Thyroid problem and no medical insurance

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.

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.

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!

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.

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 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!

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!

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

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!

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.

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:)

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.

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.

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

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!