Re: OT - thyroid/adrenal issues

[Guest guest]

For those not affected by thyroid or adrenal problems, please feel free to skip this post...Oh, boy - I'm feeling quite overwhelmed. And I apologize in advance... this might be lengthy...I met with both the NP at my neurologist's office as well as my internal med. dr. (who is my GP) this week. I am so confused, upset, overwhelmed... and could use some feedback and advice. and I'm too overwhelmed by the thyroid to start there, so I'm starting here, with you all (I hope that's okay. maybe getting it all out here will help me go from here, kwim?)Anyway, first, some background... My GP first tested my thyroid couple of years ago - only tested my TSH, which was within the "normal" range, but she felt that my TSH number was high (3 point something), so she prescribed levoxyl (25 mg). I took that for a good long time, never really felt any different, TSH came down to the 1 point something range, so GP took me off the levoxyl. Well, I started losing hair like crazy, didn't know why. My hair stylist said that it could be my thyroid. Huh? I called my GP, she had me go get blood work done, put me back on the levoxyl at 25 mg, called a few days later and raised the dosage to 50 mg. All this time I didn't know anything about free T3 or free T4 or any thing else. All I knew is that I was always slender before having kids, have been heavy ever since having kids, and tired, and somewhat depressed, as well as a host of other thyroid symptoms that I saw on the Stop the Thyroid Madness website (not to mention the migraines that seriously worsened almost 2 years ago). So, the migraines... they have been awful. I have had a hard time finding a good neurologist. Finally found a good (great!) one a few months ago. She thinks that maybe my migraines could be related to hormonal issues, and she's having me see the NP in her office who works with patients on such things. First thing the NP did was have me do a 24 hour cortisol saliva test as well as blood tests for ALL the thyroid stuff, as well as a number of other blood tests. When we got all those results back (I'm happy to share that info if anyone is interested - I just don't want to bore you all by posting it unnecessarily), we found that my cortisol is wonky, and my thyroid levels were off, too. She was careful not to step on the toes of my GP (not wanting to just blatantly change the course of treatment that the GP had me on), but I had read a little about Armour, and I wanted to discuss with her the difference between the two meds and the pros and cons of each. After talking about it, I decided to go with switching to Armour. I've been steadily increasing my dose of Armour (at the direction of the NP) to the point of taking 75 grains. Still feeling same lack of energy. Hair loss has decreased somewhat, but still falling out. I am just bummed about not feeling better. Had blood done last week, then met with NP. TSH is down to .5, free T3 is 5.1 (too high!), T4 is 6.6, free T4 is .99. But the free T4 actually came down from last time, so that was a red flag to my NP. Her thought is to drop back on the Armour to 60 grains, and go back on the Levoxyl (25 mg) to address the free T4 drop. Here's the thing. Back when my GP increased the levoxyl from 25mg to 50mg, I had about 2 weeks where I felt GREAT! I had energy. I felt like what it must feel like to feel normal. My 10 year old daughter was so happy to have a mommy who had energy to have fun. That just kills me. And then... it went away. It's almost worse that I had those 2 weeks, because I had a glimpse of what it feels like to feel good - and now I really know the contrast. I got so much done in those two weeks, it was great. And then it was over. Now the lack of energy, lack of motivation, and the disorganized thinking and brain fog have returned. I just feel like what the hell is wrong with me? My thyroid numbers look better (most of them)... so why don't I feel better? I feel like I must clarify - I'm not the most exhausted person - but enough that I know that it's not normal. Enough to know that in comparison to that 2 week period, this isn't right. Or maybe that 2 week period wasn't right. Maybe I was hyper in that 2 week period. But I'll tell you what - I would rather be hyper than this.So, I wonder - is my situation thyroid? or is it adrenal? How do I discern? What do I do and where do I go from here?Oh, to finish my story from last week... I think I already said what the NP said to do (go down on the Armour to 60 grains and go back on 25 mg Levoxyl, come back in 8 weeks to do lab work and see where we are at that point). My GP, however, told me to stop the Armour, start taking 2 new meds - (Synthroid and Cytomel), and come back in 6 weeks for bloodwork and followup appt. (I don't know what blood work the GP ordered), and she told me to stop taking the oral Progesterone drops that the NP has me taking (oh, I think I forgot to say that the NP had me start taking those 2 months ago to try to help regulate my periods and pms). So the GP basically was undoing everything that the NP had done. So I've got two doctors (well, one is a nurse, but I'm thinking that she knows more than the doctor) telling me to do two completely different courses of treatment. I have to figure out which way to go, and I'm completely overwhelmed. My gut tells me to go with the NP, but maybe there are some things that some of you (if anyone has stuck it out to read to this point) might recommend that I take into consideration. I would love some feedback, if you have any.Sorry for the novel. It does help to write it all out.Thanks,Franny

[Guest guest]

What are your RT3 numbers? If your medical practitioners haven't tested you for your RT3 levels, GET THEM! If you have an improper ratio of RT3 to FT3 then you likely need Cytomel ONLY and Synthroid (T4 only) and Armour (which container T4) will make only more RT3 which will keep you feeling bad (or make you feel worse).Here is a Group about T3 tissue resistance: RT3_T3/Here is a website that explains it in detail: http://www.thyroid-rt3.com/I would have gone to this guy (yes, would have flown all of the way to California to see him) if I hadn't FINALLY gotten to a point where I can tolerate how I feel (still not right).http://www.holtorfmed.com/Check out what he has to say about RT3 http://www.holtorfmed.com/index.php?section=topics & subsection=show_studie_details & studie_id=73 the pertinent information is in the subtitle thyroid. (but if you are experiencing brain fog, this article might be too confusing right now)Feel Free to call me if you think I can help you sort some of this out.But most importantly... get your RT3 numbers (and then try to find a local doctor that routinely orders RT3 labs - he/she would certainly understand how to interpret the results if they order the test) If they don't order the test, they don't fully understand thyroid treatment.

Blessings,Lea Ann SavageSatellite Beach, FL(321) 773-7088 (home)(321-961-9219 (cell)))><'>www.VitamixLady.comwww..com<))><

On Feb 19, 2011, at 12:59 PM, Franny Lesniak wrote:

For those not affected by thyroid or adrenal problems, please feel free to skip this post...Oh, boy - I'm feeling quite overwhelmed. And I apologize in advance... this might be lengthy...I met with both the NP at my neurologist's office as well as my internal med. dr. (who is my GP) this week. I am so confused, upset, overwhelmed... and could use some feedback and advice. and I'm too overwhelmed by the thyroid to start there, so I'm starting here, with you all (I hope that's okay. maybe getting it all out here will help me go from here, kwim?)Anyway, first, some background... My GP first tested my thyroid couple of years ago - only tested my TSH, which was within the "normal" range, but she felt that my TSH number was high (3 point something), so she prescribed levoxyl (25 mg). I took that for a good long time, never really felt any different, TSH came down to the 1 point something range, so GP took me off the levoxyl. Well, I started losing hair like crazy, didn't know why. My hair stylist said that it could be my thyroid. Huh? I called my GP, she had me go get blood work done, put me back on the levoxyl at 25 mg, called a few days later and raised the dosage to 50 mg. All this time I didn't know anything about free T3 or free T4 or any thing else. All I knew is that I was always slender before having kids, have been heavy ever since having kids, and tired, and somewhat depressed, as well as a host of other thyroid symptoms that I saw on the Stop the Thyroid Madness website (not to mention the migraines that seriously worsened almost 2 years ago). So, the migraines... they have been awful. I have had a hard time finding a good neurologist. Finally found a good (great!) one a few months ago. She thinks that maybe my migraines could be related to hormonal issues, and she's having me see the NP in her office who works with patients on such things. First thing the NP did was have me do a 24 hour cortisol saliva test as well as blood tests for ALL the thyroid stuff, as well as a number of other blood tests. When we got all those results back (I'm happy to share that info if anyone is interested - I just don't want to bore you all by posting it unnecessarily), we found that my cortisol is wonky, and my thyroid levels were off, too. She was careful not to step on the toes of my GP (not wanting to just blatantly change the course of treatment that the GP had me on), but I had read a little about Armour, and I wanted to discuss with her the difference between the two meds and the pros and cons of each. After talking about it, I decided to go with switching to Armour. I've been steadily increasing my dose of Armour (at the direction of the NP) to the point of taking 75 grains. Still feeling same lack of energy. Hair loss has decreased somewhat, but still falling out. I am just bummed about not feeling better. Had blood done last week, then met with NP. TSH is down to .5, free T3 is 5.1 (too high!), T4 is 6.6, free T4 is .99. But the free T4 actually came down from last time, so that was a red flag to my NP. Her thought is to drop back on the Armour to 60 grains, and go back on the Levoxyl (25 mg) to address the free T4 drop. Here's the thing. Back when my GP increased the levoxyl from 25mg to 50mg, I had about 2 weeks where I felt GREAT! I had energy. I felt like what it must feel like to feel normal. My 10 year old daughter was so happy to have a mommy who had energy to have fun. That just kills me. And then... it went away. It's almost worse that I had those 2 weeks, because I had a glimpse of what it feels like to feel good - and now I really know the contrast. I got so much done in those two weeks, it was great. And then it was over. Now the lack of energy, lack of motivation, and the disorganized thinking and brain fog have returned. I just feel like what the hell is wrong with me? My thyroid numbers look better (most of them)... so why don't I feel better? I feel like I must clarify - I'm not the most exhausted person - but enough that I know that it's not normal. Enough to know that in comparison to that 2 week period, this isn't right. Or maybe that 2 week period wasn't right. Maybe I was hyper in that 2 week period. But I'll tell you what - I would rather be hyper than this.So, I wonder - is my situation thyroid? or is it adrenal? How do I discern? What do I do and where do I go from here?Oh, to finish my story from last week... I think I already said what the NP said to do (go down on the Armour to 60 grains and go back on 25 mg Levoxyl, come back in 8 weeks to do lab work and see where we are at that point). My GP, however, told me to stop the Armour, start taking 2 new meds - (Synthroid and Cytomel), and come back in 6 weeks for bloodwork and followup appt. (I don't know what blood work the GP ordered), and she told me to stop taking the oral Progesterone drops that the NP has me taking (oh, I think I forgot to say that the NP had me start taking those 2 months ago to try to help regulate my periods and pms). So the GP basically was undoing everything that the NP had done. So I've got two doctors (well, one is a nurse, but I'm thinking that she knows more than the doctor) telling me to do two completely different courses of treatment. I have to figure out which way to go, and I'm completely overwhelmed. My gut tells me to go with the NP, but maybe there are some things that some of you (if anyone has stuck it out to read to this point) might recommend that I take into consideration. I would love some feedback, if you have any.Sorry for the novel. It does help to write it all out.Thanks,Franny

[Guest guest]

Franny---I 100% agree with Lea Ann.  As I was reading your post I'm thinking RT3.  If you add a T4 med it just builds more RT3 (and Armour also has T4).  The high FT3 result can also be from T3 in your blood but not getting into the cells.

 

What did they do for your wonky cortisol numbers?

The thyroid groups pretty much say get your adrenals under control and then your iron before trying to sort out the thyroid and lastly the sex hormones. (Lea Ann correct me if I'm wrong!)

 

I'm still trying myself---I'd say I was about 85% better and for some reason have had a set back this week---back to needing 9hrs sleep and a nap everyday>sigh< and grouchy!

 

Franny at the very least join the adrenal group and see if they can help you with the cortisol #'s.

 

Best of Luck,

Stacey

On Sat, Feb 19, 2011 at 12:38 PM, Lea Ann Savage <lsavage@...> wrote:

 

What are your RT3 numbers?  

If your medical practitioners haven't tested you for your RT3 levels, GET THEM!  If you have an improper ratio of RT3 to FT3 then you likely need Cytomel ONLY and Synthroid (T4 only) and Armour (which container T4) will make only more RT3 which will keep you feeling bad (or make you feel worse).

Here is a Group about T3 tissue resistance:  RT3_T3/

Here is a website that explains it in detail:  http://www.thyroid-rt3.com/

I would have gone to this guy (yes, would have flown all of the way to California to see him) if I hadn't FINALLY gotten to a point where I can tolerate how I feel (still not right).

http://www.holtorfmed.com/

Check out what he has to say about RT3  http://www.holtorfmed.com/index.php?section=topics & subsection=show_studie_details & studie_id=73  the pertinent information is in the subtitle thyroid. (but if you are experiencing brain fog, this article might be too confusing right now)

Feel Free to call me if you think I can help you sort some of this out.

But most importantly... get your RT3 numbers (and then try to find a local doctor that routinely orders RT3 labs - he/she would certainly understand how to interpret the results if they order the test)  If they don't order the test, they don't fully understand thyroid treatment.

Blessings,Lea Ann SavageSatellite Beach, FL(321) 773-7088 (home)(321-961-9219 (cell)www.VitamixLady.comwww..com

<))><

On Feb 19, 2011, at 12:59 PM, Franny Lesniak wrote:

 

For those not affected by thyroid or adrenal problems, please feel free to skip this post...

Oh, boy - I'm feeling quite overwhelmed. And I apologize in advance... this might be lengthy...

I met with both the NP at my neurologist's office as well as my internal med. dr. (who is my GP) this week. I am so confused, upset, overwhelmed... and could use some feedback and advice. and I'm too overwhelmed by the thyroid to start there, so I'm starting here, with you all (I hope that's okay. maybe getting it all out here will help me go from here, kwim?)

Anyway, first, some background... My GP first tested my thyroid couple of years ago - only tested my TSH, which was within the " normal " range, but she felt that my TSH number was high (3 point something), so she prescribed levoxyl (25 mg). I took that for a good long time, never really felt any different, TSH came down to the 1 point something range, so GP took me off the levoxyl. Well, I started losing hair like crazy, didn't know why. My hair stylist said that it could be my thyroid. Huh? I called my GP, she had me go get blood work done, put me back on the levoxyl at 25 mg, called a few days later and raised the dosage to 50 mg. All this time I didn't know anything about free T3 or free T4 or any thing else. All I knew is that I was always slender before having kids, have been heavy ever since having kids, and tired, and somewhat depressed, as well as a host of other thyroid symptoms that I saw on the Stop the Thyroid Madness website (not to mention the migraines that seriously worsened almost 2 years ago). 

So, the migraines... they have been awful. I have had a hard time finding a good neurologist. Finally found a good (great!) one a few months ago. She thinks that maybe my migraines could be related to hormonal issues, and she's having me see the NP in her office who works with patients on such things. First thing the NP did was have me do a 24 hour cortisol saliva test as well as blood tests for ALL the thyroid stuff, as well as a number of other blood tests. When we got all those results back (I'm happy to share that info if anyone is interested - I just don't want to bore you all by posting it unnecessarily), we found that my cortisol is wonky, and my thyroid levels were off, too. She was careful not to step on the toes of my GP (not wanting to just blatantly change the course of treatment that the GP had me on), but I had read a little about Armour, and I wanted to discuss with her the difference between the two meds and the pros and cons of each. After talking about it, I decided to go with switching to Armour. 

I've been steadily increasing my dose of Armour (at the direction of the NP) to the point of taking 75 grains. Still feeling same lack of energy. Hair loss has decreased somewhat, but still falling out. I am just bummed about not feeling better. Had blood done last week, then met with NP. TSH is down to .5, free T3 is 5.1 (too  high!), T4 is 6.6, free T4 is .99. But the free T4 actually came down from last time, so that was a red flag to my NP. Her thought is to drop back on the Armour to 60 grains, and go back on the Levoxyl (25 mg) to address the free T4 drop. 

Here's the thing. Back when my GP increased the levoxyl from 25mg to 50mg, I had about 2 weeks where I felt GREAT! I had energy. I felt like what it must feel like to feel normal. My 10 year old daughter was so happy to have a mommy who had energy to have fun. That just kills me. And then... it went away. It's almost worse that I had those 2 weeks, because I had a glimpse of what it feels like to feel good - and now I really know the contrast. I got so much done in those two weeks, it was great. And then it was over. Now the lack of energy, lack of motivation, and the disorganized thinking and brain fog have returned. 

I just feel like what the hell is wrong with me? My thyroid numbers look better (most of them)... so why don't I feel better? I feel like I must clarify - I'm not the most exhausted person - but enough that I know that it's not normal. Enough to know that in comparison to that 2 week period, this isn't right. Or maybe that 2 week period wasn't right. Maybe I was hyper in that 2 week period. But I'll tell you what - I would rather be hyper than this.

So, I wonder - is my situation thyroid? or is it adrenal? How do I discern? What do I do and where do I go from here?

Oh, to finish my story from last week... I think I already said what the NP said to do (go down on the Armour to 60 grains and go back on 25 mg Levoxyl, come back in 8 weeks to do lab work and see where we are at that point). My GP, however, told me to stop the Armour, start taking 2 new meds - (Synthroid and Cytomel), and come back in 6 weeks for bloodwork and followup appt. (I don't know what blood work the GP ordered), and she told me to stop taking the oral Progesterone drops that the NP has me taking (oh, I think I forgot to say that the NP had me start taking those 2 months ago to try to help regulate my periods and pms). So the GP basically was undoing everything that the NP had done. 

So I've got two doctors (well, one is a nurse, but I'm thinking that she knows more than the doctor) telling me to do two completely different courses of treatment. I have to figure out which way to go, and I'm completely overwhelmed. My gut tells me to go with the NP, but maybe there are some things that some of you (if anyone has stuck it out to read to this point) might recommend that I take into consideration. I would love some feedback, if you have any.

Sorry for the novel. It does help to write it all out.

Thanks,

Franny

[Guest guest]

Isn't it the pits Stacey when you get it right for a while and feel great then go backwards? Franny we so feel your pain. But hang in there and keep researching. There is so much more information out there now - it's just a matter of sorting through it all. Educate yourself as much as you can on the Internet and you'll know more than 95% of the endocrinologists out there about WHAT WORKS.What I simply cannot understand is that the information is out there about tissue resistance to thyroid hormone (AKA high RT3) but the endocrinologists, and general practitioners, etc. are clueless - why???

Blessings,Lea Ann SavageSatellite Beach, FL(321) 773-7088 (home)(321-961-9219 (cell)))><'>www.VitamixLady.comwww..com<))><

On Feb 19, 2011, at 3:54 PM, asummers asummers wrote:

Franny---I 100% agree with Lea Ann. As I was reading your post I'm thinking RT3. If you add a T4 med it just builds more RT3 (and Armour also has T4). The high FT3 result can also be from T3 in your blood but not getting into the cells.

What did they do for your wonky cortisol numbers?

The thyroid groups pretty much say get your adrenals under control and then your iron before trying to sort out the thyroid and lastly the sex hormones. (Lea Ann correct me if I'm wrong!)

I'm still trying myself---I'd say I was about 85% better and for some reason have had a set back this week---back to needing 9hrs sleep and a nap everyday>sigh< and grouchy!

Franny at the very least join the adrenal group and see if they can help you with the cortisol #'s.

Best of Luck,

Stacey

On Sat, Feb 19, 2011 at 12:38 PM, Lea Ann Savage <lsavage@...> wrote:

What are your RT3 numbers?

If your medical practitioners haven't tested you for your RT3 levels, GET THEM! If you have an improper ratio of RT3 to FT3 then you likely need Cytomel ONLY and Synthroid (T4 only) and Armour (which container T4) will make only more RT3 which will keep you feeling bad (or make you feel worse).

Here is a Group about T3 tissue resistance: RT3_T3/

Here is a website that explains it in detail: http://www.thyroid-rt3.com/

I would have gone to this guy (yes, would have flown all of the way to California to see him) if I hadn't FINALLY gotten to a point where I can tolerate how I feel (still not right).

http://www.holtorfmed.com/

Check out what he has to say about RT3 http://www.holtorfmed.com/index.php?section=topics & subsection=show_studie_details & studie_id=73 the pertinent information is in the subtitle thyroid. (but if you are experiencing brain fog, this article might be too confusing right now)

Feel Free to call me if you think I can help you sort some of this out.

But most importantly... get your RT3 numbers (and then try to find a local doctor that routinely orders RT3 labs - he/she would certainly understand how to interpret the results if they order the test) If they don't order the test, they don't fully understand thyroid treatment.

Blessings,Lea Ann SavageSatellite Beach, FL(321) 773-7088 (home)(321-961-9219 (cell)www.VitamixLady.comwww..com

<))><

On Feb 19, 2011, at 12:59 PM, Franny Lesniak wrote:

For those not affected by thyroid or adrenal problems, please feel free to skip this post...

Oh, boy - I'm feeling quite overwhelmed. And I apologize in advance... this might be lengthy...

I met with both the NP at my neurologist's office as well as my internal med. dr. (who is my GP) this week. I am so confused, upset, overwhelmed... and could use some feedback and advice. and I'm too overwhelmed by the thyroid to start there, so I'm starting here, with you all (I hope that's okay. maybe getting it all out here will help me go from here, kwim?)

Anyway, first, some background... My GP first tested my thyroid couple of years ago - only tested my TSH, which was within the "normal" range, but she felt that my TSH number was high (3 point something), so she prescribed levoxyl (25 mg). I took that for a good long time, never really felt any different, TSH came down to the 1 point something range, so GP took me off the levoxyl. Well, I started losing hair like crazy, didn't know why. My hair stylist said that it could be my thyroid. Huh? I called my GP, she had me go get blood work done, put me back on the levoxyl at 25 mg, called a few days later and raised the dosage to 50 mg. All this time I didn't know anything about free T3 or free T4 or any thing else. All I knew is that I was always slender before having kids, have been heavy ever since having kids, and tired, and somewhat depressed, as well as a host of other thyroid symptoms that I saw on the Stop the Thyroid Madness website (not to mention the migraines that seriously worsened almost 2 years ago).

So, the migraines... they have been awful. I have had a hard time finding a good neurologist. Finally found a good (great!) one a few months ago. She thinks that maybe my migraines could be related to hormonal issues, and she's having me see the NP in her office who works with patients on such things. First thing the NP did was have me do a 24 hour cortisol saliva test as well as blood tests for ALL the thyroid stuff, as well as a number of other blood tests. When we got all those results back (I'm happy to share that info if anyone is interested - I just don't want to bore you all by posting it unnecessarily), we found that my cortisol is wonky, and my thyroid levels were off, too. She was careful not to step on the toes of my GP (not wanting to just blatantly change the course of treatment that the GP had me on), but I had read a little about Armour, and I wanted to discuss with her the difference between the two meds and the pros and cons of each. After talking about it, I decided to go with switching to Armour.

I've been steadily increasing my dose of Armour (at the direction of the NP) to the point of taking 75 grains. Still feeling same lack of energy. Hair loss has decreased somewhat, but still falling out. I am just bummed about not feeling better. Had blood done last week, then met with NP. TSH is down to .5, free T3 is 5.1 (too high!), T4 is 6.6, free T4 is .99. But the free T4 actually came down from last time, so that was a red flag to my NP. Her thought is to drop back on the Armour to 60 grains, and go back on the Levoxyl (25 mg) to address the free T4 drop.

Here's the thing. Back when my GP increased the levoxyl from 25mg to 50mg, I had about 2 weeks where I felt GREAT! I had energy. I felt like what it must feel like to feel normal. My 10 year old daughter was so happy to have a mommy who had energy to have fun. That just kills me. And then... it went away. It's almost worse that I had those 2 weeks, because I had a glimpse of what it feels like to feel good - and now I really know the contrast. I got so much done in those two weeks, it was great. And then it was over. Now the lack of energy, lack of motivation, and the disorganized thinking and brain fog have returned.

I just feel like what the hell is wrong with me? My thyroid numbers look better (most of them)... so why don't I feel better? I feel like I must clarify - I'm not the most exhausted person - but enough that I know that it's not normal. Enough to know that in comparison to that 2 week period, this isn't right. Or maybe that 2 week period wasn't right. Maybe I was hyper in that 2 week period. But I'll tell you what - I would rather be hyper than this.

So, I wonder - is my situation thyroid? or is it adrenal? How do I discern? What do I do and where do I go from here?

Oh, to finish my story from last week... I think I already said what the NP said to do (go down on the Armour to 60 grains and go back on 25 mg Levoxyl, come back in 8 weeks to do lab work and see where we are at that point). My GP, however, told me to stop the Armour, start taking 2 new meds - (Synthroid and Cytomel), and come back in 6 weeks for bloodwork and followup appt. (I don't know what blood work the GP ordered), and she told me to stop taking the oral Progesterone drops that the NP has me taking (oh, I think I forgot to say that the NP had me start taking those 2 months ago to try to help regulate my periods and pms). So the GP basically was undoing everything that the NP had done.

So I've got two doctors (well, one is a nurse, but I'm thinking that she knows more than the doctor) telling me to do two completely different courses of treatment. I have to figure out which way to go, and I'm completely overwhelmed. My gut tells me to go with the NP, but maybe there are some things that some of you (if anyone has stuck it out to read to this point) might recommend that I take into consideration. I would love some feedback, if you have any.

Sorry for the novel. It does help to write it all out.

Thanks,

Franny

[Guest guest]

You will find a lot of valuable information in The Women's Guide to Thyroid

Health book by R. Simpson. I picked it up from the library.

>

> For those not affected by thyroid or adrenal problems, please feel free to

skip this post...

>

>

> Oh, boy - I'm feeling quite overwhelmed. And I apologize in advance... this

might be lengthy...

>

> I met with both the NP at my neurologist's office as well as my internal med.

dr. (who is my GP) this week. I am so confused, upset, overwhelmed... and could

use some feedback and advice. and I'm too overwhelmed by the thyroid

groups to start there, so I'm starting here, with you all (I hope that's okay.

maybe getting it all out here will help me go from here, kwim?)

>

> Anyway, first, some background... My GP first tested my thyroid couple of

years ago - only tested my TSH, which was within the " normal " range, but she

felt that my TSH number was high (3 point something), so she prescribed levoxyl

(25 mg). I took that for a good long time, never really felt any different, TSH

came down to the 1 point something range, so GP took me off the levoxyl. Well, I

started losing hair like crazy, didn't know why. My hair stylist said that it

could be my thyroid. Huh? I called my GP, she had me go get blood work done, put

me back on the levoxyl at 25 mg, called a few days later and raised the dosage

to 50 mg. All this time I didn't know anything about free T3 or free T4 or any

thing else. All I knew is that I was always slender before having kids, have

been heavy ever since having kids, and tired, and somewhat depressed, as well as

a host of other thyroid symptoms that I saw on the Stop the Thyroid Madness

website (not to mention the migraines that seriously worsened almost 2 years

ago).

>

> So, the migraines... they have been awful. I have had a hard time finding a

good neurologist. Finally found a good (great!) one a few months ago. She thinks

that maybe my migraines could be related to hormonal issues, and she's having me

see the NP in her office who works with patients on such things. First thing the

NP did was have me do a 24 hour cortisol saliva test as well as blood tests for

ALL the thyroid stuff, as well as a number of other blood tests. When we got all

those results back (I'm happy to share that info if anyone is interested - I

just don't want to bore you all by posting it unnecessarily), we found that my

cortisol is wonky, and my thyroid levels were off, too. She was careful not to

step on the toes of my GP (not wanting to just blatantly change the course of

treatment that the GP had me on), but I had read a little about Armour, and I

wanted to discuss with her the difference between the two meds and the pros and

cons of each. After talking about it, I decided to go with switching to Armour.

>

> I've been steadily increasing my dose of Armour (at the direction of the NP)

to the point of taking 75 grains. Still feeling same lack of energy. Hair

loss has decreased somewhat, but still falling out. I am just bummed about not

feeling better. Had blood done last week, then met with NP. TSH is down to .5,

free T3 is 5.1 (too high!), T4 is 6.6, free T4 is .99. But the free T4 actually

came down from last time, so that was a red flag to my NP. Her thought is to

drop back on the Armour to 60 grains, and go back on the Levoxyl (25 mg) to

address the free T4 drop.

>

> Here's the thing. Back when my GP increased the levoxyl from 25mg to 50mg, I

had about 2 weeks where I felt GREAT! I had energy. I felt like what it must

feel like to feel normal. My 10 year old daughter was so happy to have a mommy

who had energy to have fun. That just kills me. And then... it went away. It's

almost worse that I had those 2 weeks, because I had a glimpse of what it feels

like to feel good - and now I really know the contrast. I got so much done in

those two weeks, it was great. And then it was over. Now the lack of energy,

lack of motivation, and the disorganized thinking and brain fog have returned.

>

> I just feel like what the hell is wrong with me? My thyroid numbers look

better (most of them)... so why don't I feel better? I feel like I must clarify

- I'm not the most exhausted person - but enough that I know that it's not

normal. Enough to know that in comparison to that 2 week period, this isn't

right. Or maybe that 2 week period wasn't right. Maybe I was hyper in that 2

week period. But I'll tell you what - I would rather be hyper than this.

>

> So, I wonder - is my situation thyroid? or is it adrenal? How do I discern?

What do I do and where do I go from here?

>

> Oh, to finish my story from last week... I think I already said what the NP

said to do (go down on the Armour to 60 grains and go back on 25 mg Levoxyl,

come back in 8 weeks to do lab work and see where we are at that point). My GP,

however, told me to stop the Armour, start taking 2 new meds - (Synthroid and

Cytomel), and come back in 6 weeks for bloodwork and followup appt. (I don't

know what blood work the GP ordered), and she told me to stop taking the oral

Progesterone drops that the NP has me taking (oh, I think I forgot to say that

the NP had me start taking those 2 months ago to try to help regulate my periods

and pms). So the GP basically was undoing everything that the NP had done.

>

> So I've got two doctors (well, one is a nurse, but I'm thinking that she knows

more than the doctor) telling me to do two completely different courses of

treatment. I have to figure out which way to go, and I'm completely overwhelmed.

My gut tells me to go with the NP, but maybe there are some things that some of

you (if anyone has stuck it out to read to this point) might recommend that I

take into consideration. I would love some feedback, if you have any.

>

> Sorry for the novel. It does help to write it all out.

>

> Thanks,

> Franny

>

[Guest guest]

Franny, I had a RT 3 problem. My ratio was 7. Anything over 20 is fine. I was

only on Erfa thyroid, but producing lots of RT3. I had to go on T3 only to

clear the RT3. I also had to go on HC for my adrenals and supplement iron to

get my iron at a decent level. Who helped me? Not any doctor. I joined the

adrenal group and RT3 group () and read like a mad man until I started to

understand the concepts. I posted when I had a question and learned from

others. I am self-treating. I order all my own lab tests from MyMedLab online

and then go to a local Lab Corp to get my blood drawn. Do I wish I could find a

doctor? Yes, I do. But, do I think I will find one that understands all this

thyroid and adrenal stuff? No, I don't. A Kaiser Endo almost killed me and so

I took my health into my own hands and do what I need to do to help myself to

get better. I'm not at 100 % yet, but I'm working on it. In the Stop the

Thyroid Madness Book, what helped me a lot was reading the chapter on the

mistakes that doctors and patients make.

> >

> >

> >

> > For those not affected by thyroid or adrenal problems, please feel free to

> > skip this post...

> >

> >

> > Oh, boy - I'm feeling quite overwhelmed. And I apologize in advance... this

> > might be lengthy...

> >

> > I met with both the NP at my neurologist's office as well as my internal

> > med. dr. (who is my GP) this week. I am so confused, upset, overwhelmed...

> > and could use some feedback and advice. and I'm too overwhelmed by the

> > thyroid to start there, so I'm starting here, with you all (I

> > hope that's okay. maybe getting it all out here will help me go from here,

> > kwim?)

> >

> > Anyway, first, some background... My GP first tested my thyroid couple of

> > years ago - only tested my TSH, which was within the " normal " range, but she

> > felt that my TSH number was high (3 point something), so she prescribed

> > levoxyl (25 mg). I took that for a good long time, never really felt any

> > different, TSH came down to the 1 point something range, so GP took me off

> > the levoxyl. Well, I started losing hair like crazy, didn't know why. My

> > hair stylist said that it could be my thyroid. Huh? I called my GP, she had

> > me go get blood work done, put me back on the levoxyl at 25 mg, called a few

> > days later and raised the dosage to 50 mg. All this time I didn't know

> > anything about free T3 or free T4 or any thing else. All I knew is that I

> > was always slender before having kids, have been heavy ever since having

> > kids, and tired, and somewhat depressed, as well as a host of other thyroid

> > symptoms that I saw on the Stop the Thyroid Madness website (not to mention

> > the migraines that seriously worsened almost 2 years ago).

> >

> > So, the migraines... they have been awful. I have had a hard time finding a

> > good neurologist. Finally found a good (great!) one a few months ago. She

> > thinks that maybe my migraines could be related to hormonal issues, and

> > she's having me see the NP in her office who works with patients on such

> > things. First thing the NP did was have me do a 24 hour cortisol saliva test

> > as well as blood tests for ALL the thyroid stuff, as well as a number of

> > other blood tests. When we got all those results back (I'm happy to share

> > that info if anyone is interested - I just don't want to bore you all by

> > posting it unnecessarily), we found that my cortisol is wonky, and my

> > thyroid levels were off, too. She was careful not to step on the toes of my

> > GP (not wanting to just blatantly change the course of treatment that the GP

> > had me on), but I had read a little about Armour, and I wanted to discuss

> > with her the difference between the two meds and the pros and cons of each.

> > After talking about it, I decided to go with switching to Armour.

> >

> > I've been steadily increasing my dose of Armour (at the direction of the

> > NP) to the point of taking 75 grains. Still feeling same lack of energy.

> > Hair loss has decreased somewhat, but still falling out. I am just bummed

> > about not feeling better. Had blood done last week, then met with NP. TSH is

> > down to .5, free T3 is 5.1 (too high!), T4 is 6.6, free T4 is .99. But the

> > free T4 actually came down from last time, so that was a red flag to my NP.

> > Her thought is to drop back on the Armour to 60 grains, and go back on the

> > Levoxyl (25 mg) to address the free T4 drop.

> >

> > Here's the thing. Back when my GP increased the levoxyl from 25mg to 50mg,

> > I had about 2 weeks where I felt GREAT! I had energy. I felt like what it

> > must feel like to feel normal. My 10 year old daughter was so happy to have

> > a mommy who had energy to have fun. That just kills me. And then... it went

> > away. It's almost worse that I had those 2 weeks, because I had a glimpse of

> > what it feels like to feel good - and now I *really* know the contrast. I

> > got so much done in those two weeks, it was great. And then it was over. Now

> > the lack of energy, lack of motivation, and the disorganized thinking and

> > brain fog have returned.

> >

> > I just feel like what the hell is wrong with me? My thyroid numbers look

> > better (most of them)... so why don't I feel better? I feel like I must

> > clarify - I'm not the most exhausted person - but enough that I know that

> > it's not normal. Enough to know that in comparison to that 2 week period,

> > this isn't right. Or maybe that 2 week period wasn't right. Maybe I was

> > hyper in that 2 week period. But I'll tell you what - I would rather be

> > hyper than this.

> >

> > So, I wonder - is my situation thyroid? or is it adrenal? How do I discern?

> > What do I do and where do I go from here?

> >

> > Oh, to finish my story from last week... I think I already said what the NP

> > said to do (go down on the Armour to 60 grains and go back on 25 mg Levoxyl,

> > come back in 8 weeks to do lab work and see where we are at that point). My

> > GP, however, told me to stop the Armour, start taking 2 new meds -

> > (Synthroid and Cytomel), and come back in 6 weeks for bloodwork and followup

> > appt. (I don't know what blood work the GP ordered), and she told me to stop

> > taking the oral Progesterone drops that the NP has me taking (oh, I think I

> > forgot to say that the NP had me start taking those 2 months ago to try to

> > help regulate my periods and pms). So the GP basically was undoing

> > everything that the NP had done.

> >

> > So I've got two doctors (well, one is a nurse, but I'm thinking that she

> > knows more than the doctor) telling me to do two completely different

> > courses of treatment. I have to figure out which way to go, and I'm

> > completely overwhelmed. My gut tells me to go with the NP, but maybe there

> > are some things that some of you (if anyone has stuck it out to read to this

> > point) might recommend that I take into consideration. I would love some

> > feedback, if you have any.

> >

> > Sorry for the novel. It does help to write it all out.

> >

> > Thanks,

> > Franny

> >

> >

> >

> >

>