How do I get doctor to increase Nature-throid dose?!

[dolphndrmr]

I had the right side of my thyroid removed 8/30/11.  They determined it was cancerous, and said I also had Hashimoto's, so it would be best to remove the rest of the thyroid ASAP.  That happened 09/03/11.  Only Calcitrol was prescribed for the first week.  I saw ENT that did my surgery a week later and was prescribed 100 of Synthroid, (even after I asked for Nature-throid).  He said to do labwork in a month and make another appt.  After the labwork (TSH of 12.47), I called to make an appointment, and the nurse said I did not need to come in, he would just increase the Synthroid to 125 and was referring me back to my PCP.  So, I head back to my PCP, dreading it a little, as I had the symptoms of hypothyroidism for 4 years and she did nothing because my labwork was "normal".  She sent me to a psychiatrist and said I was just depressed.  The only reason I was referred to the ENT was because she noticed my thyroid protruding at my annual check.  At least she switched me to Nature-throid, but only a half-grain/day.  I feel this is much too small of a dose with no thyroid, and continue to have hypo symptoms, even though my labwork is supposedly normal.  The worst is the brain fog.  I feel like a failure at work, as I'm constantly forgetting things and doing things wrong that used to come so naturally!  I am exhausted and have a hard time staying awake.  I know it may take a while for the meds to kick in, but I can't function like this and keep my job and family.  I have ordered some natural thyroid meds online to supplement the measly dose I am on, and plan on showing them to my PCP at my next appt (in 6 weeks).  I just feel like no one is listening or believing me.  There is no reason not to believe me...I've been healthy up until now and only saw my dr once a year.  Has anyone had a hard time with this, and if so, how did you handle?  I hate to just switch doctors, but I really need help soon!!

[dolphndrmr]

Thank you both!!!

[gimel]

My suggestion would be to make a copy of this link and mark on there all the hypo symptoms that you have.  

http://endocrine-system.emedtv.com/hypothyroidism/hypothyroidism-symptoms-and-signs.html

Then I would also give a copy of this letter to your doctor and tell her that from all the reading you have done you have been convinced that the best way to treat a hypo patient is clinically, by testing and adjusting free T3 and free T4 as necessary to relieve symptoms.  Tell the doctor that symptom relief has to be all important for you.  

http://hormonerestoration.com/files/ThyroidPMD.pdf

Then you can ask the doctor if she is willing to treat you clinically, for symptoms, in that manner.  If she says she doesn't believe it is the right way to go, then you have the perfect opportunity to tell her that you can't live with those symptoms anymore, and that you are going to try to locate a thyroid doctor that will treat you clinically.

[goolarra]

If your insurance doesn't require referrals, you can just call the endo and make an appointment.  However, some only work on a referral basis...give it a try and see what happens.

I don't know that your new doctor will notify your PCP.  I found my endo independently (my insurance doesn't require referrals), and I just quietly slipped away to my new endo.  I still see another PCP in the same practice, and I or my husband have seen the PCP that I left for my endo.  If she remembers, she hasn't given the slightest hint.  

I wouldn't worry too much about her feelings...this is your life and your health.  It's not unusual to seek out a specialist once diagnosed with a chronic disease.

[dolphndrmr]

Thank you, goolarra and gimel!  I have printed out a bunch of information for my doctor, but not sure how to approach her...I don't want her to think I'm telling her how to do her job.  But I do feel like I have wasted the last 3 years feeling this way, and don't want to wait forever to feel better.  I know I'm hard to live with (exhausted, no libido, and now very snappy/grouchy!), and don't know how much longer my boyfriend will put up with me.  It's wasting good years of his life, too.  Thank you for the link...do I just call and make an appt with the new dr?  I'm sure he will then notify my PCP, which wouldn't be bad except that she is my children's PCP, too, and I just don't want any hard feelings there.

[gimel]

I agree with goolarra about a new doctor.  I have been compiling a list of good thyroid doctors recommended by other members, but unfortunately I don't have one for Wichita.  You might have some success from this link to Top Thyroid Doctors in the state of Kansas.  There are several listed for Wichita.  I suggest that you read through the patient reviews and look for one that seems to treat by symptoms and also is willing to prescribe T3 type meds.  

http://www.thyroid-info.com/topdrs/kansas.htm