Guest guest Posted October 5, 2005 Report Share Posted October 5, 2005 I'm new to the group. I will briefly introduce myself. I am experiencing post-partum thyroditis or Hasi, they're not sure which one. Anyways, my initital symptoms were mild, like fatigue and some weight gain, but then they tested my thyroid and my TSH was 62! So they put me on 60 mg. of Armour. I did fine for the first week, but then they sent me to a sono and found that it was inflamed so he put me on a medrol dosepack (steroids) to bring down the inflamation, along with increased Armour (120 mg.) On the fourth day of the six-day steroid treatment I ended up in the hospital with a panic attack. I thought I was going to DIE. My heart was racing, I thought I was insane. They told me at the hospital that possibly the steroids and the high initial dosage is what caused it. I've been experiencing anxiety since. They've tried to put me on anti-depressants and they don't help. I'm currently taking only 30 mg. of Armour because they said the high dose was stimulating all the other stuff as well as Xanax for the anxiety. I feel like I need more Armour but when I try to increase I feel horrible. Any suggestions? by the way, this seems like an awsome and incredible support group. Imelda wrote: me three. anyone on this board 6 mos ago remembers what a terrible time I had with t3/armour thyriod (even though I needed more desparately). Now, I am taking 2.5 grains with no rpoblem. niucoleI think the hydrocortisone has made a difference in how I am tolerating armour. before any little increase I couldn't handle. Now I can> steph> > > > ---------------------------------> Yahoo! for Good> Click here to donate to the Hurricane Katrina relief effort. Yahoo! for Good Click here to donate to the Hurricane Katrina relief effort. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 5, 2005 Report Share Posted October 5, 2005 I've experienced extreme anxiety. That's the main concern. Along with that comes bowel problems, palpitations, tachycardia (rapid heartbeat) Anyone else experience this? Vaglica wrote: What occurs with intolerance of Armour? I just increased from a mix of 3 Grains plus .125 or levoxyl to complete Armour at 6 grains - from one day to the next without batting an eye. Is there something wrong with me?sle816@... wrote: I think the hydrocortisone has made a difference in how I am tolerating armour. before any little increase I couldn't handle. Now I can stephThanks!**************K.A.sFuture Independent Sales Director Kay Cosmeticswww.marykay.com/kastevens "The most valuable gift that you can give your children is not money; it is the ability to think positively." - Kay Ash Yahoo! for GoodClick here to donate to the Hurricane Katrina relief effort. Imelda Macias Yahoo! for Good Click here to donate to the Hurricane Katrina relief effort. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 5, 2005 Report Share Posted October 5, 2005 What is Eltroxin? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 5, 2005 Report Share Posted October 5, 2005 How does the hydrocortisone help? Is that if you have adrenal weakness?Jan wrote: Me, too.sle816@... wrote: I think the hydrocortisone has made a difference in how I am tolerating armour. before any little increase I couldn't handle. Now I can steph Yahoo! for GoodClick here to donate to the Hurricane Katrina relief effort. Imelda Macias Yahoo! for Good Click here to donate to the Hurricane Katrina relief effort. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 5, 2005 Report Share Posted October 5, 2005 , are you saying that just in the last few days that you increased from that amt, which vaguely hints of something euivalent to 4 grains of Armour----all the way up to approximately 2 more grains than what you were taking? Has this really been in this short a period of time? If so, watch out, because it won't all come into full effect until around 6 to 8 wks, then whammo. If you're lucky, you may be thyroid hormone resistant. If not, there will be heck to pay. I know that you don't mean literally in the last day or two for this huge dose jump, right????????? Re: Survey: thyroid meds? What occurs with intolerance of Armour? I just increased from a mix of 3 Grains plus .125 or levoxyl to complete Armour at 6 grains - from one day to the next without batting an eye. Is there something wrong with me? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 5, 2005 Report Share Posted October 5, 2005 Nope, I'm not going to go there again, fully Armour, I mean. I've already been that gambit for the last yr and a half, and I can't tolerate that much direct T3 any more, hands down, at least, not at this time. I've already had one trip to the hospital, but I'm not saying this doctor was right, because that's not what the blood testing said there. I'm just saying that my body cannot at this time tolerate that much direct T3. It does, however, need a very small amt. I am a good converter, that is, according to testing. I have Hashi's, so even the thyroid tests may be totally false, who knows. Re: Survey: thyroid meds? "If I rest constantly, don't overdo on my work schedule, and haveno tormenting factors, then I feel fairly well, but certainly not optimal at all." . Ahhhh , I could't have described my situation better than you did. Especially the "tormenting factors". Bless you. Thanks. Your Armour is sorta low. Have you tried increasing that? Marilyn A. wrote: I am now on 100 mcgs of Eltroxin, plus 30 mgs Armour. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 5, 2005 Report Share Posted October 5, 2005 I've had a history of doing these mix and matches for the last almost 4 yrs, I believe, isn't it Jan? Hashi's is a gritch, when it goes schiz. I won't give up. I feel better now, for the last yr, than I did in all those completely undertreated yrs. Re: Survey: thyroid meds? In order for me to find optiminal, I had to mix dose levels until I found the right blend. Right now 127.5 mcg synthroid. The pill doses are too far apart in my opinion, so I cut and blend. wrote: I am now on 100 mcgs of Eltroxin, plus 30 mgs Armour. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 5, 2005 Report Share Posted October 5, 2005 Yep. The way the doctor and I figured it, I was at roughly 5 grains. He increased me to 6 and I did switch over the next day - so Saturday, 2 weeks ago, I was taking the mix, Sunday I swapped to the 6 grains of Armour. To date, there has been no major change.... I think I must be numb.... wrote: , are you saying that just in the last few days that you increased from that amt, which vaguely hints of something euivalent to 4 grains of Armour----all the way up to approximately 2 more grains than what you were taking? Has this really been in this short a period of time? If so, watch out, because it won't all come into full effect until around 6 to 8 wks, then whammo. If you're lucky, you may be thyroid hormone resistant. If not, there will be heck to pay. I know that you don't mean literally in the last day or two for this huge dose jump, right????????? Re: Survey: thyroid meds? What occurs with intolerance of Armour? I just increased from a mix of 3 Grains plus .125 or levoxyl to complete Armour at 6 grains - from one day to the next without batting an eye. Is there something wrong with me?Thanks!**************K.A.sFuture Independent Sales Director Kay Cosmeticswww.marykay.com/kastevens "The most valuable gift that you can give your children is not money; it is the ability to think positively." - Kay Ash Yahoo! for Good Click here to donate to the Hurricane Katrina relief effort. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 5, 2005 Report Share Posted October 5, 2005 Armour is great, but it is sad that they increased your dose----no----DOUBLED your dose in just one week! This was waaayyy too rapid for most anyone. I could see where they would have upped the dose maybe 30 mgs in around 4 wks or so, vaguely. Then, when reaching the larger doses, increase in only 15 mg or so increments every 6 to 8 wks, but this was a huge starting dose for only one week. Holy cow! I hope this doesn't make you gun shy from it. BTW, all they have to do to find out if you have Hashi's is to run two antibodies tests, antithyroidperoxidase and antithyroglobulin antibodies. There is no guesswork there. Why haven't they run these? You had/have entirely too much T3 running through you, all at once. Re: Re: Survey: thyroid meds? I'm new to the group. I will briefly introduce myself. I am experiencing post-partum thyroditis or Hasi, they're not sure which one. Anyways, my initital symptoms were mild, like fatigue and some weight gain, but then they tested my thyroid and my TSH was 62! So they put me on 60 mg. of Armour. I did fine for the first week, but then they sent me to a sono and found that it was inflamed so he put me on a medrol dosepack (steroids) to bring down the inflamation, along with increased Armour (120 mg.) On the fourth day of the six-day steroid treatment I ended up in the hospital with a panic attack. I thought I was going to DIE. My heart was racing, I thought I was insane. They told me at the hospital that possibly the steroids and the high initial dosage is what caused it. I've been experiencing anxiety since. They've tried to put me on anti-depressants and they don't help. I'm currently taking only 30 mg. of Armour because they said the high dose was stimulating all the other stuff as well as Xanax for the anxiety. I feel like I need more Armour but when I try to increase I feel horrible. Any suggestions? by the way, this seems like an awsome and incredible support group. Imelda Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 5, 2005 Report Share Posted October 5, 2005 Imelda, Welcome. This group has been so very helpful to me - I hope you find it the same. I am so sorry for your issues and hope you get relief soon!Imelda Macias wrote: I'm new to the group. I will briefly introduce myself. I am experiencing post-partum thyroditis or Hasi, they're not sure which one. Anyways, my initital symptoms were mild, like fatigue and some weight gain, but then they tested my thyroid and my TSH was 62! So they put me on 60 mg. of Armour. I did fine for the first week, but then they sent me to a sono and found that it was inflamed so he put me on a medrol dosepack (steroids) to bring down the inflamation, along with increased Armour (120 mg.) On the fourth day of the six-day steroid treatment I ended up in the hospital with a panic attack. I thought I was going to DIE. My heart was racing, I thought I was insane. They told me at the hospital that possibly the steroids and the high initial dosage is what caused it. I've been experiencing anxiety since. They've tried to put me on anti-depressants and they don't help. I'm currently taking only 30 mg. of Armour because they said the high dose was stimulating all the other stuff as well as Xanax for the anxiety. I feel like I need more Armour but when I try to increase I feel horrible. Any suggestions? by the way, this seems like an awsome and incredible support group. Imelda wrote: me three. anyone on this board 6 mos ago remembers what a terrible time I had with t3/armour thyriod (even though I needed more desparately). Now, I am taking 2.5 grains with no rpoblem. niucoleI think the hydrocortisone has made a difference in how I am tolerating armour. before any little increase I couldn't handle. Now I can> steph> > > > ---------------------------------> Yahoo! for Good> Click here to donate to the Hurricane Katrina relief effort. Yahoo! for GoodClick here to donate to the Hurricane Katrina relief effort. Thanks!**************K.A.sFuture Independent Sales Director Kay Cosmeticswww.marykay.com/kastevens "The most valuable gift that you can give your children is not money; it is the ability to think positively." - Kay Ash Yahoo! for Good Click here to donate to the Hurricane Katrina relief effort. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 5, 2005 Report Share Posted October 5, 2005 Welcome to the group, Imelda! Yes, it is a very supportive and informative one. So sorry to read about your unfortunate experience. There are some people who can increase thyroid hormones relatively quickly, but others have to increase in very small increments over a period of a long time. There is one member (I think she's out of town but I hope she'll write you when she returns -- Courtenay) she can only handle minute increases. It took me probably six months to get up to 90 mg of Armour and over a year to work up to 150 mg. There are a few reasons why this happens. Cell damage from long- term hypothyroidism, low iron storage (ferritin), and also low B6, B12, folic acid levels in the blood, and adrenal fatigue, plus it takes a period of time for the T4 levels to build up in the blood -- there may be more but right now with a bit of brain fog, I can't remember what else, so everybody, please feel free to add to this! Do you have current blood test results and their ranges from your doctor (besides TSH)? Thanks. (I felt really strange too, when I was on powerful steroids for a spider bite, but not until I got off of them?) I think the hydrocortisone has made a difference > in how I am tolerating armour. before any little increase I couldn't > handle. Now I can > > steph > > > > > > > > --------------------------------- > > Yahoo! for Good > > Click here to donate to the Hurricane Katrina relief effort. > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 5, 2005 Report Share Posted October 5, 2005 Thanks , I think I will in fact find this group very helpful, I actually have already. Thanks for your welcome and you good wishes ) Vaglica wrote: Imelda, Welcome. This group has been so very helpful to me - I hope you find it the same. I am so sorry for your issues and hope you get relief soon!Imelda Macias wrote: I'm new to the group. I will briefly introduce myself. I am experiencing post-partum thyroditis or Hasi, they're not sure which one. Anyways, my initital symptoms were mild, like fatigue and some weight gain, but then they tested my thyroid and my TSH was 62! So they put me on 60 mg. of Armour. I did fine for the first week, but then they sent me to a sono and found that it was inflamed so he put me on a medrol dosepack (steroids) to bring down the inflamation, along with increased Armour (120 mg.) On the fourth day of the six-day steroid treatment I ended up in the hospital with a panic attack. I thought I was going to DIE. My heart was racing, I thought I was insane. They told me at the hospital that possibly the steroids and the high initial dosage is what caused it. I've been experiencing anxiety since. They've tried to put me on anti-depressants and they don't help. I'm currently taking only 30 mg. of Armour because they said the high dose was stimulating all the other stuff as well as Xanax for the anxiety. I feel like I need more Armour but when I try to increase I feel horrible. Any suggestions? by the way, this seems like an awsome and incredible support group. Imelda wrote: me three. anyone on this board 6 mos ago remembers what a terrible time I had with t3/armour thyriod (even though I needed more desparately). Now, I am taking 2.5 grains with no rpoblem. niucoleI think the hydrocortisone has made a difference in how I am tolerating armour. before any little increase I couldn't handle. Now I can> steph> > > > ---------------------------------> Yahoo! for Good> Click here to donate to the Hurricane Katrina relief effort. Yahoo! for GoodClick here to donate to the Hurricane Katrina relief effort. Thanks!**************K.A.sFuture Independent Sales Director Kay Cosmeticswww.marykay.com/kastevens "The most valuable gift that you can give your children is not money; it is the ability to think positively." - Kay Ash Yahoo! for GoodClick here to donate to the Hurricane Katrina relief effort. Imelda Macias Yahoo! for Good Click here to donate to the Hurricane Katrina relief effort. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 6, 2005 Report Share Posted October 6, 2005 Many folks who need such large doses of Armour do even better on Armour plus Cytomel. They are usually folks who have a history of exposure to environmental cr*p, including, but not limited to, solvents, insecticides, wood preservatives, heavy metals, and halide compounds. Vaglica wrote: Yep. The way the doctor and I figured it, I was at roughly 5 grains. He increased me to 6 and I did switch over the next day - so Saturday, 2 weeks ago, I was taking the mix, Sunday I swapped to the 6 grains of Armour. To date, there has been no major change.... I think I must be numb.... wrote: , are you saying that just in the last few days that you increased from that amt, which vaguely hints of something euivalent to 4 grains of Armour----all the way up to approximately 2 more grains than what you were taking? Has this really been in this short a period of time? If so, watch out, because it won't all come into full effect until around 6 to 8 wks, then whammo. If you're lucky, you may be thyroid hormone resistant. If not, there will be heck to pay. I know that you don't mean literally in the last day or two for this huge dose jump, right????????? Re: Survey: thyroid meds? What occurs with intolerance of Armour? I just increased from a mix of 3 Grains plus .125 or levoxyl to complete Armour at 6 grains - from one day to the next without batting an eye. Is there something wrong with me?Thanks!**************K.A.s Yahoo! for Good Click here to donate to the Hurricane Katrina relief effort. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 6, 2005 Report Share Posted October 6, 2005 Imelda -- I am now facing a bit of a " wall " at 1.75 grains on the way to 2.00 grains. (I was started on 1.50 grains of Armour in February, but I was on 75mcg of Levoxyl and switched over. I had a bad crash for 6 weeks, had to almost crawl to the bathroom, and then started back feeling better slowly.) I had my follow up appt. in late July and was told to go to 2.00gr. The first of August I tried to add .50gr to get to the 2.00 grains and I was very anxious and had faster heart beats and stopped immediately. I then added 1/4 of a .50 tablet for two weeks and that worked great. Then I added the second 1/4 tablet and that was fine for a couple of weeks. (I think Jan mentions going this slowly, too.) Now, I keep trying to add even 1/4 more of a .50 grain Armour pill and I get cranked up and anxious and have to quit. I guess it's just not time yet, I'm actually feeling pretty good, so I'm going to wait a few more weeks. (I will probably be having surgery in a couple of weeks and don't need the anxiety and agitation right now anyway.) I go to Dr. , who introduces Armour increases and other meds very, very slowly, for burned out, Hashi, anxiety disorder, sensitive types like me, and it's worked well. I, personally, think your doses went up waaaay too fast. My regimen has a lot of other stuff in it to help me heal and tolerate the Armour, so it's hard to compare to your experience. But I think if you have that much trouble, you need to consider going a lot slower. How much of an increase above the .50 grain are you trying? If you had the 1.50 grains in your system just a short while ago, some of the T4 might still be there and you will have to let it taper off--JMHO. I bet you'll feel better soon. But tiny steps, I think, are best for increases if you are sensitive. Maybe others will chime in on this. Just my 2 cents worth.....Sara I think the hydrocortisone has made a difference in how I am tolerating armour. before any little increase I couldn't handle. Now I can > steph > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 6, 2005 Report Share Posted October 6, 2005 There WON'T be any major change until several weeks later, that's what I'm trying to tell you. Because of the way T4 slowly converts to T3, the power of both of these doses is not going to be manifested until this time, and I'm just praying that all stops don't come out. This is way too fast. The dose of T4 in the amt you went to just a few wks ago hasn't even manifested yet, and you've already upped it a couple of times. Do you want a heart attack? It would be different if you already knew for sure that you are very resistant, but you have no way of knowing that until the inevitable happens. Remember I said this. I am VERY afraid for you, and I AM an Armour fan. Re: Survey: thyroid meds? Yep. The way the doctor and I figured it, I was at roughly 5 grains. He increased me to 6 and I did switch over the next day - so Saturday, 2 weeks ago, I was taking the mix, Sunday I swapped to the 6 grains of Armour. To date, there has been no major change.... I think I must be numb.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 6, 2005 Report Share Posted October 6, 2005 This is another brand of synthetic T4. I know that the English call it Eltroxin, though what it would be equivolent to in other brands, I don't know, as far as the fillers in it. Re: Survey: thyroid meds? What is Eltroxin? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 6, 2005 Report Share Posted October 6, 2005 Hmm...I did grow up in the northeast (Boston area) but I do not know about any environmental stuff...wish I did as it seems there is DEFINITELY an issue some place. Even on this high doesage, I STILL have symptoms such as: fatigue, constipation, achy muscles, no weight loss possible (though the gaining has stopped finally - woohoo), no appetite....I am at a total loss for ideas here, folks. Any help is very appreciated. KimJan wrote: Many folks who need such large doses of Armour do even better on Armour plus Cytomel. They are usually folks who have a history of exposure to environmental cr*p, including, but not limited to, solvents, insecticides, wood preservatives, heavy metals, and halide compounds. Vaglica wrote: Yep. The way the doctor and I figured it, I was at roughly 5 grains. He increased me to 6 and I did switch over the next day - so Saturday, 2 weeks ago, I was taking the mix, Sunday I swapped to the 6 grains of Armour. To date, there has been no major change.... I think I must be numb.... wrote: , are you saying that just in the last few days that you increased from that amt, which vaguely hints of something euivalent to 4 grains of Armour----all the way up to approximately 2 more grains than what you were taking? Has this really been in this short a period of time? If so, watch out, because it won't all come into full effect until around 6 to 8 wks, then whammo. If you're lucky, you may be thyroid hormone resistant. If not, there will be heck to pay. I know that you don't mean literally in the last day or two for this huge dose jump, right????????? Re: Survey: thyroid meds? What occurs with intolerance of Armour? I just increased from a mix of 3 Grains plus .125 or levoxyl to complete Armour at 6 grains - from one day to the next without batting an eye. Is there something wrong with me?Thanks!**************K.A.s Yahoo! for GoodClick here to donate to the Hurricane Katrina relief effort. Thanks!**************K.A.sFuture Independent Sales Director Kay Cosmeticswww.marykay.com/kastevens "The most valuable gift that you can give your children is not money; it is the ability to think positively." - Kay Ash Yahoo! for Good Click here to donate to the Hurricane Katrina relief effort. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 6, 2005 Report Share Posted October 6, 2005 Well, I would hope the doctor knows what he is doing. I was on the mix of meds at the approx. of 5 grains for 8 weeks....no change. So, he upped it 1 grain. I highly doubt at 39 with a history of running daily - and currently running 1 mile per day with low cholesterol and low blood pressure that a heart attack is in my near future...and I am certain there is NO doctor that would want to see that manifest itself in any patient - unless they were a total pain (LOL) Just because some people are highly sensitive does not mean there are not those of us out there who just "keep trucking". Understand, for 10 years, with a constantly high TSH - 2, 5, 25, 46... I have worked 50 - 60 hours a week and never missed a day of work (except the birth of my child...) I'm telling you, I am pretty numb to medication changes. wrote: There WON'T be any major change until several weeks later, that's what I'm trying to tell you. Because of the way T4 slowly converts to T3, the power of both of these doses is not going to be manifested until this time, and I'm just praying that all stops don't come out. This is way too fast. The dose of T4 in the amt you went to just a few wks ago hasn't even manifested yet, and you've already upped it a couple of times. Do you want a heart attack? It would be different if you already knew for sure that you are very resistant, but you have no way of knowing that until the inevitable happens. Remember I said this. I am VERY afraid for you, and I AM an Armour fan. Re: Survey: thyroid meds? Yep. The way the doctor and I figured it, I was at roughly 5 grains. He increased me to 6 and I did switch over the next day - so Saturday, 2 weeks ago, I was taking the mix, Sunday I swapped to the 6 grains of Armour. To date, there has been no major change.... I think I must be numb....Thanks!**************K.A.sFuture Independent Sales Director Kay Cosmeticswww.marykay.com/kastevens "The most valuable gift that you can give your children is not money; it is the ability to think positively." - Kay Ash Yahoo! for Good Click here to donate to the Hurricane Katrina relief effort. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 6, 2005 Report Share Posted October 6, 2005 Sara, thanks SOOO much for your advice and for sharing your experience, this makes me feel so much better, to know that I am not alone and that it is normal to feel this way. Thanks again.Sara wrote: Imelda -- I am now facing a bit of a "wall" at 1.75 grains on the way to 2.00 grains. (I was started on 1.50 grains of Armour in February, but I was on 75mcg of Levoxyl and switched over. I had a bad crash for 6 weeks, had to almost crawl to the bathroom, and then started back feeling better slowly.) I had my follow up appt. in late July and was told to go to 2.00gr. The first of August I tried to add .50gr to get to the 2.00 grains and I was very anxious and had faster heart beats and stopped immediately. I then added 1/4 of a .50 tablet for two weeks and that worked great. Then I added the second 1/4 tablet and that was fine for a couple of weeks. (I think Jan mentions going this slowly, too.) Now, I keep trying to add even 1/4 more of a .50 grain Armour pill and I get cranked up and anxious and have to quit. I guess it's just not time yet, I'm actually feeling pretty good, so I'm going to wait a few more weeks. (I will probably be having surgery in a couple of weeks and don't need the anxiety and agitation right now anyway.) I go to Dr. , who introduces Armour increases and other meds very, very slowly, for burned out, Hashi, anxiety disorder, sensitive types like me, and it's worked well. I, personally, think your doses went up waaaay too fast. My regimen has a lot of other stuff in it to help me heal and tolerate the Armour, so it's hard to compare to your experience. But I think if you have that much trouble, you need to consider going a lot slower. How much of an increase above the .50 grain are you trying? If you had the 1.50 grains in your system just a short while ago, some of the T4 might still be there and you will have to let it taper off--JMHO. I bet you'll feel better soon. But tiny steps, I think, are best for increases if you are sensitive. Maybe others will chime in on this.Just my 2 cents worth.....Sara I think the hydrocortisone has made a difference in how I am tolerating armour. before any little increase I couldn't handle. Now I can> steph> > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 6, 2005 Report Share Posted October 6, 2005 Thanks for the welcome, the support and the great information. I feel better to know what I'm experiencing is normal. Thanks again wrote: Welcome to the group, Imelda! Yes, it is a very supportive and informative one. So sorry to read about your unfortunate experience. There are some people who can increase thyroid hormones relatively quickly, but others have to increase in very small increments over a period of a long time. There is one member (I think she's out of town but I hope she'll write you when she returns -- Courtenay) she can only handle minute increases. It took me probably six months to get up to 90 mg of Armour and over a year to work up to 150 mg.There are a few reasons why this happens. Cell damage from long-term hypothyroidism, low iron storage (ferritin), and also low B6, B12, folic acid levels in the blood, and adrenal fatigue, plus it takes a period of time for the T4 levels to build up in the blood -- there may be more but right now with a bit of brain fog, I can't remember what else, so everybody, please feel free to add to this!Do you have current blood test results and their ranges from your doctor (besides TSH)? Thanks. (I felt really strange too, when I was on powerful steroids for a spider bite, but not until I got off of them?)I think the hydrocortisone has made a difference > in how I am tolerating armour. before any little increase I couldn't > handle. Now I can> > steph> > > > > > > > ---------------------------------> > Yahoo! for Good> > Click here to donate to the Hurricane Katrina relief effort.> > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 6, 2005 Report Share Posted October 6, 2005 Yeah, if I'd had any clue about all this stuff, I would have known better, but at least now I know it's not all in my head and the increase was way to much. thanks ) wrote: Armour is great, but it is sad that they increased your dose----no----DOUBLED your dose in just one week! This was waaayyy too rapid for most anyone. I could see where they would have upped the dose maybe 30 mgs in around 4 wks or so, vaguely. Then, when reaching the larger doses, increase in only 15 mg or so increments every 6 to 8 wks, but this was a huge starting dose for only one week. Holy cow! I hope this doesn't make you gun shy from it. BTW, all they have to do to find out if you have Hashi's is to run two antibodies tests, antithyroidperoxidase and antithyroglobulin antibodies. There is no guesswork there. Why haven't they run these? You had/have entirely too much T3 running through you, all at once. Re: Re: Survey: thyroid meds? I'm new to the group. I will briefly introduce myself. I am experiencing post-partum thyroditis or Hasi, they're not sure which one. Anyways, my initital symptoms were mild, like fatigue and some weight gain, but then they tested my thyroid and my TSH was 62! So they put me on 60 mg. of Armour. I did fine for the first week, but then they sent me to a sono and found that it was inflamed so he put me on a medrol dosepack (steroids) to bring down the inflamation, along with increased Armour (120 mg.) On the fourth day of the six-day steroid treatment I ended up in the hospital with a panic attack. I thought I was going to DIE. My heart was racing, I thought I was insane. They told me at the hospital that possibly the steroids and the high initial dosage is what caused it. I've been experiencing anxiety since. They've tried to put me on anti-depressants and they don't help. I'm currently taking only 30 mg. of Armour because they said the high dose was stimulating all the other stuff as well as Xanax for the anxiety. I feel like I need more Armour but when I try to increase I feel horrible. Any suggestions? by the way, this seems like an awsome and incredible support group. Imelda Imelda Macias Yahoo! for Good Click here to donate to the Hurricane Katrina relief effort. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 6, 2005 Report Share Posted October 6, 2005 , the main moderator on the Arizona group is on over 8 grains last that I heard. She is self-medicating because she cannot find a doc willing to give her that much. Vaglica wrote: Well, I would hope the doctor knows what he is doing. I was on the mix of meds at the approx. of 5 grains for 8 weeks....no change. So, he upped it 1 grain. I highly doubt at 39 with a history of running daily - and currently running 1 mile per day with low cholesterol and low blood pressure that a heart attack is in my near future...and I am certain there is NO doctor that would want to see that manifest itself in any patient - unless they were a total pain (LOL) Just because some people are highly sensitive does not mean there are not those of us out there who just "keep trucking". Understand, for 10 years, with a constantly high TSH - 2, 5, 25, 46... I have worked 50 - 60 hours a week and never missed a day of work (except the birth of my child...) I'm telling you, I am pretty numb to medication changes. wrote: There WON'T be any major change until several weeks later, that's what I'm trying to tell you. Because of the way T4 slowly converts to T3, the power of both of these doses is not going to be manifested until this time, and I'm just praying that all stops don't come out. This is way too fast. The dose of T4 in the amt you went to just a few wks ago hasn't even manifested yet, and you've already upped it a couple of times. Do you want a heart attack? It would be different if you already knew for sure that you are very resistant, but you have no way of knowing that until the inevitable happens. Remember I said this. I am VERY afraid for you, and I AM an Armour fan. Re: Survey: thyroid meds? Yep. The way the doctor and I figured it, I was at roughly 5 grains. He increased me to 6 and I did switch over the next day - so Saturday, 2 weeks ago, I was taking the mix, Sunday I swapped to the 6 grains of Armour. To date, there has been no major change.... I think I must be numb.... Yahoo! for Good Click here to donate to the Hurricane Katrina relief effort. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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