Now I want you to just try to imagine how many times a day that I say “my thyroid.”

I’ve not felt like myself for quite a while now.
I think it’s pretty evident in every area of my life, including the way that I write.
I’ve been tired—oh, so very tired. My brain is fuzzy. I’ve been forgetful. I’ve felt incredibly irritable and have not felt much joy. Nor have I felt much Horny. In fact, I am pretty sure that My Horny died.
Also? My hair is falling out, I’m cold all of the time, my legs ache at night. My periods are irregular and very heavy.
Oh and, I’ve gained a hell of a lot of weight in a very short period of time.
So much weight that my “fat clothes” from three years ago are too tight.
I’ve tried to lose it, but it won’t come off. It keeps piling on.
I’ve wanted to ask my doctor to have my thyroid tested again, but you know that joke about The Fat Person trying to blame their weight on a “thyroid problem”?
Yeah.
Well, last week I had had enough. I was sick of my hair falling out. Sick of feeling tired. Sick of KNOWING something is wrong with my body but being too ashamed to demand answers!
I marched into my doctor’s office, just like I did a few months ago, with a list of symptoms and a bag full of PROOF! That something is going terribly wrong in my body.
Picture 13262 copy
Oh yes I did.
I wasn’t surprised when I stepped on the scale and the numbers two one and six appeared on the scale. I hated seeing it, but it didn’t surprise me at all.
Once the doctor walked in, we began talking about why I was there.
“I want to have my thyroid tested again.” I said.
“Why? What’s going on now?”
“Well, my weight. Look at me. I’m tired all of the time. I can’t think straight. My periods are messed up. MY HAIR IS FALLING OUT.”
I pulled the baggie full of hair from my purse.
“I lost this today while taking a shower. And that doesn’t count what went down the drain and what fell out onto the floor as I was drying it. And this is JUST TODAY!”
He looked at the bag all “WTF?” like, because, really, who does that?
Apparently, I do.
He started drilling me about my diet and exercise habits.
“How many calories do you eat a day?”
“Um, don’t know…”
“How often do you work out?”
“Um, I haven’t been lately, but I’m so tired, I just can’t do it…”
And that is when I lost it. I started to cry. Whilst holding a baggie containing my hair in it.
“I’m not trying to blame the fact that I’m fat on my thyroid. I’m just not. That’s why I haven’t come to see you. Because I feel like that’s what people think. I’m here because I don’t feel well. Because I feel like there’s something wrong here and I can’t take it anymore. I need answers.”
I finally had HAD IT. No one takes me seriously when I say that I think something is desperately wrong with my body. No one takes me seriously when I tell them that I’ve not changed my eating habits enough to warrant this much of a weight gain. No one takes me seriously when I say that I’m so tired for no reason at all that I sometimes am afraid to drive because I feel drowsy. No one takes me seriously when I say “I know that something isn’t right and I think that it’s my thyroid..”
Now, here I was sitting in front of the one person that I thought would believe me and take my concerns seriously and what does he say?
“I’m going to go ahead and order some thyroid tests and a kidney function test, but my suspicion is that the tests will all come back normal and when they do, I’ll have you come back at the first of the year and we’ll talk about a good eating plan and get you on a weight loss pill.”
So, in other words “there’s nothing wrong with you, I’m sure of it. You’re just eating too much and not exercising enough and once the tests come back, we’ll just get yer fat ass on a weight loss pill and that should do the trick.”
I was humiliated (baggie of hair! Tears! Fat! Nothing wrong! It’s all in your fat head!).
As I was walking out the door I asked my doctor how he would inform me of the test results.
“I’ll send you a letter. Or, you know, you could always register online and get your results there! And you can bother me at night by sending me emails!”
Oh snaps! An “email your doctor” feature online?
Jesus really DOES love me.
I went home, signed up for online access and began obsessively checking my test results.
About a week later my test results were available online.
I opened the first one which was a TSH (thyroid simulated hormone).
Reading was marked as “high”. The “normal range” as they had listed was .4-4.0. Mine was 5.75. I had no idea what that meant, but what I did know was that when they ran the same test on me in July it was 2.4. So, something obviously was happening.
Dear Google. What does a “high” TSH mean?
Dear Y: A high TSH result often means your thyroid is screwed and if you don’t take care of it soon, you could go into a coma or have heart failure and DIE DIE DIE!
(At least that’s how I read it.)
I’m not going to lie. There was a part of me that was so happy to see that test result just so that I could email my doctor and be all “IN YOUR FACE!” But honestly, I was hoping that I was wrong because OMG! Medication for the rest of my life! Fatness forever! BALDNESS!”
I immediately emailed my doctor.
(this is the actual email.)

Hi Dr.M!
I told you that I would get access to this thing just to bother you at night! I kid!
I’m actually writing about the results to my thyroid test. I see that my TSH is high. (And has doubled since the last time it was tested.) What does that mean? Also, my rdw blood test was high.
If you could explain these results, I’d appreciate it.

His response?

Oh great- you figured out the e mail. Actually you couldn’t even wait to get a letter from me telling you that your thyroid might be burning out, and you might need thyroid medication after all, and it also might be a reason why you are having so much fun trying to loose weight (what a run on sentence I just wrote)
Anyways, what my letter says is that the TSH needs to be repeated in 4 weeks and if it is still high, then its time for thyroid medication. The repeat TSH has already been ordered for you, and we will talk after we get the next results.

My first reaction?
Ha! He said “oh great.”
My second reaction?
“What the hell? I have to wait another 4 weeks?! I’ll be bald by then! And possibly in a coma!”
While I was waiting for his response, I logged back in to check my other test results. I found a test that was performed in June. It was a THYROPEROXIDASE ANTIBODY test. The results were flagged as “high.”
So, I wrote him back.

I think this “email your doctor thing” may be the greatest invention in the history of the world! Ha.
As long as you promise me that I’m not going to die while I’m waiting for 4 weeks, then I’m ok with that. (I’ve been using google, Dr.M!)
Also, I noticed an old test from June that I hadn’t read until now. The THYROPEROXIDASE ANTIBODY test. I have no idea what that is (but I will in a minute, after I google it!) but it is marked as “high.” Is that bad? I’m assuming it’s not, since no one contacted me, but I’m asking anyway.
Thanks again for always being so helpful. Even if you do make me cry sometimes. (Again. I KID!)

To which he responded with—

I don’t mind your kidding one bit. In fact I like it.. I can handle it !!
No you are not going to die. You’re still stuck with me. A thyroperoxidase test confirms that your body is starting to make antibodies against your thyroid, and thus your thyroid burns out. As your thyroid burns out, you will need thyroid medication. P.S. I already ordered a repeat thyroperoxidase test when you repeat your thyroid test.

I’m not happy about having to wait another 4 weeks to test again and I’m not happy about possibly having a dying thyroid, but I am happy that a test finally confirmed what I’ve known for over a year now.
I’m fat because I have a thyroid problem.
*cue laugh track*
…But seriously, folks.
I have known that something was wrong with my body. I have known that it’s not functioning property, weight issue aside. I have been crying to Tony at least once a week that “something’s wrong! I shouldn’t be this tired all of the time! Nor should I be this bald! Nor should I have a droopy eye!”
I’m hoping that I’m finally on the track to getting some answers and possibly some medications to get my body functioning properly once again.
(And by “functioning properly once again” I totally mean “get My Horny” back. I really miss My Horny.)

119 thoughts on “Now I want you to just try to imagine how many times a day that I say “my thyroid.”

  1. JenniferB

    I am glad you got up the courage to get in there and make him take you seriously — now you will get the care and treatment you need, and you will feel much better (soon — soon!). Hugs!

  2. JaniceNW

    So the rumor is women hit their sexual peak in their thirties. Ahem….I just discovered the joy and surprise of multiples Os. I thought they were a myth!
    My A&P teacher is a naturopathic doctor and he talks about how sime women cannot process t3 or t4 one of them is processed into the useful form. If you want to research more I’d add T3 and T4 into the mix.

  3. Angella

    Good for you for taking charge! You inspire me.
    I am not glad that there is a problem, but glad that you now know what it is, and can get back to being yourself.
    And horny 😉

  4. rose

    I suppose it’t too much to expect him to be a little sheepish about telling you he expected all of your tests to come back normal.
    And sorry, but considering you were concerned about your thyroid in June, it might have been nice to at least get an “oops” should have looked at that one a little more closely.
    But, the “good” news is there is something identifiable, and treatable

  5. Hope

    I’m sorry that you are having health problems but hooray for finding out what’s wrong. Now you can fix it!
    Your doctor sure does have an untraditional bedside manner. ;p

  6. Y

    Yeah. I wasn’t too happy with him about that, (and hello? There was a test from JUNE that no one bothered to read or tell me about.) But he’s been my doctor for 17 years and overall,he takes VERY good care of my family.
    I’ll let him slide this once.

  7. josey

    Y–i’m tellin you now girl, i am PROUD OF YOU! for about a year now, i’ve had many of the same symptoms you’ve had. i had my thyroid checked like 3 times, and every time my dr said they were normal. i just didnt believe it!!
    i dont know if you have read any of my blog, but i found out this year i have endometriosis. many women who have endo also have thyroid problems. in addition, dysfunctional thyroid runs wayyy back on my mom’s side, so im genetically wired for it to go haywire.
    soooo after i found out about my endo, i decided i didnt want to go on Lupron (which is a hormone injection that sends you into pseudo-menopause… then months later all the pain comes back and you have to go thru the injections again…). i did TONS of reading and educating myself on my own and decided to see a naturopathic practitioner to find out if i could take a more natural approach to healing my disease(s). in the last year i’ve seen two diff naturopaths and they’ve both told me my thyroid is very messed up! (im being quite non-technical here. LOL.)
    to make a long story short–an overactive or underactive thyroid isnt a health issue that is best dealt with on its own. a normal doctor is only going to band-aid the issue because that’s all they know. a dysfunctional thyroid means a lot of other things are out of whack. i’ve started changing my diet and am (temporarily) on a slew of supplements to help my body get back on track (again, im leaving out tons of details or this comment will be even more SUPERDOOPEROOPERER long.) i’ve noticed a huge difference already–my skin isnt as dry, my hair isnt falling out, my memory is slowly getting better (i SWEAR i was scared i was getting alzheimers! im only 33!!!).
    i am VERY passionate about these health issues so i just had to share! please know you dont have to go on a drug for the rest of your life if you dont want to. there are other options and they will make you MUCH healthier in the long run!! BUT you have to be committed, cause its not as easy as popping a pill once a day.
    i am so sorry you’ve felt so horrible for so long. sometimes its hard to find a doctor who really does CARE about you. that’s why alternative/complimentary healthcare practitioners may be a better choice for some. healthcare is one of those issues that burns my bum!!! whatever you decide to do, i hope you are healthier soon!
    okay, im done! please get in touch with me if i can enlighten you any more! LOL. 😉

  8. Amy

    Has he checked you for a goiter? My doctor didn’t repeat the thyroid tests, but she did feel a sizable goiter on my throat, so maybe that’s why she didn’t feel the need.
    Anyway, I feel for you because although I was diagnosed 10 years ago (at 26, we’re the same age), I totally remember how hellish I felt. I waited way too long to go to the doctor and had just about every symptom they list for Hashimoto’s thyroiditis. We were able to find my proper medication level quickly and it’s remained stable. It’s one little pill once a day. So, yeah, it’s medication for the rest of your life, but *meh* it’s no big deal.
    As for the weight thing, I’ve always had a weight problem, so the low thyroid hasn’t helped. I did manage to lose quite a bit of weight even after my diagnosis, so it *IS* possible. Of course we won’t talk about my weight today. Cough. Cough. What were we talking about?
    To sum up: Way to go standing up for yourself! A pill a day isn’t the end of the world. It will take some time for the meds to work, but you WILL feel better.
    That is all. 🙂

  9. kaleigh

    As a person who has had thyroid, er, issues for more than half my life, before you were 25% into your post, I knew the end. You totally have a thyroid problem. Totally.
    Glad the doctor “humored” you enough to repeat the tests. That TSH result is very high (I have, well, had, the opposite problem, and my TSH was close to 0 when I was out of remission).
    Thyroid meds, fortunately, are easy to take and have very few side effects once you get the dose right. Feel free to email me for more info.

  10. AmyM

    I always have a whole list of problems that I want to talk to the doctor about. And then I get there and I’m all “yeah, I’m fine. Just need a check up.” I hate feeling like they think I’m just making stuff up to get drugs or am just a screwed up hypochondriac.
    I hope your ‘roid gets better.
    And PS, thanks for updating!

  11. Audrey

    God, I hate it when doctors make you feel like a total douchebag by just brushing you off when all you did as come in and be concerned about your health. But, seeing your Dr’s emails and his good sense of humor, I suppose I can forgive him. I’m really glad that you got the ball rolling and things are on their way to being treated properly. Here’s hoping you get The Horny back ASAP! (Wait. That sounds weird. But I think you know what I mean. Please don’t think I’m a weird perverted stalker.)

  12. Annika

    It seems crazy stupid to be GLAD that your results are high, but I am so glad they FINALLY found something wrong! You know your body and if you say something is wrong, it is. End of story. And now you have an idea what it is and can start getting WELL. YAY!!!

  13. barnmouse

    Isn’t it great when you get confirmation? I’ve had back problems FOR YEARS (seriously, like 10 years, and I’m 26) and I finally just a few weeks ago went to the doctor to find out what’s wrong. (I have the “walk it off” type parents) The x-rays showed nothing. The antiinflamitories did nothing. Even the muscle relaxers did nothing! This week I had my first PT appointment and FINALLY! Confirmation!! Turns out, my pelvis was tilted back and twisted AND also another bone was out of whack! It felt so good to know that there actually was a reason for this pain and even though I’ve lived with it for years, I won’t have to live with it always!
    I hope you feel better soon! 🙂

  14. Becky

    Glad that you got the clarification that you needed. Believe it or not, I’m going through the same damn thing (well, I’ve been diagnosed for awhile, but it’s been hanging tough right at about 20, which = very bad). But this isn’t about me, now is it?
    So here’s my advice to you (I am also a nurse, I don’t just play one on TV). MAKE DAMN SURE THAT YOUR DOCTOR IS INTERESTED IN HOW YOU FEEL, NOT JUST LAB #’S IN THE RIGHT RANGE.
    /crawling off soapbix

  15. Becky

    Glad that you got the clarification that you needed. Believe it or not, I’m going through the same damn thing (well, I’ve been diagnosed for awhile, but it’s been hanging tough right at about 20, which = very bad). But this isn’t about me, now is it?
    So here’s my advice to you (I am also a nurse, I don’t just play one on TV). MAKE DAMN SURE THAT YOUR DOCTOR IS INTERESTED IN HOW YOU FEEL, NOT JUST LAB #’S IN THE RIGHT RANGE.
    /crawling off soapbox

  16. Paula

    Good for you for standing up to your doctor and asking to have tests done.
    I also have thyroid issues, I lost tons of hair, gained weight, have suffered from dry skin and most of the other lovely symptoms of a wacked out thyroid. I’m on Levothyroxine 125mg and feeling more myself.
    Glad you got the ball rolling and now can look forward to feeling more yourself.

  17. Heather

    Those emails are quite hysterical, Y. Especially the “I googled it, Dr M!” part.
    I hope that you feel better soon, and I’m sure that PigHunter really misses The Horny too!

  18. Michelle

    I hate when medical professionals won’t listen when a patient tells them something is wrong. I am so glad you insisted on some tests and you are getting to the root of the problem – nothing worse then feeling bad and not knowing why. Medication sucks (I’m diabetic – mine involved needles – I win the medication sucks contest) but if you feel better it is worth it.

  19. TamiW

    About 15 years ago I knew I had something wrong with me. I found a small lump in my breast. “Let’s just keep an eye on it” she said. It was at that moment I realized my doctor was an idiot and I went and got a second opinion. It was breast cancer. New doc said I’d probably had it for over 5 years..
    Ladies…always listen to your body…it will never lie to you..
    And Y…you go girl!

  20. Jennifer

    Y,
    I am glad you insisted your doc check you for thyroid trouble. I too was feeling terrible a couple years back. I always felt like I had a “collar” on, I was so tired I couldn’t take care of my family, just terrible no way to describe it. The doctor I worked for even felt my neck and said I was fine. Well, come to find out I wasn’t. My thyroid level was close to what yours was. My family doc sent me to an endocrinologist. I believe they are best for treating thyroid and they can ultrasound your neck in the office to see if its enlarged or if you have any little tumors in there. Also, when you get your thyroid meds ask for brand only, in thyroid meds it does make a difference. I wonder why tons of women are being diagnosed suddenly with thyroid problems? My girlfriend was close to dying when they diagnosed hers, her speach was so off she sounded like she was drunk.. okay too long.. sorry!

  21. Schnozz

    The notion that body parts BURN OUT like LIGHTBULBS is very disturbing to me, so I can only imagine how you feel. I hope you feel better soon!

  22. Beth

    DAMN, woman! I think it takes guts to stick up for yourself when the doctor says you’re “probably” fine and you don’t feel fine. Now you can start fixing the problem. Good for you! 🙂

  23. *Dr. M*

    Dear Y- Interesting, very interesting. We didn’t discuss your horniness while you were in the office. We will discuss that next time.

  24. Z

    I’ve unfortunately been in the position of knowing something is wrong with me and yet not having anyone (including doctors) believe me; the first time this happened, I let the doctor telling me that everything was fine overrule my instinct that things were just NOT RIGHT. And, not to disgust you with the details, I nearly lost my foot. The second time, I learned better. I insisted upon the tests, despite the doctor telling me repeatedly that I was fine. I’m glad I did; I was NOT fine, and the tests showed that.
    Sometimes we just know when things are not right; it’s your body, and you should listen to it. I am happy for you that you insisted on seeing your doctor and getting the tests… and while I am sorry that you now have to deal with a dying thyroid, I am happy you have your answer. Doctors don’t know everything (I should know, I’m going to be one…) and you will ALWAYS be the world’s expert on your own body and how you feel. If you think something is wrong, keep insisting on the testing, as you did. (Which is to say: GO YOU!) (Though, of course, if the tests come back negative 100 times, well, sometimes you can be wrong 😉
    To wrap up this long comment, I just wanted to say – I’m really happy for you that you stuck to your guns and got tested, and that you can now start working on getting better. I’ve been there before, and once you’ve gotten past the initial getting-people-to-realize-that-YES-something-is-wrong hurdle, usually the rest falls into place. Good luck feeling better soon, and getting that horny back!

  25. Laural

    I can SOOOO relate.
    I went through something similar though my doctor will not give me her e-mail address!
    Anyway …
    I got the same results – thyroid problem.
    When my doctor told me I smiled and kind of giggled. My doctor, shocked, said “that’s not the reaction I was looking for.”
    And, the words that came out of my mouth: “A certified thyroid problem is a chubby girl’s dream!”
    I did get a stern lecture. After the dr told the nurse (who is chubby like me) and the nurse confirmed that I was right …
    I am much healthier now.
    Okay – so pregnant and dealing with sinus issues and ear issues. But, seeing as I’m pregnant I clearly got some horny back.
    So there you go.
    It gets better 🙂

  26. Amanda Regan (madamspud169)

    I’d ask him why the hell he didn’t do anything when he saw the June results.
    Any damage his ignoring the results has done to your body could be a case of medical negligence.
    Why did he not believe you until now when he had those results in June?

  27. blairzoo

    Y, Yeah for tests results that prove what you already know, and shit! that you have to wait another 4 weeks. I swear docs do that wait thing just to keep making us women feel wrong somehow, instead of them believing you as you know your own body best. Women’s intuition isn’t an old wives tale!
    FWIW, my sister had to call 911 this summer as she had horrific chest pain late at night when her dh was away. Turns out she had thyroid problems! She’s on medication and starting to feel so much better. It does take a while to regulate the dose. She also had hairloss, depression, feeling overwhelmed by life, weight gain etc. She’s SO glad to finially know what’s wrong and have medication to treat it. Hope you get everything you need soon!

  28. 2shews

    My good girlfriend went through this a few months ago, and it was the hardest thing. It was bad enough she was exhausted and felt all flu-y all the time, but it also ditched her into a huge bout of depression, which she had not struggled with in the past. The most overwhelming part was her feeling that it would NEVER be better, she would NEVER be a good mom again (she had to send her kids away for a week because she couldn’t get off the couch), and that she was going to be this ABNORMAL woman… It took a long time to get her meds all right– and a lot of work. But she’s working with it now, and getting it all figured out. Which is to say, you might get a touch of the crazy with this, and it’s your body not YOU, and you might want to talk to someone other than google about it. And blog-advising is not my thing, but I really love your blog and thought I would let you know, in case you were struggling with this. Sending you big hormoney hugs to make up for your wacky thyroid…

  29. Y

    Amanda… He isn’t the one who ordered those tests. It was a PA. But, I suppose as my doctor, he still should have noticed them?
    I don’t know. He really is a good doctor, but um, yeah, I wondered the same thing but cut him some slack since he wasn’t the one who ordered THAT particular test.

  30. Leslie

    Y,
    Long time lurker here.
    I just wanted to say that you did the right thing by making the doctor test you again.
    I, too, have thyroid issues (Hashimoto’s disease) which became apparent last Apr 06 when I was having problems swallowing. I went to my regular doctor and he couldn’t figure it out, so he sent me to an ENT. The ENT is the one that found the nodule on my thyroid. He then referred me to an endocrinologist (if your medical benefits cover this, request that you be referred to one….I love mine, he’s so funny), who did more tests and found out that my levels were actually too low. Because of the size of one of the nodules, I ended up having surgery to remove my left thyroid lobe last Nov 06. I had a smaller nodule on the right lobe, but it was determined that we would see if the medicine (L-Thyroxine 100MCG) would supress it. I’m happy to say that as of my last ultrasound in Sept of this year it is half the size it was back in February.
    Again……glad you got the confirmation and know that there are a lot of us out here that understand what you are going through.
    Best wishes!!!

  31. nine

    OMG. That “email your doctor” thing is the Best. Invention. EVER.
    (I’m glad you finally figured out what is wrong and now can get on to treating it too. There is nothing worse than knowing that something is wrong but no one can figure out what it is. *hugs*)

  32. amanda

    i am pretty sure that others have address this already but here i go anyway.
    1) GOOD FOR YOU. That took tremendous courage. You are incredibly brave and I admire you so much.
    2) Everyone woman in my family is hypothyroid. I was diagnosed at TEN and the dr. only did the test because my mother insisted. He didn’t believer her, but she knew the symptoms and she was right. You will have to take a pill (and yes, unfortunately, the tests are far apart… usually after they change your dosage you will have to wait three months for a retest), and you DO want it to be namebrand. That sucks for insurance, but generic is not the same when it comes to Synthroid. Be sure you tell your pharmacist. 😉
    3) I briefly skimmed some of the comments and noted that you have an advocate for homeopathy. I love homepathic medicines, I really do. I always try to use them as my first option and so does my mom. But neither of us will use homeopathic meds for in place of Synthroid. There is too much on the line and for us it hasn’t been worth attempting to withdraw and risk screwing up our levels.
    4) The hair falling out is AWFUL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
    5) You won’t be bald in a month. Promise.

  33. Marilyn

    OMG, I so know where you’re coming from! And, can I just say, I’m so proud of you being so proactive about this. I was totally blindsided by my thyroid problem (I had no idea of the symptoms, figured I was tired because I had a child at home and my hair was falling out because I was becoming elderly). It does suck to have to take medication regularly for life, but it’s better than the alternative, I suppose. 😉 I hope you get some more answers and soon. And that you start feeling better ASAP.

  34. AlwaysCurious

    Good for you! Shame on doctors who make us feel like we’re crazy when we KNOW something is wrong. So many people live for years with major problems because they think or know that no one will believe them.
    And you are a much nicer person than I am. I would have been royally PISSED at there was a test result months ago that indicated there was a problem and I was not informed about. I’d be like I-wanna-talk-to-your-boss pissed. But then again, I have a shockingly low tolerance for anything I consider to be lazy, haphazard, or incompetent.

  35. AlwaysCurious

    Good for you! Shame on doctors who make us feel like we’re crazy when we KNOW something is wrong. So many people live for years with major problems because they think or know that no one will believe them.
    And you are a much nicer person than I am. I would have been royally PISSED at there was a test result months ago that indicated there was a problem and I was not informed about. I’d be like I-wanna-talk-to-your-boss pissed. But then again, I have a shockingly low tolerance for anything I consider to be lazy, haphazard, or incompetent.

  36. jonniker

    I’m a bit of a thyroid nut, and have researched this to … well to the frillionth degree and have been smearing my thyroid knowledge all over the place and scaring people off in droves (seriously, ask Leahpeah, who I went off on similarly). I have Hashimoto’s thyroiditis (which is basically hypothyroidism with a majorly deformed and enlarged thyroid and cysts and stuff). A few things come to mind:
    1) Have him refer to an endocrinologist, if you can. For starters, an endo wouldn’t ask for a repeat test without first putting you on some kind of replacement hormone (Synthroid, Armour, SOMETHING). Your TSH is awfully high to be a test glitch — at the very least, he could start you on 50 or 100 mcgs to see how you respond and THEN retest. But it has to be the right doctor, and one that will respond to how *you* feel, and is willing to look at ALL thyroid hormone replacements (like Armour, which is natural) to see how you feel on each, and what works for your body. Synthroid is not the only option, and a good doctor will know that.
    2) Get an ultrasound on your thyroid. Thyroid cancer is very rare (and very treatable — seriously, the survival rate is in the 90s for the most common type), but it exists, and it manifests itself in thyroid changes. An ultrasound will reveal any cysts that may need to be biopsied (I’ve had four biopsies, and lo, they suck balls and hurt hurt HURT, but I’m so thankful that I had them, because now I know, you know?)
    3) The updated range as of 2002 is a target TSH of 3 or less, with the ideal range being 0.5-1. I *hate* when labs perpetuate old information, but worse, I hate doctors that don’t know any better. TWO THOUSAND AND TWO, this was updated. I remember when you had 2.75, and frankly, I remember thinking that was high. I feel SHITTY with a range over 2. SHIT.TAY. You were way borderline then, and should have been evaluated more closely.
    4) Mary Shomon’s “Living Well with Hypothyroidism” is a great book, and one that I highly, highly recommend. picking up.

  37. Amanda

    Your hair will grow back once you’re on synthroid, the horny comes back too. I would totally avoid Armour Thyroid if you can, it’s not as regulated per dose and was not as effective for me (and others). I hope the four weeks goes by fast.

  38. Laura in Michigan

    Thyroid cancer here, diagnosed at 18. I’m 40 now and have lived with Synthroid for a lot of years. Once you get on a good dose, make sure you have levels checked yearly. Weight fluctuations can change your dose. (your weight WILL go down after you are on it. Yeah!!) But you totally have all of the symptoms. You will feel SO much better after you get on a good level for your body. Oh, and take it in the morning before you eat!!

  39. jonniker

    Also, Jennifer and others are right — generics won’t do for thyroid meds, as each pill isn’t regulated between brands. But fortunately, most pharmacists know this, and won’t substitute, PLUS, Synthroid has been on the market for so long that it’s actually cheaper out of pocket than some copays.

  40. Laura in Michigan

    Thyroid cancer here, diagnosed at 18. I’m 40 now and have lived with Synthroid for a lot of years. Once you get on a good dose, make sure you have levels checked yearly. Weight fluctuations can change your dose. (your weight WILL go down after you are on it. Yeah!!) But you totally have all of the symptoms. You will feel SO much better after you get on a good level for your body. Oh, and take it in the morning before you eat!!

  41. Laura in Michigan

    Thyroid cancer here, diagnosed at 18. I’m 40 now and have lived with Synthroid for a lot of years. Once you get on a good dose, make sure you have levels checked yearly. Weight fluctuations can change your dose. (your weight WILL go down after you are on it. Yeah!!) But you totally have all of the symptoms. You will feel SO much better after you get on a good level for your body. Oh, and take it in the morning before you eat!!

  42. geeky

    I’m glad you decided to stand up to your doctor and get the care you need, Y. Unfortunately, that’s what it takes with the medical care these days. My mom struggled with the same thing for years (and the same “fat bias” even though she knew she was sick) before she got a portion of her thyroid removed and got on thyroid meds. She felt worlds better after she got her thyroid straightened out, and hopefully you will too!

  43. Brandi

    I am so glad you listened to your body!
    I have had thyroid issues for 15+ years and it DOES get better. I promise.
    LMAO @ the “baggie o’hair”. Too funny.

  44. Kristy

    Mucho Kudo’s to you for taking control of your personal health. This is something that we women tend to not do like we should. Also, double Kudo’s for looking at your own medical history and googling the hell out of words you don’t understand. My doctor’s hate google, but then again it’s because it makes me dangerous enough to ask the right questions. Hang in there….

  45. ShinaHart

    Hi Y,
    I’ve been reading your blog for some time now. I’m a Zoot lover (lol made myself laugh there sorry) and she linked you for some reason anyway had to stop in and tell you how much I admire you. You are the most honest person I’ve uh met? came across online and in real life. I admire you and hope one day to find the courage not to delete my blog every time an unhinged lunatic decides to hate me. Oh sorry you have no idea what the f I’m talking about.
    If you’re this cool with a screwed up thyroid I can’t wait to see how you are all fixed up. Feel better soon.
    PS Your little girl is off the charts adorable!

  46. faith

    Thank God you took the initiative. I did that once…turned out I had to have an emergency surgery. AFTER I DEMANDED TO HAVE TESTS. Fight for your rights.

  47. Michelle

    Wow I wish I had your chutzpah, I was having hot flashes and sleeping every chance I could before my Hashimoto’s was diagnosed, my TSH levels were at 13.
    It’s taken almost 4 years for me to start feeling better and while I was able to loose some weight (about 25 pounds ) I’m still 30 pounds outside a healthy BMI and I’m struggling with whether or not to accept or keep fighting it.
    There are a couple books you might want to read while you’re waiting (I know, like you have the energy for that), Mary Shoman’s “The Thyroid Diet” and “Living Well with Hypothyroidism” are great resources as is M Sara Rosenthal’s “The Hypothyroid Sourcebook”
    I hope this month passes quickly and you’re on your way back to your old self soon.

  48. Lizzi

    Y, the other thing you might want to have tested (and I say this from personal experience) is your hormone levels. Hormone imbalances can cause most, if not all, of the symptoms you describe, as well as mess with your thyroid. Things I experienced with estrogen dominance and otherwise inexistent hormone levels – hair falling out in clumps in the shower (and elsewhere), dry skin, inexplicable weight gain, lack of muscle tone, NO sex drive, moodiness, joint pain, I could go on and on.
    While you’re waiting for these four weeks to pass, there’s a book you might want to pick up: “Natural Hormone Balance for Women” by Uzzi Reiss. A ton of information, and very helpful! I’ve tried some of the things suggested, which I’ll gladly share with you via email if you want, and while I still don’t feel 100% — it’s WAY better.
    You’re not crazy, and I don’t think you’re sick. Hang in there!

  49. BethK

    2 things:
    Get thee to an endocrinologist — I agree with those that say your TSH is too high to screw around. You’re not going to feel better until you get on some meds. (Old thyroid problem girl here) And you know your body better than anyone else, yadda, yadda, yadda.
    How much do I love that you put your hair in a baggie? You rule.
    Oh, and I lurve your blog. Wait, that’s 3 things. Oh well. Good luck and you go girl!

  50. Kristen

    Is it normal to feel like you’re going through menopause during every period after having 2 kids? I’m wondering if my thyroid is in bed with your thyroid?

  51. Emily

    More power to you! I’m glad you didn’t give up your guns. That was really good – doctors are often too convinced that they are right. Hooray! Pass this on to your children, OK? If I ever treat them, I want them to be as kickass a patient (hair in bag and all) as you are.

  52. AMomTwoBoys

    Wow…you and OPRAH have something in common…that should give you something to celebrate!
    I think the poblem is that male doctors think women are crazy, which I’m sure we are sometimes, but they just don’t understand that sometimes we just KNOW things about our bodies (and our children) and that, okay yeah, sometimes we go a little overboard (Hives on my 2 year old = some DEADLY disease) but sometimes we’re RIGHT! (I’m like your Dr., I write run on sentences and I apparently like the word sometimes!)
    SO, what’s my point you ask? GOOD FOR YOU FOR GOING IN AND MAKING HIM CHECK YOU OUT! You’ll get your hair and your horney back and PigHunter will REALLY have to watch out then! My husband, on the other hand, has to deal with my UTERUS falling out of my body after my 2nd baby was born a few months ago…my male Dr. (whom I adore) was like, yeah, that’s not so much a big deal…and I was like SAY WHAT? MY UTERUS IS FALLING OUT OF MY BODY AND YOUR’RE TELLING ME IT’S NO BIG DEAL. Sometimes men just don’t get it.

  53. amy

    OK, why do you think Dr. Cool didn’t tell you back in June about the test that indicated antibodies were preparing to attack? Did he not see that in his chart this time when he said he was sure the test would come back normal?
    That seems weird to me. I would be pissed.

  54. Y

    Amy–
    He wasn’t the one who ordered those tests, a PA did. That’s why I wasn’t upset.
    But, the more I think about it, the more that I get mad that those results were ignored.

  55. mnroomom

    Coming out of lurking to ditto the “see an endocrinologist” recommendation… good advice! An endo isn’t going to drag you around w/ a wait and see approach. They will get you started on some meds right away and use the updated blood work to adjust said meds. And keep paying attention to your body b/c thyroid issues affect So many things and you need to know when to go in and be retested and adjust meds. It’s more than hair loss and fatigue… chronic upset stomach or constipation, trembling, heart beat too slow or too fast, muscle fatigue.. they can all track back to hypo or hyper-thyroidism. And be informed about the hyper-t symptoms b/c you can swing that way if they don’t get your Synthroid doses just right. You’re on your way to feeling better and getting your sex drive back. I promise. BTDT.

  56. Chlorie

    I’m glad to hear that it’s being monitored and will soon be under control… I have never seen a doctor email, and I would be lying if I told you it didn’t unnerve me that somebody with a hundred thousand dollar education writes at the ninth grade level. Yikes. Then again, he’s probably way better at taking care of your thyroid than he would be at, say, writing your biography. 🙂

  57. Helen

    Although it sucks to KNOW you have a problem, isn’t it sort of great when we tell those doctor people what is wrong with us and then they tut and look skyward, then to shut us up they test and HA HA we are RIGHT! I have every symptom but one of Lupus, stupid skin welts etc The one I DON’T have? Weight loss, for bloody hell’s sake! I get the thin hair, the ugly welting itchy skin, butterfly mask rash on my face but weight loss? ‘Course not.
    I’m coming to So Cal on WEDNESDAY, how scared am I about flying? Got me some diazepam though, hope I sleep through the whole 11 hours and husband mine gets to look after all 3 boys! See you soon maybe!

  58. margalit

    I’m going to concur with all those that said “get thee to an endocrinologist, stat!” Having an underactive thyroid puts you right in sych with Oprah! Lucky you. And look how much weight SHE gained. She said 25 lbs, but I think it’s more like 45 lbs. I mean that baby has some back!
    Anyhow, I’ve BTDT and my hair never all grew back. It’s markedly thinner but it still falls out, even though my thyroid is now ‘normal’. You gotta see an endo and get this taken care of. I’m not a big fan of the primary care doctor other than for flu shots. I like specialists. They take stuff much more seriously.
    Every doctor that is affiliated with a Harvard teaching hospital (there are a ton of them) must give patients their email. It’s on all their cards. I LOVE to email my doctors about all sorts of shit, just to keep them in the loop on what’s going on in my life. By doing so, I’ve ended up friendly with most of my doctors in and out of the medical setting, which REALLY works well in getting prompt attention. So you keep emailing your doctor, and keep it light. They like the break from all the bitching they normally get!

  59. Lauri

    Lauri here…. hope you are on your way to feeling better soon… I too struggle with these issues and am fighting for a new medication. After years on a cookie cutter dose of thyroid meds, that leaves all my lab levels ” normal”… I still feel like crap.
    email me anytime to chat about this stuff

  60. girlplease

    Huh. I have that amount of hair fall out all the time too and my levels are “normal”. I don’t have the other symptoms you have so I’ll just wait for the tests I’ll have to take in trying to have a baby figure it out.
    I’m glad you stayed persistant. Here are a few insurance words you may want to throw around.
    1. consumer-driven healthcare (which is what you did–become educated and push it on the doc to be responsible).
    and his all time favorite
    2. pay for performance bonus. If docs listen to their patients, run the gammet of wellness tests, and follow proper treatment when there is something wrong, they finally get their nice $30k+ kick back bonus at the end of the year.
    So tell them “give me the fucking blood test or kiss your pay for performance bonus goodbye, doctor.” and write the insurance company when you don’t get satisfactory results.
    Yes. I always play dirty. 🙂

  61. jadine

    Me too, on the thyroid stuff. I take a miniscule amount of synthroid daily, and feel sooooo much better than before I knew. And my hair all grew back (I think).

  62. Nicole

    I have had thyroid issues since my early 20s and learned later it was Hashimotos. Then last year I knew something was different and wrong. Turned out I had thyroid cancer. It has taken a LONG time to get my TSH normalized. In fact, at one point it was 138– I’m not kidding or exaggerating, I felt like death. The nurse at my endo couldn’t believe I was still functioning.
    My advice (like some others have also said): Once you’re on medications, don’t let them say a TSH in the high normal is fine, if you don’t feel fine. Fight him again. Tell him it is not your normal and you want to take more until you get to where you feel normal again. If you think this was a fight… wait till you get to this battle. Good luck.

  63. Kristabella

    Good for you and knowing your body and knowing something isn’t right. And I’m glad that they’ve figured something out and hopefully you can be feeling better soon!

  64. My Semblance of Sanity

    What you are describing is EXACTLY what I experience when I was on the DepoProvera shot after my 2nd child was born.
    It was HORRIBLE!
    My mom has a thyroid problem and is on medication – it just dawned on me that I have been feeling some of these symptoms you described – not as BAD as you (sorry you are suffering) – I should probably have mine checked – I think it is hereditary!
    FEEL BETTER!!!!

  65. mothergoosemouse

    My thyroid wishes yours the best. I’m all for badgering doctors with baggies of hair when you know something’s just not right.
    And if you find Your Horny, will you please ask it if it’s seen My Horny? Because My Horny had better return to me sooner after this baby than it did the previous two times I was pregnant.

  66. Norma

    Y, I love that you keep your sense of humor no matter what is going on in your life. You tell a wonderful story!

  67. Arkie Mama

    Good for you for persevering. You know better than anyone when something feels off.
    OK, and the email-your-doctor ability? It would take me three days to elevate myself to stalker status because — omigod, I could fire off questions each time I google and diagnose myself with something hideous. The potential! The opportunities!
    I am so jealous.
    Glad to know you are getting somewhere with all this. I’ll bet the meds will make a big difference,

  68. pookie

    WTF? You just described me!!
    What do you mean by droopy eye?? TELL me !!
    I have a crazy watery itchy eye, I’m tired, fat and losing hair!
    I’m scared!

  69. diz

    Good for you for making the doctor “humor” you. I was diagnosed with Hashimoto’s earlier this year and have been seeing my endo on a regular basis since (hormonal issues of other kinds, too – the fun never ends).
    My hair didn’t start to fall out until *after* I started the levothyroxine. I freaked out, but everyone around me assured me they couldn’t tell. So, while you’re freaking out about your hair? Take comfort in the fact that no one else notices it as much as you do. And, I am pretty sure the hair loss is slowing down, just like the doc said it would (what? he was *right*?! I refuse to believe this!)
    Here’s to a healthy 2008 for all of us thyroid dysfunctional people!

  70. Cara

    Hi lady jane,
    Good for you for emailing the doc!
    I have had Graves disease for 15 years now. Sucks to try to get the gland regulated. But now you can point to your neck and say, “my Gland! My GLAAANDDD!!!” Once I was too high and now I’m too low. I know that it’s scary to read Dr. Google, but you won’t die without treatment in the next two months, trust me, I’m a health-prof-pharmdoc-in-training. 🙂
    As for dealing with the doc, I smile sweetly and say, “run the test, hon, I KNOW when my thyroid is off, mmmm kay?” all Mr. Garrison-from-South-Park, but I have yet to be wrong. Trust your gut, and yes the Horny will return once you get on some Synthroid or Levoxyl. I hate to say that the hair-falling-out issue will always be there to some extent, but it will get better. Yum! 🙂
    Good luck and hugs to you.

  71. Rachael

    Oh, honey. Much internet support and kisses to you! I applaud you for having the balls to go in there with your hair-bag and push for what your gut said. While I can kind of see where the doctors are coming from–add a little Google into the mix and suddenly everybody’s a Dr. House–it is NOT NOT NOT okay to dismiss everyone’s concerns. Yeah, while like, I dunno, 95% of the people who freak out and get tested for shit come back normal, there are still the 5% who don’t. And you, as a medical professional, have taken an oath to ‘do no harm’ and yet that’s EXACTLY what you’re doing, you stubborn non-listening fucker that looks and sounds exactly like Lumberg from Office Space and OMG can you possibly decide to finally pop into your exam room a little later, please? I wasn’t quite finished with my nap.
    *coughs*
    Back to the love and support. For there is much.

  72. CATE

    Dood…I’m fat because I have thyroid disease, too!! HA! No, really. It’s all about the thyroid and has nothing to do with the fact that I’m also a food addict. Nope. It’s all about they Hashimoto’s Disease.
    Kidding aside, your doctor sounds like an ass. Will your insurance allow you to see an endocrinologist? I can’t stress the importance of this enough. Find one who will not just look at lab results but will also listen to how you feel. You can NOT effectively treat thyroid disease without paying attention to numbers and symptoms together. I speak from experience. Also, an endo can watch you for diabetes which those of us who are fat because of our thyroids are at risk for, you know.
    Email me if you’d like. I’d be happy to answer any and all questions. I’m a fat, thyroid disease veteran!

  73. Sarcastic Mom

    Y,
    A lot of ladies have already given you great advice.
    Just wanted to chime in and tell you that I also have Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis. If your body is manufacturing antibodies against your thyroid, that means you may have it as well.
    I do think it’s best to see a well-qualified endocrinologist. It’s what they DO.
    It’s also good to have an ultrsound (even though it’s gross with all the gel on your neck) to make sure there are no cysts. And endo will probably suggest one anyway.
    You’ve reminded me that I’m overdue for another check-up on my own thyroid.
    Good luck, Y. You are smart to have pursued this. You will get Your Horny back, sweet lady!

  74. Kay

    Ok I think I told you this (that you would be symptomatic way before tests would prove it to a doctor) and while I am sorry I was right (sorta) I still gotta say to Y’s doctor……
    “TOLD YA SO!!!”
    and
    “NEENER!”
    Hope you get back up to snuff soon. It took me a long time and, ok I will be honest, feel no different because I have the diabetes and kidney disease to go with it so I don’t know what the hell is working and what doesn’t anymore.
    I am a big giant ray of fucking sunshine, don’t listen to me.
    (but Y’s doctor? Next time, listen.)

  75. Kay

    Oh and I know 2 skinny girls with thyroid issues but I killed them so its all good.
    😉
    PS I failed to mention my is Hashimoto’s too. Didn’t find out for years and ditto on having them up your levels until you feel better.

  76. Heather B.

    I’m glad you’re aware that getting The Horny back is the most important thing right now. You’re a woman after my own heart, Y.
    In all seriousness though, I really hope you’ll be feeling up to par sooner rather than later.

  77. Izzy

    Dude…been there. Seriously, I CRIED in an endocrinologists office because every he and every other doctor tried to tell me all my thyroid symptoms were just postpartum stuff. Turns out they were all ordering the wrong tests.
    I’m actually glad your labs indicate a thyroid problem because now you can address it and get better instead of feeling like shit all the time. Plus? I’d hate to see you lose all your priddy hair…

  78. jen from boston

    Jesus H., Y –
    Well, I’m glad you were right (as much as one can be that you have a messed up thyroid level) and there is something to be said for being right! (though this scenario leaves little to be desired – as a mea culpa or maybe not talking your diet off the bat might have been welcome).
    I think Jonniker (& co.) bring up some interesting information. Can you wait more 4 wks. like this? I’d chat them up.
    (Think about The Horny! Think about The Hair!)
    Anyway – here’s to feeling better soon! “HELLO LIGHT? THIS IS TUNNEL. TUNNEL, LIGHT.”
    XO-

  79. jen from boston

    Jesus H., Y –
    Well, I’m glad you were right (as much as one can be that you have a messed up thyroid level) and there is something to be said for being right! (though this scenario leaves little to be desired – as a mea culpa or maybe not talking your diet off the bat might have been welcome).
    I think Jonniker (& co.) bring up some interesting information. Can you wait more 4 wks. like this? I’d chat them up.
    (Think about The Horny! Think about The Hair!)
    Anyway – here’s to feeling better soon! “HELLO LIGHT? THIS IS TUNNEL. TUNNEL, LIGHT.”
    XO-

  80. Katie

    Oh crap, I’ve lost The Horny, lots of hair (mine is twice yours, eek), and I’ve all of a sudden gained about 10 pounds (and I can’t blame Thanksgiving cause I ate nearly nothing). I’m not a hypercondriac but maybe I should go bug my doctor…

  81. BOSSY

    Bossy thinks your funny doctor needs a blog. Anywho – the thyroid thing is no small matter – you’ll probably feel all kinds of better as you begin to address the situation.

  82. Therese

    Is is true that you can have a few false thyroid tests? I had mine tested at my annual last year, and everything came back normal. But I have all the symptoms (and I didn’t know that loss of horny was one of them!) and am at a loss at what I should do next?

  83. Janet

    I like that your doctor has a sense of humour.
    I’m completely envious of your email relationship. If I could email mine, perhaps I could break my Google habit. And she would be the most annoyed doctor on the face of the earth.
    Hope things get better soon.

  84. mauniejames3

    people don’t understand that no one knows your body as well as you..good thing you like your doctor or we would have to put a major hex on him/her…I am glad you are finding answers but hate that you have to wait so long…chin up and all that..ya got it going on..most people are afraid to challenge anyone…you are the balls…

  85. mauniejames3

    people don’t understand that no one knows your body as well as you..good thing you like your doctor or we would have to put a major hex on him/her…I am glad you are finding answers but hate that you have to wait so long…chin up and all that..ya got it going on..most people are afraid to challenge anyone…you are the balls…

  86. FunnyGal KAT

    I’m so glad you finally went to see your doctor and stood up for yourself about having tests done. I can’t believe your doctor has an email feature… he must spend most of his night emailing back patients who are convinced they will die in the night without his assistance (I’m not making fun of you… I know that’s what I’d be doing!)
    Your doctor sounds cool… except for using “loose weight” when he meant “lose weight.” A lot of people make that mistake, but most of them are on MySpace and don’t have medical degrees. (I know… I’m picky about grammar and spelling. I’m an editor. It’s my only excuse.)

  87. Cassie

    Your symptoms sound exactly like when my mom’s thyroid meds are out of whack. Don’t worry, there’s light at the end of the tunnel!! (This is also why I have my thyroid checked every time I go to the doctor. “Really, it might be my thyroid! It runs in my family! Check my thyroid!!”)

  88. Casie

    i’m SO glad you stood up to that doctor. you are far too awesome a person to let someone walk all over you like that. you know your body better than anybody else and you deserve to be listened to!

  89. Amy

    I’m glad you forced him to listen to you and find out what’s wrong. I do wonder how good of care he has taken of your family for 17 years and just how much of that is him getting lucky that nothing has gone majorly wrong with you your family. Please don’t believe that his good luck makes him a good doctor. I’m worried that he didn’t notice it in June AT ALL, and that he was so f’n patronizing when you went in this time. I’d suggest finding a new doctor that believes you when you say something’s wrong. Mine does, and I wouldn’t have it any other way. Best of luck to you and I hope you feel better (horny, also) very soon!!!

  90. jessica

    i’m so glad that you finally found an explanation! not that i’m glad about what the reason is, but at least you know it’s not just in your head. i hate when people make me feel like that.
    i think what bothers me most about your post is the fact that no one mentioned the test from the last time. i mean, when you go to the doctor’s, they are supposed to review the most recent test results and records before even entering the room!! that should have been brought to his attention before he even saw you… not to mention when the test actually came back in june! you could have been being treated all along instead of feeling like s**t.
    but, at least you know now, and can do something about it. so glad for that!

  91. Marlena

    Hey Y!
    Good to know that you are on the road to wellness.. slowly but surely, you’ll get better..
    I guess telling you I work at Starbucks isn’t going to help, right?
    *Valley View and La Palma… *

  92. I Should Be Folding Laundry

    Y –
    Please make sure your doctor also tests your T3 and T4 levels, not just your TSH. If your doctor does not, seek medical attention from an endocrinologist. Best of luck in getting a proper diagnosis.
    I have been battling low thyroid (hashimoto’s) for four years now. The day I was diagnosed was one of the happiest days of my life. (and it finally proved to my husband that I was not a schizophrenic)

  93. Monet (aka Birdsboss)

    Y….you probably won’t get to my post…i am 100 something…but in case you do i just had to comment….i was diagnosed with hypothyroidism when i was 19…i am now 36.. and dude…i am so glad you took the hair…because it was obvious that you had a thyroid problem.and hello!!! how could he not know with all your symptoms…anyway…i was in bed for about a year (dropped out of college that year) and no doctors could figure out what was wrong..i was tired and depressed and gaining weight.my hair was falling out…my skin was dry…i would sometimes slur when i talked…drowsy…you name it…and most doctors made me feel like a was just a teen with depression…one doctor asked my mom if i had broken up with a boyfriend!!! grrrr…anyway…a wonderful doc finally figured it out…i have been on thyroid meds since and have a pretty normal life…i just take the pill and then i forget about it seriously…now i am fat all because ofme…lol…no really your metabolism will be ok once you are on meds…and you will be ok but crappy these next weeks…and i agree with (I should be folding laundry) you need to get your T3 and T4 checked as well….my endocrinologist does…good luck and keep trusting your gut when it says something is off…i mean we are the only ones who know our bodies!

  94. chris

    delurking for the sake of hashimoto’s. nice job on pressuring the doctor. and even though a diagnosis and treatment don’t mean everything will be dandy (those who claim miraculous weight loss, super shiny and breck-esque hair, waking up feeling refreshed after a night of romping in the bed), at least it will help tame most of the problems to a manageable state.
    but i am impressed with a doctor who emails. i went to a new doc today and he barely looked my way, but at least he filled out a referral for an endo without blinking.

  95. tori

    Good for you for making sure you actually got heard. I had to go to the doctor forever before they finally found that I had thyroid cancer.
    Just to put your mind at ease, you can go quite a long time with NO thyroid at all before you would get really sick. I don’t have a thyroid and one of the ways they scan me each year for a cancer recurrance is to take me off my medicine for weeks and raise my TSH into the hundreds so they can get an accurate scan. I feel like crap, but I haven’t died yet. I hope they get you on thyroid medicine soon! I take Synthroid every day, and will for the rest of my life. I hate being on medicine, but I bet you will feel so much better once you start it! I’m just so proud of you for persisting in going to the doctor even when they told you you were fine.

  96. Elizabeth

    I’m so sorry you have been feeling this way, but I’m glad you have a possible diagnosis. And that your doctor took you seriously. My sister in law has Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis like several of your commenters mentioned, and it took her years to get the right tests ordered and performed.
    Your doctor sounds like he needs his own blog 😉

  97. justmylife

    I am glad you finally found out what is wrong with you. I have a doctor is is a pain in the rear! For two years I have had a laundry list of symptoms that I keep adding to and he thinks I am just depressed! (I hate that commercial… Where does depression hurt? Everywhere.) I went on his antidepressants, they did not help after 5 months, I have been to doctor after doctor and had test after test and all test come back fine. The symptoms always track back to MS, but I had a scan of my brain that came back normal, but the internet says you can’t rule out MS with one test. I can’t get a doctor to run the other test since one came back normal! I wish I had the, uh, guts to stand up to my doctor the way you did. Doctors don’t always listen to you and they make you feel like you are crazy! I don’t know the times I have cried because I want one test to come back NOT normal. Sounds crazy, but if it would tell me why I feel like CRAP most of the time, I would be glad!!!

  98. Liza's Eyeview

    I once had HYPERTHYROID – went through radiation treatment – went to normal – then when HYPO THYROID and now I take a pill a day to make it normal. – hay! welcome to my wold. It’s not that bad though, as long as I remember to take my piil 🙂

  99. Tess

    My God, what an experience. I can’t believe your Doctor was so self rightous in the beginning. I am a nurse and knew you were in trouble the moment I read your first few lines. Now I am in that ocean of up and down, but within normal limits. I finally convinced my doctor after 2 years to try some l-thyroxine, but now I am so scared to take it. Can somebody write back and ease my mind a little?
    Great Story, Glad I caught up with it.
    Tess

  100. Brandy

    Delurking to say Thank You! I read your post the other day and thought to myself that many of your symptoms related to mine. It was to the point that if I expended energy and then sat down, I would cry at the though of having to get up again. I went to the Doctor the other day on an unrelated reason and told her my symptoms. She tested my blood and they indicate an underactive thyroid. She has immediatley started me on medication and I hope to feel better soon.
    I wish you all the best in dealing with this and will keep you in my thoughts. Again, Thank You!

  101. Flippy

    Omigawd, I had to get all the way down to Joelle’s comment before there was a mention of “loose”, when that’s almost all I could think about after reading his emails. Ugh.
    I’m glad that you were diagnosed, finally, way after you should have been. There’s no excuse for a lack of follow-up on your previous test results. It doesn’t matter who ordered them, someone should’ve read them. Fortunately, you stood up for your own health. Although, considering that your results were high in June, indicating that you’d get the result that you did now, why the hell would you have to wait four weeks for treatment? Don’t tell me, you have Kaiser?
    Like many here, Leigh-Ann has Hashimoto’s and takes thyroid meds too. They’ve helped a lot…and they’re awesomely cheap! Yeah, and like everyone else has said (I’m behind, yeah, so?!), get thee to an endocrinologist. Preferably one who can spell lose.

  102. Beth

    I was diagnosed with Hypothyroid disease in middle school, I’m 29 years old now. It has been a long struggle. I hope your journey goes better then my has.

  103. katie

    Hey Y! Hope this comment finds you well. Just wanted to drop by and tell you I am so happy you discovered this. I’ve lived with Graves Disease since I was 15. Thyroid disorders can be so disruptive to your life. Keep the internets posted!

  104. johnmazarr

    A Realistic $250K First Year Income Potential
    Less than four years ago I was driving this beat-up ’94 VW with a rusty muffler. Within two years of creating this system I was making more than my doctor, accountant, and attorney COMBINED… while working less than 40 hours a week FROM HOME! Together with my group of leaders we are now seeking qualified entrepeneurs sharein the incredible results of our system.
    for more information check this site out….
    [url=http://kimlmprogra.xtreemhost.com] make money online scams[/url]

  105. Amy

    I have been diagnosed with Hyper and took meds for 6 months made me hypo and went off the meds two weeks later I was hyper again….went back and decided with radioactive iodine treatment which will make my hypo and now while I wait I have lost more hair than ever and you can actually see balding in the back….did you take anything for your hair loss did the med help it…..help

  106. Angie

    I fought with my doc for over a year; then I went to a different doc who finally did a biopsy on my thyroid, and I have thyroid cancer!!! If you can’ t get your doc to listen, get a different doc!
    good luck!

Comments are closed.