[GinnyC]

#1018153

I was treated with Iodine for Graves Disease 13 years ago at the Maypo Clinic in Minnesota. After treatment my TSH levels went to 87 & I of course was put on thyroid replacement. It took a couple of years & I stabilized levels. When I had a hysterectomy at 53 & was put on estrogen for a couple of years that changed the dosage level. When I went off estrogen, dosage had to change again.

So I’ve had dosages from 125mcg at first to 137mcg, Two years ago my doctor changed it to 150mcg. When my TSH read 4.0. First re-check was okay (.01 slightly hyper) though 6 months in I knew something was wrong. Last year she dropped me to 100mcg from 150 mcg & re-check after 6 weeks was fine. Last year’s physical indicated I was hypo again so she upped me to 137mcgs again. My last test was .05 so now she wants me back down to 125mcg.

What is going on? I thought I would be fairly stable by now. Nothing I’m doing would indicate this amount of fluctuationg. My diet was slightly changed to increase my fiber, but not that much of an increase. I’ve been on cholesterol meds and atenolol for years. THe atenolol is because my heart rate never went back down after treament for the Graves.

[snelsen]

#1062969

I would like to be sure that you are taking your thyroid replacement hormone correctly. If there is variance in how you do it, the labs may not reflect your real state.
1. Empty stomach in the morning with water.
3. No food for 1/2 hour.
4. No supplements for 4 hours.

Is this what you are doing? If there is a lot of variance, because of where and how the drug is absorbed, you "can" be taking a different dose every day if these parameters are not followed.
The other thought I have is that perhaps you should wait longer than 6 weeks for your lab draws and dose changes. This whole darn process can take such a long time! But each dose should be given a good chance to make to fully reflect what your metabolism is doing.

This is just one thought I had. It may not apply in your situation at all.
I DO understand! I have been on the same merry go round. But-when I waited 3 months between labs, it made a big difference for me in a positive way.
Best wishes to you. Sorry you have not heard from anyone before tonight!
Shirley

[Bobbi]

#1062970

I want to reinforce what Shirley just said so that you don’t miss it: waiting the full three months between blood tests can make a positive difference. More often than not, when I read of people having problems with their replacement regime, they indicate that they are going back really frequently to have their levels checked. If you change the dose BEFORE it has had a chance to adequately register in the various blood test categories, you can find yourself on a hormonal yo yo. It is annoying to stay on a dose you feel is wrong for three months, I know. But my experience, too, is that it pays off in the end, with a quicker resolution to the yo-yo problem.

[GinnyC]

#1062971

Thank you for your responses. I’m doing everything correct. I like to wait the 3 months but it is an uphill battle with my GP to go that long. She refused to extend my prescription beyond the 6 weeks the last time. So I’ll go in for the 6 weeks this time. I know from the 13 years I’ve been taking these tests that waiting longer is better, but she goes by protocol. I have decided to switch doctors & have started researching for someone who listens. I think I know my body fairly well by now (I’m 62).

[Author]

Posts