[joy123]

#1060582

I saw my GP just before Christmas, who ordered an early blood test – this showed my TSH had gone from 6.00 to 9.99 (0.35-3.50) in just 3 weeks.
He raised my levothyroxine from 75 mcg to 150 which I`ve taken for ten days now but with no improvement.

I had RAI three months ago and went hypothyroid within 3 weeks and my TSH still keeps dropping.
The last time I had T4 tested it was 14 (8-21) but this was 6 weeks ago.

I`m due to see my endo on 14th January for my follow up appointment from RAI- and would like to get all my questions in place.
Could RAI cause a conversion to T3 problem, do you know?

At the moment I think I`m still hypo – weight gain, feeling low, unsociable, tired and joint pains- yep a laugh a minute
Perhaps I haven`t given this increase enough time to work yet?
I`m due another blood test just before I see the endo- but because my levo`s just been increased, I`m not sure it`ll tell us much. I see on the form the endo is not testing the T3 – just T4 and TSH.
I can ask her to trial me on T4 and T3 but I`m not sure RAI can cause a conversion problem.
Thanks in advance – there`s a lot of questions there but you guys have been through it all and usually know the answers.
many thanks again
Joy

[Kimberly]

#1183514

Hello – I have not seen any research that RAI can cause a conversion problem.

We hear mixed reviews of T3/T4 combination therapy. There are some individuals who feel better on T3/T4 combination therapy, while others felt that this brought back a return of their hypER symptoms.

Because levels build up slowly in the body when you take replacement hormone, it can take several weeks to know if a dose adjustment is right for you.You’ve only been on the new dose for a fairly short time, so hopefully, you will see some improvement in the coming weeks.

The European Thyroid Association published guidelines on T3/T4 combination therapy a couple of years ago. They recommend T4-only therapy for at least six months and then ruling out any other conditions that could be causing the symptoms, as well as ensuring that the patient is compliant with dosing guidelines (taking meds consistently on an empty stomach, avoiding soy/calcium/iron within 4 hours, etc.). If the patient is still experiencing symptoms after that time, they recommend a short trial of synthetic T3 (they do *not* recommend Armour or other dessicated products), with a follow up evaluation to see if symptoms improve.

Take care – and keep us posted!

[joy123]

#1183515

Thanks for your reply Kimberly
I think I`m clutching at straws atm as I`m going through a rough time.
I`m seeing my endo this week, on Wed, and my GP tomorrow, so hopefully I`ll get some answers.

I had bloods done last week and hope the doctor tomorrow will have the results as I don`t know if I`m hypo or hyper? My blood pressure has gone through the roof, so my doctor should sort that.

I`m 3 months post RAI and taking 150 mcg levo but I`m wondering if this is too much?
Thanks for all your support
Joy

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