Medical jargon baffles patient

September 23, 2010 By

DEAR DR. GOTT: The results of my thyroid ultrasound reveal abnormal echogenicity of the right lobe without a discrete lesion identified within the thyroid gland. I have been taking 25 micrograms of thyroid medication since May. The goiter on the right side of my neck is noticeable. On May 21, my TSH was 4.53. In July, it was 3.5. Can you please explain the ultrasound results in English? Should I ask my doctor for an increase in my Synthroid dosage or wait for the next lab work in October?

DEAR READER: The thyroid gland is situated in the lower neck — below the larynx and above the collarbone. This gland uses iodine to make hormones essential for the proper function of every cell in the body. [Read more...]

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See specialist for second opinion

June 15, 2010 By

DEAR DR. GOTT: Recently, I had some routine blood tests done as part of a physical exam. I am 53, and my doctor stated I have hypothyroidism. This comes as a surprise, as I had no symptoms other than being tired all the time. I have stable COPD and attributed the fatigue to that. My TSH level is 6.17. My doctor wants me to take levothyroxine, 50 mcg, but I’m a little hesitant, as I am not sure if I really need it.

DEAR READER: Levothyroxine is synthetic thyroid-hormone replacement therapy that can be taken successfully by most people, primarily because thyroid hormone occurs naturally in the body. There are no common side effects. However, when side effects do occur, they can include allergic reactions to one or more of the inactive ingredients and symptoms of hyperthyroidism caused by therapeutic overdose. [Read more...]

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Seizures without a cause?

June 5, 2010 By

DEAR DR. GOTT: I am writing to find out what you think we should do, because all the specialists are baffled about my husband’s illness. Six months ago, he began to have seizures for no known reason. He was in ICU for three weeks with a diabetic specialist, an endocrinologist and a neurologist on his case. They ran every test possible to rule out this or that for the cause of the seizures. All tests came back negative. His glucose is under control. He continues to have “spells,” with symptoms of lead feet, sweating legs, headache and the smell and taste of burnt beef in his mouth.

He takes synthroid, 175 mcg, once a day. I am wondering and have asked if there is a possibility of him having a reaction to this medication. It falls on deaf ears.
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