Making My Case

[Regalhank]

Can anyone give me tips on how to approach a brand new endocrinologist (not until October!!) to try to convince her that I believe something has gone awry thyroid-wise in spite of my "normal" blood readings.  I had my thyroid nodules biopsied one year ago and they came back benign but in two years I have gained 30 pounds and yet I do not eat more, I exercise daily and walk many many miles.  I did quit smoking but my eating habits did not change.  Never did eat much and still don't.  I know when you get older weight gain is common but this was literally over night--and it is all over.  I truly do not recognize myself.  Cannot get any of my doctors to take this as anything other than "well, that's the way it goes when you stop smoking".  I was ready for maybe ten pounds but my metabolism totally stopped.

[ChitChatNine]

*maybe* breeze thru the quit smoking part .. like don't emphasize it ... like it was quite a long time ago ..yet, don't not disclose it .. but let it slip in there as matter of fact . .maybe then it won't get undue emphasis?

C~

[Regalhank]

You are correct--I'm just not sure what evidence I'll have because I have the unfortunate timing problem of menopause hitting quitting smoking and just general aging BUT 30 pounds is excessive when you exercise as much as I do.  Also wondering if my migraines and breathing problem is associated.  I will throw the whole ball of wax in and see what they can unravel.  Not that I want anything to be wrong but I would feel a lot more comfortable with a reason--not just "oh well, that's what getting older is".  No one else in my family got older this way!

[Rite760]

Hi, I just wanted to say I know what it's like trying to get these docs to believe you, it's so hard. I've had to fight really hard for a year, but finally they're listening. My advice is to go in feeling ascertive and not let yourself feel intimidated more than anything, I've find that is when I just got my best results. I might have felt very unsure inside, but I didn't let myself show it. Hope this helps. Oh and trust your own instincts no matter whay they say coz you're usually right!

[ChitChatNine]

Hello RegalHank .. I remember your screename from way back when!!!!  WELCOME BACK but sorry under these circumstances.

Keep a diary.  A calendar with symptoms and anything you can write in it that is easy for the new Endo to see and makes your point.  

Congrats on the no smoking; the pounds are a tough one.  I ended up 25lbs heavier in a year for no reason.  No more wt. gain here either but no answer why so much for no reason .. in my case.  gracefully getting older and metabolism changed.

Ask for another f/u ultrasound on the nodules for size, etc.

Also I had symptoms that all but went way when put on the Synthroid after my surgery.  And after they all agreed .. oh yeah .. wow ... it was subclinical even though her #'s were NORMAL!!!!

Cheryl