lab result help, FT4

[Archimorg]

Hi there ~
I have been reading previous post and there are so many knowledgeable people here. I am so in awe of how educated many of the posters are about lab values - which is why I decided to post.

I am hypothyroid now for about a year. Was on Synthroid, felt like crap and found an MD after I moved that would RX Armour - which I am now on. After starting the Armour it felt like a fog was lifted, as in, everything seemed a little brighter and more clear - so it seemed that the change did affect me for the better - however, I still feel symptoms. Fatigue, joint aches - pains, puffy, swelling of hands, brain fog, constipation, cold, LOW heart rate around 50 resting maybe 66-75 during the day if I'm moving - but sitting Im always around 55.

I still feel very tired most of the time and cannot lose weight to save my life!!! No joke. Weight watchers, Exercise (walk 4 miles 5 days a week), and 30 min floor work 5 days a week (abs, legs, butt) - I am not embellishing as my Endo would have me believe - I REALLY am working out and doing weight watchers!! but NO NO NO weight loss and it is not just vanity - I feel that the inability to lose the weight exacerbates all of my symptoms. Being overweight *****!!

I want to check in with those who know about the labs to see if I am on track. I am on 1 grain Armour daily and 50,000IU weekly of vit D my last labs are as follows:

TSH 1.23
Free T4 0.8
Free T3 3.1
Vit D 20

I have read some people post that even though TSH is in normal range - the free T4 should always be about mid range and mine seems really low. I don't know much about the FT3 - but could I stand to go higher on my Armour?

Any hints on what to say to doctor to get her to increase?

Any hints on how to lose this weight? I was normal weight and size till this hypo hit :-(

Any hints on how to be a successful hypothyroid person?

Any and all information is welcomed and so appreciated.

Thank you so much!!

Archie

[sissaphus]

Sorry, I see you were tested for D and are supplementing that already.

I had a script for 50,000IU weekly, but decided to buy D3 (in olive oil) on my own since I read it's better than D2 (I think prescription D is D2). If you decide to do that as well, okay it with your doctor first.

[goolarra]

Yes, I agree, please post your lab ranges.

The very first thing I'd do if you want an increase is to make a list of your symptoms, in writing, that you can hand to your doctor.  Google a list of symptoms and don't forget a single one!  

Once you get your hormones right for YOU, and by that I don't mean just IN RANGE, you will have an easier time losing weight.  In the meantime, you will probably find it almost impossible.

I don't know about being a "successful hypothyroid person"!  Is that an oxymoron?  LOL  Seriously though, read, read, read, learn, learn, learn.  Be prepared to be your own advocate and keep searching for an enlightened doctor until you find one who will treat your symptoms and not just your lab values.

If you post the ranges, I'll comment more fully on your actual lab values.    

[sissaphus]

You'll need to post the lab reference ranges.

I also have no sex drive what's so ever and have been gaining weight with improvements in diet. I just wanted to let you know that you're not alone.

Does your doctor check your nutrients like D, Iron, B12, Magnesium etc?

[Archimorg]

May I add - NO sex drive - seriously decreased libido - as in it is MIA...