Hypothyroid and possible menopause-whatta mess ;)

Background: I am 48 yrs old. Have had 4 c-sections/ 2 laser surgery for adhesions/endometriosis.  May of 2005, I underwent a successful craniotomy for total resection of a benign convexity meningioma. MRI December 05 showed NO regrowth.In August I began to notice symptoms that seemed to me unconnected to the brain surgery. Asked my then GYN for thyroid testing, he at first refused.In the end he reluctantly ordered 1 test, a tsh which came back at 6. I continued to feel symptoms: bloating tummy, weight gain/25 lbs QUICKLY, fatigue,anxiety, muscle weakness, swelling in ankles and legs, and some neuro symptoms as well (parasthesias and some neuropathy in feet).Then night sweats and some insomnia. Told all this to neuro at F/U, he sent me to Endo. TSH was then (October 05) up to 57. Antibodies for hashimotos were near 9,000. Treatment was begun w/ synthroid by my internist. Am now just up to .112 synthroid with tsh just under 9.  Internist has recommended a full GYN work up. I told him I would not be returning to my now former GYN. This gyn had initially refused not only the thyroid panel but any hormone testing at all, altho I reported pain and negative changes to my cycle. Internist has given me name of GYN to whom he sends his wife and sister. Sorry this is so long .I need to know what I should expect at this first appointment with new GYN . What tests should I be looking to have performed. I have the trusty 3 ring binder with all thyroid test results/ surgery notes/neuro visits results. Should I bring this as well? Thank you for any input.

[Machelle Seibel, MD]

A.  You

[aireamdh]

Thank you so much for your quick and very compassionate response. I am looking forward to getting things more "in order", well said.

You have made me feel better already :)