Hi new here but not to HW site.

Wow this thread usually this quiet or have I already started on the wrong foot. If I have tell me what I did and I will try to do better.

Hi hypoHashimoto,

Thank you, I really seem to be having issues handling this. I did go online and checked the dosage according to my weight and it seems on target but I wish my doctor had eased me into it. I appreciate the reply, I am also wondering if everyone has this lump in their throat? It seems so much worse in the evening. Again I must say the headaches I have are so bad I hope my body gets used to this medicine quickly.

Rose,

You probably looked at this, but here is a list of precautions for Synthroid (Levothyroxine):

What special precautions should I follow?

Before taking levothyroxine,
•
tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to levothyroxine, thyroid hormone, any other drugs, povidone iodine, tartrazine (a yellow dye in some processed foods and drugs), or foods such as lactose or corn starch. Levothroid contains lactose, while Synthroid contains tartrazine and povidone.

•
tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications you are taking, especially amphetamines; anticoagulants ('blood thinners') such as warfarin (Coumadin); antidepressants or anti-anxiety agents; arthritis medicine; aspirin; beta-blockers such as metoprolol (Lopressor, Toprol), propranolol (Inderal) or timolol (Blocadren, Timoptic); cancer chemotherapy agents; diabetes medications (insulin and tablets); digoxin (Lanoxin); estrogens; methadone; oral contraceptives; phenytoin (Dilantin); steroids; theophylline (TheoDur); and vitamins.

•
if you take an antacid, calcium carbonate (Tums), cholestyramine (Questran), colestipol (Colestid), iron, orlistat (alli, Xenical), simethicone (Phazyme, Gas X), sodium polystrene sulfonate (Kayexalate), or sucralfate (Carafate), take it at least 4 hours before or 4 hours after you take levothyroxine.

•
tell your doctor if you have or have ever had diabetes; hardening of the arteries (atherosclerosis); kidney disease; hepatitis; cardiovascular disease such as high blood pressure, chest pain (angina), arrhythmias, or heart attack; or an underactive adrenal or pituitary gland.

And here is a list of the possible side effects. I see nausea and headaches, but as badly as
you feel, please let your doctor know.

What side effects can this medication cause?

Levothyroxine may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

weight loss

tremor

headache

nausea

vomiting

diarrhea

stomach cramps

nervousness

irritability

insomnia

excessive sweating

increased appetite

fever

changes in menstrual cycle

sensitivity to heat

temporary hair loss, particularly in children during the first month of therapy

If you experience either of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately:

chest pain (angina)

rapid or irregular heartbeat or pulse

Post Edited (maggiemay) : 9/22/2012 10:44:04 AM (GMT-6)

Thank you again, and yes I am feeling pretty darn rough. The nausea and headaches are horrible but the lump (frog ) in my throat just drives me into panic attack mode. I do not know why my dr started me on such a high dose the only other test he ordered is tsh in 2 months so I guess he thinks I can handle this. I still need to get the iron shot but have not been able to handle leaving the house to go to clinic as my stomach is far too upset. I remember my last iron shot upset my stomach and I do not think I can hold that in.

Hi Kim,

I have never heard that people with Hashi's can't take ARmour. Just like Swimom, I feel so
much better on Armour. I started with ARmour, then it was hard to get so I was
switched to Naturethroid. I didn't notice a difference. Then a doctor decided I would be
better off with Synthroid and it was a big mistake. I started taking ARmour again because
it was easier to get and I feel so much better. Doctors don't like it and I just can't
understand their opposition to it. If your doctor won't prescribe it, I found that naturopaths
are very willing to write a prescription.

Rose, with both diabetes and thyroid problems, you definitely should be seeing an endocrinologist. Your primary care doctor did what works in most cases - but not all. Hope you're soon feeling better.

Hi Rose,

I've been thinking about you. That is a really good idea that you are going to see an
endocrinologist. I was wondering if you have ever had your thyroid tested before this?

I read a book by Dr. Stephen Langer entitled Solved: The Riddle of Illness How
Managing Your Thyroid Can Help You Fight and Control: Arthritis, Cancer, Diabetes,
Obesity, Heart Disease, Fibromyalgia, Sexual Problems. I was just thinking if you
have had hypothyroidism for quite some time that may have caused or exacerbated
your other conditions. So it sounds like you are adjusting your insulin levels, hopefully
an endocrinologist can help you make the necessary changes to start feeling better.

Also, could you contact your doctor's office and ask about cutting back on the
Synthroid, at least until you can get in to see an endo? Hope you feel better.