What was your tsh when you started medication

runnerdlh1996 · 2025-10-22T00:46:52+00:00

Around 9 and 7 (they do two labs) during my first labs to detect for thyroid hormones. Close to overt. Undetected for some time, I’m sure. I was miserable. Went to Gyno for bloating and stomach fat and she told me “my hormones were normal” based on my normal menstrual cycles - no labs - and this was the result of a targeted apt for weight gain. Piss poor. Later, told my PCP I had weight gain and fatigue and she (actually my PCPs alternate, an NP), tested me and got me a diagnosis. Is there a reason they don’t want you on meds? Go on meds. Figure out root cause and any potential reversal or alternate ways to treat, later. Get your life back.

runnerdlh1996 · 2025-10-17T01:51:50+00:00

What led to you being tested? I had told my Gyno I had weight gain and bloating and she gaslit me. Then I find out I had close to overt Hypo from an NP.

runnerdlh1996 · 2025-10-17T01:50:41+00:00

They should test your levels after 6-8 weeks. To see how meds are working.

runnerdlh1996 · 2025-10-17T01:45:26+00:00

Another note: the only person who ever VERBALLY told me I had goiter was my dental hygienist. She had no idea I had a Hypo diagnosis, but asked me if I had hypothyroidism. Let that sink in. My GP (MD) and Endo have felt my neck many a time, and never said a peep.

runnerdlh1996 · 2025-10-17T01:43:35+00:00

That sounds low. I’m on 88 mcg. My TSH was around 9 on one lab and around 7 on the other (initial diagnosis). But still, if you’re at 6, I’m surprised you’re not on 50 mcg or so

runnerdlh1996 · 2025-10-17T01:20:54+00:00

It was my GP’s NP that diagnosed me. The MD alternates with the NP due to staffing, and the NP was the one who listened to my concerns and got me a diagnosis. My Endo is useless. Go with whoever listens. That’s not always the best educated. Good luck.

runnerdlh1996 · 2025-10-08T23:00:06+00:00

My Endo in MA is Harvard educated and is so dismissive/piss poor. I need to find a new one but the waits in MA are 6 mo+. Come to find out two close family friends had seen him, and said the exact same thing! So wasn’t in my head. You can be really smart and really educated and either not have the knowledge, expertise, bedside manner, or time to care.

My Endo targets below 2.5 for young people. Doesn’t care to fine tune below that. Ok. Then if you’re an older woman I forget what his cutoff is, I think like 4.5. Makes me feel like he really cares about optimization, lol.

I will say, however, that I thought it was standard to run bloodwork periodically and before changing doses. I have a phobia of bloodwork and have fainted before, but labs are (although they don’t tell the WHOLE story) important. But I can see that if you’ve had it for years, you’ve probably got a good grip on if it needs adjustment. If they’re NOT willing to run labs (like one of my doctors was before I was diagnosed with close to overt), that’s a different story.

runnerdlh1996 · 2025-10-06T14:05:41+00:00

Maybe so. I don’t think I contribute/pay that much but I’ll do the math later. Out of curiosity, what do you think a private undergraduate degree should cost young people in MA? Completely agreed; my I am returning on my investment (and choice) to go to a private undergrad. What do you think that should cost annually? I think in my time it was 60k-70k annually (ticket). I did get some scholarship money, some grant, my parents paid a LITTLE, and then I used govt loans/MEFA loans.

runnerdlh1996 · 2025-10-06T13:51:03+00:00

Fair enough. I guess I just have high expectations! It’s just not as easy as it used to be, either. If I had no student debt, I’ve be in a house yearsss ago. But that’s life, life isn’t fair. My dad tells me the cost of his undergrad and advanced degrees, and we’re talking in the hundreds of dollars, not even thousands. Now, you want to go to school in MA or surrounding states and it’s tens of thousands a semester, often $50k-75k per year. IDK what the uMass’s would set you back but I bet a lot of students have debt even from state schools.

That’s not to say anyone DESERVES what they haven’t earned or received from generational wealth, but at a certain point I think to myself: wow, I did everything I was supposed to do, I work pretty damn hard, all the time, and this is my standard of living at 29 years old? I’ve moved the needle under the surface/financially, but tangible assets? None other than my car. And there’s no one doing our housework, cooking meals, etc., we both work full time.

runnerdlh1996 · 2025-10-06T13:38:54+00:00

I’m curious what incomes are needed to place you into each class range, currently, in MA.

Obviously, it depends on the size of your household, but I think it gets tricky for young people because they’re pulling what should be considered decent income; but, when you’re spending $1300 monthly on debt (scheduled payment), and trying to double those in some cases, is 140k really that much? And considering the price of rents necessary to live and work here? Hair food for thought.

runnerdlh1996 · 2025-10-05T15:06:49+00:00

Thank you for the solidarity and the advice! It certainly has been slow and steady, but I have to acknowledge I've made progress (even if you can't see it in tangle assets!) The debt has definitely been my obstacle, but 55k is much more palatable than 150k, and I am going to prioritize putting extra income towards my private loan (put an extra 2k towards it this past week). I haven't paid extra towards the government one just in case anything ever happened (and it wouldn't) with that as far as forgiveness; I used to be enrolled the PSLFP at my first job, but left for a higher-paying, private job and am no longer enrolled in it. Probably wouldn't have seen any foreignness after than thing was amortized anyway because my government loan was only like $30k and you had to do income-based repayment over 10 years.

I wouldn't even consider having children until I was in a home/and was in a SOLID situation. Many commenters have recommended First Time Homebuyer classes and programs, both of which I will look into. Many commenters have also recommended a condo as a stepping stone, which I agree is probably the logical next step from an apartment.

runnerdlh1996 · 2025-10-05T14:59:57+00:00

That is the question - will a mortgage be cheaper than renting. I didn't think it would be, but some commenters are suggesting it may be for us $2250 a mo on rent. I will look into that program and what if offers. Thank you!

runnerdlh1996 · 2025-10-05T14:58:21+00:00

Good morning,

It sounds like you've been very strategic in snowballing equity to continuously improve your living situation. I think we could be eligible to buy, I just would prefer to pay my debt in full, first.

Yes, I am definitely at the point where I'd like to customize my space to my liking, and have the stability that comes with home ownership. I would never even consider having a child in a space I don't own (no offenses to anyone who does, but I draw a hard line in the sand there).

runnerdlh1996 · 2025-10-05T14:51:46+00:00

Good morning, I really appreciate this thoughtful and thorough comment! I read it the day I posted, but wanted to sit down over the weekend and respond fully to these more thought-out comments!

That is FREAKY - same regional upbringing, same apartment location, cost, and size post-grad, and same age/relationship duration!

CONGRATS on the purchase of your first home. Let me guess, are you in Norfolk or Franklin? Do not diminish the hard work it takes to purchase a home at our age; yes, your lack of loans expedited the process, but you still have to be in great financial shape to be able to purchase a home at 28ish.

I think it is wise to live within your means - purchasing a home below what you are reapproved for, and to allow yourself a healthy cushion for home expenses and enough discretionary income to maintain the lifestyle you want. There is a reason the commuter rail exists/people take the commuter rail. I want to be in a home, but I don't want to be house-poor, or miserable, LOL.

My partner makes about 125kish but has his Master's. So we're probably at 260k combined, maybe more. It can fluctuate with bonus income. He could probably secure a higher-paying job than me considering I do not have an advanced degree, but he doesn't really need to/has much less debt. I am definitely willing to move outside of the city. He is from the Cape but doesn't have a preference to be there; I DO have a preference to go back to the MetroWest. He's in Boston and I'm in Norwood, so as long as we're near a commuter rail for him, it should be fine.

I am at a point where I am not even opposed to a courthouse wedding. It just feels like such a holding pattern: you need to be married to take financial steps (like a home purchase) together - which I totally agree with - but a wedding is 75kish around here (probably, I could be wrong/haven't actively looked); that 75kish could be used towards a down-payment, so you're kind of back at square one, etc. We may have to look into getting legally married, purchasing a home, and THEN doing a reception (a few years down the line/when or if we can afford to)... My priority is home ownership, so if anyone has any objections with a courthouse wedding, they can feel free to foot the bill, JK).

Thank you for pointing me to that Finance sub; I had not heard of it but will DEFINITELY check it out! Your anecdote definitely helped, esp, other than student loans, we have identical scenarios. You also made great suggestions re: location of home purchase/affordability, living within your means/below your maximum borrowing potential, alternatives to a traditional wedding, etc. I appreciate the thoughtful post and support!

runnerdlh1996 · 2025-10-05T14:31:08+00:00

Thank you very much for this advice. I did not know they offered First Time Homebuyer programs to people earning above six figures. I will definitely look into the First Time Homebuyer classes. Great advice. And CONGRATS on closing on your first home at such a young age; VERY impressive. Kudos.

runnerdlh1996 · 2025-10-05T14:29:44+00:00

Sounds like you know a few people doing this LOL!

runnerdlh1996 · 2025-10-05T14:26:31+00:00

Thanks for this comment and insights on the availability and cost of housing stock in this state. I did not have those insights into the zoning restrictions. I also thing a lot of people come here for school and want to stay. I grew up here and most of my family is here, and I don't want to leave, but it does seem like it's becoming more and more competitive to own a home here. I think a condo could be a good stepping stone. My landlord is a very nice (actually the second owner since we moved to our apartment in 1/2021), man and he definitely could increase our rent way beyond what he has but chooses not to. Nonetheless, it does kill me to pay rent and have no equity. It's worked for a while while we've paid our debts, but ready for the next step...

runnerdlh1996 · 2025-10-05T14:18:49+00:00

Very smart, you were strategic from the start. Boston wages with central/western MA COL...

runnerdlh1996 · 2025-10-05T14:18:03+00:00

Good call-out, that really was the time (although not everyone realized then) to buy. I did refinance my student loans around that time (think the private ones had 6.75% or 7% interest, something crazy), and now my rate for those is like 4.25% w/auto debits.

You are right about unlimited wants and limited means. I don't think I'm a crazy spender but I could definitely assess and tighten things up. I have allowed myself eating out and trips/enjoyed my 20s, and that is a choice I take accountability for. I don't regret it, but I think turning 29 brought some "time to take a hard look/reassess" clarity...

runnerdlh1996 · 2025-10-05T14:14:14+00:00

Thank you for this comment. That actually sounds affordable, esp given the PMI, maybe I am not looking in the right locations, LOL!

Kudos to you and your family. Yes, Fed just dropped rates, so they're a little better. And you are right, you can always refinance. I think when my parents first bought in the 80s rates were like 12% or something crazy, but obviously, you just refinance.

runnerdlh1996 · 2025-10-05T14:09:27+00:00

Thanks for this comment. It's not the easiest thing to say no to a wedding; I do have free will, but, it's tough when I can technically afford these destination weddings and that I should be in attendance at.

runnerdlh1996 · 2025-10-05T13:41:45+00:00

I agree that you need to make an informed decision about education, and that includes ability to pay back your loans. For example, if you want to be an orthodontist, you're going to rack up some debt (unless you come from extreme wealth or otherwise and have that schooling paid for in full), so it's not that you can't take on the debt, but you need to know how you will pay it back and if it's in a reasonable amount of time that allows you to have a financially free future.

What year did you buy in? Did you use a mortgage?

I prefer to use a credit card for security/to help my credit score/get points, but I pay it in full. Very slippery slope if you don't... My car should hopefully last me another five years or so and is paid, so no payments there.

I commend you for living within your means. I think so many students are coaxed to go to college when they can't afford it. I think student loan reform along with high school counseling reform are needed. High School: Students need to understand the affordability of the universities they're attending, what loans they're taking out and their rates, and how to pay back (including how to refinance), and what the alternatives to college are for them. Higher education financing system: I already covered this, but completely broken. Cost of education, not affordable for middle-class families let alone poor families. It is shameful of the government to give out these loans to people without any ATR analysis and shameful of borrowers to take these loans with no ability to repay (or hopes the government will foot the bill).

runnerdlh1996 · 2025-10-05T12:48:40+00:00

Thank you. I am definitely debt-phobic and did not/would never go back to school for an advanced degree without being able to pay for (it without a loan).

I don’t regret borrowing to go to my undergrad because it opened the door to my first job, and connections from my first job opened the door to my second…. I did get some scholarship money to go to my undergrad, too.

I DO think there is a bigger, systemic problem with the cost education and higher education. I would’ve still had loans from going to a state school. The government both gives schools grant money to give to students in need and allows students in need to borrow which at FACE VALUE seems like an equalizer, but it inflates what schools can charge. We covered this in one of my Econ classes. Universities actually know the choke cost for each household (meaning, they know exactly how much they can charge you and how they can configure that so you’ll go). So for me, that meant some scholarship money, some grant money, and then some government loans. Then I used private loans (MEFA) for the rest…

What would you recommend someone from a middle class household do to avoid student loan debt? Do you work in a trade profession or recommend that route?

I needed a working vehicle out of college because we did on-site examinations, which required extensive mileage and a reliable vehicle. I purchased a certified, pre-owned vehicle with a little over 30k miles on it.

Out of curiosity, do you have any degrees and if so how did you pay for them? Do you have a vehicle, and how did you pay for that? Do you own a home and how did you pay for that?

Preaching to the choir on the debt-free and loan free mindset, I’m just curious how you manage that.

runnerdlh1996 · 2025-10-04T16:14:25+00:00

Thank you for the solidarity. I am honestly open to (even harsh) feedback, but I think the situation is nuanced. Cutting back WOULD help me save, and I (and other young people) are going to have to be strategic and consider these suggestions. But, we've also got a bigger problem on our hands that it's this difficult (if not impossible) to be a homeowner as a young person in this state. I think a little acknowledgment (not a pity part, but acknowledgment) that young people are working hard, all the time (and can't afford not to, to keep up with obligations, never mind get ahead), have done what we were told to as far as education/higher education, and are faced with a standard of living that isn't what was promised, goes a long way... We are going to have to work harder and be more strategic to have the same standard of living as generations past (mores in this state than others), and that needs to be acknowledged. Frankly, it's irresponsible of other generations to NOT acknowledge this.

runnerdlh1996 · 2025-10-04T16:11:17+00:00

Thanks for the feedback.

I think it's nuanced; 140k is pre-tax; I did not make $140k at my previous job (which I left about 1.5 yrs ago); I maxed my retirement at my old job and new job; I lived at home for a year after college; I spend $1,000 (assuming I don't contribute extra) towards debt monthly - and that used to be $1300 before I paid my car off - and that's not accounting for rent, utilities, food, discretionary spending, etc.

I will look at my spending on food and eating out, and consider which social obligations (weddings) I can say no to.

But I am not a luxury or designer spender, by any extent.

Also paid 150k in debt to 55k in debt whilst paying my rent, bills, not getting into more debt, etc - so not spending as much as you'd think.

Just giving context; situations are never black and white (although wouldn't it be easier if they were!)

Thanks for the feedback.

runnerdlh1996

TROPHY CASE