While we’re on the subject of medicines and doctors and my deficiencies in all areas <G>, let’s talk about thyroid issues.
It was over 20 years ago that I was diagnosed as having hypothyroidism and put on meds. We were in Louisiana at the time. When we moved to Kentucky and I went to a doctor there, he did blood work and told me he didn’t think I needed thyroid meds so I stopped taking them. At some point, I saw a different doctor and he thought I needed them. I explained that I had been on them, was off and now he thinks I need them again. He said hypothyroidism usually doesn’t correct itself. Once you need the meds, you’ll always need the meds. All this time I’ve been taking the meds.
The last time I was in Missouri, I forgot them so for almost two weeks, I didn’t take them. I didn’t feel any different not taking them than I did taking them and from what I’d always heard, if your thyroid was underactive, you really should feel it. About three weeks before I was going to have my and get a “clean” reading without taking any meds. I explained to the doctor that I hadn’t been taking them so we could see what my non-medicated reading was. It was perfect. Right in the middle . . right where you want to be said the nurse . . with no meds.
So, at this point, I’m pretty happy to be 62 and not taking any meds all all.
Next year when I go for blood work again, I may be back on thyroid meds . . who knows. It’s all kinda weird. There are probably things that can cause variations in the readings but I find it all weird. Even with our insurance, the prescriptions are darned expensive so I’m happy to not be needing any and I know I’m very blessed to have such good health.
Linda Enneking says
That’s interesting that your thyroid level fluctuates like that. I’m glad to hear you are going to continue to have it checked because the thyroid affects so many systems in our bodies. I was recently diagnosed with heart failure when trying to find the cause of my chronic cough. I was told heart failure can be caused by thyroid problems. I have been on synthroid for several years and have my blood tested a couple times a year. I don’t have cholesterol problems, in fact my good cholesterol is quite high. I have never smoked, but my husband does, and I recently learned I have COPD which might have a bearing on my heart failure. Most likely it was caused by chemotherapy I had nine years
ago for breast cancer. Some may say I should not have agreed to chemo treatments, but I would likely be dead by now without it, as I was in stage three when diagnosed. So many things in life are trade offs, which is why we need to think carefully about our choices. Good luck to you.
Toni Macomb says
You thyroid experiences are very interesting. I also found Linda E’s comments enlightening. I am older than you, 67, but I feel very fortunate, and still brag that I don’t yet need any meds. Yeaa for healthy living! Hugs!
Carolyn says
I’ve been diagnosed w Hashimoto’s hypothyroid for about 12-15 yrs now. I had many of the classic symptoms. (tired, constipation, dry skin, brain fog, heart palpitation, menstrual disorders etc) I’ve had 2 different biopsy’s and do not have thyroid cancer, which is good! I’ve been taking the generic levothyroxine for most of that time. For a LONG time The kroger company had it as a $4.00 script. But they discontinued that program. I think that meijers or Walmart might still have it as that. If anyone of your readers wants to look into it.
It is great to be in your 60’s and be off meds.
Pat says
I am with you on medicine. Sometime the side effect of medicine is worst than the disease they are suppose to help. I have thyroid problem. I was so tired I would go to sleep when I stopped at red lights. Coughed so bad I bulged a disc. You know your body. Trust your own judgement.
Jill says
One reason that different doctors may have said you did or didn’t need medication is that the “normal” range has fluctuated a couple of times in the 15+ years I’ve been medicated for hypothyroid. When the range was narrower, I had to fight hard to get medicated to the level that feels like normal for me.