I have an Appointment with my PCP

  • for next Tuesday. I have not seen the doc since my physical in May and I have dropped 50+ lbs since then...so she should be happy about that. However, I am not happy with how I am feeling since I started on my hypothyroid meds in May. We are still trying to figure out my dosage to get me regulated, but I feel like death warmed over and I am shedding hair worse than my dogs.

    Does anyone have any ideas on questions I should ask regarding the type of blood tests they are doing, etc.?? This "going to the doctor" is all new territory for me and I am trying to make the most of my appointment.
  • Hi Peggy,
    My new doctor just sent me for the tests below. They do Thyroid tests every 6 months but he has ordered tests that were never ordered before.

    He tells me that the Vit - D is important because low D can have an impact on thyroid.

    Also, he tells me that if there is a problem with antibodies, the wrong med can actually backfire. Good Luck!


    TSH 3rd Generation
    Free and Total T3
    T4
    25 Hydroxy Vitamin D
    Thyroid Antibodies
    Antigliadin Antibodies IgA and IgG
  • By the way what Thyroid meds do they have you on now?
  • Quote: By the way what Thyroid meds do they have you on now?
    I am on Levethyroxine... 88 mcg

    Thanks for the suggestions!
  • Try and get a referal to a endochronologist while your there as well as the tests recommended. They thought I was just plain hypothyroid. Turns out I have Hashimotos
  • I don't know if Levethyroxine interacts with antibodies, but I am on Armour Thyroid and he told me that if I had Hashimotos (an antibody related problem) that the Armour could be making it worse. I'm still waiting for my results and consult.

    I agree with Tasche, you should see an endocrinologist to evaluate the results, rather than letting the PCP tell you if the results indicate a need for an endocrinologist. I hope the test suggestions help.

    BTW - the PCP that has to send me for the lab tests (under my insurance plan) did balk at some of the tests, but did agree to approve them!
  • Thanks everyone. I will ask for a referral to an endo, as well as ask for the other tests. This site is just a wealth of support and information!

    I will let you know how things go at my appt as well.