[Bobbi]

#1066446

Our doctors tend to go by the TSH numbers, and not the numbers for the levels of thyroid hormone itself. Why? It was explained to me that there are two reasons, basically. The first is that the test for TSH is "finer:" it is accurate to a much more sensitive level than the tests for actual thyroid hormone. Second, TSH is like a running average, it moves up and down with less volatility. Thyroid hormone has a fairly short life span in the body (at least the T3 does) and therefore the picture you get one moment could be quite different from one at another time during the day. The way I imagine it is to think of a party for small children. If you take a photograph, you might get a spat, or a beaming child — it’s a moment in time. That is the thyroid hormone. But if you take a movie camera, you get a sense of the party as a whole: that is the TSH.

As to switching brands: there is, obviously, debate that has been ongoing for quite a while. But what most doctors do is check our blood levels after a brand change, as well as after a dose change. Since you are doing both at the same time, it probably doesn’t matter. Your blood levels of thyroid will be checked before too long passes, and the effectiveness of the brand change will be taken into account.

Good luck,

[hockey]

#1018682

Hello again,

Well, I waited it out on getting my first blood test after starting replacement. I’m not sure what to think now!

So – from the first blood test after starting replacement – T4 13.8 & TSH 5.26 (Canadian #s) – both are up from my last test – TSH would show more hypo, but a higher T4 wouldn’t that be more hyper?? The results seem to go with the way I feel -one minute as though I’m hyper (anxious, irritable) & the next I’m feeling hypo (tired, sleeping 10 hrs – more if I could, slight weight gain, cold & always wearing multiple layers, plus maybe the biggest one – depressed).

Today I feel better (without having taken the new dose yet) – I had a great run at the gym & feel more optomistic – could it just be related to my cycle instead of my thyroid?

Based on the blood test results, my endo has increased my dosage from 0.075mg to 0.1mg. Initially I was prescribed synthroid (made by Abbott), now I was given eltroxin (made by GlaxoSmith Kline)- the pharmicist said it’s because my drug plan prefers this one as it is cheaper. Apparently I was given synthroid before as it’s available in more dosages, and the eltroxin is available only in 0.5 increments, so I couldn’t get my initial dose of 0.075 from eltroxin.

Based on what I’ve read from other posts, it’s not suggested to change companies/brands, so I asked the pharmicist re: changing companies etc. and he didn’t agree. I asked about the different fillers & how it’s metabolized and again he said it’s no big deal to switch. The pharmacy tech. was more blunt re: changing companies & said something to the effect that "I’d like to see that study". Now, I’m totally confused!! I know I’m early on (1st dosage change, and just started replacement Dec 30/09) so switching brands/companies shouldn’t really be an issue at this point, but …… Why is it not possible to get a straight answer from anyone during the treatment process (from RAI guidelines to how to take your meds to drug manufacturers?).

Here’s another part that confuses me, my endo has told me in the past he thinks my T4 should be around 12 … if it is 13.8 now, why would I want to take MORE replacement? Wouldn’t more replacement just make this number higher??

How will taking a slightly higher dosage of replacement help when I am feeling hyper? Will the dose change help reduce the roller coaster of emotions I feel from hyper to hypo to feeling nothing (a why bother/life sucks attitude)?

Any ideas are welcomed as I’m feeling frustrated, and lost.
Thanks!

[hockey]

#1066447

Thanks for your reply Bobbi.

I guess with the dosage, and brand change at the same time it shouldn’t really be a big deal – especially since I will be going for another blood test in 2 mths (mid-April) to check to see if this is the right dosage for me.

It’s just frustrating (for me) that there seem to be so many conflicting views about treatments, precautions, medication. I wish it were more cut & dry, in the box – rather than there being so many ‘grey’ areas.

Thanks again! Hopefully this new dose will help me feel better.
-hockey

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