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Honored Contributor
Posts: 12,846
Registered: ‎03-09-2010

Re: Anyone going through Hypothyroid Issues?


@Yesyesyes568 wrote:

That portal only works if the dr signs up for it. Because I had blood work done and I asked my dr if he was signed up to do that and no he wasn’t. What it is, is called old fashion or something. I don’t know. All I know I have to wait till I see him to get my results. Darn. 


@Yesyesyes568   Did you go to a separate lab to have your bloodwork done?  My doctor uses LabCorp and I can access my tests from their site.

Honored Contributor
Posts: 12,887
Registered: ‎03-09-2010

Re: Anyone going through Hypothyroid Issues?

[ Edited ]

@RespectLife , @foggy! 

 

My script isn't due to be filled for another month or so, therefore I don't have the 'paperwork/warnings' in front of me.

 

However, I googled 'Levothyroxine no walnuts' and a Mayo Clinic link came up confirming you shouldn't consume walnuts and other food items around the time you take the medicine.  So it's okay to eat later in the day.  

Esteemed Contributor
Posts: 7,759
Registered: ‎05-08-2010

Re: Anyone going through Hypothyroid Issues?


@RespectLife wrote:

@PINKdogWOOD 

 

If you don't mind me asking....how long after starting med did you begin to feel better?

 

 

I understand what the OP means about taking time.

1 year of complaining of symptoms, blood work...not so good, lets wait and run it again and wait again and do it again.....  Same thing! I guess I wasn't pushing hard enough, I knew something was off.

 

My primary was only running the basic panel of tests.   My gyno was finally the one to run a full panel of thyroid blood work.  I was diagnosed w/ Hashimoto Thyroidism. The full blood work finally showed my antibodies were off the charts.  I had the sonogram and was finally given a script.

 

I just completed 6 wks of the generic but only 25 mg.  NO relief.  I have been on a very strict diet for a year and have lost nothing but my hair!  All symptoms remain.  Again my primary only ran the basic tests.  She couldn't even tell me what levels my antibodies were since she didn't do the full panel.  Just this past Monday, we increased it to 50mg.

 

I was so depressed that after 6 weeks, saw no relief.

 

@RespectLife You should feel better within a week.  It sounds like this isn't your primary's specialty.  Thank goodness your gyno checked further, however, the treatment is the same whether you have Hashimotos or not.  I, too, have Hashimotos.  I go to a preventive clinic that thinks a bit outside the box.  They don't prescribe Synthroid, but Armour.  With Hashimoto, you can swing back and forth between hypo and hyper.  I have learned when this is happening and know how to adjust my med.  Don't wait 6 weeks again, if the 50 mg isn't helping.  You won't believe how bad you were feeling until you start to feel good again....does that make sense.  We are talking energy, better frame of mind, no hair loss, many things. 

 

I hope you can find a dose that is right for you and soon.  Why suffer?  BTW I have been diagnosed for around 10 years and I have never had an ultrasound.  Also, my PA doses most times by how I feel.  She doesn't do bloodwork unless things are really up and down. 


Fear not Brothers and Sisters! I have read THE BOOK..........we win!!!
Honored Contributor
Posts: 15,173
Registered: ‎02-27-2012

Re: Anyone going through Hypothyroid Issues?


@Lucky Charm wrote:

@RespectLife , @foggy! 

 

My script isn't due to be filled for another month or so, therefore I don't have the 'paperwork/warnings' in front of me.

 

However, I googled 'Levothyroxine no walnuts' and a Mayo Clinic link came up confirming you shouldn't consume walnuts and other food items around the time you take the medicine.  So it's okay to eat later in the day.  


 

Thank you @Lucky Charm for doing that research.  My 'warning' sheet doesn't mention nuts at all!

 

I usually take it 6 am and would not be consuming anything w/ nuts.  I have been waiting an hour b4 coffee and 2 full hours b4 food or other meds.  Almonds and pecans are my nuts of choice anyways!

 

Now I hate to sound stupid...but if it says walnuts...it means walnuts...not all nuts right?

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Honored Contributor
Posts: 15,173
Registered: ‎02-27-2012

Re: Anyone going through Hypothyroid Issues?

Thank you very much for your thoughts and insight @tends2dogs 

 

I have noticed ONE big change since going on the higher dose last week.  I am no longer having the extreme, painful reflux attacks.  I have been taking something for that as well, but they were still breaking through.

 

I have not had one incident since the higher dose, knock on my wooden head!

 

All other symptoms remain...still.  It is all so confusing!  I don't know if my exhaustion is from work or my medical issues.  I can't sleep cuz I have too much on my mind now?  Or maybe cuz I am old now??  I have been blessed not to have a medical issue since my mid twenties!  So having a condition is very new to me.

 

I searched for Endo Drs.  There are none in my county but several in adjoining counties. I am still considering switching to a specialist.

 

 

Respected Contributor
Posts: 4,427
Registered: ‎03-09-2010

Re: Anyone going through Hypothyroid Issues?

[ Edited ]

@Phantom41 wrote:

@peachesncream wrote:

 

I have mild hypothyroidism. My biggest headache was waiting an hour in the morning after taking Levothyroxine to eat or drink anything but water.

 

Breakfast is my favorite meal, and DH and I enjoy it together. Having a hungry DH waiting an extra hour along with me was frustrating - and smelling coffee without being able to drink it. 

 

My doctor suggested I take the medicine at night, right before going to bed. This works fine as long as the stomach is empty (no food for 3 hours before taking medicine). 

 

There is a study (you can Google it) showing that taking Levothyoxine consistently at night works better than taking it in the a.m. It has worked for me. 


I've been on this for 40 years and I had no idea you weren't supposed to eat or drink anything for 2 hours or possibly take it at night!  I always take it in the morning and usually don't have anything for about 30 minutes not 2 hours.  I'll have to get up in the middle of the night to take this so I can have my coffee in the morning. Not one of my doctors has ever mentioned that little tidbit!  I'm going to have to read the darn bottle when I get home - boy do I feel stupid!


@Phantom41  since it is synthroid it can be taken at bedtime...that way your not eating or drinking.  This is a T4 only medication....if you are on say Armour which is a T4 & T3 (T3 is the active form of thyroid hormone) then it should be taken in the morning.  Also my doctor said 30mins is fine then you can eat and drink.  No calcium supplements for 2hrs is what I remember also.  

 

What I do is get up and have my 1 cup of coffee....then I take my medication (Nature Throid) then when I am hungry several hours later I eat.  This way I am not waiting that 30mins to have coffee.  Works out perfectly for me.

 

 

Honored Contributor
Posts: 12,887
Registered: ‎03-09-2010

Re: Anyone going through Hypothyroid Issues?


@RespectLife wrote:

@Lucky Charm wrote:

@RespectLife , @foggy! 

 

My script isn't due to be filled for another month or so, therefore I don't have the 'paperwork/warnings' in front of me.

 

However, I googled 'Levothyroxine no walnuts' and a Mayo Clinic link came up confirming you shouldn't consume walnuts and other food items around the time you take the medicine.  So it's okay to eat later in the day.  


 

Thank you @Lucky Charm for doing that research.  My 'warning' sheet doesn't mention nuts at all!

 

I usually take it 6 am and would not be consuming anything w/ nuts.  I have been waiting an hour b4 coffee and 2 full hours b4 food or other meds.  Almonds and pecans are my nuts of choice anyways!

 

Now I hate to sound stupid...but if it says walnuts...it means walnuts...not all nuts right?


No, It specifically says walnuts, but mentions anything high fiber, too.

 

I make banana bread with walnuts in the winter time and we enjoy that with a cup of coffee sometimes in the morning (sort of a breakfast dessert...lol).  So I switched the recipe to pecans, and try not to have it till closer to noon once I started the thyroid med.

 

Also, I make an overnite refridgerator oatmeal that included walnuts, too, and I switched out them for pecans.

Super Contributor
Posts: 261
Registered: ‎03-10-2010

Re: Anyone going through Hypothyroid Issues?

Thanks for getting back to me,  Respectlife. 

I also Googled the Levo and found the same info on walnuts, and not taking other meds along with it. 

For me, trying to get up at night between 1 and 3am was not letting me sleep very well, so I'm going back to taking Levo around 7am, then walking the younger kids to school. By the time I'm back, its been 30-60minutes and ok to eat breakfast. 

Esteemed Contributor
Posts: 7,759
Registered: ‎05-08-2010

Re: Anyone going through Hypothyroid Issues?


@RespectLife wrote:

Thank you very much for your thoughts and insight @tends2dogs 

 

I have noticed ONE big change since going on the higher dose last week.  I am no longer having the extreme, painful reflux attacks.  I have been taking something for that as well, but they were still breaking through.

 

I have not had one incident since the higher dose, knock on my wooden head!

 

All other symptoms remain...still.  It is all so confusing!  I don't know if my exhaustion is from work or my medical issues.  I can't sleep cuz I have too much on my mind now?  Or maybe cuz I am old now??  I have been blessed not to have a medical issue since my mid twenties!  So having a condition is very new to me.

 

I searched for Endo Drs.  There are none in my county but several in adjoining counties. I am still considering switching to a specialist.

 

 


This is a syndrome with many symptoms.  I get acid reflux when I go into hyper.  My PA told me that when you are in hyper, every system is in overdrive.  Starving, losing weight, acid, loose stools, hair loss, heart palpitations.  It isn't pleasant.  For me, I have to cut back or go off my med for a short time. 

 

Again, I hope you get regulated and find peace of mind. 

Fear not Brothers and Sisters! I have read THE BOOK..........we win!!!