Hi folks!

Those who know me are aware of the fact that I sometimes share parts of my thyroid disease journey in the hopes that it will help others.

Well, I once again learned something the hard way and hope that, by sharing my story, you guys learn from my mistakes.

You may recall me telling you that we all need to figure out a lab frequency that works towards helping us maintain our optimal levels.

I'm not talking about the need to get labs done 6 wks. after a dose adjustment.

I'm talking about how frequently we need to get labs done *after* levels are optimized to make sure our levels stay that way.

Remember: optimal FT4/FT3 levels = no thyroid symptoms

Some people are able to maintain optimal levels by getting labs done every 3 months, maybe 6 months and perhaps even once/year.

Unfortunately, my history has shown that I need labs done more frequently if I want to stay free from thyroid symptoms.

In fact, my doctor's policy of labs every 8 wks. for all her thyroid patients doesn't work for me.

If I wait that long between labs, I invariably develop symptoms that can take 4-6 wks. to dissipate after a dose adjustment.

We all know that, by the time symptoms develop, this means things have not been right "behind the scenes" for awhile.

I want my body to be functioning at its maximum potential.

Therefore, I work with my doctor to maintain my optimal levels.

So, yes, I wait 6 wks. for labs after dose adjustments but, my history shows that I need to get labs 4 wks. after the previous labs showed optimal.....because my levels always, always, always needed help by then.

My history shows that a small dose adjustment based upon my levels restores those levels to optimal and I'm no worse for the wear (virtually no symptoms).

Don't ask me what was in my head this last go-round. I was feeling awesome after my August labs showed optimal and somehow thought my current doses might "hold" me longer than usual.

I actually thought that maybe I'd finally be like my doctor's other thyroid patients and be able to go 8 wks. between labs.

I then remembered the last time I did that.....I developed a bunch of symptoms that took 4-6 wks. to dissipate after the dose adjustment.

I didn't want to repeat *that* and decided instead to just "stretch things" a bit and get labs at 5 wks. after my optimal labs in August.

BIG mistake

My September labs showed that my FT4 had dropped quite a bit below my "comfort zone".

My digestion came to a screeching halt the day after my labs. I now had an explanation for my waking during the night that started a few days before my labs....as well as some of the space cadet moments I had.

My doctor increased my T4 by 6.25mcg/day and, thankfully, my digestion was back on-track within a week.

However, I developed joint pain, bone pain and muscle aches - some of which became severe for two days. I also gained 3 lbs. and had severe gas/bloating for a couple of days.

Thankfully, 2 wks. after the dose adjustment, I am once again free from symptoms.

I am so kicking myself in the butt because I know all of these symptoms could have been prevented if I just got labs done on the schedule I know works for me.

20/20 Hindsight....once again....sigh.

Please learn from my errors - I know I did.