Treatment is justified

[Letterer]

So I just got my results back from my appt on 1.29.08 - My TSH has gone up from 2.23 to 3.16!  It's sad that I seem excited that it's gone up, isn't it? I'm really not, cuz I've been feeling rather crappy again. It's just that now there's obvious "proof" that my thyroid is not funtioning properly.  

My FT4 has responded slightly to the start dose of 25 mcg Levoxyl and is at 37.5% of the range (up from 13%), but my T3 has dropped to 12.75% (down from 19.5%). Meds have been upped to 50 mcg, but I'm wondering if I shouldn't ask for some T3 support as well. Continuing symptoms certainly indicate there's a lot more healing to be done.

I knew in my gut pursuing the thyroid dysfunction made the most sense, and now the labs back it up. Thank you to all on this and the other forums who help those of us new to this disease understand thyroid function/dysfunction, and give us the info we need to advocate for better health.  :)

[Letterer]

Thanks for the replies - I do understand it's going to take time, sometimes I'm not a very patient patient.  :)  My doc does like to go slowly, and I definitely understand why.

Thanks for the reminder about the journal, I will get that started.

[kitty9309]

I am so glad you trusted your instincts- and they were correct!

It's not great to have a disease- but now you have validation.

Sorry to hear the TSH went up and not down!

[stella5349]

One great thing here is you are starting to understand your body and how you feel. That is a process so many have trouble with  - stay with your gut and keep listening.

I think you are on a low dose of Synthryoid. 50mcg is not much. Your TSH may warrent you needing T4 more before you jump on the T3 wagon. I think your doctor is moving you up slowly on your meds and that may be a good thing. I think you should give your new dosage a try before you hop on another bus.

Give your doctor the chance first before you start hitting him with choices. I know that is easier said than done but you will feel sick for a while a probabable long while :(

This thyroid stuff is not a quick fixable thing.  Hang in there, Give the new med at least 4 weeks.

Keep listening to your body and write down a daily journal. Look back in 4 weeks - and if you need to then call him and suggest a blood test then.

Keep your records and ask for copies. Keep all your dates in order and see how you respond as the months go on. Within a certain amount to time - you should see a pattern with your TSH T3 and T4 that may help you make a better decision if a T3 supplement would be helpful.