Guest guest Posted February 7, 2002 Report Share Posted February 7, 2002 , I appreciate you telling me your experience! It really did help on several levels. I feel a little better knowing that you didn't really feel hypo right away until the TSH began rising. Hopefully this means I'll kind of " know " when the TSH starts to rise. I understand what you're saying about the " desirable " range. The last TSH I had before being diagnosed was 1.97 and I had that tested because I was feeling so run down and tired. I hate the thought of having to find another doc. I don't really like having to start over with another doctor, but I don't want to have to go through what so many others here have had to endure of feeling lousy because their doc didn't understand the nature of thyroid disease and dismissed their symptoms. How did you go about finding your current doctor? Was it just luck of the draw or did you ask certain questions, by what process did you go about selecting your doc? When you check out a new doctor, do you ever explain about why you're looking for a new one, or do you just not mention your previous doc? I'm not sure how to go about this should I find I have to do it. Thank you so much for sharing all this with me (and everyone else, too). I feel odd since the course of GD for me has been kind of abnormal and it seems like you can relate to this! I'm glad you at least warned me about the possibility the doc might still suggest RAI at this point, or I would have been too dumbfounded to say anything! Re: You all were right - disappointed in doc >, > >So sorry to hear this! However, I have to admit when I saw your post, I >KNEW your doc was calling you into suggest RAI. I've never heard of an endo >requesting an appointment in order to discuss good progress. You have to >understand, he sees you as someone in need of treatment and feels it is his >duty to oblige. > >Of course, many of us here think he's wrong. > >My T4 and T3 dipped into the very low end of normal while my TSH was still >low. I didn't feel hypo at all. > >I began experiencing hypo symptoms after a few months of feeling good with a >tsh of around 1.2 and all other levels mid to low. I began to be cold, ate >less and found that if I indulged at all I'd gain a bit quickly, and most >significantly, my hair started falling out again and I was tired. > >But when I went in, my tsh was only 2.2!!! However, my Ft4 and all other >hormones were at the very low end of normal. The endo pooh-poohed my >concerns that even 2.2 was out of my desirable range and dismissed my >concerns over the presence of antibodies for hashimotos and my grandmother's >bout with the disease. > >By the time I got a second opinion, my tsh was 3.3, a month later. That >endo disagreed with the first and put my on synthroid. He felt that given >my antibody count, family history, and symptoms, I was sub-clinically >hypothyroid and treatment could stop the progression of the disease. I >instantly felt better, although I was on too large of a dose and became >hyperthyroid for a few weeks. > >Here I am now, with a tsh of 1.7 and feel great. I take 1/4 grain of armour >thyroid daily. > >Stay the course, . My first endo served my needs for almost two >years! When we came to a fork in the road, I got a second opinion. After >that second opinion, I realized I really needed to search out a physician >that I could stick with, as I didn't want to be running out to new docs >every time I disagreed with one. That process took me a long time, but was >worht it. > >Wait -- kids yelling, chaos from downstairs. You're on the right track. >Don't be pressured. > > B > > > > > Re: Got my labs back - amazed! >> >> >> > ! >> > >> > Great news! >> > >> > Be prepared, however. Your doc may only be looking at the TSH and still >> > thinking about treatment. Perhaps that's the reason he wants to see >you. >> > Hopefully not, but best to walk in with your convictions solid and >> prepared >> > for anything. >> > >> > B >> > >> > >> >> >> >> ------------------------------------- >> The Graves' list is intended for informational purposes only and is not >intended to replace expert medical care. >> Please consult your doctor before changing or trying new treatments. >> ---------------------------------------- >> DISCLAIMER >> >> Advertisments placed on this yahoo groups list does not have the >endorsement of >> the listowner. I have no input as to what ads are attached to emails. >> ------------------------------------------------------------------------- - >------------ >> >> Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 7, 2002 Report Share Posted February 7, 2002 , I appreciate you telling me your experience! It really did help on several levels. I feel a little better knowing that you didn't really feel hypo right away until the TSH began rising. Hopefully this means I'll kind of " know " when the TSH starts to rise. I understand what you're saying about the " desirable " range. The last TSH I had before being diagnosed was 1.97 and I had that tested because I was feeling so run down and tired. I hate the thought of having to find another doc. I don't really like having to start over with another doctor, but I don't want to have to go through what so many others here have had to endure of feeling lousy because their doc didn't understand the nature of thyroid disease and dismissed their symptoms. How did you go about finding your current doctor? Was it just luck of the draw or did you ask certain questions, by what process did you go about selecting your doc? When you check out a new doctor, do you ever explain about why you're looking for a new one, or do you just not mention your previous doc? I'm not sure how to go about this should I find I have to do it. Thank you so much for sharing all this with me (and everyone else, too). I feel odd since the course of GD for me has been kind of abnormal and it seems like you can relate to this! I'm glad you at least warned me about the possibility the doc might still suggest RAI at this point, or I would have been too dumbfounded to say anything! Re: You all were right - disappointed in doc >, > >So sorry to hear this! However, I have to admit when I saw your post, I >KNEW your doc was calling you into suggest RAI. I've never heard of an endo >requesting an appointment in order to discuss good progress. You have to >understand, he sees you as someone in need of treatment and feels it is his >duty to oblige. > >Of course, many of us here think he's wrong. > >My T4 and T3 dipped into the very low end of normal while my TSH was still >low. I didn't feel hypo at all. > >I began experiencing hypo symptoms after a few months of feeling good with a >tsh of around 1.2 and all other levels mid to low. I began to be cold, ate >less and found that if I indulged at all I'd gain a bit quickly, and most >significantly, my hair started falling out again and I was tired. > >But when I went in, my tsh was only 2.2!!! However, my Ft4 and all other >hormones were at the very low end of normal. The endo pooh-poohed my >concerns that even 2.2 was out of my desirable range and dismissed my >concerns over the presence of antibodies for hashimotos and my grandmother's >bout with the disease. > >By the time I got a second opinion, my tsh was 3.3, a month later. That >endo disagreed with the first and put my on synthroid. He felt that given >my antibody count, family history, and symptoms, I was sub-clinically >hypothyroid and treatment could stop the progression of the disease. I >instantly felt better, although I was on too large of a dose and became >hyperthyroid for a few weeks. > >Here I am now, with a tsh of 1.7 and feel great. I take 1/4 grain of armour >thyroid daily. > >Stay the course, . My first endo served my needs for almost two >years! When we came to a fork in the road, I got a second opinion. After >that second opinion, I realized I really needed to search out a physician >that I could stick with, as I didn't want to be running out to new docs >every time I disagreed with one. That process took me a long time, but was >worht it. > >Wait -- kids yelling, chaos from downstairs. You're on the right track. >Don't be pressured. > > B > > > > > Re: Got my labs back - amazed! >> >> >> > ! >> > >> > Great news! >> > >> > Be prepared, however. Your doc may only be looking at the TSH and still >> > thinking about treatment. Perhaps that's the reason he wants to see >you. >> > Hopefully not, but best to walk in with your convictions solid and >> prepared >> > for anything. >> > >> > B >> > >> > >> >> >> >> ------------------------------------- >> The Graves' list is intended for informational purposes only and is not >intended to replace expert medical care. >> Please consult your doctor before changing or trying new treatments. >> ---------------------------------------- >> DISCLAIMER >> >> Advertisments placed on this yahoo groups list does not have the >endorsement of >> the listowner. I have no input as to what ads are attached to emails. >> ------------------------------------------------------------------------- - >------------ >> >> Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 7, 2002 Report Share Posted February 7, 2002 Hi , Is there an endo at the University Hospital that specializes just in head and neck endocrinology? That is what mine is into, and a couple of friend from this area also see head and neck endos and really like them...might be worth a try. If you need to stay with your GP for a while, just stay on focus with your feelings on RAI, he can't make you do it. I had my GP doing me for about 2 years and only continued to get worse. I fired him last fall ;-) Take care, Jody _________________________________________________________________ Send and receive Hotmail on your mobile device: http://mobile.msn.com Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 7, 2002 Report Share Posted February 7, 2002 Thanks, Elaine! Believe me, it wasn't easy to keep my composure - my hubby will tell you I'm a hothead! But I was proud of myself that I did. I guess I just couldn't believe that I specifically requested the FT4 and FT3 be tested and he just completely ignored them like they didn't even exist. Hey, I thought it was a huge accomplishment that the FT3 came down from 7.47 to 2.93! Apparently, that doesn't matter as much as a TSH staying at .03! This really irks me! So if this is how doctors were trained, do you supposed new doctors being taught to use T3 and T4 values as a better guide to thyroid disorders? Re: You all were right - disappointed in doc >, >This is all too common and has to do with how doctors were trained. When we >found tests to measure TSH, the TSH test became recommended for >screening...cheaper to do this test alone for screening new patients. Endos >were taught to rely on this test. A few years after its introduction, doctors >realized that for thyroid patients on therapy, the TSH isn't very good. This >is well known, but there's still many doctors out there who don't seem to >know this. They're so convinced of the infallibility of the TSH that they no >longer listen. >At least you kept your cool and got him to continue to monitor you. Sometimes >that's an accomplisment in itself so good work! Elaine > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 7, 2002 Report Share Posted February 7, 2002 Thanks, Elaine! Believe me, it wasn't easy to keep my composure - my hubby will tell you I'm a hothead! But I was proud of myself that I did. I guess I just couldn't believe that I specifically requested the FT4 and FT3 be tested and he just completely ignored them like they didn't even exist. Hey, I thought it was a huge accomplishment that the FT3 came down from 7.47 to 2.93! Apparently, that doesn't matter as much as a TSH staying at .03! This really irks me! So if this is how doctors were trained, do you supposed new doctors being taught to use T3 and T4 values as a better guide to thyroid disorders? Re: You all were right - disappointed in doc >, >This is all too common and has to do with how doctors were trained. When we >found tests to measure TSH, the TSH test became recommended for >screening...cheaper to do this test alone for screening new patients. Endos >were taught to rely on this test. A few years after its introduction, doctors >realized that for thyroid patients on therapy, the TSH isn't very good. This >is well known, but there's still many doctors out there who don't seem to >know this. They're so convinced of the infallibility of the TSH that they no >longer listen. >At least you kept your cool and got him to continue to monitor you. Sometimes >that's an accomplisment in itself so good work! Elaine > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 7, 2002 Report Share Posted February 7, 2002 Jody - good question! I'll have to investigate that...I got the impression that the endo I saw must have specialized in diabetes (which is a good thing, too). It appeared from talking to him that all the GD patients he dealt with had the RAI. I didn't realize that the endos would have subsets that they would specialize in. Thanks for the tip! Re: You all were right - disappointed in doc >Hi , >Is there an endo at the University Hospital that specializes just in head >and neck endocrinology? That is what mine is into, and a couple of friend >from this area also see head and neck endos and really like them...might be >worth a try. If you need to stay with your GP for a while, just stay on >focus with your feelings on RAI, he can't make you do it. > >I had my GP doing me for about 2 years and only continued to get worse. I >fired him last fall ;-) > >Take care, >Jody > > > >_________________________________________________________________ >Send and receive Hotmail on your mobile device: http://mobile.msn.com > > > >------------------------------------- >The Graves' list is intended for informational purposes only and is not intended to replace expert medical care. >Please consult your doctor before changing or trying new treatments. >---------------------------------------- > DISCLAIMER > >Advertisments placed on this yahoo groups list does not have the endorsement of >the listowner. I have no input as to what ads are attached to emails. >--------------------------------------------------------------------------- ----------- > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 7, 2002 Report Share Posted February 7, 2002 -- I found my current doc a couple of ways: first, he was listed on Shomon's top docs list. Second, he was referred to me here by half a dozen people as the best thyroid doc in mpls/st paul. My homeopath said to see him, a colleague of my husband's raved about him, and so on. I balked and waited a year because he does not participate in most insurance plans. However, everyone was right. In retrospect, it was worth the money: $120. for an office visit and the $16 or so I pay for my armour thyroid. Seems like a small price to pay for feeling good. In addition, the Mpls/St magazine puts out their own list of 'top docs' each year. After my first endo disapointed me (the one who said he disagreed that I was going to become hypo as my tsh climbed), I found a good doctor from that list (who was also on Shomon's). The only difference between him and the one I have now is that the one I have now is a firm believer that some people, not all, do better on armour, and the other doc felt synthroid was the only way to go. But it was a lot of work, researching and choosing. I also called several doctors to ask their opinions about subclincial hypothyroidism and patients who took an active role in their health decisions. amazingly, some nurses told me flat out that the doctor they worked for would have little tolerance for people who " thought they knew " a lot about their illness. that made my list of choices much shorter Re: Got my labs back - amazed! > >> > >> > >> > ! > >> > > >> > Great news! > >> > > >> > Be prepared, however. Your doc may only be looking at the TSH and > still > >> > thinking about treatment. Perhaps that's the reason he wants to see > >you. > >> > Hopefully not, but best to walk in with your convictions solid and > >> prepared > >> > for anything. > >> > > >> > B > >> > > >> > > >> > >> > >> > >> ------------------------------------- > >> The Graves' list is intended for informational purposes only and is not > >intended to replace expert medical care. > >> Please consult your doctor before changing or trying new treatments. > >> ---------------------------------------- > >> DISCLAIMER > >> > >> Advertisments placed on this yahoo groups list does not have the > >endorsement of > >> the listowner. I have no input as to what ads are attached to emails. > >> ------------------------------------------------------------------------- > - > >------------ > >> > >> Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 7, 2002 Report Share Posted February 7, 2002 -- I found my current doc a couple of ways: first, he was listed on Shomon's top docs list. Second, he was referred to me here by half a dozen people as the best thyroid doc in mpls/st paul. My homeopath said to see him, a colleague of my husband's raved about him, and so on. I balked and waited a year because he does not participate in most insurance plans. However, everyone was right. In retrospect, it was worth the money: $120. for an office visit and the $16 or so I pay for my armour thyroid. Seems like a small price to pay for feeling good. In addition, the Mpls/St magazine puts out their own list of 'top docs' each year. After my first endo disapointed me (the one who said he disagreed that I was going to become hypo as my tsh climbed), I found a good doctor from that list (who was also on Shomon's). The only difference between him and the one I have now is that the one I have now is a firm believer that some people, not all, do better on armour, and the other doc felt synthroid was the only way to go. But it was a lot of work, researching and choosing. I also called several doctors to ask their opinions about subclincial hypothyroidism and patients who took an active role in their health decisions. amazingly, some nurses told me flat out that the doctor they worked for would have little tolerance for people who " thought they knew " a lot about their illness. that made my list of choices much shorter Re: Got my labs back - amazed! > >> > >> > >> > ! > >> > > >> > Great news! > >> > > >> > Be prepared, however. Your doc may only be looking at the TSH and > still > >> > thinking about treatment. Perhaps that's the reason he wants to see > >you. > >> > Hopefully not, but best to walk in with your convictions solid and > >> prepared > >> > for anything. > >> > > >> > B > >> > > >> > > >> > >> > >> > >> ------------------------------------- > >> The Graves' list is intended for informational purposes only and is not > >intended to replace expert medical care. > >> Please consult your doctor before changing or trying new treatments. > >> ---------------------------------------- > >> DISCLAIMER > >> > >> Advertisments placed on this yahoo groups list does not have the > >endorsement of > >> the listowner. I have no input as to what ads are attached to emails. > >> ------------------------------------------------------------------------- > - > >------------ > >> > >> Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 7, 2002 Report Share Posted February 7, 2002 -- I found my current doc a couple of ways: first, he was listed on Shomon's top docs list. Second, he was referred to me here by half a dozen people as the best thyroid doc in mpls/st paul. My homeopath said to see him, a colleague of my husband's raved about him, and so on. I balked and waited a year because he does not participate in most insurance plans. However, everyone was right. In retrospect, it was worth the money: $120. for an office visit and the $16 or so I pay for my armour thyroid. Seems like a small price to pay for feeling good. In addition, the Mpls/St magazine puts out their own list of 'top docs' each year. After my first endo disapointed me (the one who said he disagreed that I was going to become hypo as my tsh climbed), I found a good doctor from that list (who was also on Shomon's). The only difference between him and the one I have now is that the one I have now is a firm believer that some people, not all, do better on armour, and the other doc felt synthroid was the only way to go. But it was a lot of work, researching and choosing. I also called several doctors to ask their opinions about subclincial hypothyroidism and patients who took an active role in their health decisions. amazingly, some nurses told me flat out that the doctor they worked for would have little tolerance for people who " thought they knew " a lot about their illness. that made my list of choices much shorter Re: Got my labs back - amazed! > >> > >> > >> > ! > >> > > >> > Great news! > >> > > >> > Be prepared, however. Your doc may only be looking at the TSH and > still > >> > thinking about treatment. Perhaps that's the reason he wants to see > >you. > >> > Hopefully not, but best to walk in with your convictions solid and > >> prepared > >> > for anything. > >> > > >> > B > >> > > >> > > >> > >> > >> > >> ------------------------------------- > >> The Graves' list is intended for informational purposes only and is not > >intended to replace expert medical care. > >> Please consult your doctor before changing or trying new treatments. > >> ---------------------------------------- > >> DISCLAIMER > >> > >> Advertisments placed on this yahoo groups list does not have the > >endorsement of > >> the listowner. I have no input as to what ads are attached to emails. > >> ------------------------------------------------------------------------- > - > >------------ > >> > >> Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 7, 2002 Report Share Posted February 7, 2002 Jody -- I could be wrong, but I thought it was about $16. However, my presciption lasts me much longer than a month. I've only refilled it once! Maybe my doc is writing it for a longer period of time? Re: You all were right - disappointed in doc > Hi , > How many Armour pills are you getting for $16.00 and what mg. are they. I > can never remember grains vs. mg. I buy 3 different Armours a month and > total they are less than $16.00! > Jody > > > > _________________________________________________________________ > Get your FREE download of MSN Explorer at http://explorer.msn.com/intl.asp. > > > > ------------------------------------- > The Graves' list is intended for informational purposes only and is not intended to replace expert medical care. > Please consult your doctor before changing or trying new treatments. > ---------------------------------------- > DISCLAIMER > > Advertisments placed on this yahoo groups list does not have the endorsement of > the listowner. I have no input as to what ads are attached to emails. > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------ > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 7, 2002 Report Share Posted February 7, 2002 Jody -- I could be wrong, but I thought it was about $16. However, my presciption lasts me much longer than a month. I've only refilled it once! Maybe my doc is writing it for a longer period of time? Re: You all were right - disappointed in doc > Hi , > How many Armour pills are you getting for $16.00 and what mg. are they. I > can never remember grains vs. mg. I buy 3 different Armours a month and > total they are less than $16.00! > Jody > > > > _________________________________________________________________ > Get your FREE download of MSN Explorer at http://explorer.msn.com/intl.asp. > > > > ------------------------------------- > The Graves' list is intended for informational purposes only and is not intended to replace expert medical care. > Please consult your doctor before changing or trying new treatments. > ---------------------------------------- > DISCLAIMER > > Advertisments placed on this yahoo groups list does not have the endorsement of > the listowner. I have no input as to what ads are attached to emails. > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------ > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 7, 2002 Report Share Posted February 7, 2002 Jody -- I could be wrong, but I thought it was about $16. However, my presciption lasts me much longer than a month. I've only refilled it once! Maybe my doc is writing it for a longer period of time? Re: You all were right - disappointed in doc > Hi , > How many Armour pills are you getting for $16.00 and what mg. are they. I > can never remember grains vs. mg. I buy 3 different Armours a month and > total they are less than $16.00! > Jody > > > > _________________________________________________________________ > Get your FREE download of MSN Explorer at http://explorer.msn.com/intl.asp. > > > > ------------------------------------- > The Graves' list is intended for informational purposes only and is not intended to replace expert medical care. > Please consult your doctor before changing or trying new treatments. > ---------------------------------------- > DISCLAIMER > > Advertisments placed on this yahoo groups list does not have the endorsement of > the listowner. I have no input as to what ads are attached to emails. > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------ > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 7, 2002 Report Share Posted February 7, 2002 Hi , How many Armour pills are you getting for $16.00 and what mg. are they. I can never remember grains vs. mg. I buy 3 different Armours a month and total they are less than $16.00! Jody _________________________________________________________________ Get your FREE download of MSN Explorer at http://explorer.msn.com/intl.asp. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 7, 2002 Report Share Posted February 7, 2002 Hi , How many Armour pills are you getting for $16.00 and what mg. are they. I can never remember grains vs. mg. I buy 3 different Armours a month and total they are less than $16.00! Jody _________________________________________________________________ Get your FREE download of MSN Explorer at http://explorer.msn.com/intl.asp. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 7, 2002 Report Share Posted February 7, 2002 Hi , How many Armour pills are you getting for $16.00 and what mg. are they. I can never remember grains vs. mg. I buy 3 different Armours a month and total they are less than $16.00! Jody _________________________________________________________________ Get your FREE download of MSN Explorer at http://explorer.msn.com/intl.asp. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 7, 2002 Report Share Posted February 7, 2002 Hi , You said: For all you on ATDs, Pam I think in particular mentioned that while you were on ATDs, your FT4 did go low and your TSH was still low. Did you in fact FEEL hypo in that case? I got the impression that the FT4 levels did accurately reflect whether people felt hypo, but this doctor makes me think that isn't so! And I know there were so many of you that your TSH did take a long to time increase on ATDs. At this point and time I am more confused than before. My TSH stayed suppressed over 3 yr. Yes, this in no problem. But I vary so much in the way I feel at different FT4 levels, and after this last scare with the doc threatening me with switching to Tap because of the pain, I have been working out my own little reduction schedule in my PTU. All the while getting some lab work. But as I pay for everything myself, I do not have as many numbers to work with as some of you. So now I am starting to wonder if my problem all along was the amount of PTU making me hypo combined with the PTU itself that caused so much pain. For example, back some time ago, I felt so hypo,among other things, I hurt too bad to turn over in my bed, and had no desire to continue living ( thank God for thyroid boards ). This was at a FT4 of .78 on a scale of .71 to 1.85. When the doctor examined me, he did that thing where you hold your hands together with your elbows out, and he pushes down on your elbows to check your strength. It hurt so bad, I folded like a deck of cards and moaned against my will. He said..you need to get some exersize....like that was the problem. I am still mad, but I keep thinking...why did he not think this was normal for being low on T4 ??? I see people all the time that are sub clinical hypo and do not have this pain. And to be honest, I have not posted this number here, for fear that no one would believe I was really sick. So now I come clean in an effort to not only understand more, but to let you know of my past ( and present ) confusion, and let you know I think it is only the PTU causing the problem. I do not think you should worry about a lower T test at all. You would have your body doing things the way it knows to heal and not have a drug confusing things. And now the confirmation from those answering your post. It seems your question has helped me. :-) It must be the PTU and not the hypo part. How do others feel at .78 ? I always read we feel better at the higher end of the range, so had just assumed this was the problem. It certainly seems you are on the right path . Good job ! -Pam- who is seeing your wisdom more everyday Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 7, 2002 Report Share Posted February 7, 2002 Say , What about a naturopathic doctor ? Though it seems they are still taught the TSH is the gold standard, the one I spoke to seemed very open to questions, answers, and new ideas. And they can run labs. I wouldn't suggest burning any bridges behind you, as if is possible you may need ATDs in the future ( though it doesn't seem likely ), and you would need a medical doctor for that. Maybe your GP ? I am just starting to think along these lines, and do not know the answer for sure. -Pam- Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 8, 2002 Report Share Posted February 8, 2002 Hi Sonya, two things come to mind: Raynaud's syndrome and carpal tunnel syndrome. Both conditions can occur in people with autoimmune thyroid disease. Why don't you go to www.google.com and do a search on these and see if either sound like they could be the cause. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 8, 2002 Report Share Posted February 8, 2002 Hi Sonya, two things come to mind: Raynaud's syndrome and carpal tunnel syndrome. Both conditions can occur in people with autoimmune thyroid disease. Why don't you go to www.google.com and do a search on these and see if either sound like they could be the cause. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 8, 2002 Report Share Posted February 8, 2002 Hi Sonya, two things come to mind: Raynaud's syndrome and carpal tunnel syndrome. Both conditions can occur in people with autoimmune thyroid disease. Why don't you go to www.google.com and do a search on these and see if either sound like they could be the cause. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 8, 2002 Report Share Posted February 8, 2002 Hi Katy, a while back most labs did do reflex testing, like if the TSH was low we automatically ran other thyroid function tests. Then the gov got involved and called this medicare fraud because we billed for tests that had no written order. Certain hospitals got in a lot of trouble so now most labs do very few reflex tests (mostly just cardiac markers on suspected heart attacks). Mayo labs is the only lab I know of that still does reflex testing with TSH, but they charge a higher price for the TSH assy, and then don't charge extra if they end up running more tests. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 8, 2002 Report Share Posted February 8, 2002 Hi Katy, a while back most labs did do reflex testing, like if the TSH was low we automatically ran other thyroid function tests. Then the gov got involved and called this medicare fraud because we billed for tests that had no written order. Certain hospitals got in a lot of trouble so now most labs do very few reflex tests (mostly just cardiac markers on suspected heart attacks). Mayo labs is the only lab I know of that still does reflex testing with TSH, but they charge a higher price for the TSH assy, and then don't charge extra if they end up running more tests. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 8, 2002 Report Share Posted February 8, 2002 Thanks for making this post. It was very enlightening. In fact I am so glad that I found this site with so many intelligent questioning people. I have learnt SO SO much..... Isn't it interesting how all the different doctors react ? My endo is monitoring me once a month which I think is much more reassuring than being monitored every 3 months (I think that you said every 3 months). Also the lab that I go to automatically runs the FT4 test if the TSH looks abnormal... why don't all labs do that ? Anyways I am glad that I have heard all your stories as I am fully armed for my appointment next week. So last time I went to the doc my TSH was still low but my FT4 level was within the normal range. I will be interested to see what it is this time. I have been feeling very tired and a little achy.. but having only started ADTs a couple of months ago I don't think I can identify if that means I am a little hyper or hypo. So we will see..... My question to my doctor this month will be about the anti-body tests. I am not sure that she has had any done, although that might be on the missing lab result which I still have yet to find. I have decided to go directly to the lab to collect my results rather than getting them from the doctor. My question for the board is a Bugleweed question. For those taking this herb, do you take it at the same time as ADTs? Does this reduce the effectiveness of the ADT ? Will taking the herb at the same time as an ADT possibly make you hypo ? Did you talk to your doctor about it first ? Actually this is more than one question..... but this really interests me. Take care, Kate. You all were right - disappointed in doc Sigh, well I am now officially joining the ranks of those disappointed and discouraged by their doctors. I was trying not to be pessimistic and giving my doc the benefit of the doubt, but and all you others who warned me were right on target! : : Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 8, 2002 Report Share Posted February 8, 2002 Thanks for making this post. It was very enlightening. In fact I am so glad that I found this site with so many intelligent questioning people. I have learnt SO SO much..... Isn't it interesting how all the different doctors react ? My endo is monitoring me once a month which I think is much more reassuring than being monitored every 3 months (I think that you said every 3 months). Also the lab that I go to automatically runs the FT4 test if the TSH looks abnormal... why don't all labs do that ? Anyways I am glad that I have heard all your stories as I am fully armed for my appointment next week. So last time I went to the doc my TSH was still low but my FT4 level was within the normal range. I will be interested to see what it is this time. I have been feeling very tired and a little achy.. but having only started ADTs a couple of months ago I don't think I can identify if that means I am a little hyper or hypo. So we will see..... My question to my doctor this month will be about the anti-body tests. I am not sure that she has had any done, although that might be on the missing lab result which I still have yet to find. I have decided to go directly to the lab to collect my results rather than getting them from the doctor. My question for the board is a Bugleweed question. For those taking this herb, do you take it at the same time as ADTs? Does this reduce the effectiveness of the ADT ? Will taking the herb at the same time as an ADT possibly make you hypo ? Did you talk to your doctor about it first ? Actually this is more than one question..... but this really interests me. Take care, Kate. You all were right - disappointed in doc Sigh, well I am now officially joining the ranks of those disappointed and discouraged by their doctors. I was trying not to be pessimistic and giving my doc the benefit of the doubt, but and all you others who warned me were right on target! : : Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 8, 2002 Report Share Posted February 8, 2002 , Maybe you are getting bulk on it for 3 months at a time. If I did that I would have to go through my insurance and they would charge me double what it costs me without putting my Armour or PTU through insurance. It really makes me so angry that insurance companies will tell pharmacy's what they are *allowed* to charge us when we have insurance and it is more than what it is without. I do recommend everyone on PTU or any hormone replacement to call another pharmacy, ask what your script costs and that you have no insurance, then compare it to what you are paying with insurance. You may be very surprised. I know I was, then I got angry ;-) Jody _________________________________________________________________ Get your FREE download of MSN Explorer at http://explorer.msn.com/intl.asp. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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