I've had enough. Latest TSH 3.8 (was fluctuating drastically all 2001. It's down from 10.0 in Sept). I'm on 100 mcg. Synthroid. Every diagnostic test I've had done is normal. I'm feel I'm not despite what my doc says. I feel I could be so much better. Daily, I feel my TSH must be fluctuating, I suffer a mixed range of symptons from hyper to hypo in the same day. I have lost even more hair in the past year. I am now very thin in the front, what is left is very dry, coarse, and lacking any body at all. My doc sees no real problem because the TSH is normal. He doesn't believe in further tests, doesn't believe in T3 meds. He is also my new doctor. I had such a stressful past year, family deaths etc. So I"m at my wits end. What to do before I go bald?? I have decided to check out accupuncture to help with the thyroid, hair loss and ultimately the stress. Has anyone here tried this?
Hi stprdi. A TSH level of 3.8 is NOT normal. If your doctor is not cooperating, perhaps it is time to seek yet another new doctor. Most of us would be quite uncomfortable with hypothyroid symptoms at that level. An Endocrinologist who is willing to evaluate you by your symptoms (plus TSH, Free T3, and Free T4) would be best.
As for acupuncture, I've been treated by an amazing acupuncturist for several years now, and I love it. It's been extremely helpful helping to keep me balanced and well (mentally, emotionally, and physically) and I highly recommend it.
Hi Art and thanks for replying. I guess the main thing right now is finding out why my TSH keeps fluctuating what seems to be near daily. Or at least the symptons sure seem to be hypo or hyper, daily. It's weird.My major stresses were in the first 4 months of 2001. It was around summer that my hair really changed and now it's dreadful, lost alot up front. My doc has checked me out top to bottom, put me on antidepressants without much question at all (Think I really needed these to help cope through all this) But for some reason is firm that he doesn't believe in T3 and T4 testing or T3 medication. Maybe it's just the Synthroid and the stress. I'd love to know though.
Stprdi, antidepressants can make thyroid patients even MORE hypothyroid. I don't think you should stop taking any medication without discussing it with your doctor, but the change in your hair and fluctuation of your symptoms may be related to the antidepressants.
Mary Shomon apparently discusses this in her book, "Living Well with Hypothyroidism." But here are some links from her website that may also help.
<A HREF="http://thyroid.about.com/sitesearch.htm?terms=hair&SUName=thyroid &TopNode=3042" TARGET=_blank>http://thyroid.about.com/sitesearch.htm?terms=hair&SUName=thyroid &TopNode=3042</A>
Either way, a discussion with your doc (or a new doc) is definitely in order. But do not be surprised if they scoff at a potential connection between antidepressants and hypothyroidism. You may need to gently suggest stopping the antidepressants for a few months to see if you can notice a change in your thyroid symptoms & levels. (I say gently because many doctors are threatened when presented with information they've not confirmed.)
This is upsetting b/c it is very much like my own story. Why don't we bump up the url for the top doctors? I'm not sure where it is right now, but I think I'll check it out again myself. I think I have given my own doc a few too many chances and it's time to begin the grueling process of going to a new one yet again. This bites, but I'm convinced it WILL get better. Hang in there.
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Thyroid.About has changed the way they do the Top Doc referrals now, but this link may be helpful:
<A HREF="http://thyroid.about.com/library/weekly/aa011899.htm#topdoc" TARGET=_blank>http://thyroid.about.com/library/weekly/aa011899.htm#topdoc</A>
It provides the state-by-state link (newly updated and available again): <A HREF="http://thyroid.about.com/library/weekly/bldoc1.htm" TARGET=_blank>http://thyroid.about.com/library/weekly/bldoc1.htm</A>
P.S. Reflux can sometimes be an indication that we have too LITTLE stomach acid rather than too much. The reflux happens because the body tries to overcompensate for its lack after you've digested.
Have you tried taking Betaine Hydrochloride tablets and digestive enzymes (papain, etc.)? I take a BetHCl with Pepsin and something called Zygest before every meal (particularly those with animal protein). It has completely eliminated my sour stomach and reflux problem. (And, yes, it does flare up a bit with added stress.)
Just a thought before you go to yet another doc. I know I hated when I was on a million different meds.
ArtfulD, will you post this on the Information Archive thread, if you haven't yet? Thanks! TF
<B>Thyroid.About has changed the way they do the Top Doc referrals now, but this link may be helpful:
<A HREF="http://thyroid.about.com/library/weekly/aa011899.htm#topdoc" TARGET=_blank>http://thyroid.about.com/library/weekly/aa011899.htm#topdoc</A>
It provides the state-by-state link (newly updated and available again): <A HREF="http://thyroid.about.com/library/weekly/bldoc1.htm" TARGET=_blank>http://thyroid.about.com/library/weekly/bldoc1.htm</A>
and includes areas in Canada if you scroll down.</B>[/QUOTE]
Hi, Guys.
Just wanted to let you know that I tried to post the top doc url immediately after my last post. I attempted three times, but the board kicked me off <IMG SRC="http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/frown.gif"> Anyway, I didn't forget and thanks to ArtfulD for posting it! I think I might try one in my area if my doctor doesn't pull through for me.
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