Another Thyroid Thread.... (Redux)

[Blueberry]

I'm feeling a little better - sort of hard to tell because school is a bear right now (lots of exams/reports), so lots of stress and not quite enough sleep. But - I've not had very many days where I feel truly terrible. It's only been 2 weeks, so I'm trying not to be too impatient!

I did not double the dose at 1 week because I don't think that's enough time for the drug to really work. I see my regular doc tomorrow, and we'll see what she has to say. I'm hopeful she will have some dosing insight. I doubt that 25 micrograms is sufficient, particularly given my weight. Will report back (though it might be later in the week with exams....).

[Blueberry]

Just saw my doc - popping in for a quick report. I'm always glad when I see her, and I'm always reassured that I've made the right decision to change to her. She was 100% behind my decision not to double after the 1 week because (as we all know) it takes 6 weeks to feel better. I have an appointment in 4 more weeks (6 total on meds) for blood work (thyroid and vit D - her idea, and I think a good one), then a follow up appointment with her to adjust dosage if needed. She did a brief physical exam - nothing odd on the thyroid - so yay! She says my feeling better already is a great sign. She definitely seems to work hard to understand thyroid conditions, but acknowledges that they can be hard for primary cares to "get." I do think she gets it, and don't plan to go to an endo right now - I get the feeling she'll suggest it if needed.

I brought another copy of my chart with my historical values. She verified she couldn't get the data out of the computer, and then copied it into my chart. She thought it was very helpful because it shows trend data for me - and a definite difference. And my BP has gone from borderline high to perfectly normal. And I've lost 2 pounds despite an admittedly bad (by my standards; not for most people) diet for 2 weeks. Back to studying!

[emily_in_nc]

That's really encouraging news, Blueberry. Glad you found a doc you like and feel like you can trust. That's so important!

[indysteel]

The roller coaster that is my thyroid continues. My latest bloodwork shows a TSH of .004. So, i'm back to being hyperactive. Way hyperactive. Just to recap: I went on methimazole in August of last year after being diagnosed with Gravaes. It promptly put me into a hypo state, no matter how miniscule the dose. My doc finally took me off of it to see if I was in remission. Even after I stopped taking it, my TSH was still in the hypo range. I was tired and down all the time. So, she put me on Synthroid in July. At the six-week mark, my TSH was .6, i.e, getting close to hyper (which is generally considered .3). I continued to dose, although some days I would only take half a pill because I was started to feel kind of hyper. I saw the endo again this past Friday, and my bloodwork shows that I'm definitely hyper again. I'm not supposed to take the Synthroid again. I talked to her nurse and asked for a full blood panel order, i.e., Free T3, Free T4, TSH and my antibodies testing, in four weeks time. She's going to talk to the doc. I honestly have to wonder if I have Hashi's not Graves. Whatever I have, I can't seem to find normal anymore. And I'm beyond upset about it. Sobbing uncontrollably upset. I don't know who I am anymore or what I'm supposed to feel like.

Clearly, I need to get a second opinion. I just wish someone could explain what's going on to me.

[Catrin]

Oh Indy, I am so sorry that you are on this roller coaster and hope your endo (or another one) can help you figure this out sooner rather than later!

[indysteel]

Thanks, Catrin. I do, too.

What really pisses me off is that this ruined an other lovely day off. I had just gotten home from Brown County and my first MTB ride since I rode with you. It was a great day for it. The trails are in okay shape. You can tell that between the erosion of the summer drought and the recent rains, they've deteriorated to some degree. Roots and rocks are more exposed. Most of the trails were dry, but I had to ride through a small stream near the end of the NTL.

Okay, I'm stopped sobbing for now. I haven't cried like that in ages. It was cathartic.

[Catrin]

Thanks, Catrin. I do, too.

What really pisses me off is that this ruined an other lovely day off. I had just gotten home from Brown County and my first MTB ride since I rode with you. It was a great day for it. The trails are in okay shape. You can tell that between the erosion of the summer drought and the recent rains, they've deteriorated to some degree. Roots and rocks are more exposed. Most of the trails were dry, but I had to ride through a small stream near the end of the NTL.

Okay, I'm stopped sobbing for now. I haven't cried like that in ages. It was cathartic.

Sounds like the cry was needed, and hopefully things will go up from here.

I am not surprised the trails show the effect of the drought plus hard rains. I was there last weekend, but only rode Pine Loop and about half of the NT Connector with someone new to the trails there. I didn't notice anything, but then again those are the trails with the most gentle grade and Pine doesn't have any roots or rocks to speak of. Hoping to get some riding in Friday and Saturday before the Breakdown.

[redrhodie]

Oh, Indy, that really sucks. It's so hard waiting for time to pass so you can re-test, especially when you feel badly.

I wish I could do something for you. Virtual hugs are all I got.

[Blueberry]

Indy-

I wish I had words of wisdom to offer - just lots and lots of sympathy. Feel what you need to feel, and then move forward with finding a doc to give you a second opinion.