Hypothyroidism Support Group
Hypothyroidism is the disease state caused by insufficient production of thyrohormone by the thyroid gland. There are several distinct causes for chronic hypothyroidism, the most common being Hashimoto's thyroiditis and hypothyroidism following radioiodine therapy for hyperthyroidism. Advanced hypothyroidism may cause severe complications, the most serious one of which is...
Hi everyone, I know I've not been around much lately. There are a lot of reasons, but I guess the biggest one is that I just needed time.
A brief update...the last set of labs showed me hypo, but in Canada I am considered "normal", so no meds for me. Just my Dr telling me that my thyroid isn't the problem, that I'm just depressed. Gee, thanks. So I've just been dealing with my naturopath. I would say that if my energy levels were at their worst at a 2 out of 10, I'm probably at a 4 right now. I can get through my day, but physical activity is really really tough. Some symptoms have faded, but the major ones are stil there.
Last night, I went to a hot yoga class...my first one in a year. It was HARD! I had no idea how much my thyroid has taken away from me until I went to that class. In the midst of my sweat, I was also crying. I was sad for all I've lost because of my thyroid. I'm going to keep trying to do more (I did about half of the class, although not very well!). I need to try to move...the 40 pounds I've gained is depressing me!
But here's a shocker. My brother in law just found out he is hypothyroid. I don't know what tests he had done, or what his numbers said, but BOOM....he's on meds! I've been fighting with Drs who won't listen to me and won't give me meds. And without even knowing it, my brother in law gets them just like that. I'd love to know what his tests say. And from what I know, he doesn't seem all that symptomatic. This was just a regular check up, and this is what he finds out.
I NEED A NEW DR!!!! I'm so frustrated! My thyroid has stolen so much from me, and my Dr won't listen, and the naturopath progress is just so slow. I get it, it takes time, but still. UGH! I just want my life back!
I hope all of you are doing better here. Sorry I've been gone, but I do hope that everyone is getting the help they need!
A brief update...the last set of labs showed me hypo, but in Canada I am considered "normal", so no meds for me. Just my Dr telling me that my thyroid isn't the problem, that I'm just depressed. Gee, thanks. So I've just been dealing with my naturopath. I would say that if my energy levels were at their worst at a 2 out of 10, I'm probably at a 4 right now. I can get through my day, but physical activity is really really tough. Some symptoms have faded, but the major ones are stil there.
Last night, I went to a hot yoga class...my first one in a year. It was HARD! I had no idea how much my thyroid has taken away from me until I went to that class. In the midst of my sweat, I was also crying. I was sad for all I've lost because of my thyroid. I'm going to keep trying to do more (I did about half of the class, although not very well!). I need to try to move...the 40 pounds I've gained is depressing me!
But here's a shocker. My brother in law just found out he is hypothyroid. I don't know what tests he had done, or what his numbers said, but BOOM....he's on meds! I've been fighting with Drs who won't listen to me and won't give me meds. And without even knowing it, my brother in law gets them just like that. I'd love to know what his tests say. And from what I know, he doesn't seem all that symptomatic. This was just a regular check up, and this is what he finds out.
I NEED A NEW DR!!!! I'm so frustrated! My thyroid has stolen so much from me, and my Dr won't listen, and the naturopath progress is just so slow. I get it, it takes time, but still. UGH! I just want my life back!
I hope all of you are doing better here. Sorry I've been gone, but I do hope that everyone is getting the help they need!
I'm sorry that you're going through this. I'm fairly certain I went thru this for 30+ years. I KNOW I did for 20+ years (I have labs to prove it).
Let us know how the doctor search goes. Here's a list of thyroid savvy doctors:
http://www.thyroid-info.com/topdrs/
You can also try purchasing a list from Broda Barnes Foundation and pay ~$18 to get an information packet that includes a list of doctors in your state who follow Dr. Barnes' ideology (Dr. Barnes was the author of "Hypothyroidism - An Unsuspected Illness" and was lightyears ahead of his time) Make sure you ask if they have doctors in your area/country before you purchase.
Also - try asking which doc your relative went to - and ask your pharmacist who they'd recommend (aka who rx's the most thyroid hormones).
Good luck and godspeed.
MB
So sorry for your frustration. I have sure been in your shoes as have most on here. Finding a dr can be so hard. Can you call around and talk to a nurse to find some help? Otherwise stay with the naturepath if they are helping you. Guess insurance sometimes does not cover them. Sure hope you can get the help you need....hugs to you.
But, not so nice to hear that you haven't been able to get treatment :(
MButterfly has given you some great suggestions that might help you find a thyroid-savvy doctor.
Another possibility is the newly-created doctor recommendation list on the ThyroidChange.org site:
http://www.thyroidchange.org/patient-recommended-doctor-list-canada.html
Please don't give up until you find a doctor who recognizes your need for treatment.....it's worth every effort.
It's not so easy for me to see my BIL's Dr as they live 90 minutes away in another city. But I am looking into other options. It's just so frustrating to have to fight to get someone to listen and hear me.
Anyway, thanks for your thoughts!
There were a VERY large number of doctors listed in the link I provided in several different provinces.....
I drive 1.25 hrs for my doctor and don't think twice about it.
http://www.thyroidchange.org/patient-recommended-doctor-list-canada.html
And it IS frustrating and exhausting. But...it's worth it.
While the number of thyroid-savvy doctors is greater in other provinces, I do see 2 in Alberta......are they anywhere near you?
2 are in Calgary and there's one in Edmonton - does that help?