<p>Thanks, teriwtt. I really think that I want another physician to examine my thyroid. The one I saw yesterday did not notice anything wrong with it. He really was not alarmed. Of course, he sees worse things daily. I just want to make sure that I am taking care of this properly. Oh, and I wish I could become nervous enough to lose a few pounds. I might get nervous, but I won’t lose any weight.</p>
<p>northeastmom~ i’m sure i lost some of this thread, but GO TO ANOTHER PHYSICIAN! how can one possibly say you don’t need treatment?? i have a patient currently with Hashimoto’s and my understanding is that it is(in her case) an unpredictable rollercoaster of both hyper and hypo thyroidism signs. she is monitored closely, with ultrasounds, biopsies and bloodwork, at around 3-month intervals. she may eventually have partial removal of thyroid(she wants it all out!)and then controlled by thyroid-replacement meds. this autoimmune disease( as is true for all thyroid diseases) has many, varied symptoms…some make you think you may be a “little crazy”! my patient feels numbness in hands,an “overload” perceptually with her surroundings, to name a few. GET GOOD HELP! we are surrounded by poor practitioners of all kinds, and our crazy system of insurance adds to this. good luck.</p>
<p>Northeastmom, I imagine some people can make it to 98 and still be able to move around on their own steam without walkers and caregivers. My Mom has the will to live but she needs lots of hands-on attention. That is why I brought her to live with me and have a full-time carer and doctors who make house calls. When I hear about people wanting to live forever, I just shake my head.</p>
<p>overseas, sorry to learn that you mom is no longer living independantly. I know how rough that is bc my MIL has been living in a nursing home for eight years. Your mom is very blessed that you are able to care for her in your home. My MIL could not be cared for at home.</p>
<p>happycollegemom, you say that you have a patient with this. I assume that means that you work somehow in the health care field. I have done a lot of reading, and it seems that there are 2 schools of thought. One is to treat now, and another is to wait until the TSH level is “not normal” according to the lab’s definitioin of normal. The lab’s normal range is .35-5.50 IU/ml. I am currently in that normal range. I do have vague symptoms which the doctor says apply to people who do not have Hashimoto’s, and I would agree with that too. I am going to seek a second opinion. Thank you for your concern.</p>
<p>I definitely agree with happycollegemom…just think of your thyroid as an engine…it can idle along nicely, start revving up wildly, plunk around erratically (like my car’s engine is doing on this cold morning as I type!) or just stall, and you would get different test results for each. Tests can vary from one week to another, let alone between months or years. I wouldn’t wait for certain levels to be not normal, so go get that second opinion.</p>
<p>Rachacha, I think that you are right. Thanks.</p>
<p>northeastmom - just a reminder of one of my earlier posts; my blood tests were also normal, but I was developing tumors anyway. Your instincts for a second opinion are correct. </p>
<p>I know you don’t have tumors, but perhaps medication could stave them off so you’d never have to have surgery at all.</p>
<p>Thanks. </p>
<p>Update: I have been dialing around trying to get into another endocrinologist’s office. This is as bad as the so called wait for medical care in Canada! Most of the offices are taking appointments now for May, for new patients! I was able to reach one doctor who makes appointments by sort of triaging. They have my lab work. The doctor will look at it and determine when he can see me based on those numbers. The worse the lab results, the earlier he will see you. I like that concept, even though it will mean a bit of wait for me. I feel like now need to book a bunch of appointments to hold a spot for myself knowing that nobody will see me for months. If everyone did that, no wonder they are so booked up! Apparently, there is a shortage of endocrinologists.</p>
<p>NEMom, don’t let the internet horror stories get to you. Your situation is very common. Many women and some men have elevated anti-thyroid antibodies. Often the numbers are indeed off the chart. As explained by your endocrinologist, that does not mean you have, or will develop Hashimoto’s thyroiditis. It also seems clear that the endocrinologist exam and other lab results have ruled out Hashimoto’s. If you are still concerned, you might consider a visit to your primary care physician to review your concerns and discuss the value of a second (or third) opinion.</p>
<p>edad, thanks. Actually having elevated anti-thyroid antibodies means, according to this endocrinologist, that I do have Hashimoto’s. Hashimoto’s means an auto immune disease where my antibodies are attacking my thyroid gland. The gray area is do I have hypothyroidism, and does that require treatment? The endocrinologist that I saw, says no, I do not currently have hypothyroidism and I may never get it, or might develop it. A different doctor might have another opinion. That is what I am currently seeking help with. Otherwise, edad, I am in good health. I do appreciate your post.</p>
<p>northeastmom~ where are you geographically? is part of the delay for an opinion because of a limiting insurance plan, perhaps? IF this is the case, and i have no idea about that, it may be the best money you spend, to go “out of network”! please keep me posted. this is all about GOOD CARE, not stirring “horror” stories.</p>
<p>I am in New Jersey. We have plenty of teaching hospitals, and good medical care in our area. We are not in a rural area. As far as insurance, that is not the issue because everyone I called I can go to with my insurance plan (in network). I am very fortunate regarding insurance. There seems to be just a waiting list to see endocrinologists in my area (several that I called have waiting lists of 6 mos. or more). The one that I just sent my lab work to, will get me in within a month or so (the receptionist said that is the longest that I should have to wait). They look at the lab work, and then they schedule an appointment according to how ill the patient is (never had that experience before).</p>
<p>Oh, and about the insurance, we pay mega bucks to be so fortunate. Like most families who are self employed, we feel that payment! It is tough to keep up with it, and college.</p>
<p>If you’re anywhere near Philly, I can recommend several well-known and respected endocrinologists that are asspciated with major medical institutions that could possibly be available sooner - or at least I would be happy to give you the names and you can follow-up if you wish.</p>
<p>you can send me a PM if you’re interested.</p>
<p>nyumom, Thanks for the offer. Philly is a bit far for me. It would be easier for me to get into NYC.</p>
<p>You’re welcome.</p>