pixiek

So sorry you are not feeling well! We have and many of us still are very familiar with your shoes! No way are you a hypochondriac and don't let any doctor tell you so. You are most likely hypothyroid...you may have Hashimotos disease...won't know until you are properly tested. If you talk to the nurse ( and sounds like you did but may want to again), make sure that he will tests for not only TSH, but will also test for FT4, FT3 and the antibodies for Hashimotos disease. Make sure the doctor will treat you appropriately meaning that not just by lab numbers, but also by symptoms. ...which are MOST important. You might try asking at what TSH number does the doctor usually recommend treatment for thyroid meds. If he is following the most recent guidlines it would be 0.3 to 2.5....and I have read most normal people run a TSH of between 0.3 and 1.0. You may also want to check if he prescribes a variety of meds such as Armour, Cytomel (T3) Levothroid, and Thyrolar to name a few...you may do well on one but not on another. Don't be afraid to ask...I have heard of others calling around various doctors and interviewing the nurses....as you said it is a LOT of money and you deserve to get your money's worth! Read through the various threads, read books, and the net and try to educate yourself on hypothyrodism as much as you can before the appointment...knowledge is power and you will feel more confident talking about your condition with him and will not be easily swayed to believe "it is in your head". This will also expedite your treatment and truely put you in control of your recovery. Hope this helps and good luck!