A year or so ago I had a bunch of tests run and they found that my thyroid wasn’t working that great, but it wasn’t working that bad, either. Also, my heart and lung were having serious issues, so my thyroid took a bit of a back burner.
Fast forward to now. Since my endocrine system sucks, the news isn’t that big of a surprise. My blood panel shows that my thyroid is barely functioning (Hypothyroidism) and I have a very large amount of calcium in my blood (Parathyroid Disease). Both conditions cause things like feeling anxious, loss of energy, depression, not being able to concentrate, headaches. My doctor, (the one that got mad at me and then kicked me out of her office) prescribed Levothyroxine. During the 30 seconds that I spoke to her, she told me the diagnosis, that she wants to recheck the calcium in two weeks before doing anything about it and that she was prescribing me a drug for my thyroid. When I started to ask questions, she told me to talk to my pharmacist, since that is his job. Then she hung up.
When I went to pick up my prescription, I asked for the pharmacist and asked him about the drug and what alternatives there were and if there was anything natural that could take the place of it. He smiled, winked and said, ‘This is the stuff you want to take.’ Then he walked away.
I realize that our medical system is messed up. But isn’t it pretty sad that neither one of them have time to answer any questions? And since I don’t have much of a choice of who I go to, I feel stuck. Where are people supposed to go that want more information? I can research on the internet just like the next person, but it would be nice to talk to real, live humans. I’ve never been one to just ‘take their word for it’ so I’m a little torn on starting a medication that I know next to nothing about and that once started, should be taken the rest of my life. On the other hand, what choice do I have?
Online I’ve learned that Parathyroid Disease is more intense in that I might need a surgery to correct the issue. I’m glad she wants to recheck my blood before moving ahead with that, but would it have killed her to say that to me? Also, neither of them mentioned that soy inhibits the absorption of the medication and that I shouldn’t be drinking/eating it. Or that antidepressants, the ones that she didn’t want to prescribe me that someone else is supposed to, screws around with absorption as well and it’s suggested that they shouldn’t be taken together. But, hopefully, with my thyroid getting fixed, I won’t need anti depressants anyway. And does this mean I need to find a multivitamin without calcium for the time being?
So many questions, so few people to answer them.
You should give that doctor a good kick in the shin. Seriously, write down ALL your questions and bring them to your next visit. Make her answer all of them, even if you have to start running after her, grabbing her by the hair on the back of her head. This is bullshit.
Leah, I’m sorry you are having to deal with these non-professional assholes. Can you find another doctor that is more personable? At least now you know some of what is wrong and can hopefully rev up your thyroid. Also, I don’t think it would hurt to take a multi-vitamin and calcium. I have been taking food based calcium/magnesium for two years and it helped me get through a triplet pregnancy without any cavities (I had six cavities after my 1st pregnancy). I recommend going to a good health food store and talk to someone about vitamins. Good luck!
Sounds more like you need to be taking calcium to replace what the parathyroid hormone is taking out of your bones…
I’m hypothyroid…-al? too, on synthroid. For over a year now. And this is the first I heard about the soy thing. Why can’t they warn people about this stuff? Granted, it takes 60+ grams of the stuff to make a different, but still. Seems like it could’ve been mentioned in passing as I was being rushed out the door 🙂
I dont only hate going to talk to my doctor or pharmacist but also to anyone else that has a job requiring them to help me understand or find something. I have learned over the past year that it is okay to demand that someone stop to explain things no matter how busy they are. So far, the only place in the world that I have found people who are friendly and helpful is Disney Land but my family and friends wont let me live there. I hope you get out of being stuck and into the care of a doctor who treats people not illnesses. Good Luck and get well. Jessica
I hate doctors like that and in fact am refusing to go back to my doctor. She thinks I’m mental. Well who knows maybe I am but when you find out you have cancer and never suspected you had cancer if your feet hurt it seems pretty logical you might worry about soon being unable to walk. Well, don’t know if that makes sense to you but it seems everytime I see her I cry and I promise that I don’t walk around bawling all the time but when I walk into her office I know I am seeing a “professional” that has already made up her mind about what she thinks is wrong and what she’s going to do and she’s not going to listen to a thing I say. Having doctors not listen has been one of the most frustrating adjustments in moving to Wisconsin.
I hope the medication does the trick for you and you can bounce up and grab onto some joy. I keep thinking of you. Everyday I wonder how you’re doing and keep hoping you have a good sunshiny day. 🙂
I’d just like to say that clarity and understanding rocks.
I say this as a man who’s glad he had a root canal today.
Rock on lp.
A few weeks ago I would have read this and maybe not seen how intensely stressful and scary this stuff would be–although I would have totally seen how outrageous it is for someone to not answer your questions about your own health. But I wouldn’t have seen just how bad it is–just how much we desperately NEED health care providers to give us answers, explain things, listen to our questions, answer them and all the rest. It’s necessary.
I’m having my own health scare now and wow–this stuff can completely send you spinning. I’m sorry, Leah. I hope you can find a better doctor and that you get all this resolved soon
1. find a new doctor.
2. if #1 isn’t possible due to insurance, get someone to sit in with you during your next appointment and have that list of questions.
3. Definitely switch pharmacies. That pharmacist dropped the ball big time.
I write a list, because I get nervous whenever I go to the doctor. Lots of reasons why. My doctor at one point, spotted my list on the desk, picked it up and started going over it with me.
I think I love my doctor.
I totally second the list thing. It is so easy to forget any questions, even the burning urgent ones, when you are actually sitting in that office. Do some more trawling around on the internet, get your questions together, write them down, and follow the list when you get to the appointment. Tell her exactly what the pharmacist said, too, and that one or both of them is dropping the ball. That line about “That’s his job?” That is total bullshit and a little scary, because no doctor should be that cavalier about prescribing ANY medication. Hang in there.
My only thoughts is that the pharmacist wouldn’t want you to take anything natural, because it makes his job unnecissary?
I’m so sorry pal.
Hugs from FREEZING Kansas.
As a few other people have commented, finding a new doctor would really help. Even if you have a pretty crappy HMO, you can still switch your primary care physician.
You may need to call your HMO before you have an appointment with someone else to tell them that you’re switching your primary to someone else. Just be willing to keep doing this until you find a doctor who actually listens and answers questions.
I ended up trying three doctors before I found one I really was comfortable with – it totally sucked, but she’s been my doctor for eight years, and I LOVE her. She always has enough time for me, even though I really, really like to ask questions.
When you’re dealing with even a minor medical condition, having a doctor you respect and trust is invaluable. They should be your partner in taking care of your health.
I’m on Levothyroxine for hypothyroidism, too. I love my endocrinologist, but there are a bunch of things I didn’t fully understand about how to take the medication until recently. (I also didn’t know about the soy thing; as a pesco-vegetarian, I eat a LOT of soy.) My gynocologist asked about how my thyroid was at a recent visit, and she gave me a few tips that have been helpful in keeping my T4 levels relatively stable. One is that instead of skipping my dose if I forget to take it before breakfast (you’re supposed to take it on an empty stomach, either 1 hour before or 2-3 hours after eating), I should take it anyway whenever I remember, even if it’s right after eating. Absorption would be lower, but some is better than none. I’m not sure why this never occurred to me before. The other thing is that if my bloodwork shows my thyroid at the low end of normal — and thus not indicative of needing an increase in my dose — I can adjust the dose myself by taking 1 extra or 1/2 extra pill a week if I start to feel draggy or depressed.
My sister’s been on thyroid mediation for a lot longer than I have, and should have been on it longer, but since she was within the normal range, they thought everything was fine. Turns out that for her, normal isn’t normal. She can tell just by her symptoms when her levels have dropped below a certain point, and she needs to increase her dose.
For whatever any of that is worth…
Leah, I have Hashimoto’s disease and am a thyroid NUT, and have researched the pants off of it – for example, I’m sure someone told you that PCOS and hypothyroidism often go hand in hand, and that a fully corrected thyroid can sometimes alleviate PCOS symptoms and make it easier to reproduce?
Hypothyroidism affects your fertility in a major way – even slight changes can cause major upset, depending on how the disease manifests itself in you. For me, my disease is entirely centered around my reproductive system. For others, it’s their hair, depression and anxiety.
I highly recommend picking up a book by Mary Shomon on living with hypothyroidism. It’s so helpful, and answers a lot of the questions you’re having – or at least gives you the tools to find the answer.
By “natural” I’m not sure what you mean – homeopathic remedies are really not recommended for hypothyroidism, as the hormone is very specific, and *required* for your body to function normally. It’s not so much a medication you’re taking as it is a replacement of what your body should make. That being said, some people do better on natural thyroid replacements like Armour, which is a drug made from desiccated pig thyroid, and is good for people with a T3 AND T4 deficiency.
I am so happy to talk about this anytime. I have, as I said, researched my ass off, and am insane about education on this topic. Also – the soy thing is not entirely true. It affects absorption if taken at the same time, like any food would – fiber supplements included – but if you consume soy regularly or are a vegetarian, then you can/should have your dose adjusted to accommodate that, and your doctor should work with you on that. Soy inhibits thyroid function – as in, if your thyroid were naturally functioning, it doesn’t help matters. However, since you’re taking replacement hormones, you can find the balance that works for you and your soy habit, as it were.
(Seriously, I don’t know if I expressed it enough: Get Mary Shomon’s book. Also, the issues I outlined above only scratch the surface of the hundreds of ways/issues/concerns that surround hypothyroidism. Please, please, let me know if I can help.)
I was a Pharmacy Tech for 15 years. That doesn’t mean I’m Super-duper pro meds. BUT! If you would like to get some more one-on-one time with a Pharmacist, try a smaller independant pharmacy. They’re busy, but they’re also very tuned into individuals with questions because that’s the bread and butter of their business.
I have hypothyroidism too. I take levothyroxine and I can’t tell you how much better I feel. I’ve noticed no side effects from this med, and the benefits have, for me, been immesurable!
I have to chime in one more time to point out that thyroid replacement hormones are *not* a medication, and therefore, you won’t have any side effects. A lot of people say “I don’t want to take medication for the rest of my life!” Thinking of it that way is a mistake – It is an absolutely necessary replacement for what your body fails to make naturally, not a medication that can be replicated through other means (e.g., St. John’s Wort in lieu of antidepressants, etc.)
I told you: I’m a thyroid nut.
I have a GP that I like in Thousand Oaks. His office is near the hospital. Let me know if you would like his info.
i’m hypothyroid too and your choices are to take the Synthroid (levothyroxine) or take Armour thyroid (the pig one). That is it. YOU MUST HAVE THYROID HORMONES IN YOUR BODY in the CORRECT AMOUNT. MUST. Your hair will fall out and you’ll get fat and sleep for 15 hours a day if you don’t. I speak from personal experience.
the only “side effects” of synthroid are the symptoms of HYPERthyroidism, so if you get them it means that you are taking too much and you need your thyroid checked. that is why they start you on a low dose, check your blood, adjust, check, adjust, check till you are in normal range.
i’ve been hypothyroid for almost 20 years. it is livable. i had forgotten why i didn’t eat soy, so thanks for reminding me cause i started eating edamame again.
Sarah, there are a few other lesser-known meds that combine T3 and T4, much like Armour does, but they are veryvery hard to find, and are mostly manufactured for vegetarians who have moral issues with Armour, but have a condition that necessitates a combination of T3/T4. Also, everyone’s symptoms are different – some people’s hair falls out (my eyebrows did) and some people have raging periods. It’s all unique to the individual.
Again, Leah. Please please get that book. It will also explain how completely useless the “normal range” is for managing the disease. But Sarah’s right – a replacement hormone is the only answer. The *only* answer, despite what many homeopaths will advise. I am generally against medication, but levothyroxine is a must, and shouldn’t be viewed as such.
(Have I scared you yet? Can you tell I’m, um, passionate?)
ha! that is insane. of COURSE it’s the pharmacist’s job to know about the drugs, but it’s just as much HER job since she wrote the scrip for them! shouldn’t she know what she prescribed you? i’d certainly hope so.
i worry less about the fact that no one wants to talk to me or answer questions and much, much more about the fact that it seems we cannot trust anyone anymore and HAVE to do this outside research in the first place. i’m not talking about doing it because it’s good to learn new things and you should know as much as you can about what’s going on with your own mind and body, i’m talking about the fact that trust doesn’t exist anymore, and that’s sad, that necessity to go home and see for yourself.
and where does that leave us? on the internet! which has become just as “true” as the books in the nonfiction section at the library, which is another very scary thing.
sounds though, like you hit the jackpot with jonniker. don’t freak out, we’re all rooting for you. feel better….soon!
🙂
dear god lp, that is ridiculous and i am in no way surprised. doctors and “the like” are still power tripping and have a hard time when people educate themselves about certain things. and then we have the nerve to question them on it. as if they could make a mistake.
if i were anywhere close, i’d gladly punch them in the head for you.
be good to yourself.
Me thinks you need to find a dr who listens and takes time to answer your questions.
I second the person above who mentioned finding a small independant pharmacy to go to. A year or so ago I chose to take my business to a little independant pharmacy down the road from me. It is owned by husband and wife pharmacists whose goal it is to be a small town pharmacy. I walk in and they know who I am, what I’ve been through, etc. I’ve had a bad bout of IBS lately and just last week my pharmacist voluntarily suggested some non-drug (and cheaper!!) alternatives to the drug therapy my doctor had prescribed. Walmart, Target, Walgreens might be more convenient at times, but small town attention takes the cake anyday! I hope you find someone who will talk to you about your healthcare treatment! I have minor issues compared to your hypothyroidism and such, but it’s still a horrific feeling dealing with healthcare providers who want you in and out and overwith! Get better soon, Leahpeah Peehead!
I was diagnosed with Hashimoto’s about 5 years ago. Luckily, my doc at the time referred me straight to an endocrinologist, and I’ve had one ever since. I say luckily because I like my specialists a lot more than my general docs. They know what they’re doing and don’t mess around. If you can get a referral, go for it.
I agree with everyone else that a synthetic thyroid replacement is your best bet. My docs have explained that your body absorbs different kinds of thyroid replacements at different rates. The synthetic replacements are more predictably absorbed by your system, keeping your levels, um, level, which is why most docs prefer them over the natural alternatives.
It can take 4-6 weeks for the thyroid meds to kick in and for you to start feeling better. And the test/check/adjust cycle can take awhile. It’s worth it — I’m on Synthroid and don’t ever want to feel the way I did without it again.
Good luck, and keep researching. I like the Thyroid Sourcebook for Women by Rosenthal.
I’ve been on synthetiic thyroid for hashimoto’s hypothyroidism for 6 years. best thing for me. I have a totally messed up immune system, and also have alopecia and vitiligo, which can’t be cured. Went to 6 docs over 3 years with symptoms and “borderline” numbers before I found a fantastic endocrinologist at a teaching hospital nearby. She wants to listen and she wants to learn. If all you got was your T3 and/or T4 numbers, find a doc who will also check your TSH numbers. This is essential, it indicates how hard your thyroid is working to produce the small amount of T3 and T4 that it is. This doc tested all three numbers T3 and T4 were borderline,TSH was only a little over. and she was the first one to say, let’s do a trial and see how you feel. I never want to feel that horrible way again.
Hang in there, let it work. You’re replacing what your body isn’t making for you anymore.
Best book I found on it is “the thyroid solution” by Ridha Arem MD. Helped me to understand what my body was doing in the thyroid.
Hugs to you Leah.
I am so sorry you have a doctor that thinks she is God. Gah, I hate that.
I second the motion to find a doctor who will fully inform you of risks/benifits.
Did you know that thyroid disease can contribute to m/c and go on to multiple m/c? Once treated, carrying to term is a more likely scenario!
A couple of links to get you started: http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/immunologysupport/
The folks in the yahoo group can direct you further.
http://repro-med.net/index.php
Whether you want to have a baby or not, just go there to get info and get yourself strong and healthy again. There are many many women on the Yahoo group going through what you are.
Hugs to you!
When you join the above Yahoo group, go to their files section and scroll down to the thyroid link: http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/immunologysupport/links/Thyroid_disease_and__001082165373/
Tons and tons of info, even how to take the thryoid meds and what to expect.
Feel free to e-mail me if you have any questions.
Jody
Leah,
I’m not a medical doctor, but I am a holistic health practitioner. So when you have the questions about natural alternatives you can always come to me. Or even questions about the things you should or should not take with the things that your doctors are prescribing for you. Or even just questions, period.
I’ll help in whatever way that I can. I don’t promise to have all the answers, but I am pretty darn good at also finding the folks who can provide them in simple terms we can all understand. Or even other practitioners who might serve you better than the ones that you’re currently seeing.
So please just shoot me an email at any time. I’m always happy to help.
Don’t pay the co-pay if she doesn’t answer your questions. They work for us. We pay their paychecks. It is not wrong to require good service. Your health is that important.
I had been diagnosed with hypothyroidism, close to 8 years ago. and I have been a fat mess sence. I get a blood draw every other year with my physical. So far I have went for the lower dose up to 400mcg, yes I said 400mcg,. I have went to weight gain, to weight loss due to the high dose, with my hair falling out, My skin is so dry and bad looking, my face is a mess due to the dry skin, Then this last year I had my blood drawn and now I’m taken 200mcg, and feel like crape, Depressed, moody, I do have my hair at lest!, My weight moved up to over 200 and want to know how to stop this madness. i’ve not been told anything about the soy thing, I been told that I now have medication induced Graves, What dose that mean? My hands swells, and hurts, There has been times when I can’t even dress my self do the swelling and pain in my hands and joints, Is there something I can be doing?
I went off the pill in June 2006 and have still not gotten my period. My OBGYN eventually tried a round of chlomid and about that same time my internist (whom I was seeing for an annual check-up) told me my thyroid TSH test came back very high and I needed to go on Sinthroid immediately. He said that’s likely the cause of my menstrual problems. I was scared because I knew it was something I would have to do forever, and also concerned because I had just taken a fertility drug. After speaking with my OBGYN (whom I love), I decided to go on Sinthroid and have been on it for 2 weeks; I’ll see my internist for a follow-up on 4/10. She told me we should not try to get pregnant until this is all figured out. I asked why the previous TSH test she did didn’t come back high and she didn’t know. My question is — should I have had a second blood test to confirm I need this medication? Neither of my doctors thought so. And are there dangers to taking Sinthroid if in fact I’m not hypothyroid?