Pulling out the few hairs I have left

elocinintherain · 01-23-2008, 10:58 PM

So... I had basic bloodwork done the other day to test my cholesterol (which is elevated, but I knew that) and the doctor stuck a TSH test in there that I wasn't aware of. That came back elevated too! It's at 4.7 pretty much. I went back to the doc, asked him about it, and he just said "oh, that's because of the pcos. You don't want to start meds for that, or you'll have to take them the rest of your life. We'll retest next year, and if we see it at 10 or so, then we'll consider meds." WHAT?! I am so NOT waiting for another year to see if I'm more broken than I already am. So what if I have to take them for the rest of my life? I wear glasses on a full time basis, don't I? I'm so frustrated! Unfortunately,there's not an endo where I live, so I have to search for one within a 2 hour radius. I'm going to take the results to another doc in town though, and see what happens. *sigh*

lovemychris · 01-24-2008, 12:19 PM

Let me put this mildly...your doctor sucks

A TSH over 3.04 warrants some sort of treatment. My TSH was like 6.43 when my hair started falling out and I had zero energy. I couldn't imagine how I would have felt had it reached 10!

I would call some endos closest to you (before making an appt) and letting them know your TSH level before you waste your time. Unfortunately there are a lot of Drs out there who do not treat subclinical hypothyroidism (which is what you have). Did your doc check for antibodies? You'll want that done to determine if you have Hashimoto's (an auto-immune disorder which would possibly rule out cancer and other problems).

Are you TTC?

Definitely fight for the meds...even if it takes some time and travel. There's no reason a doctor can't start you on 25-50mcg of Synthroid or equivelent. Also, take your current lab results with you to your appt. (Always keep a copy for your records). Best wishes.

elocinintherain · 01-24-2008, 07:00 PM

I did manage to find a hospital about an hour a way, and it has a special clinic once a month with an endo. I am going to make one more appt here in february to have a full thyroid test done with another doctor. I'm not ttc yet, but I will be starting in July, and I want everything in order. Hopefully this next doctor is better than the first.

paula0471 · 01-25-2008, 02:28 AM

If you are ttc.. even in July.. You will want to have your TSH between 1.0-2.0. This is optimal for ttc. I would start the meds at least 8 weeks before ttc.

I had a chemcial pregnancy last July.. and my doctor did a partial m/c panel.. which showed my TSH at 5.84.. He felt it was part of the reason I'm having a hard time getting and staying pregnant. So you want to get it under control.

I'm on Synthyroid 50mcg.. My last TSH was 1.68.. as of right now I have to get it checked yearly.. once pregnant.. I'll have to have it checked monthly.

Also on your lab report it will show your lab values.. each lab is different.. some feel normal range is up to 4. which is what my doctor's lab says.. but I have seen some that feel over 5. is in normal range.

Good Luck and Yes I would go to another doctor.. No one should get up to 10 before getting treated!!!

elocinintherain · 02-14-2008, 03:38 PM

I just wanted to update everyone!
I went to the second doctor, and explained my concerns and showed him my lab test results. He told me "lab result values are just values... you should judge your health on how you feel and your symptoms. Given what you've told me, I have no problem prescribing something to treat subclinical hypothyroidism." YAY!

So, now I am taking 50mcg per day, and he wants me to come back in 6 weeks to get my blood tested again to see how the dose has affected me. He says if my symptoms don't improve on this dose, that we'll increase it as needed.
I am so happy I asked for a second opinion!

lovemychris · 02-14-2008, 05:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by elocinintherain

I just wanted to update everyone!
I went to the second doctor, and explained my concerns and showed him my lab test results. He told me "lab result values are just values... you should judge your health on how you feel and your symptoms. Given what you've told me, I have no problem prescribing something to treat subclinical hypothyroidism." YAY!

So, now I am taking 50mcg per day, and he wants me to come back in 6 weeks to get my blood tested again to see how the dose has affected me. He says if my symptoms don't improve on this dose, that we'll increase it as needed.
I am so happy I asked for a second opinion!

Good for you...sounds like you found a great doc! Keep in mind that you don't want to get a generic levothyroxine. If you can afford it, always go with a name brand like Synthroid for accurate dosage.

elocinintherain · 02-14-2008, 08:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lovemychris

Good for you...sounds like you found a great doc! Keep in mind that you don't want to get a generic levothyroxine. If you can afford it, always go with a name brand like Synthroid for accurate dosage.

yes, I avoid generics whenever possible. I had a really bad reaction to a generic form of wellbutrin xl, and I haven't trusted them since. I have a special drug plan, so I get brand name drugs for about $6 each. It really is a lifesaver... last year alone I spent almost $1200 on meds alone! (before I had insurance)
Thanks for your support, everyone!