I just tried to leave a super long-winded reply and, while editing, erased the entire thing… It was probably for the best anyway (just describing my symptoms — classic Hypo for over 30 yrs. — went to one doctor who said I was simply “depressed” and gave up). I’m so active that I cannot even keep up with myself at times. I am a full time professional, and also take care of my 13 beautiful horses ( daily clean all the stalls and the barn, feed, water, turn out and turn in, groom, ride, cut 10 acres — me not the hubby, clean (an 8000 sf house), cook dinner and spend time with my husband. Doesn’t seem to be enough time in the day for that but I even workout 5 days a week. Since I was in my 30’s I’ve had an excellent diet, I rarely eat bread, pasta, sweets, you name it. It takes a lot of self control as my hubby eats everything. I can’t even have one piece of chocolate as it triggers my cravings so I just don’t… period. After a hysterectomy and formerly battling my weight, I gained over 35 # in the first year! The Dr. that told me I was simply “depressed” was simply wrong. I knew it but she made me feel embarrassed and ashamed of myself and prescribed Wellbutrin. Never took it, after doing some research (thank you Mr.Internet), I learned that it caused weight gain. How insensitive she was… Threw it away and waited another 5 yrs. At 50, I decided that I wasn’t going to suffer in silence, going to take control of the situation, and after much research and referrals found an excellent physician who listened to everything I told him in addition to reading the TSH, etc. He prescribed only 30 mg Armour Thyroid –from the start luckily.

The nurse weighed me in after 2 1/2 months and could not believe that I had lost 33 lbs. When the doctor took my chart while outside the closed door, my husband and I both heard “this can’t be the right weight, did you make a mistake”? The nurse replied that she had not, it was correct. When he walked in I couldn’t stop smiling, and he was so pleased that I had succeeded and lost the weight. My husband, (who especially knows better than anyone what I do or do not do), also agreed explaining that I had been eating healthy, journaling, exercising… forever. No change in diet, just the Armour thyroid. I should also note, that while we were in the waiting room, another female came in who was overweight, her hair was halfway gone. I felt terrible for her. In the consultation room I happened to overhear the doctor speaking with her. She had been to another doctor who prescribed synthetics, been on them for years. Still gaining weight and with miserable hypo symptoms. Luckily she found him. I hope that her hair grows back –I’m sure she will count her lucky stars once she gets straightened out as well as I do:)

If it were me (not advice…) and I was not happy with treatment with synthetics and started getting even more terrible side effects…I would find a doctor that prescribes Armour. Even if you have to go outside the state. I am very grateful to have THE MOST EXCELLENT DOCTOR ON THE PLANET (in my own humble opinion).

Take care and good luck to all who suffer,

Cindy