[barbra]

#1060408

Hi everyone,

Saw the endo today and everything is good. Labs are normal, I am feeling fine and no change in meds or dosage is needed.
After the last endo visit in December I was switched from Levothyroxine to Synthroid 75mcg. It really made a big difference. Even the muscle aches, hair loss and sensitivity to cold are now all gone.
I’ve started to lose a couple of the EXTRA pounds I have gained but it’s slow going and it’ll take lots more time.
There is an appointment in early June with the primary after liver- and assorted other tests, then an ultra sound in July at the endo’s office to actually see how the RAI has progressed since it was done last July.
I did ask the endo if the small goiter I have will eventually disappear due to the RAI and he said it will probably get smaller, which it already has, but it will not go away completely. Something I did not know!
So, if someone has a goiter with their Graves’ disease they may want to go with TT instead of RAI.
But so far I am happy and I hope that the “normal” lasts.

I am wishing you all the very best.

Hugs.
Barbra.

[Kimberly]

#1182448

barbra wrote:

Saw the endo today and everything is good. Labs are normal, I am feeling fine and no change in meds or dosage is needed.

Wonderful news – thanks for the update!

[Raspberry]

#1182449

I am so glad for you! You helped brighten my day with proof that things can get better.

[buriedsunshine]

#1182450

Yay! Glad you’re feeling better. What’s the difference between Synthroid and Levo? Why is it that you don’t feel as good on Levo?

I ask because I’m on Levo and this is the second time we’ve adjusted my dosage and I don’t feel quite right with this dose. I’m hoping to feel as normal as you, too!

[barbra]

#1182451

Hi Sunshine,

The endo explained to me that sometimes the fillers in pills, generic or original, made a difference in how a patient reacts or feels. When I was on Levothyroxine the dosage was changed with almost every visit, blood pressure meds were changed, Cytomel added then removed. And still the muscle aches and muscle cramps, the tiredness, hair loss and intolerance to cold continued.
Then, last December, I was put on Synthroid 75mcg and about 4 weeks later things started to change for the better. I didn’t have to see the endo again until this month, with the new lab results in hand. Now the endo is happy, I am happy and so is the endo’s nurse – she and I had an intense telephone relationship about all my miseries.
One thing I have to keep an eye on is the pharmacy. Although the prescription says “no substitution, medically necessary” CVS will ask every time I refill it.
The only meds I am taking now are the Synthroid, Losartan Potassium 25mg for blood pressure and Ambien 5mg for sleep on most nights but not all.
Next step is to get off the blood pressure medicine and the Ambien.
I am hoping that my levels will stay in the normal range.

Hugs,
Barbra.

[Kimberly]

#1182452

barbra wrote:

One thing I have to keep an eye on is the pharmacy. Although the prescription says “no substitution, medically necessary” CVS will ask every time I refill it.

Thanks for the reminder – it’s definitely important for patients on replacement hormone to stay on the same preparation from refill to refill. If you aren’t sure if a pharmacy has pulled a switch on you, the “My Pill Check” service from the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists can help identify which pill you have received:

(Note on links: if you click directly on the following link, you will need to use your browser’s “back” button to return to the boards after viewing, or you will have to log back in to the forum. As an alternative, you can right-click the link and open it in a new tab or new window).

http://www.thyroidawareness.com/my-pillcheck

[barbra]

#1182453

Hi Kimberly,

Just wanted to tell you that my endo gave me a chart, just a bit bigger than an index card, with the colors, sizes and inscriptions of the Synthroid pills. He said when in doubt compare it there.
And I give my meds at least a cursory check while still at the pharmacy. It has saved me a second trip on occasion.

Hugs.
Barbra.

[sarawebberdurnell]

#1182454

I didn’t know I had a goiter until after my TT. The ultrasound didn’t show it a few months earlier and I’m not sure if it grew that fast or somehow got missed. I have also been struggling with losing the excess weight since surgery. I put on 25 pounds fast before surgery, but am now able to work out several times a week and have way more energy than before. I, also, am getting it off slowly. 4 pounds in a month, but I’m convinced it’s better than gaining it. I also think I may be a bit hypo, but am not seeing my endo for another month to check my levels again. My dose of 100 mcg of levo hasn’t been adjusted since surgery, so I am a little concerned since I am getting a bit more tired this week and the weight loss is super slow. I also haven’t been able to get rid of the “rash/acne” on my face completely even with topical prescription meds. But…that being said…I still feel TONS better than before surgery and wouldn’t change it for the world.

I am so glad the RAI worked so well for you and glad to hear you are feeling so much better

Sara

[barbra]

#1182455

Hi Sara,

The goiter I have is small and can’t really be seen. I can feel it, sometimes more sometimes less.
I am up 40 pounds and am rapidly running out of clothes. But my weight gain has very little to do with being Hypo and more with EATING and snacking too darn much.
My husband passed away in November 2012, I was diagnosed shortly after that and I quit smoking last September. So, sometimes my evenings are long and I do have lots of food. I like to read and while I’m reading I’m eating. Not really hungry, just bored.
I’m working on it, a little at a time. I’ll get there.
The main thing is that I feel good and I’m glad that you feel better too.

Hugs.
Brabra.

[Kimberly]

#1182456

@Barbra – Been there, done that with the clothes! Definitely frustrating, but it’s good that you recognize how important it is that you are *feeling* good right now! I’ve been doing some reading on “mindful eating” – love the concept, although the practice is easier said than done!

[sarawebberdurnell]

#1182457

Brbra,

I tend to eat while I’m watching tv…which happens most evenings I am trying to get better about not eating within 2 hours of going to bed, which is another downfall of mine.

We’ll get through it Sorry that your husband passed away a few years ago. Hang in there…glad you are feeling better…that’s important

Sara

[Author]

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