One Small Victory

[purplecat]

I've been trying for the last 3 years to get my thyroid treated (same doctors - one including an endocrinologist). I have cysts on my thyroid and a goiter. I've had all the classic symptoms (cold all the time, constipation, weight gain, tremors, problems swallowing, problems sleeping, dry hair, dry skin, etc.) but was told back at the end of August (by the endocrinologist) that my symptoms were not caused by my thyroid. My TSH levels had consistently dropped over the years. Not to mention that hypothyroidism runs in my family (mother, aunts, and several cousins). The new doc said that my test might come out normal but the goiter indicated that it was working too hard to produce the hormones necessary to make my body function.

Thursday was a small victory for me. I went to a new doctor (tired of paying for insurance just to be treated like I didn't matter). He was appalled that I was told by my TP and the endocrinologist that my symptoms "didn't matter". He felt on my neck and noted that the right side of my neck is considerably larger (from the goiter) and after obtaining a copy of the ultrasound (which showed the cysts on my thyroid) immediately placed me on Synthroid. FINALLY a doctor who listened!! Hopefully my body will get straightened out now. Atkins has helped me somewhat with my fatigue, etc. but if the Synthroid also produces good results I might begin to feel like a normal person for the first time in years. I'm so psyched!!

[scaleskl]

GOOD FOR YOU FRIEND. iT'S NICE WHEN DOCTORS LISTEN TO OUR NEEDS. WE DO KNOW OUR BODIES BEST.
HOPE BEGIN TO FEEL LIKE YOUR OLD SELF SOON.

[Alexa]

Hey, that's good news. How are you feeling now? Noticed any improvements?

[*Wendy*]

Hi Catrenia - I just noticed your post - how are you feeling now? Any change since you started on the Synthroid? I really hope it makes a big difference for you!

[hopejoy]

Hope you're feeling better soon! dumb doctor!!! glad you got the help you needed with a new doc.
liz

[hrgillespie]

I just wanted to encourage you to be patient with your synthroid dosing sometimes it takes 6 months to a year to find a correct dosage as it take 1 month before they retest and then 3 months before your body might change again and you notice changes. Don't settle for a first dosage if you don't feel right. Keep at them and make them retest you as often as you think you need it. After years of thyroid issues I know right away when mine changes and a simple call to my Endo gets me blood work and most often a need for change in my meds. I'm so thankful for you that you found a doc who will listen to you.


Keep us posted

Heidi

[purplecat]

Hey everyone!! Thanks for your responses (concern). I, in fact, do feel better. Even though it's only been two weeks, I'm not falling asleep at my desk anymore (or while driving - which was dangerous). I'm on the low dose (25 mg). The swelling (goiter) is going down (my shirts were choking me). I'm being treated by an Internist because the Endocrinologist said my symptoms weren't attributed to my thyroid. Hot mess!! The constipation (so horrible) is clearing up. Everyone has been telling me that my face/neck looks slimmer (it was puffy from the the thyroid/goiter). My concentration and thinking is better (maybe because I'm not as fatigued anymore). I can't wait until I'm no longer freezing. My labs were ran on the 17th. I go back in 2 months to retest. He's a good doc and I'm grateful to God to have found someone who will listen.

*If you look at the pic below you can see the goiter sticking out on the right side of my neck.