Thanks, today is better - back to the "normal" amount of pain. I guess I just need to learn my limits. Before, that wasn't an issue as much b/c the fatigue kept me slowed down. I worry about the upcoming months though b/c things are getting busier - school started back last week for my sons as well as their sports. I want to be an active mom, but I wonder how I can keep up.

The other meds are Synthroid 75 mcg and Cytomel 25 mcg for Hashi's/hypothyroid (I believe adding the Cytomel a few weeks ago is what made the fatigue better), Avalide 300 mg and Atenolol for high bp, and iron for anemia. My symptoms started in Feb with chest pain and heart racing, went to the ER and had abnormal EKG. This is when I found out about the thyroid problem. I was referred to a Cardiologist as well, and that checked out fine. I was referred to the Endocrinologist for the Hashi's. He referred me to a Rheumatologist due to a butterfly rash and extreme fatigue to check for Lupus - the ANA was negative, and he diagnosed Fibro. The Endo also referred me to an Oncologist to rule out Lymphoma b/c of enlarged lymph nodes in neck - they are still there after 6 mos plus the anemia has not improved, so he is planning a bone marrow test. I also took a lot of antibiotics for possible infection, but this didn't make the lymph nodes go away either. Overall, my symptoms have been fatigue and pain - mostly in hands (feels like arthritis) and feet (feels like being stabbed), and overall general flu-like aching. I have experienced dizziness and vertigo, but that has gone away. Oh yeah, another big symptom is confusion and brain fog. Does all of this signal something we could be missing? Hopefully, the Oncologist will rule out Lymphoma soon and I'll be down to 2 docs!

Thank you for the support!! I read the poem about the spoons listed in another post, and that really helps to explain how we need to limit ourselves.

Hi Ducky,

Like your name :) .

Are the docs who are prescribing the diuretic, beta blocker, & thyroid meds in communication? Everybody knows what all is on your med list?

Atenolol blocks action of thyroid hormone at the cellular level. Avalide is a chlorothiazide, containing 2 chemical groups that interact w/thyroid. Not sure if there are better bp meds for you.

It does occur to me that it's possible your thyroid meds may benefit from further tweaking in light of what they're up against (the bp meds are sort of fighting the T meds). Perhaps this has already been discussed with your docs.

Unfortunately, to the best of my knowledge, there is no common test for thyroid hormone uptake at the cellular level. So it's possible to have *perfect* free T3s, and to still have a problem. The role of thyroid hormone deficits in fibro is becoming clearer.

I would also get a recent thyroid antibody panel, the whole she-bang, not just the Hashi's antibodies. Sometimes people have Hashi flares and/or develop Graves antibodies in addition to the Hashi antibodies. This can make for a nasty situation where hypoT symptoms can co-exist alongside hyperT symptoms, or fluctuating from one to the other.

Do make sure you don't overdo with your new-found energy.

Best wishes.