Another Day, Another Dr Appointment

After my dreadfully long wait (note: total sarcasm there. I had to wait 2 weeks), I got to see my endocrinologist today. I really like her. She is young and smart and deals with her own health issues (she is in a wheelchair). Our appointment went about the way I expected.

Overall, she is very pleased. Since February, I've lost 20 lbs! My heart rate and blood pressure remain pretty close to perfect. My glucose, sodium, potassium, and magnesium levels all look good. So we will be keeping my Prednisone dose at 5mg, which I've been on for a few months now.

The issues I am having now relate to my thyroid. I also have Hashimotos, which I take a medicine called Novotiral for. Back in February, we lowered my dose to 3/4 pill a day, since my TSH was 0.01 (this is suppressed TSH caused by over-medication, known as sub-clinical hyperthyroidism). I have to wait at least 6 weeks before getting the blood test to see if that dosage is working. So I went in April and had a blood drawn. My TSH was still 0.01 so we lowered to dosage again to 1/2 a pill a day. But my last blood test, about 3 weeks ago, showed my TSH had jumped to almost 4.5 (out of range, hypothyroid). The only dose left to try is 3/4 pill one day and 1/2 a pill the next. Amazing how sensitive the body can be!

There are a lot of patients out there who say they feel best with a suppressed TSH. I even had people recommend that I just go back to 3/4 pills a day. But my endo says that suppressing your TSH long term leads to osteopoprisis, cardiac issues, plus you are basically turning off your pituitary gland and it has more to do than make thyroid hormones, so I can see how that doesn't seem like a great idea.

As I mentioned yesterday, I am also taking homeopathic supplements to support my thyroid and adrenal health. This is in addition to the normal, prescription meds.

Much less swollen face on the lower dose of steroids!

It all seems to be working together pretty well, but my energy levels are super low. I could easily stay in bed all day, every day. So hoping that with the slightly increased dose, I start to feel like moving again.

And hopefully lose this last 15 lbs!

Love,

an Addison Alien

who really wish people would stop asking if I "feel better yet?" It's not that kind of disease!