Self Increase........

[utter_confusion]

I was diagnosed with hypothyroid 9 years ago. I have been on the same dose 100mcg since day one. I take Levothyroxin. I have never been to an Endocronologist and have only been treated by my G.P. My levels have always been within the 'range' according to him. He never gives me numbers and tells me that everything is fine. I don't feel fine. I gained 15lbs and have lost NONE of it! My skin is always dry, my nails are so thin and brittle that they peel. I have no energy.......my life is not what it used to be. I have become so frustrated that I'm not considering taking things into my own hands and up'ing my dose myself. I'm going to start taking 150mcg. Has anyone else just gotten fed up with the doctor not listening to how you feel and just decided to up your dose yourself?

My pharmacist told me that he knows a few people that have done this as well. And he didn't think it would be a huge deal as long as I didn't do it for a very long period of time.

Anyone have any thoughts on this?

[utter_confusion]

I will ask ym doctor for my latest results and I will post them up. Hopefully someone can explain them to me. I feel totally out of loop with this condition and uneducated.

[utter_confusion]

The pharmacy I go to just keeps refilling my perscription even when I am technically "out". So it won't be an issue there. As for my doctor, I'm going to see what he has to say when my panel changes and I will ask for copies of my blood work. I'm really unhappy with how it's been treated. I think a lot of doctors don't see it as a serious condition.

[stella5349]

You need to understand your actual thyroid situation b 4 you start riding the Rx rollar coaster ride. I did i years ago and was deathly ill - It's not fun.

It is your right as a patient to get those numbers - call the office right now and tell them - "Thank you for letting me know my TSH is normal.... I would like a copy of the latest blood tests please.!!"

They can fax them to you ASAP (GET THE PAPER TEST RESULTS)

you need to know exactly which thyroid tests ARE BEING RAN to determine which theraphy is best for you!!! You won't know the if they just give you the TSH results.

If you get them post back - We will watch this.

[AR-10]

I think you would be better off doing one of two things.

Talk to your doctor, tell him you do not feel you are improving, and tell him/her you want to be switched to a name brand drug rather than a generic.

Tell him that you want to have copies of all your test results, and keep them in a file at home. That way you can look at the actual results rather than hearing "they all look good".

If he balks at any of that, get a new doctor. This one MAY be keeping you suspended in a state of hypothyroidism.

The problem with self medicating is; what are you going to tell your doctor? Who's going to write you a new scrip so you don't run out of meds early every month?