[twalkoe]

I'm looking to hear from anyone and everyone that is having or has had this problem.

I had thyroid surgery to remove a nodule. I came out of surgery without cancer, but also without half of my thryoid.

Since the surgery, I am experienceing weight gain, dry skin, moodiness, a little depression...the all embarassing constipation. When my doctor checks my throid function the tests are coming out low, but still normal...!!!

Normal enough for him to NOT treat me for low thyroid function.

I read on the net that the thryoid function test is not sensitive enough to show low thyroid function...it either shows normal low...or non existant function. I'm just hoping that I'm not crazy here and that other people are having or have had the same issue, and what they did or are doing.

Let me know what's happening with you!

[Lil Honey]

I have not had any portion of mine removed, but I do take Synthroid.

There seems to be a real issue between thyroid patients and doctors. I read that there is a range of "normal" and a person can fall in that range and can be "normal" according to the charts, but she can be more "sensitive" (for lack of a better word) and actually feel unwell in the "normal" range, yet the doctor won't do anything, because she is "normal". Go figure.

I have also read that a natural thyroid replacement is better than a synthetic, but guess which one is more widely prescribed? I have never taken a natural replacement (mostly because my doctor looks at me as if I'm nuts for even suggesting it). I have taken a generic and it didn't work as well. (At least not for me.)

You are NOT crazy. Unfortunately, you just feel that way, especially when you feel as though you aren't being listened to or taken seriously. *sigh*

[LucreziaBorgia]

I had my thyroid removed and take Levoxyl every day - but I still have the symptoms of low thyroid. I always ask him if there is anything he can do but since all my levels are "normal" there really isn't much he could do besides suggest some changes in diet (eliminating possible allergens) and exercise (which helps) - losing weight is damned near impossible. It is frustrating. Someone suggested a natural replacement here once, but my doctor wanted to keep me on Levoxyl. It is frustrating.

[twalkoe]

Well, thanks guys...

The Dr. is saying that maybe it will kick back in for me, but I have to admit that I am tired of waiting, and my weight is going to become a real issue here soon!

I may check in with my chiropractor and see what he has to say about all of this...maybe he can enlighten me on the more natural replacement therapy.

[brashgal]

My thyroid levels were within the normal range but low (T3, T4) but my TSH measurement was outside normal range - evidently they had been that way a couple of years - kicked off after having a baby in my late 30s. I had been feeling like crap for a couple years - changed health plans and my new Dr pointed out that my TSH measurement was high and started me on low level of Levothroid. I felt so much better on meds. I'd push the issue if I were you.

[Lil Honey]

If you don't seem to get anywhere with your family doctor, ask to be referred to an endocrinologist.

There is a LOT of info online at www.webmd.com and www.about.com.