Results Of Forgetting To Take Levothyroxin

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I have been taking levothyroxin for 3 or 4 years. Recently, somehow I forgot to take my dose each morning. Completely forgot about it. As a result, about 6 weeks later, a phone call from my doctor after reading my lab results from blood test ended with advice to get to the emergency room ASAP and get admitted to the hospital. My blood saline level had fallen to a dangerous level and I was in danger of stroke, heart attack, death, or coma. I had been feeling very weak for some time and had no idea why. Even standing and walking around the house at home had become a major effort. So, I went to the hospital as advised. I ended up spending 3 days in the hospital, getting a saline IV the full time, as well as starting back on my levothyroxine regimen. My saline count had fallen to 118. 3 days later, after treatment, it rose to 126 and I was able to come home. 126 is below normal, but I was out of the critical zone.
I learned the hard way that this medication is essential for someone with hypothyroidism. Don't put yourself through the same thing. Don't stop taking it without your doctor's advice.

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1

I forgot to mention an important factor in the above message. I have been on dialysis for about 7 months. I do peritoneal dialysis rather than hemodialysis. Apparently, with the lack of kidney function, the thyroid meds are even more important.

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Wow! I am sorry about what happened to you, but very glad it was caught in time for you to receive treatment.

Hyponatremia is a known complication of some thyroid issues.

Ref: MayoClinic Hyponatremia

How are you feeling, now?

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