Why arent my symptoms improving?

[neecy1970]

I was diagnosed with hypothyroidism in 2004 and placed on Levothroid.  I am currently taking Levothyroxine 125 mg. (not sure if theres a difference in the two or when the change took place)  The whole reason I had my thyroid tested was due to the unbearable symptoms.  All of which I still have and more.  Why am I taking a medication if it isnt working?  Is there a reason treatment doesnt work for some?  Why arent doctors willing to try other treatments?  Because my TSH level is normal?  Is the medicine made to get my TSH level within range and not the symptoms that are effecting my quality of life?  Should I be symptom free since my level is in range?    I've noticed periods where the symptoms improve somewhat and also when they worsen.  Is that normal?  Is it all in my head?  Does stress make symptoms worse?   Could it be something I'm eating or not eating?  Is there anything natural I can eat/take that will help?  Is there some metabolic supplement I should be taking?  Because I've gained 70 lbs in the 4 yrs of treatment without ever having an appetite, I forgot what a craving is even.  If it wasnt for my son being hungry, I'd probably never eat.  I'm sure the weight gain is due to lack of exercise, but exercising makes me dizzy and short of breath to the point where I feel like I'm going to pass out.  My eyes feel all droopy and head feels weird, like its being squeezed.  I assume this is from the 4 yrs of being inactive.  

Has anyone else felt like this?  I am ready to stop taking all the medicines they have me on since they arent helping me any.  What's the worst that could happen?  I'm so frustrated with all of this to the point I ask myself why am I living.  If this is living, let me try death!

[kitty9309]

Good for you!!

We will be looking for your next post with results.

[neecy1970]

Wow...I shoulda joined this a long time ago!  You all are very helpful.  Thank you very much =)  As for getting tough, I went in there with pics of me from 5 yrs ago, some stuff i printed up off the net and an attitude.  But she tricked me lol.  She listened to me and drew my blood and acted like she was willing to take action.  So I actually left the office feeling positive.  It wasnt until the nurse called me back and told me "I was in range" that I realized what really happened.

On Monday, I will get a copy of my tests so I can post them.  Thanks for the advice and helping me feel like I'm not alone anymore.  I am now more determined than ever.    Forget hoping I'll get better...I WILL get better because I will not give up until I AM better!!  (with ur help of course =) )

[stella5349]

Exactly !!!-- find out your labs and post them!! You also have the expert board to Dr Lupo if you want a doctors input.

[kitty9309]

The hyperventilating part is likely anxiety, possibly caused by the hypo or anxiety from feeling ill and not knowing the cause.
I've been there on both accounts.

As stella said, find out the tests they are ordering and do research or ask us here. You have to get tough, but it takes some of us longer to develop that skill!

I work in the lab and know what most tests are and what the results mean. Others here as well know and also may have personal experience with your symptoms and results.

[stella5349]

State aide of not - they are getting paid to assist you getting healthy. First you need those tests and you need to understand them. Then you won't be such a push over at your visits. TRUST ME on this. I was a "dumb blonde" at first and really paid for it for 5 years too.

Then this blonde got smart and started learning about why she was sick. Instead of them craming meds down my throat - I knew what I needed and what I didn't and I went without any insurance for a year!!

As for the head pressure. I really think it is a combination of your Levo and anxiety. This symptom does get better after the TSH evens out.

FInd out those tests and get the full panel done. The state owes you that.

[neecy1970]

I have no idea what tests they run.  All I know is they took 2 vials of blood.  I had scheduled an appointment to see about switching to armour thyroid.  Instead she switched my bp meds and put me on water pills and we were waiting for test results to come back regarding armour thyroid.  When the nurse called me all she said was results were normal.  So I asked about the script for armour thyroid and she said she would ask my doc which isnt even a doc she's an ARNP.  I'm on state medical so the only physicians covered are usually ARNPs.  There is one doctor in the office whom I've never seen.  Anyways, the nurse called me back and informed me that my ARNP doesnt prescribe armour thyroid.  

As for switching doctors, I'm on the 3rd one already.  I've been fighting to feel healthy for 4 yrs now and apparently I dont get the same health care as other people.  The only knowledge I have of my condition, I read about on the internet.  I tried to talk to my ARNP several times but each time she cuts me short and rushes me out the door.  I did however manage to get a referral to a specialist within their network, but the appointment isnt until the end of april.  

As for the squeezing feeling in my head, its more like the circulation is being cut off or something.  I can hear my pulse in my ears and my eyes get real heavy.  I'll wanna lay down and even tho my eyes are closed i'll be fully awake and trying to catch my breath.  If I continue to exercise thru it, I get so dizzy I have to hold onto something and I'll feel like I'm hyperventilating.

[kitty9309]

Your TSH should ideally be between 1 and 2, closer to 1, to feel well.

It is not enough to get the TSH into the "normal range" because the upper end of the range may not be normal after all.

[Newbee2000]

For try to stay hopeful and positive. You may need to find a new MD. It's not easy finding the "right" MD who will listen and get to the bottom of what's going on. - I agree with the previous poster, stella5349, you need to know your TSH number and T3, T4, the whole range of thyroid and endocrine tests. What's you TSH?? What other labs have you had done? You should a full range of blood work done to test for other possible health issues: vitamins, calicum, rheumatoid factor, lyme disease, etc, etc!!!!! -- Also, for some thyroid suffers (me included), it can take many, many months of maintaining your thyroid levels/TSH in the normal range consistently before symptoms begin to go away. My tsh has been normal (at 1) since mid-Sept. and I still have a few lingering symptoms, through these symptoms are much better/less severe that they were one year ago when I was diagnosed as hypo. Try to find out what blood work as been run and your TSH number, T3, T4. Make sure your MD is testing you for OTHER possible health issues. If your MD isn't taking your symptoms seriously, please find a new doctor!!!! Stay hopeful. Good luck!

[gottama]

What are your exact symptoms? - when you say pressure in the head is it like a constant dull ache in the head?

[stella5349]

The more you stress - yes that can effect you. .

You only talk about TSH - is this a TSH reflex test - or just TSH? To get to the root - you need a T3 and T4 range also. I may have missed it - but I do not see your TSH numbers on your post. DO you have that too?

Best to get a copy of your labs out and post what you have.