HELP with my doc!!

iVillage Member
Registered: 04-01-2003
HELP with my doc!!
2
Sat, 09-18-2004 - 8:08pm
What should I do??? I"ve been hypo for around 3 years, however I was first diagnosed as Hypo in April 2003. Been on .75 Synthroid since then. In Jan, I had my regular bloodwork, my doc does it every 6 months. In Jan, my TsH was 1.2, doc said cholesterol was "excellent".

Recently I havent' been feeling well, tired, sluggish, achy, depressed, periods irregular, gaining weight rapidly (I gained 6 pounds in ONE week!!) just feeling generally crappy, and very symptomatic.

So we did labs again last week. My cholesterol is high. Total 203. And my TsH is 4.27. However, since the lab where I get my work done considers anything under 5 normal, and I am under 5, doc won't change my meds.......what do I do?? WHy does it matter what the lab considers normal?? Shouldn't it be what is normal for ME?? I know that the AACE changed their guidelines making 3 the highest normal level. No way my levels should be going UP!! Plus being symptomatic, shouldn't my doc at least be willing to TRY a higher dosage? Should I see an endo?? I live in Northeast PA, in the Poconos, if anyone can recommend anyone.

Sorry for ranting, I really needed to vent.

THanks for listening!!

Michele from PA

iVillage Member
Registered: 09-11-2004
In reply to: mich97
Sun, 09-19-2004 - 3:48pm
Hi Michele,

This is Babs ~ You sound like you are unhappy with your Dr. Would it be possible for you to find a new one in your area? Did you fully discuss this issue of meds with your Dr and let him know how you feel and why you would like your meds changed? As to an Endo that would be a good choice if you can find one close to where you live. Did your Dr. give you any reasons why he is not changing your meds other than you are in what the Lab calls a norman range? Sorry for all the questions!!

Babs
iVillage Member
Registered: 11-09-2001
In reply to: mich97
Mon, 09-20-2004 - 9:45am
Hi Michelle - I think this is the most frustrating thing for women with hypothyroidism or deal with - doctors that won't increase your meds because you're in the "normal" range. You have two options: you can sit down with your doctor and discuss all your symptoms and tell him that you'd like your medication increased to see if it helps. Tell him that you've heard that some people just don't feel well when their TSH is up in the range that yours in is. And remind him how great you felt when you're was at 1.2. You can suggest to him that since nothing else has changed in your life BUT your TSH level, perhaps it is responsible for all of your symptoms now!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :)

Bring the article with you on the new lab ranges. If you need a copy of it, I'll post it for you later. Just let me know. Also, remind him (or teach him!) that a normal thyroid has a TSH level between 1.0 and 2.0. And you would really like to keep yours at that level.

If this doesn't work, yes, you should find another doctor. An endo would be best. You can try this site to for someone in your area: http://www.thyroid.org/index.php3?M_Session=9994cd41eb24e7a8b784b42c34ca745a or this one:http://www.aace.com/

That last site also has the article on it for the new lab ranges. I hope this helps! Let us know what happens. Cathy :)