help with a decision please!

I know this is the anxiety forum but bare with me. I have Hashimotos hypothyroidism. This is the 3rd week on naturally dessicated thyroid, namely Acella NP Thyroid. I tried synthetic levothyroxine which is t4 only for a week and I was basically bedridden. The first day on Acella I felt alive! The last 2 weeks were great, except for an ear infection and allergic reaction to an abx. Other than that I felt great. But......

I could start feeling my hypo symptoms returning. I did some research from the manufacturer Acella and they suggest a starting dose of 30mg which I am on. They also state to raise it but 15mg every 2 weeks due to the feedback loop and natural supression of thyroid output. Last week at the docs I mentioned this to him, and he told me flat out not to raise it and wait 3 more weeks to do lab work, then he will go over the labs and make a judgment call then.

Heres the problem, I am feeling like raising it myself. The manufacturer suggests it. A website called stopthethyroidmadness comprised of other thyroid patients who have went through this recommend raising it. All signs point directly to treating symptoms instead of lab work to rectify thyroid issues, once the initial determination that you do have hypothyroid is made.

Would you go against you doctors wishes? Even if for one day on such a small dose?


I hate to self medicate, but I know my own body, and the evidence contrary to what my doctor wishes seems overwhelming. Whats the worst that can happen for one day?

Whats the use asking the doctor a second time? He already stated he wants to wait for lab work in 3 weeks, which runs contrary to the pharmaceutical manufatures recommendation?

Ahhhhh, forget I asked.

I guess my thought is just that doctors have a do things a certain way for a reason, so we sort of have to trust them and if we don't, maybe we need to find new doctors? If you have concerns, maybe call your doctor and share them and see what they say. Tell them what you read. It can't do any harm and is usually a safer bet than increasing your meds without telling someone.

T.,

Did you switch from a GP to an endo? (I think I remember this?)

If not...could you look into consulting on this  with an endocrinologist who could answer your question?

Other than recommending this...is would really be going outside the forum rules for us to advise you...even with an opinion...sorry.

Wishing you the best in your decision! You do a great job of research and advocating for yourself!

S.C.

Perhaps a second opinion with another doctor is in order?

SC and Hibee, totally understand. Wasnt really searching for a take this or that, rather have you gone outside docs recommendations and such. As I said, I shouldnt have asked.

wearyRAsufferer, a 2nd opinion is very close. Whether I raise or not is neither here nor there at this point. A doc going outside the drug manufacturers suggestion is enough for me to start looking for someone else. Thanks.


Jennhep, appreciate the post. Totally understand what youre saying about naturally dessicated thyroid. Youre right,its not regulated, but it was the way thyroids were treated from the 1800's until synthetic drugs came on the market. I did not do well on synthetic drugs, which is why I was prescribed Acella.

The T3 in natural thyroid meds is more closely related to human T3 than synthetic. Bio identical. So it is just as reliable as synthetic level, such as would come from Cytomel. Actually more so, again as it more closely mimics human T3. Unless you have an issue at the cellular level with T3, serum levels of T3 whether from conversion of T4 to T3 naturally, Cytomel, or naturally dessicated thyroid will be the same.

As far as naturally dessicated thyroid regulated, standardized, and being unreliable, thats false. Most manufacturers work with US Pharmacopeia, a scientific organization that sets standards for these and other products, namely supplements. Though the FDA doesnt regulate these drugs, the FDA does check these products if issues arise, and have shut down manufacturers in the past for numerous reasons. More and more doctors are seeing the benefits and prescribing these meds, and pharmacies are stocking them. Thanks again for your post!