Re: I need help--and a new Dr

[Guest guest]

I would skip the endos and look for a naturalistic GP such as Ron Manzanero in Austin. Read our Database and check ot our Texas Armour Docs list in Files.

I think you were in our group before. Welcome back!

, "Amber" wrote:>> I was diagnosed Hypothyroid when I was 18 (with a TSH of 96.5). By the time I was 21, I had RAI because of autoimmune thyroiditis (not sure which antibodies--Endo never checked for that) & was put on Levothyroxine. After loosing my insurance, I self-medicated for a while & kept up the norm that my doctor began. Unfortunately I never felt good & never lost any weight despite countless diets & exercise routines. I finally switched to a doctor (not an Endo) I could afford--who gave discounts to "pay out-of-pocket" patients. I have been seeing this doctor for 4 years now & I'm 28. > When I first started seeing him, he raised my dose of Levothyroxine & for the first time ever, I felt great & started loosing weight (my levels were great, as well). 2 months later, my pharmacy substituted Synthroid for the out-of-stock levothyroixine--same doseage. That month, I gained back the 40 lbs I had just lost. I immediately went back to the doctor & he contacted the pharmacy and added a stipulation "No Substitutes." It has been close to 4 years now & I have yet to loose any weight or feel good again--but I have "normal" labs. Dieting seems to only help me maintain the 260 lbs I am at now & we have been trying for a baby for 7yrs. Of course, I know I'm symptomatic, so I know trying right now is doing as much good as wishing on a star.> A few months ago, I went back for my annual check-up & had him test Free T4 & Free T3. My T4 was in the middle of the normal range, but my T3 was at the very minimum of the normal range. --Doc says everything's normal & that not everything is thyroid related...meaning my being symptomatic--I'm like a walking hypothyroid symptoms check list. He did say, however, that there might be something else wrong with the thyroid issues, but that he doesn't know much about it, so I need to find an Endocrinologist.> Can anyone help with that? I don't know if maybe I should try being tested for 's Syndrome (I have those symptoms)? Do any of you even know of a doctor who will test/treat for that? I am just so frustrated and I want to feel good & loose weight. I live in Central Texas (between Waco & Temple) but I travel to Austin to see my regular doctor. > Any help on finding a doctor or any suggestions on testing because of possible reasons I am struggling would be greatly appreciated.> Thanks so Much!> ~Amber>

[Guest guest]

I would skip the endos and look for a naturalistic GP such as Ron Manzanero in Austin. Read our Database and check ot our Texas Armour Docs list in Files.

I think you were in our group before. Welcome back!

, "Amber" wrote:>> I was diagnosed Hypothyroid when I was 18 (with a TSH of 96.5). By the time I was 21, I had RAI because of autoimmune thyroiditis (not sure which antibodies--Endo never checked for that) & was put on Levothyroxine. After loosing my insurance, I self-medicated for a while & kept up the norm that my doctor began. Unfortunately I never felt good & never lost any weight despite countless diets & exercise routines. I finally switched to a doctor (not an Endo) I could afford--who gave discounts to "pay out-of-pocket" patients. I have been seeing this doctor for 4 years now & I'm 28. > When I first started seeing him, he raised my dose of Levothyroxine & for the first time ever, I felt great & started loosing weight (my levels were great, as well). 2 months later, my pharmacy substituted Synthroid for the out-of-stock levothyroixine--same doseage. That month, I gained back the 40 lbs I had just lost. I immediately went back to the doctor & he contacted the pharmacy and added a stipulation "No Substitutes." It has been close to 4 years now & I have yet to loose any weight or feel good again--but I have "normal" labs. Dieting seems to only help me maintain the 260 lbs I am at now & we have been trying for a baby for 7yrs. Of course, I know I'm symptomatic, so I know trying right now is doing as much good as wishing on a star.> A few months ago, I went back for my annual check-up & had him test Free T4 & Free T3. My T4 was in the middle of the normal range, but my T3 was at the very minimum of the normal range. --Doc says everything's normal & that not everything is thyroid related...meaning my being symptomatic--I'm like a walking hypothyroid symptoms check list. He did say, however, that there might be something else wrong with the thyroid issues, but that he doesn't know much about it, so I need to find an Endocrinologist.> Can anyone help with that? I don't know if maybe I should try being tested for 's Syndrome (I have those symptoms)? Do any of you even know of a doctor who will test/treat for that? I am just so frustrated and I want to feel good & loose weight. I live in Central Texas (between Waco & Temple) but I travel to Austin to see my regular doctor. > Any help on finding a doctor or any suggestions on testing because of possible reasons I am struggling would be greatly appreciated.> Thanks so Much!> ~Amber>

[Guest guest]

Yes, I was in the group before. I had to stop doing many things online for a

while because I started going blind. I was diagnosed with Occular Histoplasmosis

Syndrome (another crazy medical thing that is hard to treat). After 8 injections

in my eyeball, I can see through one of my eyes now. We are supposed to start on

the other eye, but I need to get my thyroid issues in order. Without insurance,

it can only be one thing at a time.

Thanks for the suggestion on a new doctor. I see that he prescribes cytomel &

that, alone, gives me hope--crazy how many doctors won't even consider it.

I'll keep you posted on how things go. Thanks again!

~Amber

> >

> > I was diagnosed Hypothyroid when I was 18 (with a TSH of 96.5). By the

> time I was 21, I had RAI because of autoimmune thyroiditis (not sure

> which antibodies--Endo never checked for that) & was put on

> Levothyroxine. After loosing my insurance, I self-medicated for a while

> & kept up the norm that my doctor began. Unfortunately I never felt good

> & never lost any weight despite countless diets & exercise routines. I

> finally switched to a doctor (not an Endo) I could afford--who gave

> discounts to " pay out-of-pocket " patients. I have been seeing this

> doctor for 4 years now & I'm 28.

> > When I first started seeing him, he raised my dose of Levothyroxine &

> for the first time ever, I felt great & started loosing weight (my

> levels were great, as well). 2 months later, my pharmacy substituted

> Synthroid for the out-of-stock levothyroixine--same doseage. That month,

> I gained back the 40 lbs I had just lost. I immediately went back to the

> doctor & he contacted the pharmacy and added a stipulation " No

> Substitutes. " It has been close to 4 years now & I have yet to loose any

> weight or feel good again--but I have " normal " labs. Dieting seems to

> only help me maintain the 260 lbs I am at now & we have been trying for

> a baby for 7yrs. Of course, I know I'm symptomatic, so I know trying

> right now is doing as much good as wishing on a star.

> > A few months ago, I went back for my annual check-up & had him test

> Free T4 & Free T3. My T4 was in the middle of the normal range, but my

> T3 was at the very minimum of the normal range. --Doc says everything's

> normal & that not everything is thyroid related...meaning my being

> symptomatic--I'm like a walking hypothyroid symptoms check list. He did

> say, however, that there might be something else wrong with the thyroid

> issues, but that he doesn't know much about it, so I need to find an

> Endocrinologist.

> > Can anyone help with that? I don't know if maybe I should try being

> tested for 's Syndrome (I have those symptoms)? Do any of you even

> know of a doctor who will test/treat for that? I am just so frustrated

> and I want to feel good & loose weight. I live in Central Texas (between

> Waco & Temple) but I travel to Austin to see my regular doctor.

> > Any help on finding a doctor or any suggestions on testing because of

> possible reasons I am struggling would be greatly appreciated.

> > Thanks so Much!

> > ~Amber

> >

>

[Guest guest]

I had my appointment with Verdonk who will retire next year. I am not qualified to make an accessment, but like him & he did test for things the other endrocronoligist did not test for. He does not like Armour but I did not press the issue. My thyroglobulin is up ticking so I am not out of the woods. Sorry for the spelling

Cheers, Bob

To: Texas_Thyroid_Groups Sent: Thu, July 1, 2010 12:08:41 AMSubject: Re: I need help--and a new Dr

I would skip the endos and look for a naturalistic GP such as Ron Manzanero in Austin. Read our Database and check ot our Texas Armour Docs list in Files.

I think you were in our group before. Welcome back!

, "Amber" wrote:>> I was diagnosed Hypothyroid when I was 18 (with a TSH of 96.5). By the time I was 21, I had RAI because of autoimmune thyroiditis (not sure which antibodies--Endo never checked for that) & was put on Levothyroxine. After loosing my insurance, I self-medicated for a while & kept up the norm that my doctor began. Unfortunately I never felt good & never lost any weight despite countless diets & exercise routines. I finally switched to a doctor (not an Endo) I could afford--who gave discounts to "pay out-of-pocket" patients. I have been seeing this doctor for 4 years now & I'm 28. > When I first started seeing him, he raised my dose of Levothyroxine & for the first time ever, I felt great & started loosing weight (my levels were great, as well). 2 months later, my pharmacy substituted Synthroid for the out-of-stock

levothyroixine--same doseage. That month, I gained back the 40 lbs I had just lost. I immediately went back to the doctor & he contacted the pharmacy and added a stipulation "No Substitutes." It has been close to 4 years now & I have yet to loose any weight or feel good again--but I have "normal" labs. Dieting seems to only help me maintain the 260 lbs I am at now & we have been trying for a baby for 7yrs. Of course, I know I'm symptomatic, so I know trying right now is doing as much good as wishing on a star.> A few months ago, I went back for my annual check-up & had him test Free T4 & Free T3. My T4 was in the middle of the normal range, but my T3 was at the very minimum of the normal range. --Doc says everything's normal & that not everything is thyroid related...meaning my being symptomatic--I'm like a walking hypothyroid symptoms check list. He did say, however, that there might be something else wrong with the

thyroid issues, but that he doesn't know much about it, so I need to find an Endocrinologist.> Can anyone help with that? I don't know if maybe I should try being tested for 's Syndrome (I have those symptoms)? Do any of you even know of a doctor who will test/treat for that? I am just so frustrated and I want to feel good & loose weight. I live in Central Texas (between Waco & Temple) but I travel to Austin to see my regular doctor. > Any help on finding a doctor or any suggestions on testing because of possible reasons I am struggling would be greatly appreciated.> Thanks so Much!> ~Amber>

[Guest guest]

I had my appointment with Verdonk who will retire next year. I am not qualified to make an accessment, but like him & he did test for things the other endrocronoligist did not test for. He does not like Armour but I did not press the issue. My thyroglobulin is up ticking so I am not out of the woods. Sorry for the spelling

Cheers, Bob

To: Texas_Thyroid_Groups Sent: Thu, July 1, 2010 12:08:41 AMSubject: Re: I need help--and a new Dr

I would skip the endos and look for a naturalistic GP such as Ron Manzanero in Austin. Read our Database and check ot our Texas Armour Docs list in Files.

I think you were in our group before. Welcome back!

, "Amber" wrote:>> I was diagnosed Hypothyroid when I was 18 (with a TSH of 96.5). By the time I was 21, I had RAI because of autoimmune thyroiditis (not sure which antibodies--Endo never checked for that) & was put on Levothyroxine. After loosing my insurance, I self-medicated for a while & kept up the norm that my doctor began. Unfortunately I never felt good & never lost any weight despite countless diets & exercise routines. I finally switched to a doctor (not an Endo) I could afford--who gave discounts to "pay out-of-pocket" patients. I have been seeing this doctor for 4 years now & I'm 28. > When I first started seeing him, he raised my dose of Levothyroxine & for the first time ever, I felt great & started loosing weight (my levels were great, as well). 2 months later, my pharmacy substituted Synthroid for the out-of-stock

levothyroixine--same doseage. That month, I gained back the 40 lbs I had just lost. I immediately went back to the doctor & he contacted the pharmacy and added a stipulation "No Substitutes." It has been close to 4 years now & I have yet to loose any weight or feel good again--but I have "normal" labs. Dieting seems to only help me maintain the 260 lbs I am at now & we have been trying for a baby for 7yrs. Of course, I know I'm symptomatic, so I know trying right now is doing as much good as wishing on a star.> A few months ago, I went back for my annual check-up & had him test Free T4 & Free T3. My T4 was in the middle of the normal range, but my T3 was at the very minimum of the normal range. --Doc says everything's normal & that not everything is thyroid related...meaning my being symptomatic--I'm like a walking hypothyroid symptoms check list. He did say, however, that there might be something else wrong with the

thyroid issues, but that he doesn't know much about it, so I need to find an Endocrinologist.> Can anyone help with that? I don't know if maybe I should try being tested for 's Syndrome (I have those symptoms)? Do any of you even know of a doctor who will test/treat for that? I am just so frustrated and I want to feel good & loose weight. I live in Central Texas (between Waco & Temple) but I travel to Austin to see my regular doctor. > Any help on finding a doctor or any suggestions on testing because of possible reasons I am struggling would be greatly appreciated.> Thanks so Much!> ~Amber>

[Guest guest]

Sorry about the thyroglobulin being up. It appears that your cancer does not uptake RAI. Will you be having a PET scan to find the other sites?

Your endo does not have to prescribe your thyroid meds. Your GP can do that, even if the endo does not like what he is prescribing. What are you on now and how are you feeling? Some folks do well on levothyroxine plus Cytomel, provided that the doc gives them enough Cytomel.

> >> > I was diagnosed Hypothyroid when I was 18 (with a TSH of 96.5). By the time I was 21, I had RAI because of autoimmune thyroiditis (not sure which antibodies--Endo never checked for that) & was put on Levothyroxine. After loosing my insurance, I self-medicated for a while & kept up the norm that my doctor began. Unfortunately I never felt good & never lost any weight despite countless diets & exercise routines. I finally switched to a doctor (not an Endo) I could afford--who gave discounts to "pay out-of-pocket" patients. I have been seeing this doctor for 4 years now & I'm 28. > > When I first started seeing him, he raised my dose of Levothyroxine & for the first time ever, I felt great & started loosing weight (my levels were great, as well). 2 months later, my pharmacy substituted Synthroid for the out-of-stock levothyroixine--same doseage. That month, I gained back the 40 lbs I had just lost. I immediately went back to the doctor & he contacted the pharmacy and added a stipulation "No Substitutes." It has been close to 4 years now & I have yet to loose any weight or feel good again--but I have "normal" labs. Dieting seems to only help me maintain the 260 lbs I am at now & we have been trying for a baby for 7yrs. Of course, I know I'm symptomatic, so I know trying right now is doing as much good as wishing on a star.> > A few months ago, I went back for my annual check-up & had him test Free T4 & Free T3. My T4 was in the middle of the normal range, but my T3 was at the very minimum of the normal range. --Doc says everything's normal & that not everything is thyroid related...meaning my being symptomatic--I'm like a walking hypothyroid symptoms check list. He did say, however, that there might be something else wrong with the thyroid issues, but that he doesn't know much about it, so I need to find an Endocrinologist.> > Can anyone help with that? I don't know if maybe I should try being tested for 's Syndrome (I have those symptoms)? Do any of you even know of a doctor who will test/treat for that? I am just so frustrated and I want to feel good & loose weight. I live in Central Texas (between Waco & Temple) but I travel to Austin to see my regular doctor. > > Any help on finding a doctor or any suggestions on testing because of possible reasons I am struggling would be greatly appreciated.> > Thanks so Much!> > ~Amber> >>

[Guest guest]

Sorry about the thyroglobulin being up. It appears that your cancer does not uptake RAI. Will you be having a PET scan to find the other sites?

Your endo does not have to prescribe your thyroid meds. Your GP can do that, even if the endo does not like what he is prescribing. What are you on now and how are you feeling? Some folks do well on levothyroxine plus Cytomel, provided that the doc gives them enough Cytomel.

> >> > I was diagnosed Hypothyroid when I was 18 (with a TSH of 96.5). By the time I was 21, I had RAI because of autoimmune thyroiditis (not sure which antibodies--Endo never checked for that) & was put on Levothyroxine. After loosing my insurance, I self-medicated for a while & kept up the norm that my doctor began. Unfortunately I never felt good & never lost any weight despite countless diets & exercise routines. I finally switched to a doctor (not an Endo) I could afford--who gave discounts to "pay out-of-pocket" patients. I have been seeing this doctor for 4 years now & I'm 28. > > When I first started seeing him, he raised my dose of Levothyroxine & for the first time ever, I felt great & started loosing weight (my levels were great, as well). 2 months later, my pharmacy substituted Synthroid for the out-of-stock levothyroixine--same doseage. That month, I gained back the 40 lbs I had just lost. I immediately went back to the doctor & he contacted the pharmacy and added a stipulation "No Substitutes." It has been close to 4 years now & I have yet to loose any weight or feel good again--but I have "normal" labs. Dieting seems to only help me maintain the 260 lbs I am at now & we have been trying for a baby for 7yrs. Of course, I know I'm symptomatic, so I know trying right now is doing as much good as wishing on a star.> > A few months ago, I went back for my annual check-up & had him test Free T4 & Free T3. My T4 was in the middle of the normal range, but my T3 was at the very minimum of the normal range. --Doc says everything's normal & that not everything is thyroid related...meaning my being symptomatic--I'm like a walking hypothyroid symptoms check list. He did say, however, that there might be something else wrong with the thyroid issues, but that he doesn't know much about it, so I need to find an Endocrinologist.> > Can anyone help with that? I don't know if maybe I should try being tested for 's Syndrome (I have those symptoms)? Do any of you even know of a doctor who will test/treat for that? I am just so frustrated and I want to feel good & loose weight. I live in Central Texas (between Waco & Temple) but I travel to Austin to see my regular doctor. > > Any help on finding a doctor or any suggestions on testing because of possible reasons I am struggling would be greatly appreciated.> > Thanks so Much!> > ~Amber> >>

[Guest guest]

Yes, during my appointment I kept saying "who is carrying the ball" because the previous endo, thought we were playing hockey.

One thing Dr. V has done is made sure I am getting to the right people for the correct test. I have a PET set up in the next few weeks.

I am going to stay of the "mainstream" medications for right now, I am doing OK on them. My real improvements have come from Jamy's vitamin & juicing directions, I was extremely anemic. Getting Iron & Calcium in me as to not mess with the medications has been the biggest problem. Stupid me was taking multi that had both calcium & iron close to my thyroid med.

Cheers, Bob

To: Texas_Thyroid_Groups Sent: Thu, July 1, 2010 10:02:25 AMSubject: Re: I need help--and a new Dr

Sorry about the thyroglobulin being up. It appears that your cancer does not uptake RAI. Will you be having a PET scan to find the other sites?

Your endo does not have to prescribe your thyroid meds. Your GP can do that, even if the endo does not like what he is prescribing. What are you on now and how are you feeling? Some folks do well on levothyroxine plus Cytomel, provided that the doc gives them enough Cytomel.

> >> > I was diagnosed Hypothyroid when I was 18 (with a TSH of 96.5). By the time I was 21, I had RAI because of autoimmune thyroiditis (not sure which antibodies--Endo never checked for that) & was put on Levothyroxine. After loosing my insurance, I self-medicated for a while & kept up the norm that my doctor began. Unfortunately I never felt good & never lost any weight despite countless diets & exercise routines. I finally switched to a doctor (not an Endo) I could afford--who gave discounts to "pay out-of-pocket" patients. I have been seeing this doctor for 4 years now & I'm 28. > > When I first started seeing him, he raised my dose of Levothyroxine & for the first time ever, I felt great & started loosing weight (my levels were great, as well). 2 months later, my

pharmacy substituted Synthroid for the out-of-stock levothyroixine--same doseage. That month, I gained back the 40 lbs I had just lost. I immediately went back to the doctor & he contacted the pharmacy and added a stipulation "No Substitutes." It has been close to 4 years now & I have yet to loose any weight or feel good again--but I have "normal" labs. Dieting seems to only help me maintain the 260 lbs I am at now & we have been trying for a baby for 7yrs. Of course, I know I'm symptomatic, so I know trying right now is doing as much good as wishing on a star.> > A few months ago, I went back for my annual check-up & had him test Free T4 & Free T3. My T4 was in the middle of the normal range, but my T3 was at the very minimum of the normal range. --Doc says everything's normal & that not everything is thyroid related...meaning my being symptomatic--I'm like a walking hypothyroid symptoms check list. He did say,

however, that there might be something else wrong with the thyroid issues, but that he doesn't know much about it, so I need to find an Endocrinologist.> > Can anyone help with that? I don't know if maybe I should try being tested for 's Syndrome (I have those symptoms)? Do any of you even know of a doctor who will test/treat for that? I am just so frustrated and I want to feel good & loose weight. I live in Central Texas (between Waco & Temple) but I travel to Austin to see my regular doctor. > > Any help on finding a doctor or any suggestions on testing because of possible reasons I am struggling would be greatly appreciated.> > Thanks so Much!> > ~Amber> >>