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Hypothyroid - Dizziness, trembling, fatigue, severe leg weakness

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Thyroid Disorders
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Posted 5/22/2010 8:01 PM (GMT 0)
I had a total thyroidectomy in 2001.  I've been on my current dosage of levothyroxine 88 mcg. for about five/six years.  My current TSH is 5.07, my Free T4 is 1.13, AM Cortisol is 18.03.  My ENT has increased dosage to 100 mcg.  The problem is every time they increase dosage, I get heart palpitations, anxiety, and the shakes.  I am currently alternating my old dosage with new every other day.

I have gone to my ENT with all these symptoms.  She says that I just need an increase in dosage.  Can someone tell me are these symptoms normal with the labs above?  The dizziness and weakness in legs are severe.  I can't even drive or go anywhere.  How long does it take for an increase in dosage to affect my TSH, T3?  My ENT said Cortisol was borderline but isn't doing anything about it.  Could cortisol be causing these symptoms?

This is the worst I've ever felt since I had thyroidectomy.  I have a lot of stress right now and I'm sure that is attributing to some of my problems.  What is considered normal TSH and Free T4?

I would really appreciate anyone's help.  This is the third ENT I've gone to.

I also just read it's more effective to take thyroid meds in evening.  Please give your opinion concerning this.

Thank you,

Halley888 cool turn blush

Posted 5/22/2010 10:01 PM (GMT 0)
Your TSH is a little high.
You should be at 3.0 according to everything I've read.

Keep taking the 100 everyday. Your body needs to totally adjust to the new level. As it is now, you're going back and forth causing the level to fluctuate prolonging the time it takes for your body to adjust.

My doctor says it's best to take every morning.

Have you've seen an endocronologist who specializes in thyroid and metabulism?

Joy
Posted 5/22/2010 10:53 PM (GMT 0)
Thank you so much for your reply.  I know my TSH is high now, but the dizziness, weakness in legs, trembling, & fatigue are really bad.  I'll continue taking the 100 mcg. levothyroxine, like you suggested.

This is the third ENDO I've gone to.  I thought that thyroid problems were their specialty along with diabetes, adrenal, etc.  What is metabulism?

Thank you for your reply. 

Halley888 turn yeah blush

Posted 5/22/2010 11:48 PM (GMT 0)
Sorry I'm a bad speller. metabolism?
It's a study of your total body function and how you process foods for energy and etc.

If you have a slow metabolism you have trouble with weight loss.

My thyroid function is going wonky right now, too.
I'm weak, achy, was dizzy this morning, and kinda depressed. I don't want to really associate with anyone right now in my house. My nerves are a bit raw.

Joy
Posted 5/23/2010 12:05 AM (GMT 0)
I've never had this dizziness, fatigue, trembling, & body aches so bad.  I try to eat good, but I don't feel any better.

Since my thyroidectomy, I've gained weight. But in December, for some reason, I lost 12 lbs.  I'm trying to lose more.  It's hard though.  I can't excercise right now because I'm so tired, dizzy, and achey.

Just hope I can get my TSH to where it should be.

I've been depressed too.  I have a lot of stress due to losing my job a year ago and worrying about finances/health.

I hope you feel well soon.  I know exactly how you're feeling. Thank you again for your help.

Halley888 cool blush :-)

Posted 5/23/2010 12:11 AM (GMT 0)
I teach all day and when I get home I have no energy for exercise. I just want to sit until bedtime.
It's frustrating!

Joy
Posted 9/4/2010 4:51 AM (GMT 0)

Hi...

 

If you have not as of yet...have your Doctor to check your vitamin D level.

Most hypothyorid cases results in Vitamin D deficiency.  Some of the signs of lacking vitamin d are actually muscle pains and fatigue.  I had thyroidectomy maybe in 2000 and after recently complaining about always being extremely tired and tingle feelings. My Doctor ran a few test and I'm now taking vit D everyday because I was severly deficient with a low amount in my body...after reading up on vit D and hypothroid there seem to be a related common factor.  I've been switching from synthroid (brand name) to Levothroxine (generic). Synthroid is a little higher but seems to work better with my body and it's best to take it in the morning on a empty stomach an hour before breakfast..or two hours afterwards.

Posted 2/26/2011 6:07 PM (GMT 0)
Halley,

I am new to this forum. I noticed your post is from 5/10 and wondered what has happened sine then. I to have the same symptoms as you, my T4 free is 1.2 and T3 free is 2.8. Two conventional doctors told me all is well while two alternative doctors told me I need to supplement with a natural thyroid. The first one put me on Nature Thyroid 135mg/day along with Iodoral (iodine supplement) within 4 days my whole body was vibrating, not a good feeling. Stopped everything went back to doc and told me to take 65 mg of Nature thyrod/day, just started 2 days ago and waiting to see what happens. Like you my legs were so weak, actually whole body somewhat weak and shaky, just felt out of sorts. I am usually very strong and energetic. Was checked for MS as some symptoms are the same but thank god, noone seems to think I have that.
Posted 2/26/2011 10:01 PM (GMT 0)
I've been hypo for about 10 yrs. and have been having some problems also.
Just went to a new Endo. So, of course, it means more blood work before anything.
But I did find out that I also am low in Vit D. So that just adds to it all.
I've never had more then 1 Dr at a time. Now I have 3 and I'm pretty sure there's more to come.
I know the feeling of not being able to get out of your own way.
Between being tired, pain in joins, headaches, stomach acting crazy from time to time and all the rest.
Sorry took to long writing that so I don't remember where I was going with it. lol Oh, add FOG!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Anyway nobody knows your body better then you so see whoever and go wherever until you find the who, where and what
to make you feel better.
In the mean tiime make time for you and find something to help you relax.
Posted 4/21/2011 6:03 AM (GMT 0)
I've learned that cortisol is one of the main causes/solutions of fatigue and also stress. Have you considered more serious hormone therapy? Have you thought about the stress levels in your life? I"m not an expert, but I've gotten a lot of great information from: http://lifarre.com/socialnetwork/pg/forum/topic/1785/how-is-starch-bad-for-me/ or just:

lifarre.com/social network .

Basically, the nutritionist here says that stress as we know it is the same thing as sugar in so many forms. It really opens your eyes. http://lifarre.com/
Posted 4/23/2011 10:29 PM (GMT 0)
I am surprised that you are seeing an ENT about your thyroid.  Not that it is a bad thing, but I was referred to an Endocrinologist who specializes in thyroid disorders.  He knows his stuff and knows what is supposed to be "normal" and not; including side effects. 

If you can't get the answers from your ENT, I would consider checking with an Endocrinologist to give you peace of mind.

Good luck!

Posted 8/14/2011 4:22 PM (GMT 0)

I too am a victim of thyroid autoimmune disease.  about 6 yrs ago, I ended up in hospital with Graves' Disease hyperthyroid.  Had the radioactive iodine treatment and ended with hypothyroid.  Its been an up and down experience with the meds and 3 different endocrine doctors plus many other appts.  My symptoms range from extreme fatigue, dizziness, the shakes, nausea, blurry eyesight, anxiety and depression.  Even though my numbers looked good, I still experience these symptoms when I exert any energy.  I was always active, exercised regularly, worked and had a garden, but now I'm lucky if I can go to work, now part time.  What gives?  The docs think I'm a pain (I feel like it) with my appts, phone calls and various symptoms.  They say my numbers look great and all my blood tests are normal.  They decided now I have fibromyalgia (I don't believe it).  Also, they think I should be treated at the psychiatry dept now for anxiety and depression! What?!  I just don't believe its happening and my life has so drastically changed.  Our metabolism and hormones are so intricate and complicated that I'm beginning to believe that the docs really don't know how to treat it individually.  Anybody experiencing the same?

Posted 11/9/2011 1:29 AM (GMT 0)
Just curious ---
My primary doctor recommends an ENT to take care of nodules on my thyroid. I've had so many symptoms it's ridiculous, but my levels are normal. It seems to me that the remaining half of my thyroid (partial thyroidectomy years ago) fluctuates between hypo and hyper. I'm not on any medication, but symptoms have been worse this year.

I am seeing an ENT in a few days about new nodules we've discovered on my remaining half thyroid.

Questions:
Is this something I should insist on seeing an endocrinologist for?
why would my thyroid levels be normal when I'm experiencing so many symptoms?
I only have half a thyroid -- is it overproducing in order to read at "normal" and could that account for the flares between hypo and hyper symptoms?

I feel like a complete pain to my doctor too, and even my boyfriend doesn't believe me when I say that all of my complaints (dizziness, fatigue, fog, you all know the drill) must be stemming from this one little thyroid. He just thinks I have a poor memory. I'm not einstein or anything, but I know when I feel great and when I feel awful!

Thanks for any insight!!
Also-- thanks for the tip on Vitamin D. I thought it was a miracle vitamin last winter, had no idea that it might also help my thyroid!
Mel
Posted 11/9/2011 10:25 PM (GMT 0)
If you have nodules on your thyroid an ENT is the one to see. If that half has to come out and you need medications to control what your now missing thyroid cannot do, an endocrinologist is the one to see.

I have no thyroid and I have malabsorption problems. I always have symptom issues and at any given time it can be blamed on the thyroid meds, low iron, low vitamin D, low b-12....and the list goes on. Since all this started app. 5 years ago, I have yet had a blood test come out with all numbers in the normal. I do not know what normal is anymore. And I am dealing with a new diagnosis of RA. Sorry, off topic.

Its hard not to call the doctor or complain when you are hit with all kinds of different symptoms. And, it seems that a new one is added each and every day. It's not our fault but I can see how it would be bothersome for someone else to constantly be reminded of our aches and pains. I don't know how or when it becomes second nature and no longer front and foremost in our everyday living.

My suggestion would be to have a complete blood panel drawn and make sure all your numbers are good not just ones concerning your thyroid. Could you be b-12 or iron deficient? They both cause the same symptoms of hypothyroidism.

Let me know how your tests come out. There is not a lot of activity on this forum but I will be sure to check back.

hope everything works out for you soon.
Posted 11/15/2011 2:40 AM (GMT 0)
have u ever tried dessicated thyroid treatment?.....sometimes our numbers could say nothing is wrong but have a poor t4 converter.....my pain was so bad i was on darvocet four times a day for two years....was taking synthroid....went to an endocronologists...he switched me to dessicated and i was off the pain meds in two days...it was a miracle....dessicated has t3 and t4 in it.....i dont know what i wouldve done without it....i was on armour and it caused alittle bowel irritation....then i got on naturethroid....and its perfect for me.....i have five close friends with thyroid problems and all of them have recently switched to dessicated also...but this is just a suggestion..an option to discuss with your pcp....
Posted 11/15/2011 3:13 AM (GMT 0)
Great advice. Thank you. Just had a biopsy done and we'll see if that shows anything (who knows, I've been told that they can't tell unless they remove it... and my answer to that is NO. For now.)

I'm looking forward to starting some sort of regimen -- synthroid (or if naturethroid is an option, I'm not familiar with it) But definitely something is kicking, and my ENT acknowledged it. My biggest frustration is that it's hard to convince anyone who isn't already familiar with the symptoms that the thyroid affects you so much both mentally and physically when that little thing has a bad day.

Love this thread, thanks for the support.
Posted 11/19/2011 3:40 PM (GMT 0)
Hi! One of my relatives also has a thyroid condition. She is taking synthroid. Recently, her lab results show that she is over-controlled. So, her doctor recommended lowering her dosage of synthroid. Interestingly, she is very dizzy, unsteady on her feet and sometimes feels a vibrating sensation in her legs. She has felt this way for approximately one year. Although the level of her symptoms seem to fluctuate. Would anyone know if these symptoms could be experienced if you are hyperthyroid? Also, a few members of this group have mentioned using different treatments such as dessicated thyroid treatment and a supplement "Nature Thyroid". What were the results of using these alternative treatments over a period of time. If you are using the dessicated thyroid treatment or Nature Thyroid could you please list the doctor that prescribed these medications, so that I can contact her/him for advice. I look forward to reading any suggestions that you may have.
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