I have been reading all the entries for this website and thought ...

hello lb1963. I just started Levoxyl this past November. There are times when I just don't want to take my pill anymore. I know I will never feel the same or do everything I used to do. I get muscle and joint aches. My vision has started to get blurry also. I try not to get stressed out and I have resumed my college courses to try to keep my mind away from thinking what a miserable way this is to live. But I keep going - hoping it will get better. Then when I finally have that rare day of feeling pretty good, I feel horrible again. I never had these kinds of pains before and they do worry me. Is there any kind of specific exercise for your body and mind, that may have worked for you, that you can pass down?

Hi lillypad30, sorry to hear about your trouble. I did also feel terrible for the first few years I took the medication. I also have other women in my family who also take thyroid meds and have similar problems. If you dont feel good I would first make sure your doctor knows all your complaints, then if your not satisfied with his answers find a doctor who will answer all your questions. Remember they work for you, you deserve to feel he/she is listening and caring about how you are feeling. I started walking 3 or 4 times a week only about 30 minutes a day. I find it difficult to do vigorous activity, but some days I feel like I am on caffeine and those days I know I have to walk or ride a stationary bike for awhile. Having some of the symptoms is normal to some extent, but you should at least be able to function in a normal day. I use to go to the gym and workout for more than an hour a day, I can no longer do this. Somedays I am very tired and I sleep more, but I can do my normal everyday things cooking, cleaning, errands and such with no problem. You will feel better if you exercise some. If you have a good doctor you trust and are on a good dosage you should feel better.I also really sugggest you start taking B12 and calcium as long as it doesnt interfere with other medications you are taking and also be sure and take the vitamins at least 4 hours after you take your thyroid meds. If you arent already, do not eat before or after the medication either. Alot of people dont know that your medication will be less effective if you eat too soon after because this is one of those medications that if you have anything in your stomach your body will have trouble absorbing the medicine. Also good to know do not eat soy or soy products, turnips, grapefruit. These foods effect the way the medication is absorbed. Do not eat or drink any milk products after taking the pill. Wait at least a few hours. My eyes arent the greatest already and I have had a new prescription every year since diagnosis, more than ever before. If you get your medication and everything else on track your eyes bothering you should be minimal. Unfortunetly you have to remember, your body does not process the thyroid hormone at the rate your body made need it, so you have to adjust your activity and maybe your meds til you find what is right for you, and dont take no for an answer from your doctor! If you are sluggish and tired tell him/her you think you need a bit higher dosage. Most doctors are willing to at least try. But Like I said before, it will take at least 3 months before you can gage how you feel from the increase. It will also help if your pharmacy always give you the same BRAND of pills. Different pills made from different companies will be slightly different and it does make a difference dont let the pharmacy tell you it doesnt. I hope some of this helps you feel better. :)lb1963