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Any advice ?

Posted , 6 users are following.

diane94845
diane94845

Hi,  I have been to the doctor yet again today with what I think are all the symptoms of hypothyroidism. Over the last 5 years I have had several blood tests which all come back "normal" and I have just put up with the tiredness, body pain etc.  Since my teens Ive had severe back / hip pain for which I have been given my body weight in painkillers.  I had xrays which found damaged discs so had a couple of injections which helped for a short while each time, umpteen courses of physiotherapy which I felt made no difference, was going to be put forward for surgery then discharged from the hospital clinic with no explanation despite asking why.  For the last 6 months or so (I think following a chest infection which turned into bronchitis) Ive felt the worst Ive ever felt - a "different" back pain, higher up on both sides which becomes worse when Im asleep along with leg pain, numb arms, joint pain especially in fingers - it even hurts to hold a pen or cutlery, constantly feeling cold, swollen feet, dry skin & hair.  Ive always had watery eyes - noticed someone else commenting on that.  Im going for blood tests on Thursday and am really hoping that something shows up so that I know Im not making it up because that if how Ive felt when Ive attended doctor or hospital before.  My Grandma had goitre when I was a child, my aunt had Sjogrens, and now Im thinking that my mum has something along these lines as she has had extreme tiredness and joint pain linked to arthritis for years, also had hip replacement 6 years ago then a a year later had seven stents insterted for a heart complaint but she really is not a "making an appointment with the doc" type and has to be forced to go! She is becoming extremely forgetfull and I am thinking the worst possible scenario that she has onset of dementia but it perhaps is a thyroid related situation instead. Any advice or information would be greatly appreciated.  Thanks very much  smile

2 likes, 30 replies

30 Replies

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  • helsbells15
    helsbells15 diane94845

    Posted

    Hi Diane,

    Sounds like your hypo to me I am 41 and reading your symtoms just like me i used to wake up with both arms going numb cramps in my legs and i starting dropping things etc noticed swelling on my ankles was freezing all time and i noticed that when i was awake which was not much, at one point i nearly fell asleep at the wheel.

    I Hope your doc checks everything, the thyroid uk webiste has a checklist that you can print off for symptoms which is useful, and I would definitely get a print out of her results, I have done that and found that my fertin was normal if was over low by 1 point so I am now supplementing iron which is helping with some of my joint pains.

    There are unfortunately lots of overlap, if you can get your doc to check FT4 and FT3 as well as for anitbodies it may help in getting a diagnosis if she isy hypo or not. unfortunately I had to nearly drive into a lorry before my gp would listen to me.  But two years on I am kind of working with my new gp and I am getting better, still get tired and occasionaly symptoms but nothing like it was.

    I would both get tested and get a print out, there is a good site calledy Thyroid Uk they have an amazing forum through health unlocked.

  • Gizmo1963
    Gizmo1963 diane94845

    Posted

    Yes Helsbelles is right there is a very good list of symptoms on the mentioned sire as I took my printout with me today for my appointment and it's amazing how many boxes I ticked so yes, well worth printing xx
    • gill43753
      gill43753 Gizmo1963

      Posted

      Completely agree.I'm hypothyroid,but don't feel right still,so printed out that Thyroid UK list,ticking off all symptoms that applied to me,and took it to my GP,who has now referred me to an Endo in Oxford.Already have an Endo for my pituitary,but they weren't helping much with my thyroid.I'm hypopituitary too! Gill
  • diane94845
    diane94845

    Posted

    Hi all of you - sorry for delay in replying but I left my glasses at work yesterday so couldnt see my phone to read your messages.  Im just back in work after being to doctors surgery to have the nurse extract what felt like a gallon of blood from my arm!  I should be able to phone for the results next week so am hoping, really hoping that something shows up this time.  I am away to print off the Thyroid UK list of symptoms just in case I have to go back and argue about the ones I do have. Thank you all, I will be back on once I have the results and let you know the latest!  xxx

     

  • helsbells15
    helsbells15 diane94845

    Posted

    Yes goodluck and if your doctor questions the checklist Thyroid Uk is the recommended NHS forum for Thyroid Support it is on the `nhs options website
  • diane94845
    diane94845

    Posted

    Hi again all! Well, following having blood tests done last Thursday (16th) I have just had the receptionist from my doctors surgery call me to tell me that all the results were "ok" - I could have cried but I just said "thank you" and hung up. So Im going to call again tomorrow to arrange another appointment and have all the info Ive been given on here with me when I go back. I need to put on "my big girl pants" and insist that there is something wrong.  Hope you are all doing fine with your ailments in the meantime xxx

     

    • gill43753
      gill43753 diane94845

      Posted

      Well done,Diane.Ask if you can have a print of your results.I've never done this,but have always been told the actual numbers.Within range,don't forget,isn't the same for everybody.You may need to be in the upper end of it,for instance.When I was feeling pretty awful recently,my GP was willing to try a higher dose for me.Unfortunately it didn't help,and took me over the range,but at least he was willing to try.Maybe you could ask your doctor if they're willing to try you on thyroxine,to see if your symptoms improve?Just a suggestion.Your brain must be in turmoil with everyone's suggestions,but take time at home to write down what you want to ask.Also ask if you could have an email address which will reach your doctor if you write it for their attention.It'll probably be the surgery email address,but you can use it if you forget something at your appointment.So easy to do.Finally,if possible request a double appointment to discuss things.I'll leave you to it now.Good luck.Gill
    • diane94845
      diane94845 gill43753

      Posted

      Thank you Gill, I really appreciate your response.  I was actually gutted because I was convinced that something would show up in the blood tests, and Im still feeling awful. The doctor I saw on the 13th is apparently a locum, I asked if I could have an appointment with her again but was told to call back next week as the receptionist wasnt sure when she was going to be in again but I will maybe just make an appointment with whichever doctor is available - Im just desperate to feel even a wee bit better than I am now.  I will get my questions written down tonight at home and see if I can arrange to see a doc next week.  Thank you again xx

       

    • gill43753
      gill43753 diane94845

      Posted

      You're welcome,Diane.I know it's horrible when you think you're going to get an answer,and you actually want something to be wrong.That sounds awful,but you know you feel unwell,and are desperate for a diagnosis.It might even help to see a different doctor,especially if it's for a double appointment.Explain there's a lot to discuss,if the receptionist asks why you need a double.I was actually thanked for making sure I had enough time.Do keep in touch.Gill
  • helsbells15
    helsbells15 diane94845

    Posted

    Hi Diane, you can ask the reception for a copy of the results and you will need the reference ranges,

    It is worth getting the following checked as well feritin, folate, b12 and vit d.  I take it you are not receiving any treatment at all.It is worth asking for the ft4 and ft3 test this would almost certainly help in a diagnosis if you are hypo.

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