Another Thyroid Thread.... (Redux)

[indysteel]

You might also test for adrenal insufficiency, Red. Dizziness upon standing is a symptom of that.

[redrhodie]

You might also test for adrenal insufficiency, Red. Dizziness upon standing is a symptom of that.

Yeah, I thought about that. If the iron tests normal, and the dizziness persists, I'll see an endo for testing. I think with adrenal insufficiency, the dizziness gets worse when the thyroid is treated, and mine has definitely gotten better. So hoping it's not that!

[indysteel]

I get dizzy with dehydration and/or electrolyte depletion. Are you dizzy all the time or does it come and go?

[redrhodie]

It comes and goes, but there have been periods when it's been very frequent, like a couple of months ago it would happen daily. It could be so many things. When you start looking at the symptoms of different conditions, you realize they're all the same. That's probably why thyroid disorders are so frequently misdiagnosed.

But at least I feel better! I know how lucky I am to have gotten the right dose of levothyoxine on the first try. I felt better right away.

[Blueberry]

I'm feeling a little better - sort of hard to tell because school is a bear right now (lots of exams/reports), so lots of stress and not quite enough sleep. But - I've not had very many days where I feel truly terrible. It's only been 2 weeks, so I'm trying not to be too impatient!

I did not double the dose at 1 week because I don't think that's enough time for the drug to really work. I see my regular doc tomorrow, and we'll see what she has to say. I'm hopeful she will have some dosing insight. I doubt that 25 micrograms is sufficient, particularly given my weight. Will report back (though it might be later in the week with exams....).

[Blueberry]

Just saw my doc - popping in for a quick report. I'm always glad when I see her, and I'm always reassured that I've made the right decision to change to her. She was 100% behind my decision not to double after the 1 week because (as we all know) it takes 6 weeks to feel better. I have an appointment in 4 more weeks (6 total on meds) for blood work (thyroid and vit D - her idea, and I think a good one), then a follow up appointment with her to adjust dosage if needed. She did a brief physical exam - nothing odd on the thyroid - so yay! She says my feeling better already is a great sign. She definitely seems to work hard to understand thyroid conditions, but acknowledges that they can be hard for primary cares to "get." I do think she gets it, and don't plan to go to an endo right now - I get the feeling she'll suggest it if needed.

I brought another copy of my chart with my historical values. She verified she couldn't get the data out of the computer, and then copied it into my chart. She thought it was very helpful because it shows trend data for me - and a definite difference. And my BP has gone from borderline high to perfectly normal. And I've lost 2 pounds despite an admittedly bad (by my standards; not for most people) diet for 2 weeks. Back to studying!

[emily_in_nc]

That's really encouraging news, Blueberry. Glad you found a doc you like and feel like you can trust. That's so important!