The trip to the endocrinologist was not what I expected. I expected testing and numbers and diagrams and questions and worries and the most deadly thing to expect........ answers.
I was not given any of this. Instead, I had a prissy nurse talk to me about eating healthy and how to take care of myself better. I wish I could say that she gave me some helpful advice or that something clicked, but it's words that I've heard a thousand times before. But then, a tiny glimmer.... While looking at my chart, she asked me, "I wonder...... do you have Hypothyroidism?"
Now, for those who don't know, hypothyroidism is when your thyroid, a gland that creates hormones, is underactive. The thyroid controls things such as: metabolism, growth, body temperature, muscle strength, appetite, and the health of your heart, brain, kidneys, and reproductive system.
Some symptoms of hypothyroidism are (I've only left the ones I experience and am comfortable sharing. There's a few that are beyond personal)
I tell her promptly that I had been placed on a thyroid medication years ago (levothyroxine). I explain that I was on it for nearly 2 months, was sent back for more bloodwork (TSH, T3, and T4) at which point the doctor told me that my levels were fine and that I no longer needed medication.
At this point, the endocrinologist nurse looks at me like I have 3 heads. I.About.Lost.It. I AM NOT the one who made that decision. I AM NOT the one who prescribed and then removed the medication.
We went on to discuss medications and I talked about the Byetta shot. Byetta is used to treat diabetes- although an injection, it is not an insulin. She asked if I had lost any weight while taking it, and I answered that I had lost my appetite and would have to force myself to eat anything. She snidely remarked, "Well, that's your problem. You still made yourself eat." To which I snapped, "Well, forgive me if I'm wrong, but you can't just starve yourself!"
F.R.U.S.T.R.A.T.I.O.N.
Don't judge me with your size 4 body and perfectly veneered teeth. I'm a normal human being. I eat, and I enjoy eating. I do occasionally go out to dinner with friends. I almost ALWAYS bring half of my meal home in a box. I do cook, and I greatly enjoy cooking! But that DOES NOT mean that I am a pathetic excuse who gorges every night and who can't count or even comprehend calories.
The doctor finally came in and all he wanted to talk about was my sugar. At least we were past the weight issue, I suppose. Of course, he told me to lose weight, as well. Well, no kidding? Now, I'm on a new injection: Bydureon. Bydureon is pretty much the same type of medication as Byetta, except is's a slow- release medication, meaning that it'll stay in my system over a duration of time and hopefully regulate my sugar instead of shoot- gone, shoot- gone, etc.
I've been taking the shots for 4 weeks, and although I am seeing my sugars go a little lower, they're still IMMENSELY high. My average is 230. But, considering the average was above 300, that's definitely an improvement, just not ENOUGH of one. . .
I have a follow up appointment soon, so cross your fingers that hopefully we'll do some more digging.
