Questions for all of those out there with thyroid issues

[Red Rock]

I do not know if I would be of any help. I'm dealing with my own struggles with Hashimoto's and mild hyper situation. I have not gone to an endocrinologist yet, however, I think it is on the near horizon. Really after reading your experience, it makes me think twice about moving to the endocrinologist sooner.

I'm not on any meds at this time. I am a bit afraid of what the endocrinologist is going to do or say. I guess the biggest thing for me, is will they do something. My current GP has just been observing and not prescribing anything.

That's my story in short form. I hope you can get some resolution for you. Sorry for a small hijack. I wish there were more people out there that knew more about the thyroid and how it behaves-medically.

Red Rock

[indysteel]

(((Red Rock))). Notwithstanding my reservations about my own doctor, I would urge you to see an endocrinologist. Try to get a recommendation for docs in your area. I'll be honest that most endos focus on diabetes, but there are those out there who understand thyroid disease. Ideally, you can find a doctor who is willing to treat you and not just your numbers. You may have to wait awhile for an appointment. In the meantime, arm yourself with as much knowledge as you can. I realize the internet can be both a blessing and a curse, but there are reputable sources of info out there. I would suggest not getting bogged down in message forums about thyroid disease; they'll scare the heck out of you. If and when you see the endo, ask a ton of questions and take notes. Good luck.

[Red Rock]

Thanks Indy for your thoughts. I think the hardest part of having thyroid problems is living in your head, reading all of the internet stuff, dealing with your doc and somehow being able to come to some sort of conclusion with all of it.

I really appreciate your comment of heading directly to the endo. I have thought about that a lot today. I do not have insurance, so I will be taking this in the pocketbook for sure. But if they can get me back to my "normal" self, that would be wonderful.

Right now, if I stay with the GP I will not move forward but if I switch to the endo, I will hopefully get help to move me in the right direction.

As far as understanding the numbers...I'm with you there. Fortunately, I was taking Med Tech classes and have since kept all the text books. It helps me in my understanding of everything. There is also LabTests Online too as a resource.

Sending you postive and healing thoughts....

Red Rock

[mtbdarby]

Indysteel (and everyone else with thyroid issues), sorry you are dealing with this.

It took me years to actually get diagnosised with graves, then 6 months on a low dose of PTU has put me in remission for 5 years but it was a FIGHT!

The first thing I'd recommend is looking at Elaine Moores website: http://www.elaine-moore.com/. Looks of good info and if you email her labs with questions she will answer She is not a dr but considered an expert on thryoid disease.

Next you need to chart, if you haven't, your labs and dosage. Meds changes can take up to 6 weeks to show up in your lab work so don't make adjustments too fast and most meds will require you to be weaned off of them.

As far as what is normal - normal is all relative. My "normal" body temperature is 97.8. Know your body and how it reacts so that you can talk in a factual, nonemotional way to your dr. You should have a good relationship with your endo/internal to the point of having a standing rx for your labs when you feel they need to be checked.

Most dr. will treat you in a way that is most convenient for them, from my experience. Unfortunately, most patients are noncompliant so if you feel you want to be treated a certain way you need to stand up for yourself.

I'm not a dr. (and I don't play one on tv) but if you are hyper your tsh shouldn't be so high. Mine is almost non existant (so I'm on the verve of going hyper again). Keep asking questions, doing research, and find the right person to treat you. You should feel like you normally do. Hair loss, hot flashes, heat intolance, not being able to sleep, mood swings, fatigue, heart palpations, etc. all mean you're not in your normal range. I feel the best when I'm at the high end of the normal range for my Ft3 and FT4.

Hope that helps and I wasn't just rambling Good luck with it - it is definitely a process.

[indysteel]

I'm back to the drawing board. I halved my dose per my doc's most recent instruction. She said to take 2.5 mg (half a tab) every other day, but I've instead been taking a quarter tab every day. Same difference I figured. Well, I've slowly watched my resting heartrate go up and last night it started to get uncomfortably high. At one point, it was 85 bpm. Not good. So, I'm going to play around with the dose. I might try a half tab one day and a quarter the next. My pill splitter is coming in handy!

[Red Rock]

Thanks to all and the encouragement of all on this thread. You were motivation to go an endocrinologist. I have an appointment next week. I certainly hope it is more than a meet and greet session. I want some progress somehow.

Red Rock