Your advice would be greatly appreciated

January 2, 2008

Hello - After 2 years on Levothyroxine I am not feeling much better

than when I first started taking this medicine. The doctor put me on

a lower dose of thyroxine recently (100/112mcu on alternate days/my

suggestion) as a blood test previously showed T4-25.9(11-26)/TSH-0.02

(0.35-4.5)/T3-3.5(3.9-5.8) and now a further blood test shows T4-

19.09 TSH-0.09 and T3-3.00 (T3 was below range). However, I upped my

thyroxine back up to 125mcu because I became very depressed on the

lower dose with constant suicide thoughts (never ever considered

suicide before) and a lot of my symptons returned ie feeling cold,

very constipated, dry mouth, eyes and skin, loss of hair, very tired

all the time. In fact I felt better on the higher dose at least I

wanted to stay alive. The doctor was oblivous to the low T3 result

and refused to prescribe me a combination of T4/T3 or Armour saying

they would not help me and even showed me printouts from the

Internet. However, he was quite happy to prescribe anti-depressents

which I refused. He then became concerned and agreed to my seeing an

endocrinologist privately, which I can ill afford, but I am so

frightened of myself when I become depressed. I am not feeling

depressed now. I have been taking selenium for a couple of weeks

(which kind Lilian recommended maybe 2 years ago, but I forgot all

about her advice until I was so desperate). I also take zinc. Is

Zinc helpful?

I am due to see an endocrinologist on the 10th January at a private

hospital whom my doctor referred me to. On the specialist's profile

it says he specialises more in diabetes/insulin. Unfortunately, my

doctor says this consultant is the only one available. I really do

not want to waste my money on a person who might not be able to help

me.

My question is - I was thinking of seeing Dr. Peatfield when his

surgery is in the West Country in February. However, I did read on

the Internet that Dr. P., is unable to prescribe medication as he is

now retired and only recommends supplements. Is this true?

Sorry to ramble on. Maybe some kind person will be able to give me

some help. Thank you so much. .

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