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A change in my Thyroxine medication has left me feeling ill

Posted , 3 users are following.

julie76120
julie76120

I am 54 years old, I was diagnosed 5 years ago with underactive Thyroid, & have been px 50MCG of Levothyroxine supplied by manufacturer Actavis.  Earlier this year I was feeling unwell & suspected my Thyroid was out of balance, a test showed this was the case & I was advised to take a further 25MCG of Thyroxine, which I noted was a different manufacturer Wockhardt.  I have been unwell, gradually getting worse, feeling exhausted, stiffness all over my body, worse in neck & back, muscular cramps in my back, especially in bed, feeling bloated all of the time, swollen stomach, craving for carbs, & really struggling with my weight, my mood plummeted, feeling anxious, & unable to retain information.  I made appt with my GP,  as I felt my physical condition is affecting my mood, though I am not a regular attender, I was left to feel I had wasted her time, she told me tests suggested my Thyroid levels were back to normal, whatever that is!, & she suggested that my aches & pains were normal & what you should expect when you reach 50!!, & that it was my mood affecting my physical condition. she suggested I lose weight & take up Pilates, I dont disagree with her advise, but felt totally dismissed.  I have reduced my dose back to 50MCG, as worried about side effect the higher dose was having &  the effect it is having on my job.  I have read about NDT (natural desicated Thyroid), & am considering trying this, as now feel totally let down by GP.

1 like, 6 replies

6 Replies

  • doreen75627
    doreen75627 julie76120

    Posted

    I have only been on levothyroxine since xmas 6 months now, I was first on 50mcg and during that time I had an attack of what the doc said was vertigo, I felt dreadful disorientated all the time, then I was put on 100mcg and felt slightly better but just wanted my old self back again.I still felt all over the place, then I read taking the levo at night was better, I tried it and I can honestly say I do feel a lot better now. My recent blood test was good so no change in the medication. I hope every day I get back to feeling 100% normal so far I would say I am 75%. I have read on here that vitamin D deficiency has a lot to do with how people feel on levothyroxine and will mention that to my doctor next time I go as I believe they can check you out for that. I do swim and do aqua aerobics twice a week and I find this helps to keep me supple. At the age of 50 your body is probably going through the menopause and this may have a lot to do with your symptoms as eostrogen levels fall greatly during this time.I do feel for you, I was told to eat Burgens bread and evening primrose oil when I was your age. If it were me I would go back to your doctor and tell her you are not at all well and make her do more tests. They get paid enough after all. Good Luck......
  • RKD
    RKD julie76120

    Posted

    Hello Julie, sorry to hear your feeling rotten.  Different manufactures I believe can make a difference, but the GP WIll Fob you off with that one.  I have battled for such a long time (not over yet) with just getting the right dose.  Could it also be linked to 'time of life' or is that out of the picture?    I have too considered the NDT but wouldnt dare self medicate at this stage.  Also there is research to show that this too can have effects . 

    Take care and persever.  Go back and tell her how she made you feel. I have!

    • julie76120
      julie76120 RKD

      Posted

      Hi RKD, thanks for your reply, I am feeling so much better, I have reduced the Thyroxine back down to 50mg, within 3 days this was noticeable, less tired, after a week my stiffness has gone, & feel more like a 54 year old than 84 !!, also feel much happier, & my concentration is also much better.  I am reading a book  called Your Thyroid & how to keep it healthy by Dr Barry Durrant-Peatfield, which is very good.  I have also changed my diet to Rosemary Conley, here's hoping!.

      kind regards

    • RKD
      RKD julie76120

      Posted

      Brilliant, so now you have to let the GP know at your next appointment... and how much are they on ££££   for giving poor advice/care?  Well done - always go by how you 'feel'  and not what they say.  

      This is what make my blood boil!!

      Please keep us informed. x

  • RKD
    RKD julie76120

    Posted

    ALso are you a member of Healthunlock Thyroid?  Masses of knowledeable people on there!  from professional to eyars of personal experiences and battles. wink
    • julie76120
      julie76120 RKD

      Posted

      Thanks had not heard of Healthunlock Thyroid, but will definately join.  kind regards
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