Hypothyroidism and me!
24 May
The thyroid gland is butterfly-shaped. Photo by Vicki's Nature on Flickr.
Results after 2 months of treatment
With thyroid stuff, we’re looking at two factors: TSH and T4.
Happily, my TSH came down from 6-ish to 3.77, which is normal according to the lab, but still high according to the new guidelines from the AACE, which would like to see TSH under 3. This means the medicine I’m on (Levothyroxine, 50mcg) is working.
Unfortunately, my T4 shot up to 12.44, which is called “high” and is a sign of hyperthyroidism.
Hm.
Doc believes the high T4 is a result of the changes in TSH. Normally, he’d want to up my meds to bring that TSH lower, but that high T4 is preventing him from doing this.
So I’m continuing with the Levothyroxine 50mcg for the next 3 months. Then I’ll go for another round of labwork and we’ll hopefully see a lower TSH and a lower T4.
How am I feeling?
It’s seriously hard to tell. I’m staying up later at night, but that could be because it’s lighter later, and I do love that. By Friday/Saturday/Sunday though, I’m wiped.
I’m not as chilly, but that could be because it’s warm out. I do still carry the sweater around even in 75 degree weather.
I’m not as blue. But my blueness comes and goes. Like everyone else’s blue. Plus, I love Spring!
Wacky side effects?
I can’t take the pill when I’m going to eat. I usually take it at night before bed, but one time I forgot and took it in the morning. I ate breakfast right after and ugh, hork, the nausea! Bleah! Never again.
Also in the first month of treatment, I’d occasionally feel a whooshing lightheaded dizzy sensation. It would only last for a few seconds, but it’s definitely weird. It stopped in the 2nd month.
Why am I blogging this?
1) This is my diary. 2) Because if you Google “levothyroxine side effects” you will find the biggest freak parade of side effects ever seen. It’s scary! Maybe someone will Google that and find this and see that… meh. No big deal. I’m not losing hair. I’m not falling over with vertigo. My tongue isn’t forked. All is well.
***
The Dancing with the Stars finale was tonight. I tossed all my votes to Evan and Anna, although it looks like the judges tossed them under the bus. I’ll miss the results tomorrow night because we’re going to a free screening of Prince of Persia. Not my #1 choice in movies, but since it’s 1) from Disney and 2) based on a video game it shouldn’t suck TOO much. Right? RIGHT?
