[Anonymous]

#1022279

I haven’t been around much in the past several weeks, since I was discouraged at my last endo follow-up. At the time, I was 8 weeks Post-RAI (RAI on August 19) and my blood levels had gone slightly hyper (as opposed to being “normal” at 3 weeks Post-RAI). I spent the last seven weeks on 50mg PTU (twice a day) and today I am extremely happy.

I am now 15 weeks Post-RAI, and had bloodwork 10 days ago. Today I received the following excellent news:

T4-Free: 0.4 (L) [0.8-1.8]
T3-Free: 124 (L) [230-420]
TSH: 121.26 (H) [0.4-5.5]

I’ve been definitely feeling sluggish and exhausted with weak and crampy muscles, so I am releived not only that I could cancel my plans for a 2nd scheduled RAI (scheduled for two weeks) but that also my symptoms were not without merit. My doctor pointed out specifically that she is confident that a TSH that high is not solely a result of the PTU. Upon physical examination of my thyroid, she definitely felt a decrease in size.

Tomorrow, I start 50mcg Synthroid for 4 weeks, followed up by another 4 weeks at 75mcg. I’ll get bloodwork in 6 weeks, and see the endo in 7. She told me head-on, which, even though I already KNEW, I was glad to hear her tell me, that it’s going to be a gradual process and that a longer-term dosage usually ends up anywhere between 100mcg and 200mcg.

I’m just so excited right now that I’m going to go get a well-earned cheesesteak!

[Anonymous]

#1082384

Good for you DAVEHEA!!! I’m 17 weeks Post-RAI and today I had my follow-up. My TSH shows I am hypo but my symptoms indicate otherwise. 2 weeks ago (while hypo) I felt pretty good, not eating much, a little sluggish, but overall I was ok. Then all of a sudden, my appetite increased, the hotflashes came back, I started to have a few moments of anxiety and to top it off, my emotions have sky-rocketed. My Endo really looked baffled today, but since she knows I do a lot of reading on my situation and I ask a lot of questions, I did not let her tell me it was “all in my head”. She listened to me, matter of factly, she thanked me for being thorough with my symptoms. She said there are some patients that cannot share what they are going through other than…..they don’t feel well, or that they feel “strange”. So food for thought…..it’s always good to write stuff down!!! Anyway, she increased my Synthroid to 112. I was on 100mcg, but she wants to try me on 112. I’ve lost 2lbs and the last few days I’ve been eating like I was when hyper, so I’m sure that’s what it is. It’s weird experiencing the toss-up, but I know it takes a while, so I’m giving myself a break and trying not to get frustrated!!!
More news at 11.

[Anonymous]

#1082385

Hey MsVee, good to hear from you again. I’m a little confused as to why you would feel hyper AND have your synthroid dose increased, albeit a little bit. Can you explain further?

I fully expect there to be ups and downs. But, as you have obviously done, I’ve also made it quite known to my endo that I DO do a lot of research. Yesterday she was very appreciative of that and also expressed her discouragement with patients who cannot express their feelings nor who understand why things are done the way they are done. For instance, I had always wondered why Synthroid only contained T4. I wondered why most people didn’t “need” T3 replacement also. She explained to me that the thyroid is responsible for only about 15% of your T3 production. The other 85% comes from your body’s processing of T4. I didn’t know that. She also told me to avoid large amounts of iron and any type of stomach remedy for about 4 hours after I take my Synthroid dose, so as not to interfere in the hormone absorption. I can handle that.

Anyway, I’m interested in hearing more about how you are doing. It’s probably “in my head” but I swear I feel a difference already from yesterday!

[Anonymous]

#1082386

Hi Fellow Warriors,

I had RAI in August and 3 blood tests since still show I’m hyper. Last blood test last month showed I was going the other direction (hyper) since the previous test. Now, I feel kinda “normal.” Is that possible? LOL.
I have days where I feel a few muscle spams and other days when I feel a bit hyper. Dr. said this shouldn’t be happening that I should just at this point feeling hypo. She fears I might be going for another round of RAI. Yuck!! But the Dr. said she’ll wait 6 months before making a decision for more RAI, which will bring it around Feb. This definatly is a disease of patience………
Anyone else out there that has had 2 rounds of RAI? Do you remember how you felt before having the secound dose?

Happy Holiday everyone,
Kristin

[Anonymous]

#1082387

There are many people who have had 2 doses of RAI myself included. I never went hypo though before my 2nd doses. There are a couple of options that could be going on. One that I am thinking of is a simple dosage change in your medicine. I was on several dosages before finding the right doses. Some were too high for me. Your doctor is right in giving you time. After your RAI your thyroid gland does release a burst of horomes which is another thing that could be going on. So now is not the time to panic.

Diane B On-Line Facilitator

[Anonymous]

#1082388

Yeah! Glad to post some good news for once in a long time. Went to the endo today and I’m finally hypo. Had RAI in Aug. and end of Nov. it looked like I might have to have a second dose of RAI because I was still hyper with a TSH at 0.02. But new blood work shows now my TSH is 44.20, not borderline at all, definately hypo. So no second dosing and took my first thyroid meds today. I really couldn’t tell I turned hypo that much. Some muscle spams and tired from time to time and no weight gain, actually lost 2 lbs from the last visit.
Although Dr. was concerned about my recent chest pains. May need to go see another Dr. about that, but waiting to see how if the thyroid meds might help. Could it maybe be the muscle coming back that caused the chest pain or developed a heart issue with being hyper? She isn’t sure and might have to wear a heart monitor if it continues. And I’ll continue on Toprol for a while. But right now I’m just glad to start on my way now, I’m crossing my fingers, to feeling better.
Thanks for listening,
Kristin

[Anonymous]

#1082389

I just got off the phone with our meeting planner at the Marriott Kingsgate in Cincinnat. The group rate is extended until next Wednesday (October 17).

The group rate is a tremendous savings off the regular rate at this hotel.

If you aren’t ready to commit to the conference just yet, you have a few more days.

See you in Cincinnati!

Linette

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