when to get labs?

iVillage Member
Registered: 06-22-2004
when to get labs?
2
Mon, 01-17-2005 - 10:45pm

Hi:

I'm looking for some advice, here. I had a new dose back in early November (.128 Levoxyl) which seemed to be working quite well until the holidays hit. I posted about stress and the holidays.... well, since then my symptoms keep building back up. It's been about a week and I feel as crummy as I ever have (tired, very dry skin, muscle twitches/aches, memory problems... and so on). Given that I have Hash., it is possible that I'm in need of another dose increase. Also, my last labs showed that my T-3 was normal, but low-normal, and my endo. said I could try a T-3 supplement if I like... and I haven't done that yet because I thought we were getting somewhere with the new dose of T-4.
I'm due to have labs done in early February and I'm really tempted to call my doctor and ask if I can go in now and see where I am. However, I'm torn because I've had the experience before that my labs don't really show how I'm feeling for a few weeks--- in other words, if I feel crummy now, my tsh usually doesn't show it until 2 weeks from now (at least). But, I don't know if I can wait 3 more weeks for relief!!

What should I do? Grit my teeth and hang in there for a couple more weeks? Call now?

Thanks,
Dee.

iVillage Member
Registered: 01-17-2005
In reply to: dee571
Tue, 01-18-2005 - 9:36am
Hi. Sorry your not feeling so good. I just wanted to pass along so information on what I've read. It's my understanding that some people do benefit from an added T3 to the T4 they are currently taking. I read that not all people can convert the T4 to T3 as their body requires. There is a medication out there Thyrolar that is a combination of synthetic T3 and T4 (if your not crazy about taking two pills each day.) I'd say to go with your gut and get your labs checked as soon as possible. The quicker your doctor can change your medication the quicker you will feel better. I hope this helped you somewhat. Take care.
iVillage Member
Registered: 06-22-2004
In reply to: dee571
Wed, 01-19-2005 - 11:21am


Hi:

Thanks for your reply. I will probably wait until Monday and then call and explain what's been going on. I realize that I'm a little paranoid about how I will be percieved by the endo., so I'm perhaps overly-cautious... but I want my complaints to be taken seriously... I feel like I need the labs to back me up.

Thanks again,
Dee.