Success Story - Even if only Temporary

[Barb135]

I was diagnosed in June 08 with hypothyroidism and in Dec 08 with Hashi's.  I've been struggling both with my thyroid levels and my PCP who doesn't want to listen to anything I say, doesn't think I should be doing any research, thinks I'm a hypochondriac, etc.  I couldn't get my PCP to do any testing beyond TSH and Free T4 and he was trying to control my condition based only on TSH results.  Fortunately, I was sent to an ENT for what they thought was an unrelated problem and the ENT sent me for TPOab and u/s, then dx'd Hashi's and referred me to an endo.  

Well, to make a long story short, armed with previous blood work and all the records I could come up with, along with some knowledge I've gained from this site and major help from Stella5349, I saw the new endo last week on Tues.

He not only listened to what I said, he actually gave me a chance to participate in my treatment.  Based on my last lab results: TSH 0.14 (range: 0.4-6.0), Free T4 - 1.06 (range: 0.75-1.54) and Free T3 - 2.06 (range 2.0-4.9), he agreed to reduce my synthroid from 75 mcg to 50 mcg/day and to add 10 mcg cytomel/day.  Next blood work in one month will also include tests to make sure pituitary gland is functioning properly.  He says he wants blood work done every 4 weeks until I am balanced (my PCP left me "hang out to dry" for 3 months, unbalanced) and the endo also checks Free T3 with every set of blood work (my PCP refused to check Free T3 at all. The one I did get, I had to pay for at a lab that will do bloodwork without a doctor's order).  

Anyway, I've been on the new med (50 mcg levothyroxin, 10 mcg cytomel - 5 mcg 2x's daily) since Thurs and I already feel like a whole different person.  I've got energy to burn, my brain fog is lifting and I feel more alert than I have in ages and I've lost about a pound and 1/2.  I am hoping that it continues to get better, but if not, I can live with this.  I'm having a bit of trouble sleeping, but am hoping that will work itself out once my body gets used to the new med.  

I don't know how long this is going to last or when I will have another "Hashi attack" but for the time being, I'm feeling better than I have since long before I was even dx'd.

It really can happen and I plan to enjoy every minute of it.  

Thanks everyone for all the posts and advice.  

[stella5349]

YEAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH

BARB IS STILL FEELING GOOD!!!!!

HOOOOOOOOOORRRRAYYYYYYYYYY

[Barb135]

Thanks everyone.  Yes, smilerdeb, there is light at the end of the tunnel.  

Judging from what I've read here - I do expect some bumps in the road, but will enjoy every bit of my "feel good" time as long as I can.  

[Smilerdeb]

I am happy for you Barb and its good to see the 'success' stories here and people who are recovering who stick around to help others.
Its a great feeling, isnt it?
To be able to say....THERE IS LIGHT AT THE END OF THE TUNNEL.
As I am sure you are now seeing it.
Good Luck and if you do have a few hiccups....you will still get back on track.

[stella5349]

I am happy for you Barb

No one deserves to feel bad when a blood test clearly shows why.

Take care,

[SueYoung55]

You give me hope!!

You go girl! Enjoy every moment!

[blksapphire]

Yeah Barb,
This is what I'm talking about.  Someon to listen and share with you.
I think they forget its our body that we are trying to discus with them.
Hooray for you Barb.

I was armed when I saw my endo and he didnt hear a word I said.
Sometimes I want to bring a rotten tomatoe and throw it at his head (splat) and then maybe he would listen.

Again this is great news.
Keep us posted.
Terri

[laura1967]

Barb- I am so happy for you!!! YEAH!!!! Keep up the good work and give thanks every day that you have found an awesome doctor!
:)  :)
Laura

[ChitChatNine]

THIS IS WHAT it is all about .... helping people and reading a post like this.  This makes me oh so happy to hear your success and sharing it with us warms my heart.

WOW!!!!!!

C~