Hi Gerri,
Yes, that ratio is quite low. Mine was 13 when I found out and I was so fatigued I could not function. I required naps, could not keep up with basic housework and could not work. What's most sad is that this started after the birth of my son in 2007 and the doctors were so uninformed. They let this basic thyroid problem go for nearly 5 years and during that time I struggled to take care of my baby and family.
I was even told by my woman gynecologist that my thyroid was fine and that I needed to wake up every mornaing, have some green tea and look out the window at the sun and great the day. There are many horror stories like this.
Your doctor doesn't know what he is doing. With a ratio that low you must feel horrible.
I would highly recommend http://www.thyroid-rt3.com
This is the website for treatment by Cytomel medication for folks with reverse T3.
When your ratio is low and you have the reverse T3 problem the only treatment is Cytomel ONLY treatment. You do not use T4. You do not use Armour or any other treatment that includes T4. This is because the T4 is the problem. T4 converts into reverse T3.
I was skeptical about using T3 only because I don't like to take medications for anything. I am very natural. But, the T3 from Cytomel is bio-identical. It is exactly the same hormone as produced in the body. But I thought I still wanted to go natural and someone gave me concerns about not getting all the other thryoid hormones without the Armour.
I tried the Armour, and I becme worse immediately I could not tolerate it. It was clear that it was not going to help.
Then I went to the Cytomel, supported my adrenals (which was a very big part for me to do in my case, it might not be so important for you), and then slowly worked up the Cytomel. I have gotten my life back and my energy level, 9 months after starting a decent dose is now 80-85 % of normal. So I can certainly excercise now for the first time in years.
So don't be scared of taking T3 only. There are lot's of success stories on the reverse T3 group.
Your doctor probably won't agree with this, as he is clearly outdated on his information if he will not give you even a liveable dose of T3 at this point.
Hope you feel better soon.
Sarah