Hyperthyroidism to hypothyroidism

[sfstplconerth]

After having my first child and getting my 6 week check-up i was diagnosed with Hyperthyroidism and having a Goiter. My doctor had discussed with me several treatment options in which i opted for the RAI treatment thinking this would solve my issue, but it didn't. After having the RAI treatment several months later i was diagnosed with Hypothyroidism, at the time i was 17 years old and i was put on synthroid. I am now 37 years old and for years i have been back and forth with my weight as well as other symptoms of hypothyroidism. I have taken synthroid as well as levothyroxin. Right now i am not taking anything because i do not currently have insurance so now i am in the position to come out of my pocket for my treatment so i would like to know if there is anything that i could take on my own that would help me. My previous treatments did not make me feel 100% better is there anything out there that would make me feel well again?

[goolarra]

Okay, now I think I get it (I'm almost as thick as some doctors!!!)...you were SO undertreated for so long that when you went off your meds it hardly made any difference in how you felt on a day-to-day basis.  It's horrible that they did that to you.

I hope you can find a good thyroid doctor in your new location who will change all that.  The damage that being hypo does to your body can be "silent" for quite a long time.  Knowledge is power...so glad you're getting the information you need to manage your condition.  Best of luck in finding a good doctor...

[sfstplconerth]

Yes as far as i can remember my RAI was successful and i was Hypo at the time of my lapse, the lapse wasn't ordered by the doctor i just wasn't able to keep up with my meds at the time. I did however gain a lot of weight during that time but no other significant differences from how i was feeling prior to the lapse. Being on my meds did not make me feel 100% again and hasn't since i have been on them, guess i had not been on the right dosage to make me feel the same before all this happened to me. When i am able to find a doctor to monitor me i will have a lot more questions and concerns thanks to this site i have learned a lot about being Hypo. This site is wonderful it has given me alot of insight through reading about other people who experience the same issues that i am experiencing, it has made me much more aware of my condition and how serious it is. I really do appreciate all of the feedback that i am getting it is really helping me.

[goolarra]

Was your RAI considered successful?  If you have no thyroid function due to RAI, and you were off meds for seven months...something isnt adding up here.  You would have been very hypo by then.  I'm sorry, but I don't understand...

[sfstplconerth]

I have already talked to my former doctor's receptionist and he has refilled my prescription for me, but he would only do it once so this option is no longer available for me unless maybe begging. I don't think he would do it though without new labs. I have been off my meds before in the past for almost 7 months about two years ago and i didn't have any significant changes, i just hope this would be the case in my lapse this time hopefully i will be able to get back on really soon.

[goolarra]

Perhaps if you called your former doctor and explained that you have not yet found a new doctor in your new location he would refill your prescription?  It might be worth a try and would buy you some time.  Two weeks is just about long enough to start feeling the hypo effects quite seriously.

[sfstplconerth]

I have not tried a Naturopath yet that is something for me to consider, thank you MM that info helps and i think i will stick to regulated meds.

[sfstplconerth]

I have been off my meds for about 2 weeks now and i was taking levothyroxin at 75 mcg. I don't really feel any different than before except for my mood,  i don't think i have ever found the correct dosage to take for myself because i have never been back to normal pre RAI. I am at a lost on what to do because my previous physician will not give me anymore refills without a checkup. My problem is no insurance and i don't even live in the same area anymore so i have to start over, I am at ground zero again. Has anyone ever considered or know anything about bioidentical hormones?

[medicmommy]

You can find bovine (cow) dehydrated thyroid at some health food stores, but you can really get into trouble as some of these aren't regulated and the doses can vary from capsule to capsule. Even with the regulated versions you still need your labs checked periodically because too much can cause life-threatening issues...Have you tried seeing a Naturopath? They and their treatments usually cost less than regular Drs because they can cut out the insurance companies and offer "actual cost" care. Most can prescribe medications you need as well. -I hope this helps! ~MM

[goolarra]

I agree with the above...there is absolutely no alternative...you have to find a way to continue your meds.  You are putting your health at serious risk.  Synthroid, or the generic equivalent, is a pretty inexpensive medication.  Since you had RAI, you most likely have no thyroid function.  If your dosage is adjusted properly, you should be symptom-free.  It sounds like your meds were never fine-tuned properly.  How long have you been off meds, and what was your dose?

[blsdnsvd]

I am new to this as well and had a TT in december. I've done alot of self education in regard to living without a thyroid and dealing with being hypo after surgery. I do not think that there are any over the counter med's or supplements that you can take to even come close to taking the place of  synthroid or levo. Maybe you should speak to your doc and see if they can provide you with samples until you are back on track with your insurance. Without the hormone replacement med's you will definitely go into hypo mode and you do not want that to happen.