Anything for a newly diagnosed 22 yr old?

[chubbynovlawstudent]

I was diagnosed with hypoT a week ago when my bloodwork came back this year.  It turns out my previous doc missed it on my last four years of annual bloodwork (he's perhaps got a thyroid problem himself?).  Anyway, my new doctor (she's AMAZING!) put me on once-daily L-Thyroxine (generic synthroid) 75MCG.  First, I know some drugs work differently in generic vs. brand name even though they're not supposed to.  Is this one of them or am I safe?  Second, does anyone have any words of wisdom to share that you wished you had when you were diagnosed and first treated?  The only person I knew wish thyroid issues was my late Grandma who eventually had hers removed and I'm very anxious about the whole thing.  On the bright side, though, the doctor says I can look forward to a normal level of energy again!

Thanks everyone for your support!

[Smilerdeb]

Welcome to the Community!
There are plenty here who suffer with HypoT and who can give you some advice.


Debs (Graves with HyperT, RAI then TT (2008)

[gimel]

Please post results from whatever thyroid tests have been done, along with their reference ranges.  You can get this info from the lab report.  It is a good idea to always get a copy of the report and keep for reference.  Hopefully your doctor is testing for free T3 and free T4 along with TSH.  
Although many doctors consider TSH the gold standard in diagnosing thyroid problems, TSH is not reliable enough to be a diagnostic.  At best it is an indicator, to be considered along with the more important symptoms, and blood levels of the actual biologically active thyroid hormones which are free T3 and free T4.  Free T3 correlates best with hypo symptoms.  TSH does not correlate very well at all.  Just keep in mind that it's all about symptom relief, not just treating test results.   In my opinion the very best way to treat a thyroid patient is to listen to symptoms and test and adjust FT3 and FT4 with meds as required to alleviate those symptoms.  Frequently this means getting FT3 and FT4 levels above the midpoint, or even into the upper third of their very broad ranges.
This is a good article for you to read through.

http://www.hormonerestoration.com/Thyroid.html

[Barb135]

For right now, the most important thing I would say is "have patience" because it takes time for the med to kick in for you to get the full effect.  And when you think you've run out of patience, summon up some more ----

Wishing you the best of luck on your journey..........

[chubbynovlawstudent]

thank you so much for all of your responses!  I think this won't be so scary after all!