Hi all!

I had 2 big panic attacks when I was falling asleep a few weeks ago and last week. I got dizzy, disoriented and my heart was pounding. I went to the doctor and she though it might be stress/ anxiety, but it going to give me a monitor to wear that records my heart if it happens again.

Anyway, she also ordered TSH & free T4 to check where my medicine is to see if it had in anyway caused the problem. I had started Synthroid after my surgery at 100 mcg for 6 weeks. At 6 weeks my TSH was 6.35 and free T4 was in range. So, I was upped to 112 mcg. 2 weeks ago. In just 2 weeks, my TSH went to .79 (normal: .35-4.00) and free T4 to 1.3 (range: .8- 1.5). Pretty fast move in 2 weeks! I know that it takes 6-8 weeks for T4 to build up in the system. My question is, do you think my TSH will continue to go lower and my free T4 higher? Or will it stay at this point? I realize we're not doctors, but what is any one else's experience on Synthroid with regards to dosing and numbers moving around? When I was on methimazole, I felt my best around a TSH of 1.28 and free T4 of .9- so I'm a little higher than that with free T4 and lower with TSH. Not sure if that could be causing my slight anxiety (constricted breathing feeling) or not? I'm not complaining too much as my numbers are looking pretty good, but what do you do if 100 was too little and 112 might be too much? I've heard of people alternating doses every other day. Does that work? Thanks ahead of time!

Alexis

Hi Alexis

I wish I had some information for you but I do not because I haven't had the surgery. I just wanted to post some support and I am glad you went to the doctor. It is good to see that the surgery is helping and it is possible that just like with Methimazole, your doctors have to find your sweet spot. I am glad you are on your way to feeling better and better but that you are also listening to your body. When things are out of sync it is not just “stress” as most like to tell us. Your body has gone through a ton of changes in the last few months. It is adjusting. I will keep you in my prayers for a smooth recovery.

Darcy

Hello Alexis,

I'm sorry you had 2 panic attacks. It most have been very scary. I hope it is not your heart. It might just be the change you experienced with the new dose. As you know, I'm still on Methimazole so I don't have much to share but I do wish you the very best with finding the right dose. I'm glad that overall things are going well and that you are able to take care of your boys. It is a blessing having gone through so much and finally being able to take care of them again.

By the way, I might be heading in the TT direction. My last appointment wasn't very promising. My ALT was elevated but less than it was when I was diagnosed with GD. The Dr. kept talking about RAI and surgery at my last visit and mentioned that he didn't like my ALT being elevated. He lowered my dose from 30mg to 10mg/day and will run extensive labs in 3 wks. I haven't been feeling well these last few days (tired, hot). My fT4 was hypo at my appt so the decrease in dose in that regard made sense but I'm wondering now if the big change is making me go hyper again. Anyway, I thought I share this with you since you had the liver enzyme issues. Mine is not very high (77, normal <32) but it still worries me. The Dr at the ER when I was diagnosed told me that hyperthyroidism affects the liver and attributed the elevated #s to it (then the # was 103). I also had been taking Tylenol b/c I had a lot of headaches then. Anyway, that is where I'm. I'm scared as you can imagine. I'm afraid that at my next appt I will have to decide b/w TT or RAI if my liver enzymes are not within the normal range. My Dr says that he starts getting worried when they are double the normal range. I've read that triple is what is used for concerns but my Dr is using double.

Hope you find the right dose for you. Just a thought. I think I remember reading that there is liquid synthroid? Maybe something that might help you find the right dose for you? I know liquid is easier to manage sometimes.

Smiles,
Caro