Another Thyroid Thread.... (Redux)

[Blueberry]

Blueberry, I read on another thread that your appointment was today. How did it go?

Thanks for asking I've been trying to figure out how to best express my frustration The new doc I saw is actually a 3rd year resident (DH googled her after I got home, frustrated). She talked a lot about treating the "whole person" not just the numbers, did no physical exam (including even feeling the thyroid) She listened to nothing I said about the correlation between my levels and how I'm feeling and, instead decided that I need therapy because I'm depressed (been there - not going on right now - or at least not to a serious degree) and a sleep study (no indication of sleep apnea other than thyroid related symptoms). I have nothing against either one of these things - they might be a good idea (I think most people could benefit from therapy) - but that's not why I came to her. There's a level that's not normal for me that could well be causing all symptoms. She said she wouldn't do anything to deal with whether it could be an autoimmune disorder unless my symptoms get a lot worse (she had mentioned that early on as a possibility). She couldn't tell me what levels she routinely treated. The person who made the 'scrip decision is her supervisor, who never saw me (she had to check with the supervisor to make sure she could medicate).

The only good news is 1) I did manage to get a prescription out of her, despite her doubts that it will help (there's nothing to contraindicate it - and my ob-gyn - who listens better, has treated me for a long time and is awesome - recommended it) and 2) I managed to get an appt with my real doc for my follow up in 2 weeks. So - I'm supposed to take 1 25mg tablet for a week. If I don't feel better, bump up to 2 (50mg). I go back in just over 2 weeks.

I really, really hope that if I make it all the way to medical school and become a doc that I'll not send patients home feeling like I do right now.

[indysteel]

Wow. I'm livid for you, Blueberry. That's just ridiculous. Can you talk directly to the supervisor?

At least you did get a script, although I do wonder about the instructions to increase the dose after just two weeks. I can't remember how long it took for me to feel better, but I do know that at about the six week mark, I started to feel a bit hyper, so I have to wonder whether you feel the full effect of the dose at two weeks. If you do increase the dose, just be mindful of hyper symptoms (insomnia, anxiety, heart palpitations, increased appetite, diarhea, just to name a few).

[Blueberry]

Thanks, Indy. I'm actually supposed to increase after 1 week I didn't think that was enough time, but I'll only be at 50, so maybe it's OK. Ack. I'll probably talk to my regular doc about what happened.

[indysteel]

I'm having a hard time getting my head around your experience. I've found communicating with my own endo frustrating, too, and I've sometimes wondered what the heck they're teaching the about thyroid disease. One and two weeks seem like really short periods by which to assess how the drug is working. My testing is every six weeks at this point.

Consider finding a new doc or having your family doc treat you.

[redrhodie]

Jeez! So frustrating. Changing doses after a week sounds contrary to everything I've read. At least you got the script. I hope it helps.

I really get the sense we're on our own dealing with this.

[Blueberry]

Thanks And I agree we're mostly on our own.

This was the stand in for my primary care (she was booked and I couldn't get an appointment with her). I see my regular primary care in 2 weeks. If I don't feel like she has a great handle on it, I'll self refer to an endo and see what happens there. Of course, the doc yesterday said she wasn't giving me any refills, but actually called in 11 refills of 30. So - at least I have more time to get things worked out and find a doc who will listen.

[Red Rock]

Blueberry...gosh, what can I say. I feel for you. I have been on my own thyroid roller coaster now for two years. Only the last year dealing with an endo, who I seem to get a long with, which is nice. He has actually explained things to me so I understand, which is much better than what my regular doc does not do so well. When I say that you would be changing doses after a week, I was a bit shocked to say the least. All the reading I have done, no matter what your taking, seems to be about a month or more before you might "start feeling better." I hope your regualr doc can help you in the meantime while you look for someone else who will help you get better.

My story...I spoke with my docs office today and my recent results suggest, I'm boarderline Grave's so I'm going back to the endo this week. So does anyone have any input they can help me out with in what my next best options are. Is it safe to assume that I would be put on meds? Since I'm still boarderline can I request meds so I can feel better? Or should I just sit tight and wait to see what happens when I visit the endo?

Sending everyone postive energy...thoughts your way to help you all feel better.

Red Rock