A Breakthrough. Small Victories

[Inana]

I am finally starting to feel better. It is early days, for sure, but I can definitely see a positive change in me, the first time in 6 months. My new doctor increased my Levo dose to 37.5mcg on the 21st (exactly a week ago), but it could be 6 weeks of 25mcg kicking in that I am feeling. (Dr didn't test me before increasing T4).

I am by no means healed. I merely feel more awake than usual, more cheerful than usual, and I have been sleeping more than usual. The exhaustion is still there but baby steps...

I will add T3 myself after my blood tests on the 4th of August come back so I know what I am working with.

[shaws Administrator]

Why did your doctor give you such a low dose. The starting dose is usually 50mcg for six weeks with an increment of 25mcg thereafter every six weeks until patient is well or doctor thinks that if TSH is somehwere in range stops prescribing.

[Inana in reply to shaws]

He did so because my TSH is within the normal range. Remember, this doctor thinks I am not suffering from Thyroid issues. So, instead of going up a the whole 25mcg, he said I must only increase by half.

I actually told him that the starting dose is 50mcg for people my age (34) and he said that I was wrong, and that each person is different. I couldn't argue against that because I didn't know enough. **sigh**

He instead prescribed me antidepressants, which I didn't take. I'll tell him that I didn't take them on my next visit, in 7 days.

If I can get my own T4, I would and just wash my hands off these doctors, but so far, I can not. He kept on saying that I must stop playing doctor, and let him be the doctor. So, my situation is very frustrating, but I am trying to manipulate him to increase my dose more in the context of not being taken seriously.

He keeps on saying it is not my thyroid. That is why I am going through this. Although I feel less intensity in my issues, they are still there. My last option is flying to the UK and seeing the doctors on the Thyroid Friendly list. Doctors think I'm an idiot.

This is he 3rd doctor I am seeing here.

[shaws Administrator in reply to Inana]

We think many doctors are idiots as they do not recognise hypothyroidism in a patient without doing a blood test. If your test doesn't 'fit the bill' you remain undiagnosed.

There is an over-the counter NDT, non prescription that was invented by Dr Lowe who was an Adviser to Thyroiduk.org.uk. He lived in the USA but was very humane and concerned by the modern method of diagnosing, as did Dr Skinner and Dr Peatfield two of the 'old school' UK doctors who treated patients and not blood tests and were pursued by the GMC.

His wife, Tammy, now runs Thyro Gold.

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

[Inana in reply to shaws]

Thanks a mil shaws . I will order this now. Do you also use Thyro Gold?

[shaws Administrator in reply to Inana]

No as it came on the market after I had found a way through the maze. I take T3 only now. Whatever you choose I hope you get relief of symptoms soon.

[Inana in reply to shaws]

Aaah, I see. Thank you. I hope so too. Continued health to you.

[Inana in reply to shaws]

My Thyro Gold arrived today. They deliver very quickly. Thanks again for the info.

[shaws Administrator in reply to Inana]

I am happy for you and you will be a bit apprehensive initially and wish you well. The following is advice Dr Lowe produced and it is a Chapter from a book he wrote. Go to bottom of page154 on the link and read :-

OPTIMAL IMPROVEMENT WITH THYROID HORMONE THERAPY

web.archive.org/web/2010112...