seeing endocrinologist

[only4d]

I have an appointment for July 22 (at 7:40 IN THE MORNING!).

I know the following things about myself:

1) VERY difficult (recently impossible) to lose weight other than water and bowel motion with diet changes

2) recent weight gains have centered around my belly

3) my temperatures are averaging around 97.6 or so (higher during my period)

I have a lot of fatigue and some trouble concentrating (even with low carb). Without lotion, my skin is on the dry side, but I have no idea HOW dry it would get if one had that symptom and were hypothyroidic (is that a word?).

My question for anyone who cares to answer: what would be the most helpful information to take with me to the endocrinologist? Last time my previous doctor had my thyroid changed, I think I was in normal, but if memory serves, wouldn't have been if "they" hadn't lowered whatever that level was. Does that sound right? Anyway, I need to get it checked again, mostly I guess for me. I can't lose weight, even on Atkins, unless I eat what seems like too little for me (around 1500-1800 calories). I never get used to it, I'm always feeling hungry, and my blood sugar goes down and that's when I get that "craziness" that I used to meet with a nice high carb snack. I would like to know if I just have to suck it up and feel like I'm hungry from now until forever because that is the only way my body will lose weight; or if there is another reason why my body will only lose weight on such few calories.

Thanks for any thoughts anyone might have!

[2big4mysize]

good for you following up when you know your body isn't right.

Get copies of your old tests for the doc to compare to your new results.
tell them how hard you have been working your low carb plan and that you are limititng your cals too and show them your food log. tell them everything you just told us.

As for a full Thyroid panel so they can see if your free T3 and T4 are normal and not just the bound up in the blood Ts looking normal.

tell them all meds and sups you are taking cause some may effect your hormone levels and you don't even know it.

[only4d]

Thanks, 2big, I'm printing your post, and will gather all of that info.

[only4d]

(#)*$()#@*(!!!!!!!!


This is me right now!! I went to the endocrinologist this morning, brought my history typed up, brought my personal copies of previous lab work, brought all my dietary information.

The doctor pretty much ignored EVERYTHING I said, implicating poor thyroid function. He did order blood tests, but would only order the top 2 tests for T3 and T4, none of the specialized or other special tests. He ignored my information about my body temperature. He is testing my adrenals, though, also, but he says he is highly skeptical that they would be implicated.

THEN, this is the best -- he said I need to go back to a low calorie, low fat diet, where I eat NO MORE than 30% of my calories from fat, and the bulk of my calories from carbs. He said that is the only way I'll get energy again.

What a waste of money! What a waste of 5 hours, too! He gave me the lecture that it's all about calories.

He wrote me a prescription for Xenical (sp? - I dno't have it in front of me).

The capper -- TWICE he tried to get me to get bariatric surgery.

So all I can do right now is sit here and cuss!!!!!!

[kkat55]

Hi only4d,

I'm sorry to hear about your visit to the dr. I had a similar experience and I felt just like you. It makes you feel like they are just in it for the $$ and not to really listen and help people.

Is there any way you can go to another dr? You can say that it is for a second opinion...?

I hope you find relief and an answer soon.

[2big4mysize]

and when the test results come back you will be able to argue with him T3 and T4 are good starting points to see what is going on.

[only4d]

do you think it's worth it to go back to him? He was the most close-minded doctor I have encountered since I was in college and went to the collge health center doctor. Even my childhood doctor was more open-minded!

[kkat55]

only4d,

I'm not sure who you addressed your question to, but I just thought I'd put in some thoughts...

Do you have any other options? Are you on a network of doctors where there is more than one in that specialty? Is there any co-worker or friend who could refer you to a better doctor?

If this dr didn't listen to you the first time you were there, then chances are he is going to ignore your concerns the next time you visit him also. You could get your test results and bring them to another dr so you don't have to go through that twice.

Just a thought...

~Kat

[2big4mysize]

if your test results support your position then he needs to treat it you can ask for a referal to another doc for treatment.

[sharon62]

i am hypo.I was always so tired.......My hair was falling out i gained 60 pounds in 7 months........I was on the couch all the time.........I went to my doctor she ran tests,it showed my tsh count and others were at 94,she said it was dead!!!lol..I have been on sythriod for 5 years........I started atkins in 2001 i lost 103 pounds........Once the meds are in your system you will notice a change of energy etc........I get checked every 3 months........I was staying at a 1.5 to 3...........normal is 1.5 to 5....I started feeling strange a couple of weeks ago!!!!!!!! now im hyper so my dose was cut..........you need to find a dr.who will take time with you,explain your counts etc.............This woe has nothing to do with the thyroid if so that you would not lose on any diet..........My feelings anyway.........Dont give up.....