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Hypothyroid from Immunotherapy

Squeak
  • 1 reply
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Hello,

my husband is now hypothyroid from immunotherapy treatment. He's had 4 infusions and was diagnosed just before the 4th. He's been feeling exhausted (but still working because he's stubborn and determinedGrin). GP couldn't understand how he was still standing let alone working. He's now on 1 1/2 x 25mcg levothyroxine a day.

He's been feeling really cold and a bit blue at times around the gills. He's resting when he can and it's been good to have some time off over Xmas for this. He usually runs several times a week and plays indoor football.

Other symptoms: bad back for a week which he thinks is muscular, restless and itchy feet and he got an injury at football last week that kept bleeding for 2 1/2 days before it started to dry up. We'll be mentioning this to the oncologist next week in case of low platelet levels. 

He's had a tendency to insomnia for a couple of decades but it's got worse and he's now only getting 3 - 5 hours broken sleep a night.

I thought with HYPOthyroid he would sleep MORE not less.

Does anyone else have any experience of this/tips/thoughts?

Note: alos posted in melanoma forum.

Thanks Blush

  • Hi Squeak,

    Thanks for getting in touch and welcome to our online community. I’m Barbara one of the Cancer Information Nurses here on the Macmillan Support Line. I’m glad to see that you’ve joined a few of our forums.  I hope you find these helpful. 

    I’m sorry to read of your husband’s diagnosis and that he is struggling with hypothyroidism, a bad back, restless and itchy feet, a wound that won’t heal and poor sleep. 

    Here on the Macmillan Support Line, we don’t have access to any NHS records, therefore we can’t say if these symptoms are side effects of your husband’s treatment.

    We would always advise that your husband speak to his cancer treatment team or GP as soon as possible about any new, changing or worsening symptoms as they are best placed to assess your husband and give specific advice.  If your husband is unable to reach his hospital team or GP we would encourage him to speak with 111 for advice and support.  Alternatively, if your husband has been given a 24-hour telephone number to contact if concerned about side effects or symptoms, he could speak with them. 

    The symptoms you have mentioned can be side effects of immunotherapy, but it is important to rule out more serious possible causes such as low platelet levels or other changes to blood levels.

    While hypothyroidism can often lead to fatigue and an increased need for sleep, it isn’t uncommon for some people to experience sleep disturbances, especially if their thyroid hormone levels are not well balanced yet.  This can present as restlessness, insomnia or waking during the night.  There are other factors that could also contribute to this such as stress of treatment, worry or physical discomfort. 

    Feeling cold and exhausted are classic symptoms of hypothyroidism.  It is good that he’s started treatment with levothyroxine.  It can take a few weeks to notice an improvement in symptoms, but regular monitoring of his thyroid levels will help ensure he is taking the correct dose. 

    The back pain and prolonged bleeding from the football injury would need to have further assessment and investigation. We would advise to do this as soon as possible.

    Restlessness and itchy feet can sometimes occur due to low thyroid hormone levels, but it could also be related to side effects of the immunotherapy or other unrelated causes.  Again, speaking to his cancer treatment team is the best way to get advice and support regarding this. 

    It’s great that you have posted to other forums.  Speaking with others who have faced similar experiences can provide valuable insight and encouragement. 

    Finally, please don’t hesitate to call us on the Macmillan Support Line if you need further advice or support. 

    I hope this helps.

    Best wishes

    Barbara G

    Macmillan Cancer Information Nurse Specialist

    You can also speak with the Macmillan Support Line team of experts. Phone free on 0808 808 0000 (7 days a week, 8am-8pm) or send us an email. 

     

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