Major Thyroid Symptoms Normal TSH. Doc won't refer to Endocrinologist for antibody test. Now what?

Posted , 11 users are following.

First, thank you to anyone taking the time to read my story. lol My symptoms started 10 years ago. Intolerance to cold/heat, unexplained weight gain (although nothing has changed in my diet and I eat a lean, low calorie diet), hair loss, difficulty swallowing, hoarse voice, lethargy, chronic fatigue, muscle/joint aches/cramping (was dx w/ fibromyalgia), constipation, shortness of breath, loss of appetite, memory issues/brain fog, excessive thirst, weakness, lightheaded, dizziness, dry hair, skin, lips and eyes, loss of appetite and many more...  Incidentally, I also have an 8mm thyroid nodule since 2008.  I have been fighting with several doctors over the past 10 years and not one has referred me to an endocrinologist.  I also just found an old U/S report from 2013 with findings of thyroid echogenicity being mildly heterogeneous. I looked that up and several doctors agree that a heterogeneous thyroid usually means thyroid disease and is usually Hashimotos hypothyroid, which is what I believe I have.  I know it only says mild, but with my all of my symptoms, I should have been referred to an endocrinologist for a SIMPLE antibody blood test to at least rule out thyroid disease. But because my regular TSH blood labs always come back normal, all the docs say my thyroid is fine! neutral  They blame all my symptoms on Fibromyalgia, but I know that is not what this is.  Every year, when the seasons change from Summer to Fall and the cold air arrives, my symptoms are very severe and this year they are so bad that I am barely able to function to even do the simplest of things, like shower. I am single and live alone and I recently had to move away from my family and friends, so I have no help. BTW, several of my other specialists agree that I need to see an endo, but they are unable to give me a referral. It has to come from my PCP and he said no. I have been suffering and incapacitated for a month now and already had to cancel Thanksgiving and Christmas plans to go see my family because of this. sad  Has anyone gone through this?  Does anyone have any advice?  I'd really appreciate any input anyone might have to help me in any way.  

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  • Posted

    Tammy,  I just found your post online, and it describes exactly the way I feel and what I’ve been going through for the past 10 years, just wondering if you found out anything. I’ve been debilitated since May 3rd when it hit me like a brick wall suddenly. Waiting to see an endochronologist and neurologist.
  • Posted

    Hello Tammy, After reading your story I feel very concerned for you. Some people have been quite harsh with their opinions. I have been through the same thing as you and know how soul destroying it can be. 

    Please let me know if you’re looking for support from someone who can empathise with your situation & I will write to you again.

    Stay safe, Michelle 

  • Posted

    BTW I realise people just want to help however you needed a simple blood test to be able to move forward. You weren’t asking for too much at all. Hugs to you...
    • Posted

      Sounds like a power play on the docs part. Some think they are all powerful.

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