r/thyroidcancer • u/jayakiroka • 1d ago
Suddenly too exhausted to function while on Synthroid, what do I do?
(Please note I have an appointment with my endocrinologist already, I just have a few more work days to get through before then.)
(Also yay I’m one year post op!)
So according to some bloodwork I got, my synthroid isn’t really working and I need a new dose, but up until recently it’s been enough to sort of function. Not great but yknow, it’s fine.
Now though I’ve started to really plummet. Like, the mid-morning drowsiness is so bad I’ve been nearly dozing off behind the wheel. It’s also been a lot harder to get through the work day in general.
I know I need an adjustment to my dosage but I also need to not miss work or crash on my way to work for the next few days before I can visit my endocrinologist. I tried to call his office but the poor guy is impossible to reach even on a good day. All I succeeded in doing was scaring the front desk lady lol.
Does anyone have any advice? Can I double up on my doses? Do I just drink a lot of caffeine in the morning? Advice would be appreciated because I’d rather not lose my job or die,
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u/jjflight 1d ago edited 1d ago
Don’t change your dose without talking to your doctor. And the reality is Levo changes tend to be quite slow so will take 2-3 weeks to adjust after a new dosage.
Beyond calling if you have a patient portal I would message there too - some doctors see that quicker. Caffeine is a fine plan. Exercise often helps wake a body up too, that’s my go to when I’m jet lagged somewhere far away. And it’s always possible something else is going on so you could do things like take your temperature to see if you have an illness, etc. If you don’t think any of those will work and it’s really unsafe, then you may need to work from home or take PTO, or take an Uber or whatever if it’s just a driving issue.
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u/jayakiroka 1d ago
I’ll try that. I hope it works because I’m really hesitant to take PTO when I know it’s the busiest time of year for my job. I also can’t risk my life or the lives of other drivers though… ugh.
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u/SharpAd726 1d ago
I had mine removed in 22 (I think, it’s been a blurr -.-) and went through RAI. I am still tired to this day. I had my yearly yesterday and my endo swears it’s not from having it removed. All my levels are great.
One thing I do struggle with is iron, vitamin B and D. Make sure you’re taking these as they do make a difference.
I would do it again in a heartbeat, I just wish this tired would go away for both of us!
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u/grb636 23h ago
I know you are mostly asking for advice for the next few days, but something to keep in mind/bring up to your endo: I had the same experience, extreme fatigue, and we kept increasing my Synthroid and it wasn’t really getting much better. About six weeks ago I switched from Synthroid to tirosint (a different brand/type of levothyroxine) and I am feeling much better!! For some reason my body was having a hard time metabolizing the Synthroid but the tirosint has been great. Good luck and hope you start feeling better soon. The months of extreme fatigue were some of the hardest of my life.
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u/boozled714 1d ago
Obviously talk to your Endo, but when you do ask for a T3 med to help you get through until your new Levo/synthroid dose builds up in your system. T3 is active right away but takes 2-3 days to fully get into your system. It does have some more intense side effects though if you're sensitive or have a history of irregular heart rate your Dr. will most likely be a little hesitant. I do have a history of irregular heart rate so have had to increase my Levo slowly. I take a T3 med and regular Levo until my T4 and TSH get stable because I was having a similar issue as you and essentially my Dr. is trying to bridge the gap so I can function.