Finding the right treatment

[countrygirl278]

I have been hypothyroid for 10years going along with the docs prescription for levothyroxine and over the years they keep upping my dose now to 150mcg.
They have only run the TSH test. I finally saw my first endo. I believe they are running a TSH and TPO, but nothing else. She said I should be on the real synthroid and not the generic. I want to be receiving optimal treatment and asked her if their were any new meds.  And she said no. Any thoughts.  Not sure if I need a T3 drug in small amounts or just keep on trucking with the levo.?? These doctors are so conventional.

[countrygirl278]

Thanks a lot.  Does the Tpo show any T3 range. I live in Portland Or.  I will get my test results.  I would like to try at least small dose of cytomel.  And After 10 years. My Gosh,
I would expect one test everything.  She also said my thryroid was large, but not huge just from observing me. I will get my results and change endos.  What meds do you take?  How do you feel?

[pep88]

You don't mention where you live, but here are two websites without the http & www (otherwise they will get bleeped and hopefully they will come through...)  A good Endo would not think a Free T3 & Free T4 test unnecessary.   Hope you find a better endo.

forums.about.com/n/pfx/forum.aspx?nav=messages&webtag=ab-thyroiddrs&firstDisc=1
thyroid-info.com/topdrs/

Both these sites are patients talking about experiences with their endos which I find the best source of info.  Good luck.

[countrygirl278]

It was my first endo.  I am waiting on I believe a TPO and TSH I discussed the T3 and T4 with her and she said the tests was good enough to tell.  I tried looking at the lab slip and I think thats all shes testing.  I don't know how to find the open-minded endo.
I am very tired and have gained a little weight suddenly.  Also inability to concentrate.
She was just like. "You just need not the generic levo, because she said the batches of meds are inconsistent. Thanks for your help.

[pep88]

You should have a Free T3 & Free T4 test as well.  This shows how you are converting the T4 into T3.  Without it, no one will perscribe Cytomel (T3).  If your thyroid is slowly giving out over the last ten years, I'd want to know why...  and I'd also want to have the Free T's tested.  Are you having any symptoms?  Is this an endocrinologist your dealing with your just a GP?  I'd find an open-minded endo and ask for a full thyroid panel.  Welcome to the forum.