Guest guest Posted February 11, 2002 Report Share Posted February 11, 2002 I love it! Yes, that does make me feel better. When I don't feel right, which is most of the time , I'm always trying to guess whether I'm hypO or hyper. Even the symptom list doesn't always work. I was convinced I was hyper in December (after being really hypO and having my dose lowered), but the labs came back that I was still slightly hypO. In hindsight, I think because I had been so hypO that I *felt* hyper even though I wasn't. Like my body was still adjusting. Ever since he lowered my dose again, I've been trying to figure out what's wrong. I'll think I'm hyper, and increase my dose 1/4 a tablet, then I'll feel hypO again. I finally decided to just stick with the dose he gave me and wait for the labs, because I really don't know what the heck I am. I go back the 25th. I've been pretty frustrated since my last visit, and had pretty much decided to tell my doc I wanted a sub-total when I went back, but I'm feeling a little more positive (at the moment!). I have an appointment with a new endo in April, so I'm not going to make any decisions until I see the new doc. And, if I decide to do the sub-total, the surgeon I want to use is at the same place as the new doc. De-hypo Holly Holly, What great news ! So now you know not only that ATDs work well for you, but you now have some personal clues in what to look for concerning hypo. I agree the 'puffy' seems to be a good one for me right now. Are you on a 4 week schedule for labs, to be sure you can stay in the zone now that you know your body responds so well to the drugs ? You are now entering the new time when you get to start figuring what 'numbers' are right for YOU. This is a tough one, and your good notes on your lab slips will now start to be even more important. Once you start to find the' zone', you will need your written history to be able to convince your doctor that this 'zone' is your unique and personal best, and and in my case, keep reminding him. <sigh> They do seem to continue thinking any where in the 'range' is good. You say : But, it is so hard to tell when you're borderline! I have a story that might make you feel better, it did me. I asked my endo this exact question, and he agrees with us. Seems at a past convention of thyroidologists ( yes, they have such a thing...don't you just want to have ourselves a field trip and all go ? ), one of the big shows was this. They put 10 thyroid patients on the stage, and had each one of them describe their symptoms, all of them being just slightly off. Then they had all audience members ( being the top experts in the field) guess if these people were hypo or hyper, without benefit of lab values. Not a single expert got them all right. What a wonderful lesson for all of them. It certainly made an impression on my wonderful endo, who is real big on treating on symptoms, not just lab numbers. So we now weigh the labs and symptoms and scratch our heads together. :-) He knows that each of us is different, and is willing to let me be an equal partner in this , but now needs constant reminding of the numbers we have decided on. I am starting to think this is because not only is he really busy, but I suspect most patients just accept anything in the 'range' and are being treated for all their other mysterious symptoms, by other doctors, with lots of other medications. I could be wrong on this, but I have been up and down so much in the past, and seen so many things change in my body during these changes, I still think I am right. We shall see....... -Pam- Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 11, 2002 Report Share Posted February 11, 2002 Pam - I love this story with the endos! I hope it really was a humbling experience for all of them! Makes be feel better knowing that's that much variation in how thyroid patients feel! Thanks for sharing it. I'm also impressed that you endo admitted this story to you...I have endo envy now! De-hypo Holly >Holly, > What great news ! So now you know not only that ATDs work well for you, but you now have >some personal clues in what to look for concerning hypo. I agree the 'puffy' seems to be a >good one for me right now. > Are you on a 4 week schedule for labs, to be sure you can stay in the zone now that you >know your body responds so well to the drugs ? > You are now entering the new time when you get to start figuring what 'numbers' are >right for YOU. This is a tough one, and your good notes on your lab slips will now start >to be even more important. Once you start to find the' zone', you will need your written >history to be able to convince your doctor that this 'zone' is your unique and personal >best, and and in my case, keep reminding him. <sigh> They do seem to continue thinking any >where in the 'range' is good. > > You say : But, it is so hard to tell when you're >borderline! > >I have a story that might make you feel better, it did me. > > I asked my endo this exact question, and he agrees with us. Seems at a past convention >of thyroidologists ( yes, they have such a thing...don't you just want to have ourselves a >field trip and all go ? ), one of the big shows was this. They put 10 thyroid patients on >the stage, and had each one of them describe their symptoms, all of them being just >slightly off. Then they had all audience members ( being the top experts in the field) >guess if these people were hypo or hyper, without benefit of lab values. Not a single >expert got them all right. What a wonderful lesson for all of them. It certainly made an >impression on my wonderful endo, who is real big on treating on symptoms, not just lab >numbers. > So we now weigh the labs and symptoms and scratch our heads together. :-) He knows that >each of us is different, and is willing to let me be an equal partner in this , but now >needs constant reminding of the numbers we have decided on. I am starting to think this is >because not only is he really busy, but I suspect most patients just accept anything in >the 'range' and are being treated for all their other mysterious symptoms, by other >doctors, with lots of other medications. > >I could be wrong on this, but I have been up and down so much in the past, and seen so >many things change in my body during these changes, I still think I am right. >We shall see....... > >-Pam- > > > >------------------------------------- >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 11, 2002 Report Share Posted February 11, 2002 Pam - I love this story with the endos! I hope it really was a humbling experience for all of them! Makes be feel better knowing that's that much variation in how thyroid patients feel! Thanks for sharing it. I'm also impressed that you endo admitted this story to you...I have endo envy now! De-hypo Holly >Holly, > What great news ! So now you know not only that ATDs work well for you, but you now have >some personal clues in what to look for concerning hypo. I agree the 'puffy' seems to be a >good one for me right now. > Are you on a 4 week schedule for labs, to be sure you can stay in the zone now that you >know your body responds so well to the drugs ? > You are now entering the new time when you get to start figuring what 'numbers' are >right for YOU. This is a tough one, and your good notes on your lab slips will now start >to be even more important. Once you start to find the' zone', you will need your written >history to be able to convince your doctor that this 'zone' is your unique and personal >best, and and in my case, keep reminding him. <sigh> They do seem to continue thinking any >where in the 'range' is good. > > You say : But, it is so hard to tell when you're >borderline! > >I have a story that might make you feel better, it did me. > > I asked my endo this exact question, and he agrees with us. Seems at a past convention >of thyroidologists ( yes, they have such a thing...don't you just want to have ourselves a >field trip and all go ? ), one of the big shows was this. They put 10 thyroid patients on >the stage, and had each one of them describe their symptoms, all of them being just >slightly off. Then they had all audience members ( being the top experts in the field) >guess if these people were hypo or hyper, without benefit of lab values. Not a single >expert got them all right. What a wonderful lesson for all of them. It certainly made an >impression on my wonderful endo, who is real big on treating on symptoms, not just lab >numbers. > So we now weigh the labs and symptoms and scratch our heads together. :-) He knows that >each of us is different, and is willing to let me be an equal partner in this , but now >needs constant reminding of the numbers we have decided on. I am starting to think this is >because not only is he really busy, but I suspect most patients just accept anything in >the 'range' and are being treated for all their other mysterious symptoms, by other >doctors, with lots of other medications. > >I could be wrong on this, but I have been up and down so much in the past, and seen so >many things change in my body during these changes, I still think I am right. >We shall see....... > >-Pam- > > > >------------------------------------- >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 11, 2002 Report Share Posted February 11, 2002 I'm on methimazole--5 mg once a day. My prescription is for 10 mg tablets. If I have to go down in dose again, I'm assuming he will prescribe 5 mg tablets and I'll break them in two. I don't know if they come any smaller than that or not. I was halving one of my halves for a while and adding that to my other half (good grief, what a life), but I still didn't feel well, so I'm going to wait until my appt now to make any changes. It's only 14 more days. RE: De-hypo Holly Hi Holly, I can't remember what ATD you are on...I am wondering if switching to the other one if that may make things a little easier for you to control doses or cutbacks in smaller quantities? Just a thought. Jody _________________________________________________________________ Chat with friends online, try MSN Messenger: http://messenger.msn.com <http://messenger.msn.com> Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 11, 2002 Report Share Posted February 11, 2002 I'm on methimazole--5 mg once a day. My prescription is for 10 mg tablets. If I have to go down in dose again, I'm assuming he will prescribe 5 mg tablets and I'll break them in two. I don't know if they come any smaller than that or not. I was halving one of my halves for a while and adding that to my other half (good grief, what a life), but I still didn't feel well, so I'm going to wait until my appt now to make any changes. It's only 14 more days. RE: De-hypo Holly Hi Holly, I can't remember what ATD you are on...I am wondering if switching to the other one if that may make things a little easier for you to control doses or cutbacks in smaller quantities? Just a thought. Jody _________________________________________________________________ Chat with friends online, try MSN Messenger: http://messenger.msn.com <http://messenger.msn.com> Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 11, 2002 Report Share Posted February 11, 2002 I'm on methimazole--5 mg once a day. My prescription is for 10 mg tablets. If I have to go down in dose again, I'm assuming he will prescribe 5 mg tablets and I'll break them in two. I don't know if they come any smaller than that or not. I was halving one of my halves for a while and adding that to my other half (good grief, what a life), but I still didn't feel well, so I'm going to wait until my appt now to make any changes. It's only 14 more days. RE: De-hypo Holly Hi Holly, I can't remember what ATD you are on...I am wondering if switching to the other one if that may make things a little easier for you to control doses or cutbacks in smaller quantities? Just a thought. Jody _________________________________________________________________ Chat with friends online, try MSN Messenger: http://messenger.msn.com <http://messenger.msn.com> Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 11, 2002 Report Share Posted February 11, 2002 Holly, Some where in all of this, I have come to the conclusion that I need to be on a steady dose for a minimum of 3 1/2 weeks for a lab report to give me a true reading. I do not remember how I came to this conclusion. Elaine ??????? Help . :-) -Pam- the queen of slow and steady wins the race Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 12, 2002 Report Share Posted February 12, 2002 I'd really like to know whether this is true. Does anyone know for sure? This can make a big difference if it is. Re: De-hypo Holly Holly, Some where in all of this, I have come to the conclusion that I need to be on a steady dose for a minimum of 3 1/2 weeks for a lab report to give me a true reading. I do not remember how I came to this conclusion. Elaine ??????? Help . :-) -Pam- the queen of slow and steady wins the race Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 12, 2002 Report Share Posted February 12, 2002 I'd really like to know whether this is true. Does anyone know for sure? This can make a big difference if it is. Re: De-hypo Holly Holly, Some where in all of this, I have come to the conclusion that I need to be on a steady dose for a minimum of 3 1/2 weeks for a lab report to give me a true reading. I do not remember how I came to this conclusion. Elaine ??????? Help . :-) -Pam- the queen of slow and steady wins the race Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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