One year status total thyroidectomy.

[capricorn1970]

I am one year out total thyroidectomy for Hashimoto's and papillary thyroid cancer in the right.  I had a total of 6 nodules, the largest being 5 cm and pressing up against my esophagus causing great swallowing difficulties.  I have been on Synthroid as I am allergic to levothyroxine and many others, but I am on 125 mcg in the morning but now our new insurance is very expensive for the name brand, and I can only take the name brand and no one will help me. I also have MS and had a TAH/BSO for cervical cancer in 2002 after having my son and a Roux-en-Y (gastric bypass) in 2005 (huge mistake, but nonetheless, I have serious absorption issues and get very anemic and I have felt terrible this whole year and I either go hypo or hyper and this is no way to live.  I am going to be 42 January 1st and I want to live, but not like this and any and all advice is appreciated.  I used to be a nurse and I know the consequences of being compliant with medications, but I cannot afford the Synthroid and hence cannot take any of the thyroid supplements, and hence my doctors tell me it is my decision, that is bull.  If it was my decision and if I could afford it, I would take the pill everyday, but there is no way I can afford this medication.  Please any experts on this subject, as I have seen myxedema coma patients, but I have not done any nursing since 2002, due to all my health issues and I truly need to know how long will my life-span be when I stop this as I run out November 27th.  I do not want to die, but if I die, I do not want to die slow and agonizing either. Thank you for anything anyone can tell me.  This truly stinks and I have more health issues than a 90-year-old woman.   Yes, I know and tell myself this everyday, there is always someone off worse than me and I am not feeling sorry for myself.  

[Barb135]

Have you contacted Abbott Laboratories for help?  Many pharmaceuticals will help patients acquire their medication if they can't afford to buy it.  

Additionally, if your doctor writes  a letter to the insurance company stating that you have tried other medications and are allergic to them, the insurance company should continue to cover the medication; even though the cost will be higher for you, it won't be the full price.  

Ask your doctor for free samples..............they nearly always have them.

I found one web site that said the average cost for a 30 day supply of synthroid is $25.42, with a downloadable coupon for $3.  Also if you get the doctor to write the script for a larger # of pills, the cost is less than for just 30 days.

[gimel]

When you say that you go hypo, then hyper, what is that based on?   Is it based on test results, or symptoms?

Also, please post your thyroid test results and reference ranges shown on the lab report, so that we can assess the adequacy of your testing and treatment.