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Ann09 
7:21pm, October 6, 2009
Hello Everyone! 
I had to take a break from reading about and researching thyroid because of the awful fatigue.
I don't know what it is to feel well anymore, but beginning to accept that this may be just the way it will be. I know there are so many people in worse situations and I tell myself that everytime I start to feel self pity. I got my doctor to order a cortisol saliva test (which Hashithing had said was the best way to test cortisol levels) and couldn't find a lab that had a testing kit. One lab finally offered to order one in for me and I picked it up today. I don't know if this is the correct one, because you take a saliva sample once in the morning and then once in the evening (8am & 4pm) similar to when I had the blood test for cortisol levels. I went twice for blood work on the same day. So, Hashithing, if you're reading this, please let me know if I got the right test. The doctor has also ordered a DHEA test for adrenal function as well. Last time tested, TSH is still hypo and I'm not aware that I'm still cycling back and forth . I read that after cycling back and forth from hypo to hyper, your thyroid eventually just burns out completely. So, maybe that is what's happened recently. Having blood work tomorrow, but don't think the levels have changed very much by the way I feel. May have to increase thyroid medication. I found a local compounding pharmacy to make my Naturethroid (desiccated) thyroid capsules. My endocrine doctor's secretary called today to say that the doctor got my ultrasound test results and wants to see me much sooner than my November appointment to discuss the results. Wonder what the ultrasound revealed? Depression and anxiety are back (big time) since the psychiatrist took me off Lexapro after only 2 months of treatment. She said, "it's the thyroid that's causing the depression". Meaning what? I can't take an antidepressant anymore?
So, I started taking St. John's Wort and not having as good a result as the Lexapro. Sleeping much better, but no improvement with mood. I may try 5HTP as it is similar to Lexapro in composition (serotonin). I'm doing this under the care of a Naturopathic. I don't what people to think I'm playing around with these treatments on my own. Not with the terrible brain & memory fog I'm experiencing. It is taking me forever to type this, so I will end here with a "good to be back among friends who understand."
God bless you all, Ann
Sweet Tulip checking out her shadow! 
Hello everyone,
I saw my endocrinologist this past Tuesday (9/08) regarding my cycling back and forth between hypo and hyper symptoms (Hashitoxicosis) and she proposed surgical removal or radiation of the "hot nodule" as options, so "we will only have to treat the hypothyroidism". I need to research these recommendations further as (1) surgery is not on my list of "favorite things to do" and (2), I'm concerned about the effects of radiation. In other recent news, I've heard of many thyroid patients having problems with Armour thyroid hormone after the reformulation required by the FDA. This is so, so sad as the dessicated thyroid hormones have been around for a 100 years and have been tolerated so well. My doctor also said that many patients are having difficulty getting Armour, period. The FDA will soon require Naturethroid (the natural thyroid hormone that I'm taking) to be reformulated and more than likely they'll end up in the same boat. Oh, the power that the FDA and the pharmaceudical lobbyist wield! I did get the good doctor to test for adrenal insufficiency and many vitamin and mineral levels too. I'm so happy she agreed to do this for me. She said jokingly, she didn't mind as long as she doesn't get the lab bill! She also said, "We will learn together." ; which I thought was very humble of her to say. At least she doesn't have an egoistical problem like so many other doctors I've encountered along the journey. Well, that's the breaking news for today. I'll keep you updated!
Look for nature's "signs" each and everyday day! 
Lab results in today.....TSH and T4 not normal yet, but heading in the right direction. Doc did not check T3. Cholesterol numbers way up there due to thyroid inbalance. And to think my total cholesterol was normal in June. Vitamin D and parathyroid hormone finally within normal range! Thank you, God. Depression and awful fatigue still an issue. Doctor increased thyroid medication slightly today. Sympathized with me about this taking so long to correct, but doesn't want to push me into hyper symptoms. Will see her next Tuesday. Hope to talk her into getting adrenals checked out.
Keep you posted.
God bless you all and keep smiling!
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No one was really running my T3, but once they did, they saw an anamolly that was not consistent with just Hashi's, but an indicator that tipped off to me having Addison's as well. T3 can be important, my T4 was normal but my t3 was very high once we i got somebody to look at it, then i was taken off of levoxyl.
Hashithing
I don't know why most endocrinologists do not check T3 as often as T4.
I sometimes check it off myself before going into the lab. Sometimes, you have to take matters into your own hands. It's such an uphill battle all the time.
Ann09