What worked for me!

[cujet]

Male, 58, former athlete. Hashimoto's/hypothyroid and MCTD. Severe fatigue. Tg, TPO and RNP antibodies.

Brief background, my athletic performance declined over a few years, and docs/clinic/endo's/specialists could not find a cause. Eventually sedentary, I could not walk 500 feet or take a shower without exhaustion.

What works:

1) T3 hormone (Cytomel) 6x day, 12mg each dose
2) Prednisone 1x day, 10mg
3) Perpeteum lactic acid buffer for exercise, along with (this is key) 5mg extra Pred + 6mg extra T3.

The elimination of T4 and it's byproducts is very helpful.

 

[cujet]

I thought I'd clarify, Synthroid/T4 does not work for me at any dose, I feel terrible and have constant low blood sugar episodes. The move to Armour worked 20+ years ago and I got better. Lost weight, etc. Fast forward to modern times, ERFA thyroid was like poison, Westhroid, WP and NP thyroid worked but left me sick. Despite T3 levels being OK.

I eventually figured out that multiple small doses per day of NP left me feeling better 30 mins after the dose.

The light bulb went on. T3 is what I need, and the rest I don't. I don't convert T4 well at all.

Couple that with prednisone for low ACTH and High RNP antibodies and I can now manage my symptoms well enough to function again. Including exercise!

I'm not cured, but I now know what works, and that's flat-out fantastic.

 

[cujet]

I did 20 miles on the bicycle on Sat, legs felt like they had some power, and a full round of 3 sets at the gym on sun. Something I've not been able to do for 10+ years. And, I'm getting stronger fast. Even at 58 years old. Physical activity is now no real problem. As long as I take a small dose of Pred and T3.

I do use Amino Energy, as a boost for fatigue. Protein powder after a workout.

 

[Creekside]

Neither T4 or T3 had any noticeable effect on my symptoms. T2 (3-5 diiodothyronine) did work well for me. My guess is that it was boosting some RNA transcription, producing something that had a consistent lifetime of 21 days. I needed one dose of T2 every 21 days, and I'd feel worse on day 22 if I forgot to take it.

 

[cujet]

Neither T4 or T3 had any noticeable effect on my symptoms. T2 (3-5 diiodothyronine) did work well for me. My guess is that it was boosting some RNA transcription, producing something that had a consistent lifetime of 21 days. I needed one dose of T2 every 21 days, and I'd feel worse on day 22 if I forgot to take it.

I've never tried T2, and honestly did not know it was available. From what I was led to believe, T2 is inactive or inert. Although, some of the NDT products I've taken contained T2.

In my case, I'm long term hypothyroid, with high antibody levels. I cannot survive without thyroid replacement hormones. But the fatigue issue I've had is a newer problem, and is quite severe. Despite trying all manner and level of thyroid hormones, the only things that have worked are noted in my post above.

I don't claim my protocol will work for all others with CFS. However, I strongly suspect there are a number of people that it could help. Why suffer if treatment can give your life back.

By the way, I've lost nearly 15 pounds now due ONLY to this treatment plan. I'm not obese, but I do look like a typical Hashimoto's person.

 

[Creekside]

From what I was led to believe, T2 is inactive or inert.

That was 'common knowledge' some number of decades ago. There is now a fair amount of research findings on the various effects it has on the body. For stimulating metabolism, T2 is more effective than T3, and doesn't repress the thyroid gland as much as T3.

NDT contains some T2, but I'm not sure how much. I tried NDT, but it didn't have a noticeable effect, so the typical tablet probably contains much less than 100 mcg of T2.

Doctors, even endocrinologists, tend to oversimplify thyroid problems and treatments. "Low Tsh? Here's a prescription for T4. That will solve all your problems." Unfortunately, the thyroid system isn't quite that simple. Some people have problems converting the forms. Some might have abnormal responses to the hormones. If I had a significant thyroid problem and the doctor's prescription didn't resolve it adequately, I'd try a variety of alternatives, such as T2. In your case, I'm guessing that the prednisone reduces the autoimmune response. Nasty stuff to be on long-term though.

 

[cujet]

I'm guessing that the prednisone reduces the autoimmune response. Nasty stuff to be on long-term though.

Of that there is no question. BUT, Pred alone is not the answer for me. I've been on and off Pred for years.

Clearly, the fatigue is mitigated by the combination of 10mg Pred and 75mcg T3 taken in 6 doses of 12.5 each.

I can feel myself getting weak and tired when T3 levels drop and taking a 12.5mcg dose brings me back in 30 mins to an hour. I honestly can't believe it!! After years of suffering. The answer (for me) included cutting out T4 altogether, in any form.

Keep in mind I have low ACTH (stimulates the adrenal glands) so I need to be on some form of cortisol replacement. Hydrocortisone works for that, but the autoimmune symptoms flare up. And I get to the point where I'm unable to stand on my own, regardless of hydrocortisone dose.

On Pred, those symptoms abate and I'm now back to doing athletic stuff, at a modest level.

EDIT: Just got back from a wonderful, relatively hard core evening bicycle ride. Feels great.