Another Thyroid Thread.... (Redux)

[indysteel]

I think what I'm finding is that I must be extremely sensitive to the meds. I was on a tiny dose of anti-thyroid meds, and it quickly put me in a mildly hypo state right from the get go. We reduced to the point of negligible and I was still hypo. The same thing is seemingly happening on Synthroid. So, I'm just going to play around with it in the five weeks before my next appointment and see if I can't find a happy medium. The good news is that I'm mostly fine at my current level, but my hair is frustratingly limp, I'm waking up too early and I sometimes feel jittery. That's still an improvement.

[Catrin]

I think what I'm finding is that I must be extremely sensitive to the meds. I was on a tiny dose of anti-thyroid meds, and it quickly put me in a mildly hypo state right from the get go. We reduced to the point of negligible and I was still hypo. The same thing is seemingly happening on Synthroid. So, I'm just going to play around with it in the five weeks before my next appointment and see if I can't find a happy medium. The good news is that I'm mostly fine at my current level, but my hair is frustratingly limp, I'm waking up too early and I sometimes feel jittery. That's still an improvement.

(((Indy))), that doesn't sounds like much fun - hope this calms down over your vacation. That jittery feeling is for the birds

[indysteel]

(((Indy))), that doesn't sounds like much fun - hope this calms down over your vacation. That jittery feeling is for the birds

Thanks. I think it'll be okay. I just need to experiment. I just wish you could test your TSH in the same way you can test glucose and make adjustments on the fly. Even though I think my HR has been running a few beats higher, I've had zero exercise intolerance, so that's good. Last year, it was a little touch 'n go.

To anybody else (Blueberry and Red) reading this who is just starting out on this journey, I think it's important to make note of how you're feeling day to day as you get your levels stabilized. It will help you determine your ideal level. Don't dismiss even mild symptoms, because they can be telling.

[Blueberry]

Thank you all for responding. I'm really hopeful that I'll start feeling better once medicated, as I've felt bad for a long time and I have not accepted that I just feel like this. I do plan to ask for treatment - but I wanted to be as armed as possible as I fear that docs will have a tendency to say "don't treat" at these levels.

So...would you stick with primary care, or go ahead and make a back up appt with an endocrinologist?

[indysteel]

Thank you all for responding. I'm really hopeful that I'll start feeling better once medicated, as I've felt bad for a long time and I have not accepted that I just feel like this. I do plan to ask for treatment - but I wanted to be as armed as possible as I fear that docs will have a tendency to say "don't treat" at these levels.

So...would you stick with primary care, or go ahead and make a back up appt with an endocrinologist?

I'd start with a primary care doctor myself, but that's probably because I'm not a huge fan of my own endo. Do you have any reason to believe you might have an autoimmune disease, e.g, do autoimmune issues run in your family. If you thinks it's just a straightforward case of hypothyroidism, then I don't know that you'll gain much from talking to an endo unless your PCP just refuses to treat (which I actually doubt). The treatment is relatively straightforward. It arguably would be helpful that whoever sees you runs a comprehensive blood panel and looks at more than just TSH. This is what I've struggled with in terms of my own endo.

I'd add that endos can be really hard to get into (they're busy treating diabetics for the most part), so even if you want to be seen by one, it might not be for some time.

[maillotpois]

So...would you stick with primary care, or go ahead and make a back up appt with an endocrinologist?

I went to both when first diagnosed because they wanted me to get ultrasound, biopsy, etc., to make sure there wasn't cancer. Now I stick with my primary (who also has Hashimotos). I'd stick with your primary IF you feel you are getting proper service and attention to your concerns from primary or the primary's sub you are seeing this month. If not, then ask for a second opinion.

[redrhodie]

I'm generally feeling better, but my hair is still falling. Has anyone dealt with this, and had it grow back once your numbers were good? I freaked out a few days ago, and almost cut it all off myself in a fit of turmoil. Luckily I stopped myself because that definitely would have made things worse. It seems to have slowed a bit since then, but it's still too much. Give me hope if you can. I am still thinking of cutting it all off (by a pro) but if it's going to improve soon, I would rather wait. I'm afraid shorter will look worse. Love my helmet these days!

Other than that, I feel like I have more energy. I've been sleeping better. I haven't needed to nap in the afternoon as much and I've been able to make it through my favorite shows without falling asleep. My weight and appetite are the same. All good.

[indysteel]

You should see some improvement in your hair as your numbers improve. When do you get your labs done again? It might take one or medication adjustments before you get your numbers in a good place.

[Brandi]

Just this past week I was putting lotion on my face and neck when I noticed a large mass on one side of my neck just above my collar bone. The rush of fear that passed over me almost took me down to my knee's. And I was out of town to make things even worse. My husband looked at it and felt it as well and said " Well we need to get this looked at right away" and looked me in the eye's and said " DON'T Worry". Ha that was not easy!! We got back from our business trip on thursday and I was in the Dr's office the very next morning first thing. She took one look and felt my neck and said "yup that is your thyroid". So now I am doing the waiting game. Did a blood test on friday so hopefully I will find out results tomorrow then have a ultrasound on thursday.
I have had several issues the past few years that make me think it was all leading up to this though my blood test were always normal. I have read that your levels can be normal but you can still have slight thyroid issue's.
It does run in my family, mother, grandfather and great grandmother all had issues. Hoping if this is it it will explain things like, my moods,high bp, lots of hair falling out (I have a ton of hair so that is not an issue really) dry skin, sleeping problems and the worst the adrenlian rushes and anxiety I have had for a few years now. It really would make more since. I was scared at first when the Dr said worse case cancer but from what I have read it is highly treatable. But I am not going to give it that energy and keep on the posative side. It is amazing how common thyroid issues are. Glad this thread is here.

[indysteel]

Brandi, you might ask your ENT to run some bloodwork to screen for the antibodies that are associated with thyroid related autoimmune disease. It is possible for labs to be in a normal range in the presence of such antibodies.