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Hey everyone! I have been sick for a number of years. Finally got diagnosed last year and received RAI in May of 06. It's been Hell! I CANNOT BELIEVE how horrible I have felt!!!!!! Can't get out of bed in the morning, hurt everywhere, can't see straight, brain function is, I am guessing at about amoeba level. I have hypo and hyper symtoms at the same time. I am able to do only basic, survival type activites - going to the grocery store, fixing a meal, bathing ( smetimes!) and geting to the doctor when I have to. I haven't been able to work for an entire year!!! I am very interested to know if that is common. It has been a source of great shame, not to mention financial ruin. I used to care what people (family) thought of me for not working but have long since decided that if they

don't understand, it's their problem and not mine. I am now taking 60mg of Armour. It's not enough! So I have managed to aquire some xtra and found that 90 mg makes me feel a little better. Hopefully, better enough to go back to work! However, I have found, as most of you have, that labs do not tell the real story. At first I was on a small amount of synthroid and got a 3 month lab result showing TSH of 16. A doctor I saw (not my endo) told me that I'd be fine if I would get some excercise. Not working means no insurance for me now so I am going to the local teaching hospital to see an endo who is 100 miles away. They really aren't interested in gettingt labs any sooner than 3 mos between. that means 3 mos. of agony and not knowing if when my labs ARE taken he will see fit to give me more meds or not. I am finding that I have to be prepared to take care of my own needs. This was the great revelation I found when I entered this room. It IS POSSIBLE to take care of yourself if you can find a way. I cannot tell you how greatful I am for this knowledge. I don't think I would ever have arrived at that on my own, Doctors have done a real good job of convincing the world that they are the only ones worthy to decide what's good for us, and, since they control the perscription pad, we are at their mercy, Anyway, I know I cannot afford to wait for this or that doctor to help me. My life is a trainwreck! Years are passing and there aren't all that many left for me.(I'm 57) If someone in this room could tell me how long one must go without one's meds in order to asure low labs I would be ever greatful. I have an appointment of the 25th of Jan. It's only five days away. I am hoping that I can get by with quitting a day or two ahead because if I stop sooner

I won't be able to get to the doctor anyway. I will be unable to drive. Again, I would like to tell you all how wonderful it has been to be able to read alll your offerings. It is sooooo comforting to know I'm not some kind of looser and I am not alone.

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