Trying To Improve My Health

[Katzy]

Hello, I'm new to this site.  I am also new to trying Natural Desiccated Thyroid.  I have been struggling with fatigue, feeling cold, brain fog, weakness and many, many other symptoms of hypothyroidism for a long while.  My TSH lab results are always in the normal range and so doctors won't consider that my thyroid is low despite me having so many symptoms.  They just offer antidepressants which makes absolutely no sense to me, and in fact I find it offensive.  I've shown them my fingernails which have deep ridges and are deformed. (They didn't use to be), told them of my low body temp, which is verified also with them taking my vitals, dry hair, low blood pressure, constipation, low energy...and an antidepressant is suppose to resolve all of those issues?  

So, I've basically given up hope from getting help from doctors, and I'm on my own path to help myself get my energy back so that I can function and help my family.  I've been educating myself through books and internet searches.  What I need is other peoples experiences to help me figure out what works best.  I started out trying Nature-Throid on May 1st and got in an order of Thyroid S yesterday, but I am a little worried about the Thyroid S being as good as the Nature-Throid.  Over-all I've been feeling much better on the Nature-Throid.  I feel a little more energetic and just an over all sense of better well being. 

I look forward to meeting some new people here, learning new things and making new friends.

[shaws Administrator]

If you can get a print-out of your latest blood test for thyroid gland with the ranges and post that would be helpful for members to comment upon them.

Also if GP hasn't tested Vit B12, Vit D, iron, ferritin and folate ask for these too.

The blood test should always be at the very earliest and don't eat before it but you can drink water. If taking thyroid hormones, allow 24 hours from your last dose and the blood test and take them afterwards. This allows the TSH to be at its highest.

I note you are now taking NDT. It is usual to begin on around half grain  (if you've not taken thyroid hormones previously) and increase dose slightly by 1/4 or 1/2 gr.until you feel well. Always take your temp/pulse and chart them. Usually if hypo our temp/pulse are lower and if your pulse goes too fast or you are too hot, drop down to the previous dose.

1 gr (60 or 65mg NDT) is around 100mcg of levo. I know someone who is very well on ThyroidS so it is 'trial and error' sometimes as we can react differently.

[Katzy in reply to shaws]

Thank you for your reply.  It has been a while since my last blood test and if I did go in to the doctor I'm not sure if they would order a blood test.  We do have an annual health fair which offers some standard tests that I've been thinking of doing, but I will have to find out the cost and when they usually offer it.  Would it be better to stop taking the NDT several days before getting the blood test?

I live in a rural part of the U.S. and the doctors here are not the greatest.

[shaws Administrator in reply to Katzy]

Just allow about 24 hours between your last dose and the blood test (which should be the very earliest possible) and don't eat before it. 

This allows the TSH to be at its highest as most doctors appear to take more notice of the TSH than the poor patients clinical symptoms which we want relieved. 

The following is a link has lots of good info too. He only took a blood test for the initial start of NDT. He was American too but died through an accident. He was also an Adviser to Thyroiduk.org. Some links within may not work but he went more on the patient's clinical symptoms than blood tests.

I think Big Pharma likes blood tests as they get more money.

We can treat ourselves and are aware of our symptoms getting better.

Regards.

web.archive.org/web/2010103...

[Katzy in reply to shaws]

Thank you so much. There is a lot of interesting information on that website. I plan on doing some reading.

[Butterfly65]

Hi Katzy  welcome to health unlocked.

Sorry to hear of your struggles, there are many of us on here who are in the same boat as you & I'm sure you'll find you'll learn lots from experienced members. If you can post your latest blood results members will be able to advise you.