Newbie going for testing - need a little assistance

September 3, 2010

Hello and thank you for this group. I have been lurking for a few weeks, going

through the educational links and faq. When I first came across the

information, I was overwhelmed with what each of you know and bring to the

group. As I have been reading, I am becoming more aware of what you are talking

about. A brief history of my situation is that I had thyroid cancer in 1989,

and underwent a thyroid hemiectomy. I was tested for the antibody for

Hoshimotos, but did not have it. Apparently there is a one in a million chance

that you can have Hoshimotos, but not the antibody, and unfortunately, that one

would be me. I was first informed of a thyroid problem in my teens (I am now

57), was off and on thyroid meds (usually synthetics) until after the

hemiectomy. I was off and on meds because my levels would be fluctuating. Whey

they biopsied the removed lobe, they determined that I did have Hoshimotos as

well. I also had a total hysterectomy, and have been on and

estrogen/testosterone replacement (estratest which has recently been

discontinued).

My temps are low and have been for decades. I can run anywhere from mid 96's to

mid 97's. I only approach " normal " temps when I have a raging UTI or sinus

infection, of which I have both at this very time.

A new doctor recently did some expaned bloodwork, siad I was still low thyroid,

and put me on firt one - and then 2 grains of porcine dessicated thyroid when

the next test said I was still low - along with my current 137mcg synthroid, and

5 mcg cytomel. He also said I had extreme high inflamation, and extreme low

cortisol levels. I am on 10 mg cortisol in the morning, and 10 mg mid day.

From what I understand from the reading, I need more testing. My new doctor

would be open to helping me with this I think, but I need to know what I need to

take in to him next week and ask for.

I have just begun to chart my temps, so I can take this im to the doctor. I am

interested in having my sex hormones tested, and more specific cortisol tesing,

as I only had blood tests for the cortisol level. Also how do I have ferantin

(sp) tested?

I should mention that I recently went on an extreme diet with hCG and lost 80

pounds, and just had a huge hernia repair surgery, so I am surprised that my

levels have remained stable through both of these situations, although 3 months

post op, I am have some of my old hypothyoid symptoms return (hair loss, skin

issues, androgen hormone issues etc) as well as 15 pound upturn just this month

- ugh!

Any guidance you can share would be greatly appreciated. It has been very

helpful just reading your posts and looking through the links provided.

Fran

near Seattle

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