Thyroid TSH readings

[hopeful 1]

I am a 72 year old women. I have had 5 strokes as a result of overdose of sumatriptan some years ago-now have lupus, osteroprosis, arteritus, plus thyroid problems.

Saw an Endro 2 years ago-was put on synthroid the (generic).
Saw my rheumatolgist last week and asked for a thyroid test and it came out at a TSH 18. He said to see my primary doctor to adjust my synthroid med. My Endro does not seem to have time nor listen to my concerns on this which compounds my problems.

At this time it is very difficult for me to do anything because of the fatigue, no energy, much pain joints, back ect. hard to sleep, feel very depressedy skin, eyes hurt plus.

Have read some people use Aromur instead of what I now take. May ask doctor to try this on me.

Any thoughts on the above I would appreciate and is the TSH reading very bad?
Thanks much

[hazelhurst]

I'm not a doctor, but 18 is too high. Your TSH should be under 3, depending on the lab ranges. The doctor needs to raise the dose of your generic synthroid, in order to lower the TSH. Last week on this board there was a discussion of Armour--you might look back at those posts to get an idea of how some people fare on Armour vs. the synthetic version. Good luck!

[hazelhurst]

Oops, I re-read your post and see that you DID read the discussion on 2/21 about Armour. I hope you can discuss your TSH with your doctor and feel better soon.

[GravesLady]

Armour and/or T-3 is not for people with heart issues nor strokes. I have MVP and would not think nor take a chance with my life taking it. Its too hard to control the difference between the T-4 and T-3 that Armour contains. In other words you will betting more T-3 than you might actually need which is dangerous effects the metabolism which can play navoc of the heart, the best way that I can put it.  There has been scientific studies that state Armour/T-3 does not make people feel better than Levothyroid (Synthroid, etc. T-4).  Stick with T-4 supplements.  If we were younger and without heart issues, I would say go for it. Unfortunately we are not!

You need to go have thyroid test at least once a year, if your levels are not stable,  if they are not stable,  then more often until they are, to keep on track and ahead of your treatment.  Two years was too long to wait, as your high TSH is telling you.  No wonder you are feeling the way you are.  I'd feel bad at that TSH level too.
Our thyroid levels seems to change as the year passes, as well as from other influences in our lived.
So for optimal health, we need to have them checked  regularly.

If your Endo does not have time for you and your concerns, it might be time for a second opinion (or find a new one).  Most Endo deal more in diabetes then thyroid, that's probably the same with your present Endo. and the reason for his lack of concerns.  When looking for a new Endo., make sure by asking the office, that s/he works with or sees a lot of thyroid patients per year.

Good Luck - Good Health.

Just my personal opinion and/or experience. Always discuss your health issue with your doctor , always adhere to your doctors advise and, you always have the right to a second opinion. Nothing is a 100% or a 100%, 100% of the time. However, we are not all alike!

GL,
1990 - Hyper/Graves'
1997 - Dia/RAI
1997 - MVP - Mitral Valve Prolapse
1999 - TED - slight Thyroid Eye Disease
1999 - Visible Nodule (suspect Marine-Lenhart-Syndrom/hyperfunctioning nodule)
2000 - SAS  - Short Attention Span (short, spaced paragraphs, sweet and to the point helps)
2002 -  IED  - Intermittent Explosive Disorder (Graves' Range)
2007 -  A-ITP (suspect)
And More......