New report on recent diagnosis of hypothyroidism! That with this MM is something

Discussion in 'Your Living Room' started by yanksgirl, Nov 10, 2015.

  1. yanksgirl

    yanksgirl Member

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    :( Well, I thought the MM was bad--and it is! But now, dealing with treating the newly diagnosed hypothyroidism is making my days even worse.
    Actually I feel a bit bad about posting when I no longer have the 'vertigo' (since my shunt surgery on the affected ear 3 years ago). But, my symptoms of head pressure, balance issues, hearing being really affected, and nausea due to the dizziness that goes on daily, still make this new diagnosis more difficult to deal with.
    I posted a few days ago that I am 'thankful' that the thyroid problem has been found! I still am glad of that. Since, reading the symptoms show that some are similar to the ones we have with MM! I feel that is partly why I have felt so 'dead tired', dizzy, headache, shaky, have memory issues, feel like I have trouble concentrating (brain fog) and on and on! The thing is I am now trying to adjust to the new medication. I always am the 'one in 1000' who have adverse reaction to meds. I was on 1/2 tablet of the Levothyroxine--and the full dose is .50mcg. I took full dose for about 4 days, had to cut to 1/2 dose--for another 4 days, now back to the full dose 4 days.
    I feel 'awful'! Shaky, nausea (not throwing up), just like one feels when they thing they are going to. And, on Sat. my head, while sitting suddenly began having tremors. It just came on and I took deep breaths and it lasted about 15 seconds. I thought, 'what in the world is happening'! I get the shaking of my hands because I feel 'cold' alot of the time, but this was 'new'. I was told by my doctor--this is not due to the meds but a combination of the low thyroid and MM. That I need to give the meds time. So--I'm trying to 'tough it out'! Just hoping this makes me feel 'alot better' with getting the thyroid levels where they should be. Has anyone had this sort of problem with thyroid meds? I follow instructions as to when to take it and when to take my other meds. I actually feel this is an answer to prayer--that the thyroid issue was finally found--as it has so many of the symptoms I have had for the last 4 years!
    Just needed to 'sound off again'! Thanks for listening. :)
     
  2. Vicki

    Vicki Guest

    I am glad you found out about your thyroid. I too am extremely medication sensitive but don't recall any issues with synthroid. My doctor does not want me to take the generic. Ask your Dr if you can try the brand name and see if you feel any better on it.
     
  3. Janicer

    Janicer New Member

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    Hi,
    I found out that I had hypothyroidism several months ago. I am also on Levothyroxine and am now at 100mcg and my thyroid is back to normal. I have not had any adverse effects from the meds but do sympathize with you. Before I found out about my thyroid I was grumpy, short tempered, upset, couldn't deal with anything. I thought it all had to do with my ear issues. I do have to say that all those feelings are gone and I am back to normal (except for my ear). I was hoping once I got my thyroid fixed then my ear would start to calm down but that hasn't been the case:( I have the constant noise, hearing loss and sensitivity to noise, no dizziness. Anyway, focus on getting your thyroid levels normal-you should feel better:)
     
  4. yanksgirl

    yanksgirl Member

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    That is really encouraging to hear! That is what I'm hoping for--that many of the issues you mentioned--that I have too--will improve when I finally get adjusted to the meds and get on the right dosage. And to Vicki--I did ask about the brand name being prescribed, but I checked with the pharmacist and she said it was 'really the same ingredients' and that my co pay would be much more using the brand name and my insurance may not cover at all when there is a 'generic' that is 'just like' the brand name. My doctor said he'd prescribe it for me if I wanted it but I decided to go with the generic. I appreciate both your comments and encouragement. Will keep you posted. Hoping for improvement for sure:)
     
  5. yanksgirl

    yanksgirl Member

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    Janicer--just curious--are you a younger person? I'm in my mid 70's so wondering if age has a part in how one adjusts to the meds. I can understand if it did but do wonder. Thanks.
     
  6. Lisa

    Lisa Member

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    Mar 21, 2015
    it's amazing how much this little

    Gland can control, you probably still need
    To increase your dosage ,it's a gradual
    Process. Your on your way to feeling better
    Hang in there, retest your levels after a month
    Of the newest dose to see if you still need more.
    I went through the same thing actually thinking
    My thyroid was still sluggish but it went
    Into hyper mode now taking high dose weekly
    And low dose weekends . It takes time but you
    Will see a difference in time. It's very stressful
    And does cause anxiety until it
    Levels out. Feel better
     
  7. nicmger

    nicmger Member

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    Yanksgirl - I wonder if you could ask the pharmacy to order in that generic med from a different manufacturer? I found that I have issues when my generic valcyclovir is filled with Milan manufacturer. Even though active ingredients are the same for generics, each manufacturer uses a different set of inactive ingredients. Perhaps that could be a good trial while still allowing for you to stay at the generic price?

    Another option - would be to try perhaps 5 days of the brand name. If you get the same side effects than you know that there is no difference. If you do not, then it would prove that you should try a different manufacturer or pay the difference for brand.

    Last, I am not familiar with thyroid med but wonder if it would make sense to split the 1/2 and take 2x day instead of once? And build up in your system that way? Or if you are taking in the morning, try taking it at night instead?

    Good luck!
     
  8. yanksgirl

    yanksgirl Member

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    Thanks--because today I have been extremely light headed--shopping at Wal-mart, just hold onto the cart and do what I have to do!
     
  9. yanksgirl

    yanksgirl Member

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    I have to take the thyroid meds in the morning on an empty stomach--that is the recommendation of the company that makes it, the doctor and the pharmacist! And, you aren't supposed to eat for 1/2 hour to an hour afterward. And you can't take certain other meds for several hours. One has to really check the guidelines then confirm with a pharmacist about how and when to take this as that can make alot of difference from what I'm learning. As to asking about the company that makes the generic--I may check that out but really feel the pharmacist answered that question for me already. Thanks for the suggestions though--appreciate all input for sure. :)
     
  10. Muff

    Muff Member

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    I agree with nicmger. I have definitely had problems with generic versus brand names for several medications. Most recently, it was for Valtrex. This past June, I tried the generic brand manufactured by Mylan and had severe abdominal cramps....had a CT scan and Ultrasound and I was almost admitted to the hospital. The only thing my doctor and I could tie the severe reaction to was the new generic Valtrex medication. I am now trying Valtrex again, brand name, and have had no side effects. Like nicmger suggested, try it for a week or so and see how you feel. It is worth the $$. I am going to do the full course with the brand name until I get to the maintenance dose. If I feel it is helping, I am going to experiment with different generic brands. At least I will know if it is working or not. Just my thoughts.
     
  11. Vicki

    Vicki Guest

    I don't think generics are exactly the same as synthroid because many doctors including mine insist on synthroid the brand name med.
     
  12. yanksgirl

    yanksgirl Member

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    Well, it's been 3 weeks now on the full dose .50mcg of Levothyroxine for hypothyroidism!
    I have had a bad few days lately. Late in the day 'lightheaded feeling' that really was scary.
    Today is overwhelming depression. I do have that often--but it usually isn't this bad nor does it last long. I usually feel better by noon or so and keep busy or get out and about and it eases. I've read that low thyroid can cause depression/anxiety and so can the meds taken for it! Catch 22 I guess. I know my body is adjusting and may have to have a dose adjusted but that won't be for about 3 more weeks, when I see my doctor again. In the meantime, it's hard to tell if this is due to MM or the thyroid issues just diagnosed or the meds or all of the above! Just needed to 'sound off'. Feeling shaky and jittery is a symptom too. Anyway--busy days ahead so I am trying to concentrate on 'good stuff'. Sure can get hard though as folks here certainly know about! Thanks for listening :)
     
  13. yanksgirl

    yanksgirl Member

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    Please--has anyone found this medication, Levothyroxine to cause a feeling of real anxiety, and crying at the least thing--feeling 'really depressed'? My dizziness has increased alot in this past month--and feeling jittery and very lightheaded to the point that I feel like 'crying' off and on during the day--really getting to me. My doctor said it's the Meniere's and low thyroid and not the meds. I am on the low dose of .50 mcg and have been for a month now. Hoping the symptoms ease but so far getting worse so not sure myself if it's the meds, but the only thing that is different in what is going on with me--other than the low thyroid itself. Though I have not really talked to him, just his N.P and his secretary. From what I read about it, this is not usual but can happen with not only the meds but low thyroid problems as well. And of course he said, and I agree that part of it is the MM itself that is still present and active. Any thoughts. I've had really difficult days lately. thanks
     
  14. Sharon406

    Sharon406 Member

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    Mar 29, 2015
    I have been on Levothyroxine for years and never had anxiety until my Meniere's flared up. I take .088 mg daily. When I have thyroid issues I tend to get cold hands (more than normal) dry skin and fatigue.
     
  15. JanLyn

    JanLyn Member

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    I have also been on Levothyroxine for many years and haven't noticed any side effects. I'm sorry to hear about your condition and hope your symptoms resolve soon.
     
  16. Lisa

    Lisa Member

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    Sorry to hear that yanksgirl , I def believe the
    Problem is your thyroid and you prob still need an increase
    In your dosage.
    If your thyroid is normal , then try the synthroid
    I know a lot of people are told as well as my own
    Experience to go on brand name synthroid.
    Feel better so sorry again
     
  17. yanksgirl

    yanksgirl Member

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    Thanks Lisa and everyone. I need the encouragement. My insurance won't cover if a 'generic is available'! I will check to see the difference in cost but am sure it's quite alot and with the meds my husband and I both take and this is a long term/life time one, I can't afford it if it's much more 'out of pocket'.
    I am really feeling like I'm in a 'daze' right now--head heavy and yet the feeling is one of lightheadedness (go figure). Same symptoms as MM in many ways but usually those ease during the day. These last 4 weeks--almost 5--since being on the meds have been very bad on a gradual basis. I cry at the least think, lay down for relief and sometimes it eases some but not completely and as soon as I'm up--wham=it's back again! Getting out and keeping busy helps--or used to with the MM, but now I have to push to do that. I called the pharmacist and she said this can take a few weeks for the body to adjust to and that mood swings and my other symptoms are not uncommon--and maybe the dosage has to be adjusted but has to be after more blood work is done. So, it's rainy here--may be adding to the symptoms (more of MM probably). But, I just feel like 'what more can I do' and my doctor (of many years) feels it's not the meds but the low thyroid and MM going on. So, when I see him in 2 weeks, we'll see. In the meantime--I have to 'keep on keeping on'! :(
     
  18. Vicki

    Vicki Guest

    when insurances do not cover brand names your doctor can usually request authorization for it saying you were not reacting well to the generic.

    I hope you feel better soon! yanksgirl.
     
  19. Vicki

    Vicki Guest

    http://drugs.about.com/od/faqslibra2/f/levoxyl_generic.htm

    ..............."The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved the use of generic levothyroxine made by a number of different pharmaceutical companies. The various brand name and generic tablets of levothyroxine may differ in how much levothyroxine they contain; how much of the levothyroxine is absorbed into your body; and, how much levothyroxine circulates in your body.

    In addition, you may be given a different generic preparation of levothyroxine each time you have your prescription refilled. Practically speaking, this means your doctor may need to perform more frequent blood tests and perhaps change the dose of your medication.".................

    Although your symptoms of feeling crummy may be a coincidence or due to some other health problem, it is possible that your body was reacting to a difference between Synthroid and generic levothyroxine.
     
  20. Janicer

    Janicer New Member

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    Sorry I am just now getting back to you about your question. I am 39 and was diagnosed this summer. I was doing great with the meds but over the past month or so have had overwhelming feelings of depression and have to fight back tears at the drop of a hat. I didn't even think that it could be linked to the meds. I was thinking it was a hormonal imbalance so I just had bloodwork done last week to see what is going on there. Hoping to get the results this week. I will keep you posted. I hope things are getting better for you!
     

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