Need MORE!

[beyondabsurd]

Has anyone ever been guilty of "noncompliance" or "noncordance"  in the unbelievable frustrating effort to get a much needed dosage increase?  I am most likely missing an important point because I find myself thinking this should be my next strategy.  Please help me to better understand why this is or is not perfectly rational.  Recent tests results are as follows:
TSH        10  (.4 - 4.0)
Free T4    0.9(.7 - 1.8)
Free T3   not tested
I realize these results are not drastic, but I feel horrible.  Everything is such an effort!  I am unable to eat because it isn't worth the hassle.  Nothing goes anywhere.  It all just ferments so there's not much point.  I don't need to add a colon full of toxins to the situation.
I started with 25mcg of levothyroxine and since it did not touch my symptoms I asked to try Armour.  (8 weeks)  I was prescribed 1/4 grain ONLY of Armour to see if its T3 would help me.   There can't be much T3 in 1/4 grain.  If I do the math and 1 grain has 9mcg then 1/4 grain of Armour is 2.25mcg a day.  The T4 amount would be 9.5mcg a day.  I would like to take 1/4 grain 4 times a day.  That is what I would like to do.  Can I refrain from the tiny dose of Armour so my blood tests will indicate a definite need for a dosage increase?

[Super_sally888]

Your results show you obviously need a medication increase.

If your doctor saw these results and didn't respond with a meds increase you need another dr.

It can take some time to get meds adjusted, but you are clearly currently under medicated.  It would be best if your increased meds could be under Dr. prescription.

[Stufftie]

The best thing you can do is start looking for another doctor.  Don't make yourself worse by trying to skew your test numbers.  Besides with T4 you would have to go awhile before it is out.  A good doctor will see your low numbers.

Your Free T4 is way to low....and is that TSH 10? Crazy~No wonder you feel terrible with those numbers.  Even if the doctor is TSH minded only.  that alone would warrant a dosage increase.

I know you are tired but you need to find a doctor that will test Free 4 and Free T3 and get your numbers to Free T3 high range and Free T4 mid-high range and pays no attention to a suppressed TSH (Example mine is .008)

Most of us fall short in other vitamin areas so having your B12, iron, magnesium etc. is important.  If you are not supplementing-please start somewhere.  Make sure these are 4 hours apart from any thyroid hormone.  Thyroid hormone needs to be taken on an empty stomach and don't eat or drink for 1/2 - 1 hour.  

If you continue the increase with Armour split your dose.  Half in the morning and half in the afternoon or early afternoon.

I am on 120 mg Armour (2 grains) I believe I will continue to go up just a little more.  

Even with an understanding doctor this does take time.  Some good days and some bad.  But knowing you are on the right track is so comforting.  

Please, please find a better doctor before you feel any worse! Many of us have gone through several-in all type of specialties!

As I have increased I also continue to fill my other prescriptions so I have back-up just in case.  This also allows me to increase without running out and without another visit to the doctor.  I have a good one now that says, "Let me know what you are doing."