17th June 2004
Hi,
I have become a pretty active member of the Thyroid Board, but now feel I should post some questions here as well. I was diagnosed with Hashimoto's thyroiditis in April and, after a search for a good doctor, was put on low dose thyroid meds. Since that time, I still have some odd symptoms.
I have pasted the letter I recently sent to my doctor below, and he thinks my symptoms sound more rheumatological than thyroid right now. I was wondering if somewhere here might have an opinion as well!
The letter to my doctor...
I met with you on May 11th regarding my diagnosis of Hashimoto's thyroiditis. I brought "normal" lab results from another endo. You prescribed 25 mcg of Levothroid and told me to have blood drawn again in August. You also mentioned that I should have blood drawn if I have another flare-up. Since that time, a couple of questions have come up.
I felt better for the first 10-12 days after starting the medication - more energy, not as achey, etc. Then, around May 24th, my symptoms became more pronounced again:
- exhaustion
- more emotional
- achiness in muscles and joints
- intestinal issues similar to the symptoms that led to an IBS diagnosis last summer
- swollen fingers and feet
- some shakiness
- more sinus issues (went to allergist and was also feeling better)
I wrote all this off for a week or so because it was the week before my menstrual period, and I thought there might be a connection.
I got my period on June 2nd but have continued with more pronounced symptoms. In addition to the symptoms I have already mentioned, I have had very cold hands and feet (for the past 2-4 days). Yesterday I was in bed under three blankets and wearing socks and my feet were freezing! A shower warmed me up finally...
I'm not too sure what to think. In the beginning, I thought that maybe I just needed to let the medication kick in/build up. Then I thought it all had to do with my menstrual cycle. Now I can't think of any reason for feeling like I do.
So that's the letter I sent which led to the doctor suggesting an arthritis med for 2-3 days before my period. This is just an "experiment," though, before he sends me for rheum. testing.
Sorry for the long post! Any input would be appreciated!
Thanks!
I have become a pretty active member of the Thyroid Board, but now feel I should post some questions here as well. I was diagnosed with Hashimoto's thyroiditis in April and, after a search for a good doctor, was put on low dose thyroid meds. Since that time, I still have some odd symptoms.
I have pasted the letter I recently sent to my doctor below, and he thinks my symptoms sound more rheumatological than thyroid right now. I was wondering if somewhere here might have an opinion as well!
The letter to my doctor...
I met with you on May 11th regarding my diagnosis of Hashimoto's thyroiditis. I brought "normal" lab results from another endo. You prescribed 25 mcg of Levothroid and told me to have blood drawn again in August. You also mentioned that I should have blood drawn if I have another flare-up. Since that time, a couple of questions have come up.
I felt better for the first 10-12 days after starting the medication - more energy, not as achey, etc. Then, around May 24th, my symptoms became more pronounced again:
- exhaustion
- more emotional
- achiness in muscles and joints
- intestinal issues similar to the symptoms that led to an IBS diagnosis last summer
- swollen fingers and feet
- some shakiness
- more sinus issues (went to allergist and was also feeling better)
I wrote all this off for a week or so because it was the week before my menstrual period, and I thought there might be a connection.
I got my period on June 2nd but have continued with more pronounced symptoms. In addition to the symptoms I have already mentioned, I have had very cold hands and feet (for the past 2-4 days). Yesterday I was in bed under three blankets and wearing socks and my feet were freezing! A shower warmed me up finally...
I'm not too sure what to think. In the beginning, I thought that maybe I just needed to let the medication kick in/build up. Then I thought it all had to do with my menstrual cycle. Now I can't think of any reason for feeling like I do.
So that's the letter I sent which led to the doctor suggesting an arthritis med for 2-3 days before my period. This is just an "experiment," though, before he sends me for rheum. testing.
Sorry for the long post! Any input would be appreciated!
Thanks!