Wellness

[violann]

@Hooty- I was heavy my whole adult life. My highest was 267 on a petite 5'4" frame.

When I reached 68, I realized that I was not able to be the grandma I wanted my grandkids to have unless I lost weight.

I had already been on metformin, and SEVEN different kinds of blood pressure medicines, and my weight and blood sugar and blood pressure were still too high.

We were paying twice the rate of my DH for MY long term care insurance.

I lost 85 pounds, and have lived my weight loss lifestyle for 3 years. I slip once in a while, but I have promised myself I will never go back, and I won't.

I've been on thyroid supplements for about 15 years, diagnosed with modular thyroid, and still lost the weight.

I love being lighter, and although I used to be able to eat a dozen donuts at a clip, I know that moderation is not for me. I am still within the low normal range on my thyroid hormone level scores.

I told myself for years I could not lose weight. Turns out I was wrong!

By the way, did you ask your doctor why you weren't a candidate for Armour? At my ripe old age, I don't pay doctor's who don't answer my questions!

Keep in touch- 😉

[Yesyesyes568]

@tends2dogs What you said was very interesting. I like it. It really caught my attention because it made sense to me. I see my Dr today for my first visit since finding out about this. The blood test result right this minute says the lowest dose is working but I don't feel any better, like you said. So I'm glad I read your post. So if my Dr passively says "oh you'll feel better" meaning give it time, well I suppose I'll give it a month and I'll tell him that BUT if nothing changes then I'm going to see a specialist. One I've already picked out. Thank you @tends2dogs 💕🐶

[tends2dogs]

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@Yesyesyes568 wrote:

@tends2dogs What you said was very interesting. I like it. It really caught my attention because it made sense to me. I see my Dr today for my first visit since finding out about this. The blood test result right this minute says the lowest dose is working but I don't feel any better, like you said. So I'm glad I read your post. So if my Dr passively says "oh you'll feel better" meaning give it time, well I suppose I'll give it a month and I'll tell him that BUT if nothing changes then I'm going to see a specialist. One I've already picked out. Thank you @tends2dogs 💕🐶

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@Yesyesyes568I hope that your doctor listens to you today.  My PA says it is not a one size fits all dosing.  She did labs originally and that is how she confirmed what she thought when I listed my symptoms.  She has only done labs again when I have asked about it.  She said she would do them if I wanted, but it wouldn't change her treatment.  She adjusts according to symptoms NOT numbers.  She listens.  If I remember correctly, I felt better within the first month.  Through the years I/we have adjusted my dose.  She will say "try doubling or try cutting back or try upping 3 days a week, etc."    It has worked for me.  I hope you can find something/someone that can work for you. Many practitioners do not like Armour.  It is natural and it addresses both T4 and T3.  It has been around for decades.  My mother took it in the 40's.  Also, the added supplements of tyrosine, iodine/iodide, and selenium made a difference for me.  (and also my dog!)

Good luck today.  If you don't mind, let me know how it goes .

[tends2dogs]

@violann   Good for you!  You sound like a great gal!

[Chrystaltree2]

Why don't you write all your questions down and make a follow up appt with your endocrinologist and get all the answers?    Real answers, from a doctor, not personal stories that aren't relevant to you.  I have thyroid issues myself and I will say that it's not a take this pill everyday and you're done. Not for that first year or so.    Obviously, you are having your blood work every 2-3 months now, so it's likely that your endo will adjust your meds until he gets the dosage right and then your weight will stabilize.  

[tends2dogs]

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@Hooty wrote:

@violann, you know I asked my Dr. about Armour and she just told me I was not a candidate for it.  Have you gained weight, I have and just cannot lose it!

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@Hooty  I don't know how you wouldn't be a candidate, but I am not a doctor.  Many doctors believe that Armour is "old fashioned"  and would rather use a synthetic substitute. 

Your weight gain may be because your med isn't addressing both T4 AND T3.  I don't know, but it may be something to consider and ask your doctor about.

[tends2dogs]

@Chrystaltree2   A person can learn from others that have the same disease, illness, etc. ...sometimes more than from a doctor who has never actually experienced or is living with that disease.

When my husband had cancer and ultimately, a bone marrow transplant, we learned so much from other cancer patients that were going through treatment that the doctor could never tell us or know about. Forums were invaluable.  The nurses, oftentimes, were much more knowledgeable than the doctors because they had the actual hands on of administering the drugs.  They were the ones that LISTENED. 

 People on here aren't as dim as you portray them to be.  There is NOTHING wrong in asking for input or a personal experience from someone that is going through the same illness.  Often, it may help them in "making that list of questions"  you suggested to take to the doctor.  A shared experience may offer a poster a question that they may never have thought to ask their practioner.  These are REAL answers, not just personal "stories".

Most of us are here to help each other, not to down play a little plea for help.