hypothyroid symptoms years "normal" test now a goiter?!

[sotired48]

Hello, I am new here. I searched the web all day yesterday and back today. I'm desperate for help and completely frustrated with doctors and tests. I tried to submit a post but had exceeded the 2000 character limit so I’ve tried to shorten. I'm 48, female, and have suffered from overwhelming debilitating fatigue and other hypothyroid symptoms for a long as I can remember. I have been to countless doctors over the years, had blood count and thyroid test with “normal” results and told I must just be depressed, stressed, etc. Years ago 1 doctor told me my thyroid test was borderline and given my symptoms treatment might help. He put me on a thyroid medication which indeed did help. You cannot imagine my relief that I was not crazy or depressed, I had a medical condition and there was help.  But, after being on the medication for about 2 or 3 months we moved away. The doctor in the new town was appalled and immediately took me off of the thyroid medication, telling me my test result was perfectly normal and it was dangerous to continue the thyroid medication.  My symptoms returned worse than ever.  In July thyroid tests were “normal” in August a thyroid ultrasound showed a goiter. Here are the July lab results:

TSH: 4.48  
Direct Free T4: 1.3
Direct Free T3: 306
Thyroid Peroxidase Ab: <10
Antithyroglobulin Ab: <20

Do I maybe have a thyroid problem that has worsened because I was refused treatment based on a "normal" lab result and the problem has continued leading the goiter I now have?  I am so frustrated and so tired of this problem and so tired of being made to feel bad about myself by being told I'm just depressed. Can anyone relate, offer input on my results listed above, offer helpful resources, etc?  I live near and work in Pittsburgh, PA. Can anyone recommend a good doctor such as an endo, DO, etc?  Thank you.

[Mark Lupo, M.D.]

The TSH is elevated.  You don't have to seek out a DO to get appropriate treatment for this.  Threre is some debate about what is a normal TSH, but 4.48 with a goiter merits treatment even with the negative antibodies.

[sotired48]

A related discussion, Are the TSH test ever wrong? How long does it take to regulate after surgery? was started.

[kitty9309]

Synthroid is not $125 for a 30 day supply. It is about $18 for 30. Your TSH is looks too low and I've read that can make you have some hypo-like symptoms. Why would you want to go on a higher dose of Armour with such a low TSH?
Doctors don't get a % of drug sale profits. Why don't you stop the Synthroid if you think it is so bad?

[Chrissy8759]

I am a 48 yr old female also. Lucky you, at least you got the ultrasound.  The doctors I've seen just look at the paper. My bloodwork last was:
TSH  .260
T4    1.58
T3    2.9

I am also fatigued, figuratively speaking, Yes, I feel a goiter; I fall asleep at the drop of a hat, have numbness in both hands and tingling in feet, have gained 75 lbs in 8 years and on SYNTHROID all this time.  was .175 mcg now .150 mcg along with 60 mg Armour.  When I walked in my new doctors office I'm seeing now 4 mo. ago he said when I walked in I know, YOUR TIRED OF BEING TIRED. I go every 4 mo. for bloodwork, so next week I am going to ask about a higher dose of Armour.  If all is true after reading in these forums, Synthroid is a drug that should be taken off the market.  The way I read it, it is a very contraindicated.  It's not real, it's artificial - synthetic.  I feel like I'm swallowing a piece of a gallon milk jug and the darn Pharmaceutical industry is making mega millions a $125 for a 30 day supply.  We're living in a world of "MONEY MARKET" what is the physician's % on this drug and the Drug Company for marketing both Brand and Generic.  It's a RIP OFF>< Why aren't doctors taught this in medical school. I mean look in all these forums at the cried for help. We're begging for answers and getting -0- zero.  I feel for you, myself and everyone here.  We need real answers and real treatment.

[kitcurious]

My guess is that most endocrinologists would consider your current TSH to be mildy elevated and if there is also a goiter would certainly consider putting you back on some medication. You are in a major city and there are plenty of good doctors there I am sure. If you have been going to GP/ Internist type doctors they often don't treat as early as an endocrinologist will. Try searching the AACE (*******) website, they have lists of doctors there.

By the way, depressed people are not crazy, they have very real symptoms and it is a medical illness, helped by medication.

Good luck.