Thank you! I am in the process of working with a new Rheumatologist to determine if some of my “side effect issues” are related to another cause and will ask about this gland….apparently Hashimotos Thyroiditis is often found with other autoimmune diseases. My father had Celiac Disease, however the Celiac test came back negative…whew!!
I am currently under a lot of stress due my mother passing (I was her care giver) and was having A LOT of issues. My doctor recommended increasing my Levoxyl one more day to 6 days per week (50mcg); I had been taking it 5 days per week. When I change medication I often feel the results very quickly and I felt some relief right away. It has now been about 3 weeks and I am having an increase in the negative side effects again (some of which include: burning mouth, terrible itching, body aches, headaches, weight gain, hair loss, insomnia, extreme fatigue, poor focus and shortness of breath). Prior to increasing my dosage, my blood work had been in the normal range, however the TSH was at the top of the normal range and my T4 was at the bottom end of the normal range.

I had thought I could wait the 6 weeks for my next blood test before having my dosage adjusted again, however the symptoms are too hard too manage; and since they are increasing I am not under the impression it will improve once my body adjusts….the burning mouth is similar to having just eaten an extra spicy serving of Buffalo wings!!!…and its all day long! I will more than likely have to reduce my Levoxyl to 50 mcg 5 days per week again.

Unfortunately, during this time I also went for a routine Coronary Calcium Screening (which was good) but had a finding of a 3mm lung nodule. Since there seems to be an association with Hurthle Cell Carcinoma and lung cancer it is hard not to be concerned. I am scheduled for a PET/CT and blood work next week, so I am hoping it’s, “No big deal.”

The only thing that I say about this whole “Thyroid thing” is that symptoms can change fairly quickly and you have to pay attention and not just assume it’s nothing. From what I have read, many issues can factor into the equation, so it can be difficult to get regulated on medication. Many people seem to take Synthroid and do very well on their dosage, however if you have a sensitivity to side effects from medications it can be much more challenging. I do not have any known allergies however sensitivity to medications is another story….which is why I try and have the lowest dose possible.
At the end of the day, quality of life is the most important thing so people should not just assume the issues are part of the package of thyroid disease….keep asking questions and keep trying to find the balance of treatments that work for you. Good Luck!