thyroid

[theo1212]

  Just went to an Endocrinologist today.  He took one look at my labs from the last two years and says, " you know what?, Your thyroid has never been normal.  Only one time has it even been close to "normal".  It's now at 4.97 and I have been told time and time again that it is fine yet, I feel worse than ever.  Severe fatigue, random aches and pains, trouble swallowing, lower blood pressure, digestive problems.  I hope this is the answer to alot of my problems.  He says I should be closer to 1 for my Tsh.
  Has anyone here been through anything similar?  Like being told your levels were fine but you were feeling worse than ever?  I'd really like to hear from you.  
                                                                                                                Thanks in advance,
                                                                                                                 -Theo.

[theo1212]

  Thank you gimel.  Good information.  I think he did have my T3 and T4 counts as well because he said that after he ups my dose of synthroid to take that for two months then have another blood test and see how I am feeling.  He also said that if I am not feeling better that he may add Cytomel?  I am sure he is on the right track where as the others would just say you are fine, see you later.
  I really appreciate all of the information and you taking the time to reply.  When I get my labs back and let others that have been dealing with this as well comment on what they think.

[gimel]

Been there, done that.  Many years ago, I was refused meds for years, when my TSH was just within the high limit of the old range of .5 - 5.0.   Finally found a doctor that was willing to prescribe a therapeutic trial dose.  That started my on the way to feeling much better.  

Since I was on a T4 only type med, and was dosed mainly on TSH and TT4, I continued to have lingering hypo symptoms until I learned here about the importance of FT3 and FT4 (not to be confused with total T3 and total T4).  After getting tested for FT3 and FT4 and getting my meds changed to include a source of T3, I now feel best ever.  

A couple of things you should be aware of.  TSH is a pituitary hormone that is affected by so many variables that it is inadequate as a diagnostic, by which to determine medication.  At best it is an indicator , to be considered along with more important indicators like symptoms, as well as levels of the actual, biologically active thyroid hormones, free T3 and free T4.  

In my opinion the best way to treat a hypo patient is to test and adjust levels of FT3 and FT4, with whatever type of medication is necessary to relieve symptoms, without being constrained by resultant TSH levels.  Symptom relief should be all important, not TSH level.  Many Forum members report that symptom relief for them required that FT3 was adjusted into the upper part of its range and FT4 adjusted to at least midpoint of its range.   Even though your doctor sounds like the right direction, I suggest that you discuss with him testing for FT3 and FT4 and being treated clinically (for symptoms), rather than by TSH level.  If your doctor has a problem with that, you may as well start looking for a good thyroid doctor that will treat you in this manner.  

So insist on testing for FT3 and FT4, along with TSH.  It would also be a good idea to be tested for the thyroid antibodies, TPO ab and TG ab.    When you get this testing done, please get a copy of the lab report and post results and reference ranges shown on there, so that members can help interpret and advise.  The doctor is required to provide a copy upon yhour request.  It is a good idea to always get a copy and write on there how you were feeling at the time and what meds you were taking.  These are invaluable as future references.   .  

[foreverlostmom]

I never got above 4.xx and I felt like absolute crap!   It took 7 years for it to get that high 7 very long years..   Sounds like you found a good doctor now.  Good luck