Re: I have reached rock bottom.

[Guest guest]

-Hang on Vicci.

I have just read your post. I have been there.

Sheila and others on this forum will be able to offer you loads of help and

support on how to reach better health.

Most GP's do not understand the Thyroid connection or how to interpret test

results/symptoms.

You will find all you need to know here.

best wishes,

L

[Guest guest]

Hi Vicci,

First, fibromyalgia is thought to be linked to thyroid problems... see

http://www.drlowe.com/ His book is worth looking at and you can read large

sections of it on his website.

Nothing wrong with being vain, but having to exercise for hours a day should

tell you that something isn't right .... Suggest you write a note to the doc,

requesting your test results under the freedom of information act.. (and perhaps

offer a bit of an apology for exploding at her). But if you felt ok you

wouldn't have been there in the first place!! When you ask for the results, be

very specific about which ones you want.. eg.. thyroid function TSH, T4 and T3

taken in (month/year) I'd also ask for any other hormone tests you've had in

tha past few years... You need the reference ranges too... then post them

all on here and everyone will chip in with whatever they know..

All the exercise and untreated stuff..... may be worth you getting an adrenal

test... (private one - doc won't want to know).. Adrenals get exhausted and can

make you feel pretty awful...

Keeping an eye on your health and looking on this forum are positive starts....

If the doc isn't any help you can at least find out enough to help yourself get

right - Don't waste your energy railing at the doc... use it to research

instead.

Enjoy your time at Uni-- I was the oldest on the course, and it was great!

X

> Hello everyone, I joined this group quite a few months ago as I suspected

something was not quite right after about 5 years of various vague things

starting up that I felt were a bit early at 35 as I was then to indicate normal

aging.

>

[Edit Abbrev Mod]

[Guest guest]

>

> -Hang on Vicci.

>

> I have just read your post. I have been there.

>

> Sheila and others on this forum will be able to offer you loads of help and

support on how to reach better health.

>

> Most GP's do not understand the Thyroid connection or how to interpret test

results/symptoms.

>

> You will find all you need to know here.

>

> best wishes,

>

> L

Hi ,

Thank you so much for your response, I have been sitting here going cross eyed

from reading everything I can, to stop myself from just sitting and howling,and

because I can't go to the GPs yet to see if they have managed to sort out

printed test results, and wishing so hard that in April 2008 when I posted the

first time I had stuck with it all. The trouble I think for me is when things

vary so much, and you are used to certain things and just manage them, and the

doctors are so dismissive, it is so easy to think that maybe it is just me....

This time I have to go the whole nine yards, I can't afford not to.

Thanks again.

>

[Guest guest]

>

Hi ,

Thanks so much for your reply, it has been such a relief to come here and get

immediate support from people who have been through this.

I have been doing some reading and the fibromyalgia link is astonishing, I will

certainly be following it up.

As soon as 4pm comes I will go down to the surgery to see if they have managed

to print anything out for me re the test results, as for apologising to the

doctor, I may not be able to manage it just yet! I am however going to put some

print outs from here into an envelope - research stuff, not anything not already

out there if they'd only look! - and ask her to look at it.

Many thanks again.

>

[Guest guest]

Hi toxic kitten, Do you have a name we can call you though your email is descriptive? Welcome to the forum. As to fibromyalgia see http://www.drlowe.com , he believes that all fibromyalgia is due to untreated or poorly treated hypo. My stiff joints were the last symptoms to go once I got the right treatment. Sadly GP's tend to ignore the symptoms if the bloods are anywhere within the large UK range ( other countries have a smaller range) It sounds as if that 21 could be free T4 which is one of the thyroid hormones, but it is pretty inert unless it converts to T3 which is rarely tested so we don't know if your body can do that ( from the way you feel it probably can't) . There are other ways of tackling this by seeing a gyny to ask if your thyroid may be messing with your periods ( infrequent painful and heavy) or a psyciatrist because lack of T3 causes depression- you are probably depressed ( tears and temper) because you are hypo rather than any other reason if so then antidepressants won't help much. the other way is to go private, but if you are a student this may not be possible. Mybe you could get a referral to an endo ( Sheila has a list), but be careful as most are diabetes specialists. > thyroid treatment > From: toxic_kitten@...> Date: Wed, 23 Sep 2009 09:48:18 +0000> Subject: I have reached rock bottom.> > Hello everyone, I joined this group quite a few months ago as I suspected something was not quite right after about 5 years of various vague things starting up that I felt were a bit early at 35 as I was then to indicate normal aging.> > I did a post when I joined, I went off to my then GP who did thyroid tests and said they were all normal, although my hormones "could" indicate early menopause, but not significantly enough to worry. So I kept going with exercise, sensible diet etc etc, because even though I have been severely messed around by the medical profession in the past for other issues, there is still a naive part of me that that does not want to accept that they can truly be so arrogant and blind and uncaring of people, and so determined to pin everything from dry skin to painful joints on ruddy "depression". > > And I also felt that I wasn't quite bad enough to really merit attention - we have a very strong upper lip ethic in my family as I'm sure many people here do, and admitting that at only just 40 I feel 90 seemed wrong, especially with no medical proof of anything being wrong. I had a year of therapy at this point to make sure none of my emotional issues were clouding my judgement and am satisfied I am not psychosomatic, as is my therapist.> > We moved house in March this year, and I went to a new doctor. I chose a woman, hoping for some empathy, and described to her my problems. She immediately offered anti-depressants, then reluctantly ordered blood tests to "prove" that my thyroid is "normal".(While sitting waiting for the blood test I could see my notes on the computer screen and she had written "Refuses anti-depressants even though tearful" ) She also sent me to a Rheumatology clinic because the pains I had been getting in my low back due to Sacro-iliac Joint Dysfunction have spread to include "Tennis Elbow" and now my hands and feet are playing up and my legs always hurt going up and down stairs. My Achilles tendons play up alot as well.> > Well, guess what, I apparently have Fibromyalgia.> > I went back to my GP today and have to admit I completely messed it up. It may partly be because I "knew" how she'd be, and also my period started (ten days late this time - I'm running bets on duration and volume) but I did take the list from here showing signs and symptoms, of which I probably have about two thirds. She refused to look at it because I do not have a thyroid problem.> > She could not give me a print out of my thyroid test numbers but would do it later and I have to pay.> > She immediately offered me Amitryptiline because I must accept I have Fibromyalgia and deal with it.> > The only thing I heard through my humiliatingly teraful rage was that one of the Thyroid figures was 21, from a range of 12 to 22, which is higher end of normal, but if it was treated I would go Hyper which is very dangerous.> > I am so embarrassed that I lost it, accused doctors in general of wanting to wait until people are really ill before they bother with them, and that I don't believe they feel my health is important. All done without actually shouting or being very rude, but it was bad emough. I said I would self-medicate, I said I would de-register, and fled without sorting out printed test results so I had to phobne back later and I'm not sure if they will be able to do it today because they are "Very Busy". Well, so am I, I'm very busy trying to ne pro-active about my health before it gets any more aggravating.> > I start my dream Uni course on Monday, I will be the oldest person but am young at heart - still head bang when I have the energy, and I cannot bear the thought of not squeezing every ounce of benefit from this opportunity because I am knackered and de-motivated and aching all the time.> > I cannot bear the thought of my family suffering because I cannot keep up with the normal demands of home life,, due to feeling exhausted.> > And I admit it, I'm vain, and I can't bear the thought of my weight going any further up the scale - I've gone from 11 stone 4, down to 10 stone 12 with diet and 2 - 3 hours exercise a day between May and July,and since going on holiday, and my activity levels dropping slightly because it's not practical all the time to exercise at that level, and it hurts and I'm knackered, I'm now 11 stone 6, which has all gone on in a lump in the last three weeks.> > Please acccept my apologies for this lengthy,slightly petulant and ranty post, but I really don't know where else to turn now. My mother has similar problems, and I spoke to her, and she said go back to that Forum you talked about, beg for the name of a private doctor we can see, who will take us seriously.> > Part of the reason I didn't commit properly here before is because I didn't want to discover that my problems were self-inflicted, that they would resolve with proper lifestyle changes etc, and that the doctors were right. I didn't want to be a false positive here that might detract from your genuine halth problems. Now I am realising I have real health problems, and if I don't get them sorted out my life is never going to be as successful and fulfilling as it should be.> > Many thanks in advance, thanks for providing this forum, and please, accept my apologies for being so disorganised and scatty at this moment - that wretched woman has left me feeling like a five year old who's taken on Mike Tyson.> > > > > > > > ------------------------------------> > TPA is not medically qualified. Consult with a qualified medical practitioner before changing medication.> >

[Guest guest]

I Toxic-kitten - I do remember you but cannot remember your

proper name.

I am so sorry that you are having to put up with such an

uncaring attitude from your GP - to be honest, I would leave her and never go

back. You CAN now choose your own GP wherever you wish, but, of course, good

doctors are always in high demand so there may be no room, or you might have to

go onto a long waiting list.

You CAN take your health into your own hands and diagnose and

treat yourself - because more and more, it seems the NHS are doing everything

possible to declare hypothyroidism and adrenal fatigue as illnesses that no

longer exist - you know, as Prof. Weetman says, we are suffering from a

functional somatoform disorder, and all they want to do is to give you

antidepressants to help you get over it…we TUFF!

Here is what I would recommend. Get the 24 hour salivary adrenal

function test to see where your cortisol and DHEA levels are at four specific

times during the day. www.gdx.uk.net . If

your results come back showing that you have adrenal insufficiency, then you

need to start a course of Nutri Adrenal Extra. Is it at all possibly have a

consultation with Dr Peatfield? He will set you on the road to good health, and

if you HAVE to treat yourself, he is the best person to teach you how. You

should buy his book " Your Thyroid and How to Keep it Healthy " which

you can buy from Amazon cheaply. If you buy from Amazon, do it through our web

site www.tpa-uk.org.uk because we get a

5% cut - which goes towards our Charity. BTW - go to our FILES and click

on 'Adrenals' and look for the Adrenal Questionnaire (do it) and then look at

the 'Home Adrenal Tests' and see how you get on.

Fibromyalgia is a general term for vague pains - and mostly

these are caused because your body is not getting sufficient of the active

thyroid hormone T3 - your GP should be ashamed of herself for not even knowing

this. She can carry on giving you pain suppressants and antidepressants for

ever, but if you are hypothyroid, these are only going to make your condition

worse.

Your GP CANNOT withhold your blood test results or your

reference range - you should NOT have to be paying for these - though I

would expect doctors to make a charge if you wanted to read through your

medical notes or take copies of other stuff. My doctor NEVER charges me for my

blood results.

I will send you a list of our 'good' doctors in the hope that

you can find one near to you that is willing to help - you might be able to get

one within the NHS - there are some excellent doctors. You could write a

letter to your GP setting out your symptoms/signs, basal temperature, members

of your family who have a thyroid or autoimmune disease, and you could ask her

to give you tests to see if any of the following are low: ferritin, B12,

Vitamin D3, zinc, copper, magnesium and folate - because if they are, you could

tell her that thyroid hormones cannot be properly absorbed - and whatever you

are low in needs supplementing. You could probably teach her a great deal

;o) Because she cannot find the cause of your problems (and fibromyalgia

is not a disease, but a symptom of a disease) then you need to put in your

letter to her that you now want to be referred to a thyroid specialist - and

remind her that you are entitled to a second opinion, whether another GP or a

consultant. Then ask that she place the letter into your medical notes in case

it is needed for future reference. Don't let this madam get away with treating

you so badly. It is time we patients started to speak up and let them know we

have brains. At the bottom of the letter, write Cc. Head of Practice.

Your GP has obviously NOT done a thoroughly clinical

examination, nor has she taken any of your symptoms and signs into

consideration. All she has done is to look at laboratory tests - this is wrong

and this should be pointed out to her, and this is your opportunity to tell her

that THIS is the main reason why you now wish for a referral to a specialist.

Good luck toxic-kitten. Let us know how you get on - and do

remember to look at all the information in our files and links section.

Luv - Sheila x

We moved house in March this year, and I went to a new doctor. I chose a woman,

hoping for some empathy, and described to her my problems. She immediately

offered anti-depressants, then reluctantly ordered blood tests to

" prove " that my thyroid is " normal " .(While sitting waiting

for the blood test I could see my notes on the computer screen and she had

written " Refuses anti-depressants even though tearful " ) She also

sent me to a Rheumatology clinic because the pains I had been getting in my low

back due to Sacro-iliac Joint Dysfunction have spread to include " Tennis

Elbow " and now my hands and feet are playing up and my legs always hurt

going up and down stairs. My Achilles tendons play up alot as well.

Well, guess what, I apparently have Fibromyalgia.

I went back to my GP today and have to admit I completely messed it up. It may

partly be because I " knew " how she'd be, and also my period started

(ten days late this time - I'm running bets on duration and volume) but I did

take the list from here showing signs and symptoms, of which I probably have

about two thirds. She refused to look at it because I do not have a thyroid

problem.

[Guest guest]

Hi

I know just how yu feel... we all do. :-)

What I noticed is that no-one has mentioned Wellsprings Serenity cream. Just

something to look at if you're starting the menopause as your email suggested.

Just something else to read. But I swear by it... and nutri adrenal extra.. and

everything Dr P suggested or recommended.

I don't hold out any hope on endos. There are no good ones in my part of the

country. My one won't even read the stuff I took with me!

Otherwise just read everything you can. You already know loads more than most

Drs - endos included. You found this site! They all seem to have an aversion to

even looking at the literature on the web....

My biggest problem was fearing I'd wreck my health by trying things and I might

have been wrong! What took me a long time to realise was the GPs were already

doing that. And they didn't care about me. One lovely moment I will always

treasure was when Dr P touched my arm and told me " I could stop battling. I knew

what I needed to do! " And I knew I did! In the last three months I feel tons

better. But the depression for me is the worst thing ... that can really knock

your confidence. There have been some lovely people on this site who have helped

me when things have been really bad. And just knowing that you are not alone,

the stuff is not all in the mind, and that if you ask a question no-one thinks

you are stupid. That is so nice.

So enjoy the course and be kind to yourself.... Let your family take their fair

share of the tasks when you feel unable to cope.

Kim x

[Guest guest]

> > > Hi ,> > Thank you so much for your response, I have been sitting here going cross eyed from reading everything I can, to stop myself from just sitting and howling,and because I can't go to the GPs yet to see if they have managed to sort out printed test results, and wishing so hard that in April 2008 when I posted the first time I had stuck with it all. The trouble I think for me is when things vary so much, and you are used to certain things and just manage them, and the doctors are so dismissive, it is so easy to think that maybe it is just me....> > This time I have to go the whole nine yards, I can't afford not to.> > Thanks again.> > > -----have you heard the one about the doctor who refused to accept the patient was ill, said there were too many blood tests to choose from to try and find out a diagnosis and that there was nothing wrong with the patient anyway, it was all in the mind and it was just a woman's hormone thing!!----'-oh,' the patient replied, 'tell you what, when I'm dead, I'll make sure you get to see the post mortem results and then you can write up my notes - and save yourself going through those tedious diagnostic procedures!!!!'-----yes, that was my doc and me . lol :)trust me, we are all fighting the same battles. You have a right to take charge of your own health - so be confident and strong with the medical profession. Become an 'informed patient' - the docs love that! :)best wishes, > > >>

[Guest guest]

Actually I think it is a good idea to ask for a copy of all your blood test results - not just the thyroid bit.

They used to do full blood count with my thyroid tests but nobody ever picked up that I had anaemia until I looked at the results myself.

It is also good to have other results to see how they also change, if they do, from time to time.

Lilian

When you ask for the results, be very specific about which ones you want.. eg.. thyroid function TSH, T4 and T3 taken in (month/year) I'd also ask for any other hormone tests you've had in tha past few years... You need the reference ranges too...

[Guest guest]

>

>

> Hi toxic kitten,

> Do you have a name we can call you though your email is

descriptive? Welcome to the forum. As to fibromyalgia see http://www.drlowe.com

, he believes that all fibromyalgia is due to untreated or poorly treated hypo.

My stiff joints were the last symptoms to go once I got the right treatment.

Sadly GP's tend to ignore the symptoms if the bloods are anywhere within the

large UK range ( other countries have a smaller range) It sounds as if that 21

could be free T4 which is one of the thyroid hormones, but it is pretty inert

unless it converts to T3 which is rarely tested so we don't know if your body

can do that ( from the way you feel it probably can't) . There are other ways of

tackling this by seeing a gyny to ask if your thyroid may be messing with your

periods ( infrequent painful and heavy) or a psyciatrist because lack of T3

causes depression- you are probably depressed ( tears and temper) because you

are hypo rather than any other reason if so then antidepressants won't help

much. the other way is to go private, but if you are a student this may not be

possible. Mybe you could get a referral to an endo ( Sheila has a list), but be

careful as most are diabetes specialists.

>

>

>

Hi ,

I'm known as Vicci (posh spelling as I am a designer in real life, hopefully

much better qualified soon LOL)

I started a seperate thread with my blood results as I am trying to get used to

how this forum works, it's a bit different to others I've been on, and I thought

I might miss repliees on each subject if you see what I mean. I hope that's ok.

I have been looking at Dr Lowe, and am very interested in his work, though when

I looked up his book on Amazon it seemed hugely pricey - over $200 for a used

copy??

His stuff certainly seems to make sense.

The thing that bugs me the most about GPs and conventional docs is their

inability to look at a big picture. Surely if one hormone is out of whack, it

stands to reason there is likely to be a knock on effect?

I have been talking to my Mum tonight who has very similar issues to me, though

not weight gain, more weight loss, and we have decided to take the bull by the

horns.

Many thanks indeed for your welcome and support, it is much appreciated.

[Guest guest]

>

> I Toxic-kitten - I do remember you but cannot remember your proper name.

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

> Good luck toxic-kitten. Let us know how you get on - and do remember to look

> at all the information in our files and links section.

>

>

>

> Luv - Sheila x

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

Hi Sheila,

Many thanks indeed for your reply and your advice - you were very kind last time

when I first joined and I wish I'd been more pro-active then, maybe I wouldn't

feel so bad and so panicky now.

I posted the two blood results I got on a seperate thread as I was getting a bit

confused with the system here, but I think I've got a grip on it now.... I hope

that's ok.

I have been talking at length to my Mum this evening, and we are both seriously

looking at trying to get to see Dr Peatfield. I have put her onto this site, and

once we get her organised with a account, I think she will be very

interested to join here and utilise all the information - she too has

Fibromyalgia, arthritis, low blood pressure, constant tiredness etc, and it has

become worse in the last year or two. We both feel older than our years, and

both hate it.

She was tested because she was suspected of s disease, but didn't have

it, although she did have very low cortisol.

I have been reading everything I can today, and will certainly be trying all the

home tests I can, also I will look into the salivary adrenal test - after my son

was born, I had three years of intensive and traumatic stress, and can pinpoint

several physical symptoms to around this time, including IBS... if stress and

trauma are contributary factors to thyroid / adrenal dysfunction, I have had it

in spades. Therapy has dealt with many residual mental issues, so if my physical

ones were related, I would expect them to have diminished, not got worse......

unless of course this somatoform business means the better you feel mentally the

more your body has to suffer???? Given I have a profound belief in positive

thought, I think something is wrong somewhere!

And yes, I do feel that a letter would be helpful. I meant to take her a bunch

of things I printed off today, but of course got confused and forgetful as I

left in a hurry to get the one measly test print out I could access, and left

them at home.

Tomorrow I'm going to go to the surgery and ask to see my notes in full. Blow

this charging for printing! I'll copy in longhand!

I'm also going to get an appointment with another GP at the practice and asking

for another comprehensive set of blood tests to include all the things you

suggest, as my husband and children have seen other male doctors who have been

very helpful.

I have really been helped here today by the replies I've had, thank you so much.

I will let you know what transpires tomorrow.

All the best,

Vicci

[Guest guest]

>

> Hi

>

> I know just how yu feel... we all do. :-)

>

> What I noticed is that no-one has mentioned Wellsprings Serenity cream. Just

something to look at if you're starting the menopause as your email suggested.

Just something else to read. But I swear by it... and nutri adrenal extra.. and

everything Dr P suggested or recommended.

>

> I don't hold out any hope on endos. There are no good ones in my part of the

country. My one won't even read the stuff I took with me!

>

> Otherwise just read everything you can. You already know loads more than most

Drs - endos included. You found this site! They all seem to have an aversion to

even looking at the literature on the web....

>

> My biggest problem was fearing I'd wreck my health by trying things and I

might have been wrong! What took me a long time to realise was the GPs were

already doing that. And they didn't care about me. One lovely moment I will

always treasure was when Dr P touched my arm and told me " I could stop battling.

I knew what I needed to do! " And I knew I did! In the last three months I feel

tons better. But the depression for me is the worst thing ... that can really

knock your confidence. There have been some lovely people on this site who have

helped me when things have been really bad. And just knowing that you are not

alone, the stuff is not all in the mind, and that if you ask a question no-one

thinks you are stupid. That is so nice.

>

> So enjoy the course and be kind to yourself.... Let your family take their

fair share of the tasks when you feel unable to cope.

>

> Kim x

>

Hi Kim,

Thanks so much for your reply, I have been talking to my Mum tonight and we both

feel that we should try and see Dr Peatfield, so I have something positive to

aim for.

I'm going to go and look up the Cream you mention, thank you for that.

Coming here today has really helped, everyone has been lovely, and I will come

back tomorrow as I have made some decisions about things that need to be done

about today, Sheila has given me some advice and I will be following that as

well.

I don't understand the reluctance of doctors to look at new things, the GP today

wouldn't even look at the list I gave her of signs and symptoms from here, it

was really rude of her. Her whole attitude was like a school teacher trying to

keep a naughty child in line.

Thanks so much again, I'm so glad that you are on the road to recovery,

hopefully before long I'll be joining you!

All the best

Vicci

[Guest guest]

>

> Actually I think it is a good idea to ask for a copy of all your blood test

results - not just the thyroid bit.

>

> They used to do full blood count with my thyroid tests but nobody ever picked

up that I had anaemia until I looked at the results myself.

>

> It is also good to have other results to see how they also change, if they do,

from time to time.

>

> Lilian

>

> When you ask for the results, be very specific about which ones you want..

eg.. thyroid function TSH, T4 and T3 taken in (month/year) I'd also ask for

any other hormone tests you've had in tha past few years... You need the

reference ranges too...

HI Lilian,

Thanks very much for your reply, I am formulating a plan of attack for tomorrow

- starting with an appointment with a different GP at the medical centre to get

a new set of comprehensive blood tests done.

Strangely, at the beginning of the year, my old GP said I had low iron levels

but wasn't anaemic, but if I wanted I could take a supplement? I did for a

while, I recall he thought it would help the tiredness, but it didn't and the

constipation was so much worse I gave up after a few weeks.

I'm also going to ask to see all my notes and try and get copies of anything

that might be relevant - I've had my thyroid tested about three times I think in

the last 5 or so years, so if I could see all the numbers at least I could see

where I was and where I am now....

I've talked to Mum alot this evening and we're both considering getting an

appointment with Dr P.

It's that old don't get mad, get even thing at the moment.....

Thanks again, all the best

Vicci

>

[Guest guest]

Vicci

One female GP actually Rolled her eyes in disgust when I tried to politely point

out that my 17 year old was hypo too. I could read munchausen in her eyes!

But as it runs in families and she had classic symptoms - I knew. Trust what you

read.

And listen to Dr P - he's a God in my eyes.

:-)

Kimx

[Guest guest]

About 25 years ago I was in my doctors surgery, probably for a cough or something routine, when I happened to mention that one sister was hypothyroid and now my other sister had been diagnosed. I had no symptoms as far as I can recall. He said to me that as hypo ran in families he would send me for a blood test. Came back after test and told that I was hypothyroid and started on thyroxine.

Yet 20 years after that, when I did have loads of sign and symptoms, but my TSH was within normal range, the same doctor said there was nothing wrong with me and wouldn't increase the thyroxine.

That is the result of being treated by TSH alone. Get treated with no symptoms, don't get treated when symptoms are crying out for treatment.

LilianBut as it runs in families and she had classic symptoms - I knew. Trust what you read.

[Guest guest]

Hi - just to let you know I have today

sent off the book 'Dirty Medicine' - I think you will enjoy it - if 'enjoy' is

indeed the right word.

Luv - Sheila

>

> -----have you heard the one about the doctor who refused to accept the

patient was ill, said there were too many blood tests to choose from to try and

find out a diagnosis and that there was nothing wrong with the patient anyway,

it was all in the mind and it was just a woman's hormone thing!!

----'-oh,' the patient replied, 'tell you what, when I'm dead, I'll make sure

you get to see the post mortem results and then you can write up my notes - and

save yourself going through those tedious diagnostic procedures!!!!'

-----yes, that was my doc and me . lol

trust me, we are all fighting the same battles. You have a right to

take charge of your own health - so be confident and strong with the medical

profession. Become an 'informed patient' - the docs love that!

best wishes,

>

> >

>

No virus

found in this incoming message.

Checked by AVG - www.avg.com

Version: 8.5.409 / Virus Database: 270.13.112/2390 - Release Date: 09/23/09

05:52:00

[Guest guest]

>> Hi - just to let you know I have today sent off the book 'Dirty> Medicine' - I think you will enjoy it - if 'enjoy' is indeed the right word.> > Luv - Sheila> > > > ----'-oh,' the patient replied, 'tell you what, when I'm dead, I'll make> sure you get to see the post mortem results and then you can write up my> notes - and save yourself going through those tedious diagnostic> procedures!!!!'> >Thanks Sheila, - sounds like my kinda reading!!> > >> > > > >> >> > > > No virus found in this incoming message.> Checked by AVG - www.avg.com> Version: 8.5.409 / Virus Database: 270.13.112/2390 - Release Date: 09/23/09> 05:52:00>

[Guest guest]

>>>>although was insistent that normal - in my case 1.6 - levels of TSH mean everything is fine - FT4 was 15.<<<<As the reference range for 'normal' is at present 0.35 (or thereabouts) to 5, could you perhaps approach your GP to suggest a trial dose of T4 to "bring your TSH level down to nearer 1 or just under so you would still be within the normal range but it might make you feel better'.

After all the normal womans shoe sizes are between 4 - 7 but you wouldn't dream of giving a woman who takes size 4 a shoe size 6, but they are both within the normal range.

A one size fits all dress, made for size 10 - 20 will look swamped on a size 10 and tight on a size 20.

Your T4 sounds to be rather low so it would indicate that you do need some thyroid medication.

Lilian

[Guest guest]

>>>>although was insistent that normal - in my case 1.6 - levels of TSH mean everything is fine - FT4 was 15.<<<<As the reference range for 'normal' is at present 0.35 (or thereabouts) to 5, could you perhaps approach your GP to suggest a trial dose of T4 to "bring your TSH level down to nearer 1 or just under so you would still be within the normal range but it might make you feel better'.

After all the normal womans shoe sizes are between 4 - 7 but you wouldn't dream of giving a woman who takes size 4 a shoe size 6, but they are both within the normal range.

A one size fits all dress, made for size 10 - 20 will look swamped on a size 10 and tight on a size 20.

Your T4 sounds to be rather low so it would indicate that you do need some thyroid medication.

Lilian

[Guest guest]

The majority of people who have been given a diagnosis of

fibromyalgia are suffering because they have too little of the active thyroid

hormone in their body. Many sufferers have found it almost miraculous once they

have been given a trial of thyroid hormone replacement to find their symptoms

of severe pain disappear. I know, I am one of them. The diagnosis of

fibromyalgia was only invented when synthetic levothyroxine was manufactured

and natural desiccated thyroid (which contains ALL the thyroid hormones your

body requires) fell out of favour. Doctors don't know what is the cause of the

severe pains so give them this dustbin diagnosis.

There is much research to show this - but getting the medical

profession to actually do their home work and find this is something else.

Blame the professors in the medical schools.

You should tell your doctor that thyroid blood test being normal

are insufficient to reach a proper diagnosis of hypothyroidism. The tests the

NHS concentrate on are ONLY THYROID GLAND FUNCTION TESTS. There are THOUSANDS,

IF NOT MILLIONS WORLDWIDE of people who are suffering from hypothyroidism despite

'normal' blood tests that throw their doctors off the track. These people are

suffering with peripheral resistance to thyroid hormones at the cellular level.

THYROID GLAND BLOOD TESTS DO NOT DETECT TYPE 2 HYPOTHOYROIDISM. This

can be hereditary, or caused with environmental toxins. As your doctor if he

has even heard about Type 2 hypothyroidism, because as yet, this has yet to be

recognised by mainstream doctors. Type 2 is already in epidemic proportions. I

bet s/he isn't even aware of this. These are the people who should be given a

trial of thyroid hormones.

SHOULD doctors start to look at this problem, this will be both

your, and our Eureka moment.

Luv - Sheila

Sheila

He did seem to listen to me, but said that back in the 60s and 70s allot of

people with Fibromyalgia were not treated for Hypothyroidism, they were given a

" green water " - he did name it but I can't remember it. It was

basically a placebo, and I asked if people got better with it and he said well,

no, the Fibromyalgia just rumbled along pretty much as it does now. He was

quite firm that people just have to learn to live with it, and at least it is a

proper diagnosis now, rather than regarded as psychosomatic.

I

[Guest guest]

Hi Vicci,

Like you I am battling with my GP, who makes me feel about 12 (I am 50!) but a

few successful strategies I have adopted:

1. To get a copy of Test Results with Reference Ranges - write a letter to your

GP/Surgery and include a stamped addressed envelope. Be specific you want the

results of the blood tests on 'specific' date WITH reference ranges. I have

always got a reply with the information I have requested in this way. (I have

often forgotten to ask when I see the GP on the anxiety of the appointment).

2. Always get your results, plot them on a graph - using this method I proved

that my results had dropped to the same value as when first diagnosed, showed

graph to GP and she agreed to increase T4 (having previously refused!).

3. Take someone with you to your GP appointment - and into the office don't

leave them in the waiting room. Even if it is just for moral support and they do

not say anything. I did this recently I wanted a referral to an endo, had had

tests that my adrenals were low, but because of 'feeling like a 12yr old' felt I

did not stand a chance. My other half came along didn't say a word (GP really

did not like it) but I got what I wanted a referral to a named endo.

Sometimes a third person can 'add weight' to a sympton by a brief comment - 'she

really is in pain / sleeps all the time' whatever.

It has taken me a number of years to work these out, I know there will be more

to learn when I get my referal. And I have probably pushed my GP to far and I

will need to find a new one - but it is my health!

Just a few thoughts, Janet

[Guest guest]

Hi Janet - nobody should make you feel about 12. You decide how

old you are and stick with that. Doctors try this on because they feel powerful

enough to do it - because patients allow them to do it. Fight back.

Luv - Sheila

Hi Vicci,

Like you I am battling with my GP, who makes me feel about 12 (I am 50!) but a

few successful strategies I have adopted: