New to thyroid issues and need advice.

SilverRoxy

Hi!

A little background info about me...

My mom, dad, grandmother and aunt all have under active thyroid. A few months ago I was really trying to watch my diet (I admit I could always exercise more) but not only was I not losing weight, I was gaining. The fatigue was unbearable but when I talked to my doctor, he mentioned that it's probablly just due to the fact that I'm working a demanding job and going to school as well. The doctor I saw for most of my life used to test my thyroid and cholesterol ever year. This one hadn't in 3 years. I finally went back (for an unrelated issue) and asked about blood tests. Well, my cholesterol came back high and they FORGOT to write up the test for the thyroid. SO, I went back. I then got a call from a nurse that my thyroid was low. SO frustrating!!!

I asked for an appointment (really because I had a lot of questions) but they wouldn't give me one. She said I have to be on teh medicine for a few weeks before they would schedule an appointment. They just put me on a generic from of Synthroid which I've taken for a month now. I was given very little information so have done my own research online. On one hand it's great to know what has been wrong with me. I thought I was clinically depressed or something, I couldn't imagine why my body literally hurt and the end of the day and it explains the weight gain. Reading some of the symptoms makes it all make sense. I go back in two months for another blood test.

So, to anyone who's been through this. How long did it really take before you started to feel better?

I've read that it can take 2 weeks or up to 2 months. Nothing has really changed for me. In fact, it's almost worse. My co-worker (whose daughter went through a battle with thyroid cancer) says I should try to get an appointment with a local specialist. My doctor never even felt my throat.

If I call a specialist, will they think I'm just over reacting and not give me an appointment? What do I say? Any thoughts?

Anniel88

Let's see if I can help with some of your questions. I have hashimoto's thyroiditis and thyroid problems also run in my family. (Hypothyroidism on my father's side and hashimoto's and grave's disease on my mother's side.)

1) It does take 2-3 months for you to start to see a change in the same way that you don't notice the onset of symptoms because they too are gradual. The doctor usually starts with a dose based on your weight and current levels. It isn't just a shot in the dark, but it does take awhile before you start to see any significant change.

2) If you're not getting the attention from your regular doctor, I would try to find a new doctor. However, it is ---extremely--- hard to find an endocrinologist that will treat you for thyroid problems. (Endocrinologists also treat diabetes.) If you're from the US, a good place to start is the American Thyroid Association Website. (http://www.thyroid.org/patients/specialists.php) You can search by location and speciality and maybe find a doctor that considers themself a "thryoidologist." I found a doctor on that list that I am interested in trying, but I'm just a little jaded right now that I'm going to wait until after my wedding to try another doctor.
I have been dealing with thyroid problems for about 10 years now and I have yet to find a doctor that will really treat me. I simply go in and get my levels checked by my primary doctor every year. Since I have hashimoto's and my thyroid is always enlarged, I just get my levels checked annually or as needed based on symptoms and get an annual ultrasound to make sure that aren't any new developments.

Good luck and if you have any other questions, don't hesitate to ask! The only problem with thyroid problems is the answers can be different for everyone. It is a trial and error game of finding what works for you.

TXBelle1174

Here is a link to a website that I found helpful. The website DOES try to push the use of natural thyroid hormone but there is a lot of good info on there as well - like what types of foods to avoid, etc.

I have been hypoT for a long time and just recently got sent to an Endo by my PCM. Fortunately, he is willing to help with thyroid issues. I still had symptoms while taking Levothyroxine (generic Synthroid) so he put me on Armour. I have only been on it for 4 days and I at least have a little more energy. My other symptoms havent gone away yet but like Anniel88 said - it takes a few weeks to build up in your system.

http://www.stopthethyroidmadness.com/

Anniel88

Here is a link to a website that I found helpful. The website DOES try to push the use of natural thyroid hormone but there is a lot of good info on there as well - like what types of foods to avoid, etc.

http://www.stopthethyroidmadness.com/

I agree, especially about the foods to eat and avoid.

moejo3

Try to get into a ND (naturopathic Dr.) if you can or find a good endocrinlogist or Nurse practioiner. I felt better within a few days of starting my meds. This is something you have to stay on top of find a Dr. who will treat your symptoms and not just the numbers. A great book is Stop the Thyroid Madness this is also an informative website. You will need to be your own best advocate!

One other thing for your next test have them test your adrenals too. You could also have adrenal fatigue on top of the Thyroid issues. Just remember you can get better!!! Watch the glutens and try adding some orgaic coconut oil to your diet. The coconut oil has Medium Chain Tryglcerides which are very helpful to Thyroid patients. Check it out on the web there are many things you can do for yourself while you find the right doctor. Keep you chin up!

dkschrader

Finding the right doctor is difficult. But you have to keep trying if you feel your symptoms are not being addressed find another doctor soon! I went to 3 doctors before i found the one that would listen, plus i drive over 1 hour to see him. But it is worth every mile.
So please dont give up, it is your health and life that is hanging on the edge of a cliff (so to speak). I know it is very frustrating, but please dont give up, that right doctor for u is out there!

tecallahan

Agree with all the posts!! Educate yourself and find a doctor that will treat your symptoms and not just your TSH.... tell him you are not a TSH - you are a person!!

Doctors sign an oath "at least do no harm" - but when it comes to thyroid disease, I think they do a helluva lot of harm!!

Terri

moopity

hi, sorry you're going through this. i have hashimotos and really get it. you have every right to call a specialist, and based on the concerns you have, i support you in doing so. it's impossible to know what they will think (you asked if they will think if you are overreacting), however if the specialist does think that, then it's a good sign that he or she won't be good for you long term. having a thyroid disorder can be scary if not debilitating.

in an ideal world, you'll find a doctor who listens to you and is concerned about treating you until you feel GOOD and VITAL and STRONG.

in terms of what to say, you can tell him/her about your new diagnosis, you're not sure about the choices your attending physician has made and you want a second opinion.

good luck and hope you'll let us know how it goes!

Slim2fitit

Hi, I was so desperate to lose weight that I went to a diet clinic, luckily the doctor there recommended a book by dr Skinner instead of pills. This explained so much! Low thyroid affects the memory, can make you see things out of the corner of you eye that aren't there, makes you cold and tired and can give you the symptoms of car tunnel syndrome, such as the tingling of the fingers or you hands or even arms getting pins and needles, It does take some time to get things settled, you can go the other way too until your pills are the right level. You are wise to stick to this diet, remember that the thyroxine can give you the appetite of a horse at first, it did me, the hunger was so bad it was painful, and I had to keep telling myself that I could not be that hungry because of what I had eaten. Hang in there, all will be fine in the end,but it did take me nearly a year to get to the point when I could say I feel really well.

SilverRoxy

Thanks for everyone's advice. I need to do something, that's for sure!

kagero1976

It has been a long time since I haven't been on some sort of thyroid medication. From what I remember, though, the changes were gradual. It wasn't like I woke up one day and suddenly felt totally different. It was more like a few months later I looked back and realized I didn't need a nap just from going to the store anymore.