To all

To: all
I got my test results.  All within normal limits.  I suspect its cause I took Synthroid for a short amount of time around x-mas.  And the doc agrees. You all know i stopped cause of the anxiety attacks.  The doc did say that my antibodies were greater than a 1000 and that my thyroid looked pretty bad on the ultrasound.  He is stronglly suggesting that I get back on my Zoloft before he does any thing with the thyroid.  Why would he? And repeat labs in 3 weeks.  He says the Synthyroid should be out of my system by then.  I just think he should start the med now so I don't have to start completly all over.  My TSH was 3.72 yesterday and last week it was 3.47.  Wouldn't that be an indicator that its going back up since I haven't taken the synthyroid.  I think I just might call him tomorrow and request to be put on the medication.  What do you all think?  This new system is a little confusing at first.  When I carry on conversations here and you all request info should I post a new question or go to the original?

[kitty9309]

The TSH can vary by a small amount normally, so the difference between 3.47 and 3.72 is not significant. Ypu do want to get it below a 2, if it doesn't cause more anxiety.
However, your TSH warrants treatment. It will likely only get higher. I agree with repeating the labs in 3 weeks, but can you hold out that long with the anxiety? Can the doctor prescibe an anti-anxiety med like ativan or klonopin until then? I disagree that you need to be back on Zoloft first.
It is possible that the proper amount of Synthroid could help the anxiety and Zoloft may not be needed, if you can manage the anxiety until you get to that point. It's ok to take an antidepressant, though, if you need it.

[Jessi63]

I did call the endo today and again he is not going to start treatment until my next set of labs.  I've been on depression medication for 7 years and have dealt with depression since I was 18.  So I know what that is all about and figure I will deal with it the rest of my life.  I do take Klonopin twice a day but I think i'm gonna have to start taking it 3 times a day sometimes.  I have a feeling they are going to try and commit me (my shrink and endo).  I can't do that.  I have 3 boys to take care of.  The endo did suggest getting tested for Lupus and arthritis.  He wonders if that is not an underlying problem and caused the Hashimotos.  But I don't know.  I just want to feel better.

[kitty9309]

How old are you? (if you don't mind) Is it possible the thyroid issue has been going on for a while and it precipitated the depression/anxiety?
Perhaps a different med for depression/anxiety would work better? Did you need Klonopin when you were on Zoloft?
I would do the extra testing, evem if to just get it off your plate.
I still don't understand why they are waiting to start thyroid meds. When someone is diagnosed with depression, they are supposed to test for thyroid disease. It is standard practice, that unfortunately goes unheaded.
Do you have some help with your children until your next labs come back? It's good to verify the numbers to confirm, but you have a history with this.

Kitty

[Jessi63]

I'm 29 to be 30 in June.  No I've never needed the Klonopin till all this started about 4 months ago.  The Zoloft always controled the depression and anxiety.  I've already put a call into to him this morn to get a lab slip sent my way.  Last night when trying to go to sleep I ached all over and my eyes were dry, hurt and I had blurred vision.  This morning they don't hurt, they are dry and everything is still blurry.  And my heart rate is about 120.  And I still ache all over.  I'm scared and dont' know what to think?  Is this something I should mention when they call me back.  

[Jessi63]

He told me yesterday that these achy symptoms were coming from depression.  I tried to tell him they were not but he wouldn't listen.  I've had depression for have my life and never had these types of symptoms.  He says that since the biochemical evidence (labs) are normal he does not want to treat.  I think it is BS especially since I am symptamic.

[kitty9309]

Is this an endocrinologist you are seeing? If not, you need to see one.
Maybe you already said, but what were your levels before he put you on Synthroid the first time? When did you stop Zoloft? Did you taper off of it?  
I have been in the very same place as you. My former PCP said he wouldn't treat until my TSH went over 10!!
We know our body better than anyone else. Trust your instincts. I would just insist that you would like to have the lab slip sent and leave it at that for now.

Kitty

[Jessi63]

Yeah its and endo.  A new one they other one I had blamed all my symptoms on Zoloft so my shrink tappered me off of it probably about a month ago.  In the mean time we tried Celexa which I thought was giving me side effects.  But what I thought were Celexa side effects seem to be from something else.  My levels before were 6.2 in Oct Free T4 0.42 ranges 0.78-2.35, t3 90 ranges 70-204 and 6.5 Free T4 was 0.62 in Nov  Took synthyroid for about 2 weeks stopped it around X-mas cause of the panic and the crazy endo said to.  Went to ER cause I was miseable checked level then and it was 3.47 when it was checked on Monday it was 3.72.  T3, T4 normal then.    

[Jessi63]

antibodies in Oct were 918 now they are greater than 1000.

[kitty9309]

Here is a good link and it was new to me. It has a nice chart about half way down on levels.
It also mentions Zoloft in terms of treatment for hypo.
You were surely hypo at 6.2 with a free t4 well below the range.
Gotta run to work. Let me know what doctor's office says.

Kitty

[Jessi63]

I didn't get the link could you send it again.  Thanks

[kitty9309]

Sorry- I guess I was in too big of a hurry!

page 9 has the chart, page 12 mentions Zoloft

http://www.thyroid.org/patients/brochures/Hypothyroidism%20_web_booklet.pdf

Kitty

[Jessi63]

Thanks I can't read it right now.  But I'll let you know what I think.  The doctors office never returned my call today.  I'm gonna keep calling them till I get an answer.