Hypothyroidism

[socrates2k1]

I was Dx w/ Hypothyroidism, back in 2002, but have never had my thyroid levels tested since then.
I have a new PCP, that I went to (for the 1st time) this week, he told me, I should have been having my levels checked every 3 months, yet he (himself) put me off for 4-6 weeks, before he will check it for the 1st time, does this make sense?

[socrates2k1]

Wow, thank you so much for the advice, I'm certainly going to do my homework be fore I approach him with this, and he will either work with me, or I shall find someone who will.

Thank you again, very much.

Sincerely,

-- Socrates2k1

[gimel]

When taking large doses of T4 meds, many patients find that their body does not convert the T4 to T3 adequately.  Unknowingly I had that same condition while taking Synthroid for well over 25 years and accordingly had lingering hypo symptoms.  After finding out about the importance of Free T3 on this Forum, I got mine tested and confirmed as low in the range.  My meds were switched to a T4/T3 combo type, Armour thyroid, and after some tweaking I now feel best ever.  My Free T3 is 3.9 (range of 2.3 - 4.2) and my Free T4 is .84 (range is .60 - 1.50).  

A good thyroid doctor will test and adjust Free T3 and Free T4 as necessary to relieve symptoms, without being constrained by resultant TSH levels.  Symptom relief is all important, not just test results.  I say this about TSH because frequently patients taking adequate thyroid meds find their TSH suppressed below the range limit.  Many doctors react by reducing your meds, even if you don't have hyper symptoms and your Free T3 and free T4 are in range.  You can get some good insight into clinical treatment from this letter written by a good thyroid doctor for patients that he sometimes consults with from a distance.  The letter is sent to the PCP of the patient to help guide treatment.

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

So you need to be tested for Free T3 and Free T4 every time you go for testing.  TSH is even less important when taking thyroid meds.  I would also suggest testing for Reverse T3, since that can be a good indicator of tissue thyroid levels.  If you find that your FT3 and FT4 are in the lower half of the ranges, that is frequently associated with being hypothyroid, and needing some T3 in your meds, adequate to relieve symptoms.  Further testing that would be advisable would be for Vitamin D, B12, and RBC magnesium.  If your doctor resists this testing you should insist on it and don't take no for an answer.

So at your first opportunity, I suggest that you should discuss all this with your doctor and find out if he is going to be willing to treat you clinically as described above and in the letter.  I can provide plenty of scientific data to support that approach.  If the doctor is unwilling to consider clinical treatment and using T3 type meds as necessary, then you will need to find a good thyroid doctor that will do so.  

[socrates2k1]

I currently take Levothyroxine 125 mcg, once per day.
My thyroid levels were low, back in 2002.

I was diagnosed w/ MS (Multiple Sclerosis), in December 2009.
I was unable to return to work, therefore lost my health insurance.
I was awarded Social Security Disability, but had to wait 2 years to receive Medicare.  On January 1st, 2012, Medicare kicked in, for me.

So, this new PCP, is the first Primary Care Doctor, I have seen, since then.

Hypothyroidism signs and symptoms can include:
    
    Feeling tired (fatigue) and sluggishness
    Weight gain
    Slow movement and speech
    Constipation
    Increased sensitivity to cold
    Joint and muscle pain, aches, and stiffness
    Brittle nails
    Decrease in taste
    Decreased sweating
    Depression
    Slowed heart rate
    Decreased ability to exercise.

I'm always cold, even in the middle of Summer, my core body temperature is normally around 96.7 degrees F.

I realize that some of these symptoms, can also be associated with my MS (ex. fatigue, constipation, etc.)

Hypothyroidism can contribute to high levels of total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol ("bad" cholesterol). High levels of LDL cholesterol can increase a person's chances for heart disease.

People with hypothyroidism may also develop sleep apnea.

I have been diagnosed with mild to severe sleep apnea.
I have been battling high triglycerides, bad cholesterol (and low good cholesterol), since 2002.

Without being able to afford Rx's to help with these conditions doesn't help, either.

Thank you, for your time, consideration, and cooperation, I truly appreciate it.

Sincerely,

-- Socrates2k1

[gimel]

No, I don't understand why he didn't just go ahead and have tests done while you were there.  

Was the cause of your hypothyroidism established back in 2002?  What thyroid med were you given and what is the daily dosage?

If you look at this list of 26 typical hypothyroid symptoms, which ones do you have?

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