confused and bummed...

iVillage Member
Registered: 06-22-2004
confused and bummed...
3
Sat, 08-28-2004 - 5:11pm
Hi:

I'm so confused about my recent TSH test. The last one was 4 1/2 or 5 weeks ago and TSH was 6.7; I just got the result back from one yesterday and the TSH was 3.4 .... so, why am I not happy?? Because I still have all my symptoms! I just don't get it. Will I ever feel better? I'm tired, fat, forgetful, my hair is falling out, I have involuntary muscle movement in my arms and legs, I'm moody, have no sex drive, etc., etc.

I know it's terrible to wish my TSH was higher, but I don't know what I'll do if there's nothing I can do from here.

I'll try not to spiral downward depression-wise; but it's hard not to.

Dee.

iVillage Member
Registered: 11-09-2001
Sat, 08-28-2004 - 11:17pm
Dee- your tsh level is still not normal. That's why you still feel bad. It's not in your head so please don't blame yourself or think there's something wrong with you!! What's wrong is that you need your medication increased so that it lowers your tsh level to between 1.0 to 2.0. Did your doctor say anything about an increase? If not, you need to talk to him or her about how you're feeling and bring supporting evidence if you need to!! I'll find articles for you if you want, that will show that most people feel best in that 1 to 2 range, not the lab range. I'm so sorry you have to go through this but I know exactly how you feel. I went through this last year at this time. And then again from January to June! You have to keep that fighting spirit. Because you WILL feel better. It's only a matter of time and finding the right doctor, if necessary. I thought it would have been easier for me to buy some heroin on the street than get a higher dose of synthroid!! LOL! How sad is that? But hang in there. Are you going to call your doctor on Monday? Hugs, Cathy :)
iVillage Member
Registered: 06-22-2004
Sun, 08-29-2004 - 12:35pm
Hi Cathy:

Thank you so much for being so supportive. My endo said at my appointment that she would like to see me with a tsh of 3 or 4, so I anticipate her saying that we're there when we discuss the recent results on Monday. I actually had with me at my appointment a lab slip from a thyroid screen I had done when I was 25 (my mom thought it would be a good idea because she's hypo) and at the time I felt normal and my tsh was 2.2. (Kind of hard to believe it was so easy for me to get those tests run then, isn't it??) She wouldn't even look at the lab slip, though. :-< The good news is that after I detailed my symptoms (this was before the recent tsh results, by the way), she referred me to an 'internist' endo (not sure what the difference is, she is an OBGYN/endo working mostly in fertility). So I see that person on Sept. 6th... fingers crossed that he is willing to talk about increasing my meds., or even switching from Levothroid to another one!

I was so sad and frustrated yesterday, thanks so much for your thoughts---it means so much to know I'm not alone. My husband is very supportive, but there are times when I can see he just doesn't quite get it.... I'm so afraid that everyone around me is going to start thinking that I'm a hypo-chondriac! (Or just plain nuts)

I'll keep you posted.

Dee.

iVillage Member
Registered: 11-09-2001
Sun, 08-29-2004 - 2:29pm
Oh - you're more than welcome!! And I think hypo-chondriac is a perfect word. LOL! Because that's exactly how you end up feeling - like it's all in your head. That's just perfect! :) Well, it's a search, that's for sure, for some of us. I guess there are people out there who get diagnosed, put on meds and are just fine with all of it. But I haven't met any of them. There's a question posted on another thyroid board that asks people to post the dunbest thing their doctor has ever said to them. Last time I looked, she had over 200 responses. So we're not alone in how we're treated either. But ... we have to pick ourselves up and keep going!! It took me two years but I made it. I wanted to cry in my new doc's office. The stress of the last two years just grew without me realizing it. I hope starting out with a new eating and exercise plan will help you feel better, too. I'm looking forward to getting that started! Hang in there. Hope you're enjoying your Sunday. Hugs, Cathy :)