Who'd a thunk it? A tiny, butterfly-shaped organ could give so many people, so much trouble.....but that's my story, anyway. I went to see my endocrinologist this week. What I like most about this guy is that he actually LISTENS to me. The whole time I'm talking, he's typing what I'm saying, word for word. And he's a lot younger than my doctor down south, who insisted on calling me by my given name and couldn't pronounce it to save his life. That doctor told me that I'm on the Internet too much. Well, what else is new? But he meant that I had read too many articles on what therapies we might try. I'm glad he's not around anymore.We had to wait a bit for my blood work to finish and he came in the waiting room to give me an ETA of when I'll be next. It turns out that my hunch was correct, and ya'll know how much I enjoy being right. ;) Normal TSH (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone) levels are from .4 to 5.5. Last time I was in, it was within that range, 2.2. Well, friends and neighbors, it was up to 12.2. That's high. And that's probably why the dosage was off. So, the fatigue, weight gain, brain-fogging, and all-around crankiness I've been going through isn't in my head. And isn't necessarily because I'm over 40. That made me feel a lot better.
I've been diagnosed with Hashimoto's thyroiditis, which means my body, (for whatever reason) is perceiving that the thyroid organ itself is an enemy. So, it sends it's little white-celled soldiers to attack it and ultimately, kill it. When I was first seen back in 2000 for this, there was a cancer scare. My antibodies kinda went through the roof. And they still do, but there's no reason to suspect cancer, (and yes, I've been tested.). But such is the nature of this ailment. The dosage I'm on now is one step before the last dosage they can give you. And the Doc told me it's a pretty telltale sign of my thyroid about to bite the dust. Once it does, it'll be easier to regulate my dosage, and that'll be cool. So, you now have more info than you wanted to know about my thyroid problems.
4 comments:
I have two close friends and a sister with Hashimoto's. I remember them being tired and fat (and freezing) all the time. But they're fine now! So there's hope. Good luck, and I'm very glad you got the answer. Onward and upward!!
I'm hoping this answer can now lead to better quality of life for you! Thank goodness for a dr who listened!
My good friend has been on thyroid medication for many years because of an underactive gland. We can tell when she forgets her medication.
Good luck with your treatment. Thank goodness it IS treatable! You still need to live a long, long life.
Thanks for the comment on my blog. Wow! That was fast!
YAY for good drs who listen
I am terrified at having to find another because we've moved. Last time I went in for my 6 mths bloodwork I was informed I was low AGAIN.
This one hit me blind, usually I pay attn and know, but with packing and all that was going on I just thought I felt like a fat slug because of stress or maybe because I was one. I go next week to recheck but I don't know if it is right yet or not by how I feel.
Oh and the first time I saw this dr my TSH was 44!
Post a Comment