Straight Talk – Weight Gain&Gain&Gain

At my age 37-ish annual physical when my physician asked if I had any questions, I responded, “You know, doc, could I have a low-thyroid condition? My brain is foggy, I have a little problem remembering things and if I look at a cupcake, I gain five pounds.
 
He looked at me in what seemed a fatherly fashion and said, “Why don’t you let me be the doctor besides, it’s not your job to diagnose.” Okay, well, he wasn’t the one running 3 miles at lunchtime to maintain a decent weight while everyone else feasted on greasy hamburgers topped off with frothy shakes. Not to mention consuming vast quantities of caffeine, sugar and diet soda in an effort to drum up a little more brain action in order to keep my job.

Five years, forty pounds later, and desperate for answers, I was referred to a physician whose first words were, “At the medical school I attended, we were taught to listen to our atients. She validated my concerns then started with Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH) but added Free T-3 and Free T-4 which encompasses not only release of thyroid hormone but also subsequent uptake. For example, if there is an iodine deficiency, TSH may be released but not utilized. My new physician understood the relevance of a broader scope. Ding-Ding-Ding!

The results came back again “low normal” and symptoms again were ‘so not normal.’ Starting on a low dose, she adjusted medication until cognitive function and energy were on track. There was a spring in my step again and the low grade depression of the past 12-years was gonzo…it was time to get back to conquering my known universe!

NOTE TO SELF: Neva, neva, neva give up.