Thyroid issue with no insurance

thatalchemistgirl

NO thanks to my old good for nothing doctor, I recently found out I have a thyroid issue. Since I don't have insurance, I can't go on meds, but I was wondering if anyone out there who has this condition might be able to recommend any non medical relief?

What foods should I stay away from?

Is this MOAR IODINE stuff B.S.?

What about some of the supplements do those work?

Anything else I should know?

I've done some research and the side effects of leaving this untreated are scary. I'm currently looking into a monthly medical program locally. That being said, my old doctor was a jerk. I asked him to test me for this multiple times and he drew blood and NEVER ACTUALLY HAD THE TEST PREFORMED. I swear to god he said all but "Stop whining fatty, go work out".

I am slightly grateful though. I now know how hard I can push myself.

dayzeerock

So I'm confused...did you have the test performed or no? If you didn't have the test, how do you know you have a thyroid problem? If you do in fact have a thyroid problem like Hypothyroidism or Hashimoto's, then your doctor would have prescribed you meds. Meds can be very expensive without insurance, but you can have the doc prescribe you generics and you can get them without insurance for only $4 at Target or Wal-Mart.

summertime_girl

Thyroid meds are really cheap. My insurance doesn't cover the one I had been prescribed, and it's only $5 per month.

szczepj

Yeah, my generic levothyroxin is 4 dollars without insurance at walmart. 10 dollars for a 90 day supply

smcassaro

Are you hypothyroid or hyperthyroid? I am hypothyroid & my med comes in generic form; it is only $4 at Target.

calliope_music

agree with PP's, most generic thyroid meds are quite cheap. a lot of places do the 4 dollar generics or the 10 dollar/90 day thing.

also, if you're really worried about not having insurance, you can try applying for Medicaid. also, maybe a free clinic or something can help you out.

sorry, that was the social worker in me talking!

Myobi

If you haven't had an actual test done, though, I'd be wary of trying to treat it with supplements. Please note that I'm not a doctor, and that the following suggestions are for hypothyroidism, not hyperthyroidism. I've made the listed changes under a doctor's advice coupled with a low dose of synthroid because my previous insurance (just switched, so I hope this changes) would not cover a trip to an endocrinologist (my numbers are normal, but I'm highly symptomatic).

There are multiple symptoms of hypothyroidism:

1. Weight gain/hard to lose weight
2. Brittle hair/fingernails
3. Dry, flaky skin
4. Constipation
5. High rate of hair loss
6. Low energy
7. Depression

and probably more that I'm not thinking of right now.

Things that can help: Fish oil (helps general thyroid function), Iodine (helps general thyroid function), Folic Acid (helps combat skin/hair/nail issues), Calcium + Magnesium (helps with constipation), good diet and regular exercise.

Things to avoid: Weight loss pills (Hydroxycut et al) & most cold/flu medicines (check the label).

I do not take fish oil because it makes me feel ill. However, some people can take it with no side effects.

See if you can find a doctor who will listen to you & is willing to treat you. Do you qualify for Medicaid? Please note that even when you're on medication, some symptoms can persist. The thyroid medication is pretty cheap, especially the generic.

1953Judith

I'm agreeing with the others. If the doctor has done the test and you are hypothyroid, the generics are cheap. I take generic levothyroxin and I think it is $4.88 per month.

lcamanda

As others have said, thyroid meds are cheap without insurance.

Also, if you haven't had the tests done, or need another, check out prepaidlab. It is a lab service that you can use that is much cheaper than getting labs done by your doctor (most times).



News article about it: http://edition.cnn.com/2010/HEALTH/12/08/low.cost.lab.tests/index.html

Website: http://summitcountymedicalsociety.prepaidlab.com/

tracyjprez

I'm curious to know what symptoms you're experiencing? I like what Evalonne shared. Are you experiencing any or all of those symptoms or what is going on that makes you think it's thyroid?

thatalchemistgirl

I did have the test performed. Just through a different doctor. I had to pay out of pocket for all of it. He didn't recommend generic meds, give me a second and i'll see if I can find what exactly he prescribed. I have hypothyroidism. I'm still researching before I take/start anything because I'm medication shy.

butters1

I'm agreeing with the others. If the doctor has done the test and you are hypothyroid, the generics are cheap. I take generic levothyroxin and I think it is $4.88 per month.

wow to ^^^ and others. i pay 10.00 for a 30 day copay at CVS. i asked what the real price is recently since i am moving to an hsa, only $23.00

huh...guess i'm being ripped off for sure......

thatalchemistgirl

If you haven't had an actual test done, though, I'd be wary of trying to treat it with supplements. Please note that I'm not a doctor, and that the following suggestions are for hypothyroidism, not hyperthyroidism. I've made the listed changes under a doctor's advice coupled with a low dose of synthroid because my previous insurance (just switched, so I hope this changes) would not cover a trip to an endocrinologist (my numbers are normal, but I'm highly symptomatic).

There are multiple symptoms of hypothyroidism:

1. Weight gain/hard to lose weight
2. Brittle hair/fingernails
3. Dry, flaky skin
4. Constipation
5. High rate of hair loss
6. Low energy
7. Depression

and probably more that I'm not thinking of right now.

Things that can help: Fish oil (helps general thyroid function), Iodine (helps general thyroid function), Folic Acid (helps combat skin/hair/nail issues), Calcium + Magnesium (helps with constipation), good diet and regular exercise.

Things to avoid: Weight loss pills (Hydroxycut et al) & most cold/flu medicines (check the label).

I do not take fish oil because it makes me feel ill. However, some people can take it with no side effects.

See if you can find a doctor who will listen to you & is willing to treat you. Do you qualify for Medicaid? Please note that even when you're on medication, some symptoms can persist. The thyroid medication is pretty cheap, especially the generic.

It started with the weight. I played soccer and was active through high school and college, but I kept getting heavier. Then I noticed that my skin was always dry. At first problem spots like elbows and knees, then I got this rough flaky patch across my stomach and back. My depression started to peak around 2 years ago, I was tired all the time and moody. We thought it was because of the birth control. I switched to a copper I.U.D. and nothing changed. Around that time, I knew I needed to try something different.

Apparently hypothyroidism is something hard to diagnose.

Myobi

Hypothyroidism is both a pain to diagnose and to treat. It can take several months' worth of testing (on a month-to-month basis) to find the dose that works for the individual. If you can find somewhere that will help those with no insurance, that would probably be very beneficial for you.

I don't know where you are, but in South Texas, there is a ministry called Wesley Nurse Health Ministries. It's generally found at United Methodist Churches in the South Texas area. Wesley Nurses are trained/certified nurses and can provide health advice as well as help you get support if you're uninsured. There might be something similar in your area.

Also, you mentioned being concerned about the medication. The brand name might vary, and the way it is made can vary, but the medicine is the same chemical: levothyroxine. It has been around for several decades and, when used under medical supervision, is a safe drug to take with little to no adverse side effects.