Hypothy in Canada, looking for any advice

[Purplewen]

So I live in Alberta Canada, when I lived in British Columbia and did blood test they gave the real number results of the TSH. Here in Alberta they apparently don't know how to get that. I was told my number is above the "normal " range. But they cannot or will not use the exact numbers, so the Dr's just give out RX to possible lower my TSH. I know the dose is just going to be increased every month. I am so frustrated. My only symptom is 'cold' hands and feet. I have been hypo for over 25 years now. I stopped taking the drugs 8 years ago and feel better off the meds then I ever did on them. I'm not wanting to sleep allday, my weight has not changed, my hair is no longer falling out and I am not as moody. Any advice?? Any other Alberta hypothyroid people

[TiggerMe Ambassador]

   Rosebud1955    Joyya   gabkad  Litatamon Imaaan Canadian's that spring to mind... though I have no idea whereabouts 🤗

  IQuestionEverything Ontario

[Rosebud1955 in reply to TiggerMe]

I live in Ontario. We receive our results with numbers and ranges. I rely on seeing the numbers and ranges, but also monitor my symptoms. Since the symptoms tend to overlap, it’s surely nice to see the numbers as well. I get very frustrated and impatient at times because of the overlapping of symptoms. I have made many mistakes tweaking my doses when relying on symptoms. For the past six months I’ve been struggling with weight gain, loosing half of my head hair, severe sinus problems, sleep disturbances, night sweats, still unsure if I’m under medicated. So having the numbers really matters. I guess every province have their own guidelines.

If I were you, I would contact the laboratory, just in case it’s your doctor that’s choosing not to disclose the the numbers/ranges. I find that doctors don’t like to give their patients too much information. They like to give us the minimum, preventing us from challenging them and asking too many questions that they sometimes are unable to answer. I started requesting copies of any C.T scans, MRI and ultrasounds. They sometimes don’t pay much attention to reports.

If I stopped taking my thyroid hormones for even 2 days, I would feel very I’ll. Be careful you’re not causing harm to yourself. Once on thyroid hormone, you’re dependent on it for life because the thyroid shuts down after a while. I’m survived you’re still ok after 8 years. Please monitor your symptoms carefully.

Best wishes with your thyroid journey. This disease is woefully mismanaged and so many of us are suffering. It can be a LONELY journey. “ Thanks to this wonderful forum”👍

[Jaydee1507 Administrator]

This is a great Canadian website with a lot of information. thyroidpatients.ca/

We are predominantly in the UK here but do have a few more international members.

[greygoose]

they cannot or will not use the exact numbers, so the Dr's just give out RX to possible lower my TSH. I know the dose is just going to be increased every month.

Well, yes. That's what usually happens. The dose is increased - normally every six weeks - until you reach your sweet-spot and the symptoms disappear. I don't really see what difference know the exact number makes - although I can understand that it's frustrating - but if it's too high it's too high. What else can they do?

Of course, doctors shouldn't dose by the TSH, and that becomes a problem when it goes below range. But, when it's over-range, all they can do is increase your levo.

[TaraJR]

I'd repeat the recommendation of Thyroid Patients Canada, founded by Tania Sona Smith, who is excellent: thyroidpatients.ca/

Also, if you're on Facebook, they have a private group you can join and ask questions: facebook.com/thyroidpatient...

There's also a public page: facebook.com/groups/4079299...