Posted by Noa on July 13, 2001, at 14:49:58
In reply to to noa and other thyroid folks, posted by bissie66 on July 13, 2001, at 11:32:46
I do take both cytomel and synthroid. The cytomel was added a long while before my thyroid recovery, BUT: the dose was increased and the endo told me to split the dose in two. Also, my synthroid was increased at that time until my TSH was below 1.
I do believe the T3 was essential for me, though. It is just that the target for my TSH had been incorrect until consulting with the endo. Your doctor's approach seems similar to my endo's.
Don't get discouraged. Hopefully, the combination of the increased levoxyl and the addition of the cytomel (are you splitting the dose?) will work. If not, some people (I've read online) feel better just by changing to a different brand of medication (it seems it often doesn't matter which brand, but different people seem to respond differently to different ones). Some swear by the natural one--Armour. Wait to see how this works, but know it is not your last option if it doesn't.
The brain fog is horrible, I know. I had been describing to my therapist feeling like my head was stuffed with cotton. Then I read the term "brain fog" and it was such a relief to hear that I wasn't imagining it! Thinking was hard. Simple decisions were overwhelming. I'd look at my desk and absolutely have no idea how to deal with any of the work. I found myself one morning unable to figure out how to put my skirt on because the decision (that I would normally make instantly, automatically) about whether to put the skirt on over my head or step into it threw me into a panic--I just could not see how to solve the problem!
When I was hypothyroid, everything was incredibly hard. I felt tired and weak all the time. I'd have to rest between every bit of exertion. Opening a simple door felt like a feat of strength. I'd leave work, walk to my car, and then have to sit and rest before driving home. Then, when I got home, I'd have to sit and rest before getting out of the car.
I cried all the time. My feet hurt all the time. My ankles were swollen. Other joints and limbs ached.
I really hope this new approach helps you. Keep us posted.
poster:Noa
thread:69994
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20010708/msgs/70015.html