way down into my stomach. I didn't say any of this to DubDoc because, naively, I didn't think it had anything to do with the new meds. I know a good many people on Eltroxin and they rave about its benefits but I just feel unwell.
I know there is an adjustment phase of c. 6 weeks but I just don't think it is worth the physical pain and exhaustion considering my thyroid was within normal levels to begin with.
I'm considering stopping the medication. I know it's not advisable but I haven't been on it for too long. Has anyone had any experience doing this? I'm literally dreading taking another pill in the morning. I don't think there is any point in talking to my GP because he didn't prescribe it and all other results that came back from the fertility clinic came back fine, so I don't want to be contacting them for the price of a small mortgage.

Any advice would be a great help.

Thanks.

tanit · 06-09-2017 1:23pm

Vapers as far as I know contain nicotine and it affects an embryo growth. Have you told the doctor that you use it? About the rest I would recommend that you go again to the doctor and tell them everything that's going on regardless of you thinking it is relevant or not let them decide that. They are the ones that know

njs030 · 06-09-2017 1:42pm

It doesn't matter who prescribed it you should go and see your GP before stopping any medication, breathlessness can be a side effect so perhaps your GP can lower your dose or alternate it.
You must have been prescribed it for a reason and that reason still exists - your GP will have access to the test results and the reasons you were put on it.

Even if you do stop it your symptoms won't go away as it takes a while for it to leave your body so the best thing to do is see your GP.

Have you told the doctors you are still using products containing nicotine?

NiceyNice · 06-09-2017 1:42pm

tanit wrote: »

Vapers as far as I know contain nicotine and it affects an embryo growth. Have you told the doctor that you use it?

Yup, the doctor knows and I hadn't planned on vaping during pregnancy. Not really sure why I put the vaping/smoking stuff into the post. I suppose I thought my chest problems stemmed from that rather than Eltroxin?

NiceyNice · 06-09-2017 1:47pm

notjustsweet wrote: »

It doesn't matter who prescribed it you should go and see your GP before stopping any medication, breathlessness can be a side effect so perhaps your GP can lower your dose or alternate it.
You must have been prescribed it for a reason and that reason still exists - your GP will have access to the test results and the reasons you were put on it.

Even if you do stop it your symptoms won't go away as it takes a while for it to leave your body so the best thing to do is see your GP.

Have you told the doctors you are still using products containing nicotine?

I was prescribed Eltroxin as a precautionary measure only and the doc in DubDoc told me yesterday evening that new studies show that TSH may not have such a devastating effect on early pregnancy as previously thought.

For the record, I am not currently pregnant and don't plan to start trying within the next six months at least.

That's a balls that the symptoms don't clear up quickly, I was hoping that since I'm only on it for a short period, that it would right itself sooner rather than later.

njs030 · 06-09-2017 1:52pm

NiceyNice wrote: »

I was prescribed Eltroxin as a precautionary measure only and the doc in DubDoc told me yesterday evening that new studies show that TSH may not have such a devastating effect on early pregnancy as previously thought.

For the record, I am not currently pregnant and don't plan to start trying within the next six months at least.

That's a balls that the symptoms don't clear up quickly, I was hoping that since I'm only on it for a short period, that it would right itself sooner rather than later.

I re- read your post there and you said it started after a week, that's really fast for symptoms to kick in tbh.
Definitely go to see your GP, there could be something else going on and it's coincidental.
Eltrocin comes in 25mg too so the GP can drop you down to that if needs be.

NiceyNice · 06-09-2017 2:18pm

notjustsweet wrote: »

I re- read your post there and you said it started after a week, that's really fast for symptoms to kick in tbh.
Definitely go to see your GP, there could be something else going on and it's coincidental.
Eltrocin comes in 25mg too so the GP can drop you down to that if needs be.

I was checked out a quite thoroughly last night and was told there were no signs of an ulterior issue.
The DubDoc I saw is actually the head of the surgery I attend. He's my mum's GP and he has her on Eltroxin too. I trust his opinion. I'm quite sensitive to different medications - codeine even has an adverse reaction.

Also my company doesn't pay for permitted leave eg. docs appointments and I'd need a half day to get out to them. Add the consultation fee and the €70 I dropped last night. I really can't afford to go.

New Home · 06-09-2017 5:51pm

But the DubDoc didn't have the full picture, you said yourself you didn't tell them about your mouth and throat symptoms. You really need to go back to your GP and tell them EVERYTHING, and if you can insist on getting a chest x-ray or to get more blood tests done. I know it's expensive, but it'd be cheaper than having to take sick leave down the line, I would say.

You could also go to your chemist and ask them to give you the leaflet that should come with the box of eltroxin, the side effects and interactions with other medications should be listed in it.

tanit · 06-09-2017 8:19pm

NiceyNice wrote: »

Yup, the doctor knows and I hadn't planned on vaping during pregnancy. Not really sure why I put the vaping/smoking stuff into the post. I suppose I thought my chest problems stemmed from that rather than Eltroxin?

Okay, my apologies but I read the post and I thought you were pregnant. If you are planning to get pregnant and taking any medication for it, it may simply be a problem with the medications.

To be honest having thyroid issues during pregnancy does increase the risk of miscarriage and some women that have no thyroid issues before pregnancy can develop them during pregnancy. They will go away after in most cases but it's the first time someone tells me about taking Eltroxin as preventative measure if you are planning to get pregnant without having full blown thyroid issues

NiceyNice · 06-09-2017 8:37pm

tanit wrote: »

Okay, my apologies but I read the post and I thought you were pregnant. If you are planning to get pregnant and taking any medication for it, it may simply be a problem with the medications.

To be honest having thyroid issues during pregnancy does increase the risk of miscarriage and some women that have no thyroid issues before pregnancy can develop them during pregnancy. They will go away after in most cases but it's the first time someone tells me about taking Eltroxin as preventative measure if you are planning to get pregnant without having full blown thyroid issues

I know right? It's an odd one. I'm actually questioning if I need to be on it at all. Other people I have spoken to about Eltroxin can only rave about it so I wasn't expecting to experience any adverse side effects. But I feel awful on it and my chest problems are irritating and painful. I'm hoping that being on it for less than two weeks will ease the bump of going cold turkey. I'm not going to take it anymore. If my thyroid was way off, I'd stick it out but as my levels are within normal levels, I don't see the point of this misery.

njs030 · 06-09-2017 8:53pm

NiceyNice wrote: »

I know right? It's an odd one. I'm actually questioning if I need to be on it at all. Other people I have spoken to about Eltroxin can only rave about it so I wasn't expecting to experience any adverse side effects. But I feel awful on it and my chest problems are irritating and painful. I'm hoping that being on it for less than two weeks will ease the bump of going cold turkey. I'm not going to take it anymore. If my thyroid was way off, I'd stick it out but as my levels are within normal levels, I don't see the point of this misery.

Well there's normal levels and optimal levels for pregnancy, if you're seeing a fertility expert I'd wonder if they are trying to get your levels from normal down to optimal for conception maybe.
You don't know what your levels were or where doc wants them to be so it's a bit of a confusing one for you.

Sure if you want to stop that's your choice, I wouldn't suggest going against medical advice especially when it's for something like that without going in to check but it's up to you

Eta - is there any way you can call your consultants secretary and leave a message? Or your GP?

NiceyNice · 06-09-2017 9:31pm

notjustsweet wrote: »

Well there's normal levels and optimal levels for pregnancy, if you're seeing a fertility expert I'd wonder if they are trying to get your levels from normal down to optimal for conception maybe.
You don't know what your levels were or where doc wants them to be so it's a bit of a confusing one for you.

Sure if you want to stop that's your choice, I wouldn't suggest going against medical advice especially when it's for something like that without going in to check but it's up to you

Eta - is there any way you can call your consultants secretary and leave a message? Or your GP?

I can see myself being called in for blood tests and ensuing dickery with medication levels. I'm just not too in to a whole load of trial and error. I think it's best to just cut and run before my system becomes reliant on the hormone.

qo2cj1dsne8y4k · 06-09-2017 9:51pm

NiceyNice wrote: »

I was prescribed Eltroxin as a precautionary measure only and the doc in DubDoc told me yesterday evening that new studies show that TSH may not have such a devastating effect on early pregnancy as previously thought.

For the record, I am not currently pregnant and don't plan to start trying within the next six months at least.

That's a balls that the symptoms don't clear up quickly, I was hoping that since I'm only on it for a short period, that it would right itself sooner rather than later.

I see an endocrinology consultant and my tsh is so off she's warned me not to get pregnant although she said she doesn't think I would conceive anyway with these results. If they get my tsh and thyroid under control enough that I can concieve I have to automatically have my dose upped by 25% and my pregnancy would be considered high risk.

This is just my own personal experience, I'm 28. The 25% increase was the first thing she told me in our initial meeting. That's a consultant that deals with hormones and thyroid and all things endocrinology as a specialist. So I would be making double sure rather than take the word of a general practitioner with limited experience in regards to medication for thyroid issues.

This is not medical advice, this is just my own personal experience.

njs030 · 06-09-2017 9:57pm

LexieOnRale wrote: »

I see an endocrinology consultant and my tsh is so off she's warned me not to get pregnant although she said she doesn't think I would conceive anyway with these results. If they get my tsh and thyroid under control enough that I can concieve I have to automatically have my dose upped by 25% and my pregnancy would be considered high risk.

This is just my own personal experience, I'm 28. The 25% increase was the first thing she told me in our initial meeting. That's a consultant that deals with hormones and thyroid and all things endocrinology as a specialist. So I would be making double sure rather than take the word of a general practitioner with limited experience in regards to medication for thyroid issues.

This is not medical advice, this is just my own personal experience.

I think it was prescribed by a fertility consultant Lexie which is why I've said not to stop it without checking first.

qo2cj1dsne8y4k · 06-09-2017 10:05pm

notjustsweet wrote: »

I think it was prescribed by a fertility consultant Lexie which is why I've said not to stop it without checking first.

Exactly. Your thyroid needs to be on its best behaviour for pregnancy, apparently. Ideal tsh for women of child bearing age (according to consultant endo I see in a Dublin hospital) is 1. If for example I am well and healthy on 100mcg of eltroxin I will need to up that to 125 if I'm planning on having a baby. She told me that pretty much straight away in my first consultation and explained thyroid of woman is so important for brain development of child.

For a GP (who is by no means a specialist) to come along and say Ara sure tsh doesn't impact on pregnancy is a bit mad/irresponsible. If that was me I'd be listening to specialists unless I felt better qualified and versed in risks and medication than an actual specialist.

Either way it's no skin off our nose whether she stops taking it or not, completely her decision, but I think it's quite foolish on her part to disregard anything a consultant has said to her on the back of what a GP she's never seen before said in a brief consultation

NiceyNice · 06-09-2017 10:21pm

LexieOnRale wrote: »

I see an endocrinology consultant and my tsh is so off she's warned me not to get pregnant although she said she doesn't think I would conceive anyway with these results. If they get my tsh and thyroid under control enough that I can concieve I have to automatically have my dose upped by 25% and my pregnancy would be considered high risk.

This is just my own personal experience, I'm 28. The 25% increase was the first thing she told me in our initial meeting. That's a consultant that deals with hormones and thyroid and all things endocrinology as a specialist. So I would be making double sure rather than take the word of a general practitioner with limited experience in regards to medication for thyroid issues.

This is not medical advice, this is just my own personal experience.

Oh Lexie, I'm so sorry to hear of your difficulties and I wish you every success in your attempts at trying to conceive. Thank you so much for sharing.

I'm thankful that my experience is different though. My partner and I attended Merrion Fertility just to gauge our chances of conceiving. I'm 36 and he is 34. I suppose we really wanted to know where we stood. Our results were really positive. There were no issues but the consultant said that although my thyroid was within the normal range, it was towards the low end and they wanted to bring it more to the centre. I was prescribed a low dose - 50 mcg of eltroxin but it's just not agreeing with me at all and I don't want to become dependant on it.

thyroid misery

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