Felt Great Now Feel Horrible

[linkays]

I was recently diagnosed through a routine blood test with hypothyroidism and was put on 50 mg of Levothyroxine. Before this diagnosis, I was very active.  I lifted 50 lb. sacks of feed every day to feed our livestock, mowed our 1 acre with both a push and riding mower and just generally felt great.  Now after being on the med, I sleep all the time, I'm exhausted, my skin is dry, my lips are chapped, the inside of my nose is dry, I have no energy at all, I get short winded after sitting a while and get up to go in the kitchen but yet can walk all over Wal-Mart without that happening.  I quit taking the med for about 1 1/2 weeks then guilted myself to get back on it.  I told my dr. what I did and she got very upset with me.  I would rather die with a thyroid disorder than to live the rest of my life like this :(.  I just don't know what to do anymore as my brain stays in a fog.

[gimel]

I can't even find Goliad on my map.  LOL  I did find Victoria, and talked to several pharmacists about any doctors that sent them prescriptions for T3 type meds such as Armour Thyroid and Cytomel.  Doctors who will prescribe those thyroid meds are usually the kind we look for.  I got a number of names and called their offices.  One good prospect is taking appointments for new patients in nine months.  Unbelievable.  Several others did not turn out to be good prospects.  Then I found one that answered my questions correctly, so I could recommend that doctor.  I am sending PM with info.  Just click on your name and go to your personal page.  Then click on messages.  

[goolarra]

I just want to re-iterate what gimel has said.  Once we have thyroid dysfunction and/or are on thyroid meds, it's usually for life.  One of the best things you can do for yourself is to keep your own history.  As he said, your doctor is required to provide you with results.  Call and ask for them.  Hard copy is best since it eliminates communication errors and will have reference ranges on the report.  

Many doctors don't test adequately for thyroid status.  They only test TSH (which is probably the 2.7 you quote), but TSH is a screening test at best and should be followed up with FREE T3 and FREE T4 testing before coming to a diagnosis and medicating.

[linkays]

I live in Goliad, TX (South Texas) but my doctor is the only doctor there.  The closest larger town is Victoria, TX which is 25 miles away.

[gimel]

If you will tell us your location perhaps we can help find a good thyroid doctor for you.

[linkays]

I still don't have the information you said I should get.  I had blood work done yesterday and once again my thyroid test came back as 2.7 and that is the second time it was that number since being tested 2 months after starting the med.  She did not want to hear any of my concerns only berated me for having bad eating habits.......I'm 5'6" and weigh 150 lbs..  I would completely stop seeing her except she's the only dr. I've found who is willing to help me with my generalized anxiety disorder.  I give up......I don't care.  I'm just sick of these doctors who think they're God :(

[gimel]

By law the doctor is required to give you a copy of your test results, upon your request.  It is a good idea to always get a copy and write on there how you were feeling at the time and what doses of meds/supplements you were taking.  These records are very valuable references.  

[linkays]

She never gives me any of the results!  Only says it's low and I need to be on the med.  She uses a little computer thing rather than writing anything down. But when I get my blood tested again, I will ask for the information.  I don't even know what they are testing for.......I just tell them I need a follow up on my thyroid.  Oh boy......sounds very small town doctors may not be what I need.

[gimel]

Please post your last couple of sets of thyroid related test results, along with reference ranges shown on the lab report.  Also, if tested for Viamin D, B12 and ferritin (iron), please post those, with ranges as well.