I am not seeing a specialist of any kind, just a basic internal medicine doctor. We have a really good medical facility at the University of Illinois, but I am about 30 miles from it, so I get seen at the satellite office. My parents both suffered (both deceased now) from auto immune diseases (my mom, RA, and my dad, a bone marrow cancer), so I had the blood work done to rule out something completely major. The initial result showed my thyroid at 49 when a normal functioning thyriod should be .03-4.02. (?) And on the recheck, the number had improved somewhat to 33, but not enough, so the doctor jumped up the medication at that time. I take the synthyroid first thing in the morning, about 5 am, with breakfast about 2 hours later. The iron supplements, with vitamin C at the same time, come in two intervals at 11 a.m. and 9:00 p.m. I am already feeling so much better. I can't believe I have spent at least 3 years functioning with those problems. Just tired all the time, sluggish, forgetful, drained....... and also circulation problems too, hands and feet and even cheeks and tip of my nose going numb..... Thanks, Chenille, for your information and your comments. Your story (even though I am just meeting you) has inspired me to believe in a strong, energy filled future. I am very happy to have you guys to share in this journey of hypothyroidism and running.

So glad that you are feeling better! It is tough to be dealing with anemia and thyroid at the same time. There seems to be a connection between autoimmune and thyroid problems - there is still so much research that needs to be done. I forgot about the circulation stuff! I used to spend hours huddled under an electric blanket....in the summer.

Y'all have encouraged me to get rechecked. My old doc diagnosed me many years ago after I gained over 30 lbs in one year (I attributed it to sympathy weight gain since my wife was pregnant), but I've been without meds or blood tests for several months now. I just called to get a slip for bloodwork, and plan to take care of it this week. I never noticed much difference with or without the meds, but maybe I'm missing something. Maybe there's a level that's off that hasn't been picked up on yet.

Y'all have encouraged me to get rechecked. My old doc diagnosed me many years ago after I gained over 30 lbs in one year (I attributed it to sympathy weight gain since my wife was pregnant), but I've been without meds or blood tests for several months now. I just called to get a slip for bloodwork, and plan to take care of it this week. I never noticed much difference with or without the meds, but maybe I'm missing something. Maybe there's a level that's off that hasn't been picked up on yet.

It's funny - but some people are very sensitive to extremely minute changes in their thyroid levels , while others seem to be able to tolerate pretty drastic fluctuations. I'm glad to hear that you are checking it out again. Have you ever compared yourself to symptoms of hypothryoidism? You may or maynot find out that you were affected more than you thought. Good luck!

It's funny - but some people are very sensitive to extremely minute changes in their thyroid levels , while others seem to be able to tolerate pretty drastic fluctuations. I'm glad to hear that you are checking it out again. Have you ever compared yourself to symptoms of hypothryoidism? You may or maynot find out that you were affected more than you thought. Good luck!

Yes, hypothyroidism is what my diagnosis was - should have included that in my first message. Going off memory, the only symptom I've ever noticed was the weight gain, and I haven't seen any big change in that since the initial gain, without a reasonable explanation such as better diet or more exercise (example - I cut out french fries from my diet a few years ago and dropped 10 lbs in about two months). My wife seems to think I get too cold much too quickly, but whenever I complain about the cold my kids do also - Ihad just always put it down to her temperature preference being lower than mine (she is less tolerant of heat than me, as well). I'll have to go back and read some of the reference material on other symptoms, and see what else I can identify, as well as look at the different levels I should be having checked, and what normal is for them so I can compare my results.

Having recently been diagnosed only a few months ago, I am wondering if I would need to see an endocrinologist or if my internal medicine doc is sufficient? Any ideas?

+1 to Shaunna. What lab tests is your doc ordering for you? I am a firm believer that thyroid patients need to have a full battery of thyroid tests at least once to establish some sort of baseline. Then, if things change - you have something to reference. With your family history of autoimmune, I think it would be a good idea to have the antibody testing done. Thyroid antibodies can throw off some of your lab results. Some docs only use TSH to monitor treatment. That is not the best way, you should be having, at a minimum, a free T4 test done as well. Synthroid is a T4 drug - your body then converts it to T3 - which is the form of thyroid hormone that your body needs at the cellular level. I would recommend that you do some homework on the tests available - then talk over with your doc, and see if he thinks it would be a good idea for you to be evaluated by an endocrinologist or if he is comfortable with your situation to do the tests himself. If you do end up seeing an endocrinologist, make sure that you see one that deals with thyroid, and more than just occaisionally. Many endocrinolgists specialize mainly in diabetes. Ask what percentage of their practice deals with thyroid patients. Sounds like you are pretty happy with your doc and have a good relationship with him. Don't be afraid to ask questions. Most importantly - be proactive - keep copies of all your lab tests - know what they mean. Keep us posted and good luck

Thanks for your answers. I am somewhat embarrasesd to say that I had my bloodwork results on my desk all day Friday, but I couldn't really figure out what it all meant, so I threw it away. (I don't like to keep stuff around--with 4 kids, I am always sifting through stuff) I probably should have kept it though, to learn from it as well as keep it for future reference. What I can do is ask for a copy, though, and if you guys could help me decifer it, it would be much appreciated. I do like my primary. He seems knowledgeable. The only problems in communication I face with him is his accent and my lack of ability to think of questions on the spot. I like to absorb information and then think of a million things later, like.....I guess I really didn't understand what you are saying. But after that happens, my next appointment is like 6 weeks away!

Post your results and we will be happy to try to help you decipher your tests. Different labs have different normal ranges, please post the normal ranges as well. It is hard to think of questions on the spot. It's a good idea to write out a list of questions - make a copy for your doc and one for you. It will make it easier for him to understand what you need to know, and you will find it easier to have all your questions answered. I never kept results untill I started having problems, now I have a folder with all my labs in one place. If you ever have to see another doctor, it's nice to have all your info together.