Thyroid problem and no medical insurance

gianessa

Hey, I don't know for sure, but I think I might have a thyroid problem. Both my mom and sister were diagnosed...but I don;t have insurance so I can't really check. I know that this might make losing weight that much harder, so I was wondering if anyone had any idea about what to do?

how can I help my weight loss?? eat less? work out more?? any clue??

Jadbaa

I would like to know this too. I was taking synthroid but I don't have insurance anymore so I haven't been taking it for a couple of months. My levels are really low.

NiciS72

Honestly, GO TO THE DR. I know you don't have insurance, but an undiagnosed thyroid problem can cause a lot of other issues and/or be a sign of other issues. Find out if you qualify for Medicaid or other insurance first. If not, find a Dr. who will work with you on payment and/or a free/low cost clinic. There are ways to get the care you need.

Adobogirl

There may be clinics out there that charge a minimal office visit. If a person is of a certain faith, there are programs for discounted health care through churches, temples, etc. Before I got married (and onto my husband's plan) I used to scope for health screenings at community centers and nursing homes for testing or information how to get testing.

It's hard out there and it sucks that we are THE ONLY DEVELOPED FIRST WORLD country without a health care system. I mean, even the UK has some kind of health care system.

Anyway- good luck to you guys.

NiciS72

I would like to know this too. I was taking synthroid but I don't have insurance anymore so I haven't been taking it for a couple of months. My levels are really low.

I don't know about Synthroid, but I know mine is super cheap to buy. Call the pharmacy and see how much to fill without your insurance. Call your Dr. and ask for him to reup your RX if it's expired. Follow the other advice I sent the OP. DON'T let this go too far!

Elizabeth_M

Honestly, GO TO THE DR. I know you don't have insurance, but an undiagnosed thyroid problem can cause a lot of other issues and/or be a sign of other issues. Find out if you qualify for Medicaid or other insurance first. If not, find a Dr. who will work with you on payment and/or a free/low cost clinic. There are ways to get the care you need.

I agree! I have been taking synthroid for years now (diagnosed post partum with baby #1) and there are lots of other complications besides having trouble losing weight if you don't address it!

I can't imagine being able to function without synthroid - I felt like I had been hit by a mack truck 10 times over when I was first diagnosed.

As far as cheapo meds go, I'm sorry I can't help. I am lucky have coverage through work and also live in Canada, so going to the Dr. doesn't cost money. I wish you luck, but please, get it addressed!

Grokette

Hey, I don't know for sure, but I think I might have a thyroid problem. Both my mom and sister were diagnosed...but I don;t have insurance so I can't really check. I know that this might make losing weight that much harder, so I was wondering if anyone had any idea about what to do?

how can I help my weight loss?? eat less? work out more?? any clue??

Make sure you are nourishing your body in the right way. Fats, proteins, lots of green, leafy vegetables, smaller amounts of fruits.

Increase your Iodine levels and get some exercise.

Can you go to your local health department and get a free test done for both Thyroid and Vitamin D deficiency? They both mimic each other............

If it is your thyroid the Dr at the health department can write a prescription. Even though I don't like the synthetic medications, Synthroid is only $4.00 a month at Wal-mart pharmacy.

That will and should help you tremendously until you can get some insurance.

bcattoes

Is there a free or low income clinic that you can go to? Unfortunately, these often have very long wait lists, but once you get a diagnosis you can check into ways to get your meds free. Some pharmaceutical companies will provide them free to low income patients (they get a tax break) and some diagnoses will qualify for free meds through Medicaid (if you are in the US) though that can vary from state to state.

gianessa

Thanks guys. I know it's totally disgusting that we are the only industrialized country without any form of health care of day care!!

I have a college degree- that I made thousands of dollars for, what did it get me?? DEBT!!

dizzydi1968

There may be clinics out there that charge a minimal office visit. If a person is of a certain faith, there are programs for discounted health care through churches, temples, etc. Before I got married (and onto my husband's plan) I used to scope for health screenings at community centers and nursing homes for testing or information how to get testing.

It's hard out there and it sucks that we are THE ONLY DEVELOPED FIRST WORLD country without a health care system. I mean, even the UK has some kind of health care system.

Anyway- good luck to you guys.

I take exception to the remarks regarding the UK health system. Our 'free at the point of service' system isnt perfect but at least our less wealthy people dont have to go without medication due to not having insurance!!

NilbyClark

I see your from Portland, in Buxton, where I live, there is a place called Leavitt's Mill Health Center that does doctors visits for people with little/no insurance. You could call them and ask. The number is 207-929-6455 and they do a variety of health things for people, including dental and therapy. It might be worth a shot, all they ask is that people "pay as they can" aka make a small donation at each appt. No bills, which is good. Just a thought, they also have a website, its leavittsmill.org in case you were curious. My family knows one of the nurse practitioners who runs it, and we used to volunteer. Its a good place Best of luck.

MeganPett87

I know a million people have said it... but GO TO THE DOCTOR!!! Thyroid problems can be serious, better safe than sorry! Applying for Medicaid is fairly easy, and there are free clinics EVERYWHERE! Part of losing weight is taking care of yourself! Get on it!

gianessa

There may be clinics out there that charge a minimal office visit. If a person is of a certain faith, there are programs for discounted health care through churches, temples, etc. Before I got married (and onto my husband's plan) I used to scope for health screenings at community centers and nursing homes for testing or information how to get testing.

It's hard out there and it sucks that we are THE ONLY DEVELOPED FIRST WORLD country without a health care system. I mean, even the UK has some kind of health care system.

Anyway- good luck to you guys.

I take exception to the remarks regarding the UK health system. Our 'free at the point of service' system isnt perfect but at least our less wealthy people dont have to go without medication due to not having insurance!!

I agree. ANYTHING is better than nothing. Being a US citizen is a big cosmic joke sometimes. THE fact that they trick us into paying tens of thousands of dollars for an education, and they don't even guarantee your health- it's pathetic

shelleycronan

I had my thyroid totally removed. I began taking synthroid and a bunch of vitamins and supplements. When I went in for a regular blood test, by levels were extremely low. Turns out that the vitamins and supplements stopped by body from absorbing the synthroid. Long story short, gained 20lbs in a month and now I am here. My MD said no matter how much exercise or nutrition concious I was, there was no way I would have dropped a single lb. Try and get to a MD and quick. IF you do have a problem, it is a simple fix. Good Luck!

sugiravi

Agreeing with everyone else, just want to add that there are other tests they need to do... if there's a family history of autoimmune disease then one person can have thyroid dysfunction, another diabetes, another skin problems like psoriasis or vitiglio (white patches on your skin)... there's like a whole bunch of things they need to look at. So yeah, definitely worth seeing a doc. If he refers you to an endocrinologist even better, but you need to get the ball rolling and take care of yourself.

...And I'll bet the first thing the doc's going to tell you is to work on the weight loss, so don't wait. While you're figuring out the rest of it start on your diet/exercise plan right away

Adobogirl

Honestly, GO TO THE DR. I know you don't have insurance, but an undiagnosed thyroid problem can cause a lot of other issues and/or be a sign of other issues. Find out if you qualify for Medicaid or other insurance first. If not, find a Dr. who will work with you on payment and/or a free/low cost clinic. There are ways to get the care you need.

That's a better way of saying what I said! What she said, lol

Showgirlbody

The medicine is inexpensive without insurance but a doctor will still have to see you to prescribe it. If you pay for an office visit and basic blood work out of pocket, it should be a couple hundred dollars. It's worth it for your health and if you have a credit card, charge it. That's what I use mine for, emergencies not shopping sprees.

I have no thyroid because I had thyroid cancer so my doctor checks me every three months but you may not have to get tested so often once you have the right level assuming you are hypothyroid.

blankcanvas

Thyroid problems are very serious, you need to see a Dr. I recently lost my medical insurance, but I spoke to my dr. and they were willing to work with me cost wise, (their fees are no where near what they charge the insurance companies, which is just ridiculous..) and if your current doctor won't find one who will or research a local clinic. They at least can prescribe a sythroid rx if necessary..Believe me, i went undiagnosed for a few years, just before I found out the problem, I almost went into a coma...besides weight issues, that little thyroid gland controls your metabolism which affects your whole body, you don't want to ignore it long term...There are drs out there who will help at a lower cost. Don't give up trying to find one:) and you will feel infinitely better once you're on proper meds and then you can tackle the weight loss issue. Good luck!

mmocarr

I also have a college degree that I paid thousands for and had no medical insurance for 18 months. Not to be negative but I experienced severe complications from not having my thyroid medicated. My situation is a little different because I had an overactive thyroid which was also making it difficult to lose weight because I was starving constantly. When I finally got to the doctor I found out it had caused a heart murmur and probably the intermittent hypertension i have been experincing at the prime age of 23. Make sure you find a way to get to the doctor it really is too important.

Just1forMe

I would like to know this too. I was taking synthroid but I don't have insurance anymore so I haven't been taking it for a couple of months. My levels are really low.

I'm pretty sure you can get Synthroid from Walmart pharmacy under their $4/mo plan...if you've already been diagnosed, you would just have to pay for a doctor's visit and a set of labs to get your prescription refilled.

nyckyd

hello my mother has hashimoto disease and her thyroid is underactive she has to take thyroid pills also she has a hard time losing weight but she has currently started the scarsdale medical diet and its the only thing thats made her lose weight she has been on it a total of 2 weeks and is down 12 pounds honest to god !!!

Mia2891

i agree with everyone. go to the doctor. its the only way you will find out for sure and if it is the problem it can be VERY difficult to lose weight. I was diagnosed with under active thyroid last year, and for years before i had refused to go to the dr cause it was easier not to know if something was wrong. but i couldn't drop any weight just gained. since i've been on synthroid and begun exercising and dieting it has been much easier. i know its expensive doctors are awful that way but i second what others have said about a clinic or dr who will work with you on payments. i hope this may help:)

Rhea30

Do your best to save some money and go see a doctor (its the only way to know). You can call around to get prices of dr visits and how much the blood test would cost. When I had my complete blood work done (which was more then just checking the thyroid) it was around 142 dollars and that included the visit I believe.

alysh8

Get in to see the doc. I lost patches of my hair, I slept all the time, I had no energy, I got really cold all the time and my chest started hurting so much so at one point I thought I was having a heart attack. When I got my thyroid tests the doc called me the same day and told me I had to come in right away to take some medication before I slip into a coma. The medication isn't that expensive but I'm Canadian so the pricing might be off. I pay about $30 for three months worth of medication. But get in to see the doc, it's important to get it fixed.

tashdownunder

I'm not in the US so I don't understand your health care system. But, really, checking your thyroid involves a simple blood test to check levels of T3, T4 and TSH. This is the first step. Surely just a blood test can't set you back that much?

tashdownunder

By the way there is a group on here for people with thyroid issues. Maybe you can ask some advice there http://www.myfitnesspal.com/groups/home/753-hypothyroidism-and-hyperthyroidism

Good luck. I hope you get it sorted out. Thyroid problems can be very serious, so I hope you are able to get to the bottom of it all.

kimiel51

I take the generic of Synthroid; Levothyroxine, and it's only $4 at Walmart!

rmwinters

I was just reading about kelp today and how it may benefit people with thyroid problems.

Demwitted

My mom almost died because her thyroid stopped working. I've been without insurance before and it sucks, but if you are seriously ill, you should go to a doctor anyway. Look into free or reduced cost clinics.

Especially the poster who was taking synthroid, and stopped: YOU NEED THIS MEDICINE. Go to the doctor.

DenverKos

I would like to know this too. I was taking synthroid but I don't have insurance anymore so I haven't been taking it for a couple of months. My levels are really low.

I don't know about Synthroid, but I know mine is super cheap to buy. Call the pharmacy and see how much to fill without your insurance. Call your Dr. and ask for him to reup your RX if it's expired. Follow the other advice I sent the OP. DON'T let this go too far!

I second this - I don't have insurance, either, and my script is less than $20 a month, and it's even cheaper if you get 90 days online. I don't even have to go to my doctor to get a refill since I've been on it for years - the pharmacy just sends it to him, he writes it for a year, and I'm good to go without the cost of an office visit.

If you're supposed to be on synthroid, you NEED to take it. This will so f&^k up your system if you dont!

rcleary1981

Hey, I just wanted to encourage you and give u some information on inexpensive insurance. Check out: www.MedicalInsurance.org