3 years ago when your TSH was .023 you were hyperthyroid!
NOT hypothyroid! "hpo"
If you were put on meds. you probably were put on ATDs, Antithyroid drugs.
If your TSH level is now 16.23 you are hypothyroid!
NOT hyperthyroid!
You might have gone into remission from the ATDs in which now you need T-4 medication to bring your TSH level within Labs reference range.
This may or may not be temporary and you might relapse back to hyperthyroidism.
However and regardless which thyroid conditions you are, with or without Insurance, you must keep taking thyroid medication if you expect your thyroid levels to ever be normal again. There are plenty of drug assistant programs available, so there is no excuse.
Although, you will need prescription from doctor. Good Luck!
Gl,
Just my personal opinion as a thyroid patient.
You need to establish with a general doctor -- the current high TSH means HYPOthyroidism and should be treated. Sometimes this is transient, so repeating the level 4-6 weeks after the initial abnormality is often helpful in confirming the need for treatment.