Guest guest Posted December 27, 2007 Report Share Posted December 27, 2007 Hi Kim There are many people on this group who have much more knowledge of hypothyroidism than me, but I just wanted to say - my TSH was 'normal' and it ended up taking me about 3 years to get sorted out, with a consultant who actually took account of my symptoms. Your symptoms are highly suggestive of hypothyroidism, as is the fact that you have a strong family history of it too. You need to find a GP who has an understanding that symptoms need to be taken into consideration along with the blood tests - one GP who did understand this, told me that the so called 'normal' range is in fact a reference range and that it is only 95% accurate, therefore some of us will have symptoms and be suffering from hypoT but our bloods show as normal. Insist on a referral to an endocrinologist - look in the links for the ones listed - or tell us where you are so we can advise on who is a good one to go to. Read all the information in the files and this will give you a good start. I am about 8 months into treatment with levothyroxine and although still not 100% I am so much better and you will get well again with treatment. Your symptoms of OCD and mental illness are also symptoms of hypoT - I thought i was losing my marbles and my GP told me I was depressed - neither were true, further symptoms of hypothyroidism. You have come to the right place. Incidentally, did you get the Sunday Mail last week? There is an article in their in the You mag, suggesting people contact TPA-UK for information - wondered if you had seen this? Chin up girl you have found the first step to getting well again! Gill x Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 27, 2007 Report Share Posted December 27, 2007 Hi Gill, Thanks for your advice, no I didn't see the news paper which is a pity. I think its going to be a long haul with getting blood results at my GP - my GP who I get on with did request most of the blood tests but she wasn't sure that the lab would actually do them. So I may be forced to pay for them myself. I suppose I put down most of my symptoms to getting old and going through the menopause in 2004 as possible causes and the weight arrived around my middle 'overnight' or thats how it felt. Summer 2003 I was heavier but by 2004 although 2 stones lighter my clothes didn't fit around my middle!! What swung it for me was having a 'ladies' op I knew I wasn't eating much and had a couple of days without eating and then no appetite, I had a bladder catheter inserted through my lower abdomen. I wasn't at all well and when I hopped on the scales I had gained weight!! bizaar and so depressing. I am falling foul of the doctors receptionists who attempt to tell me how to suck eggs! hmme nurse and midwifery training should help me but all I feel is confused and not part of the human race. I have quite literally worn the carpet threadbare by my chair and usually feel really tired mid afternoon. Oh well I will stop my whinging and take heart that you have trodden the road I am now on! thanks for that Kim > > Hi Kim > > There are many people on this group who have much more knowledge of hypothyroidism than me, but I just wanted to say - my TSH was 'normal' and it ended up taking me about 3 years to get sorted out, with a consultant who actually took account of my symptoms. Your symptoms are highly suggestive of hypothyroidism, as is the fact that you have a strong family history of it too. > > You need to find a GP who has an understanding that symptoms need to be taken into consideration along with the blood tests - one GP who did understand this, told me that the so called 'normal' range is in fact a reference range and that it is only 95% accurate, therefore some of us will have symptoms and be suffering from hypoT but our bloods show as normal. Insist on a referral to an endocrinologist - look in the links for the ones listed - or tell us where you are so we can advise on who is a good one to go to. > > Read all the information in the files and this will give you a good start. > > I am about 8 months into treatment with levothyroxine and although still not 100% I am so much better and you will get well again with treatment. Your symptoms of OCD and mental illness are also symptoms of hypoT - I thought i was losing my marbles and my GP told me I was depressed - neither were true, further symptoms of hypothyroidism. You have come to the right place. Incidentally, did you get the Sunday Mail last week? There is an article in their in the You mag, suggesting people contact TPA-UK for information - wondered if you had seen this? > > Chin up girl you have found the first step to getting well again! > Gill x > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 27, 2007 Report Share Posted December 27, 2007 Kim, please dont get downhearted (easy to say I hear you say!) you really will get the help you need from this group. Where are you? Did the GP do a TSH test? There should be no reason why the GP couldnt do a TSH and a freeT4 test, although many labs wont do the free T3. I got my bloods done privately through NPtech (its on the website) and was only £33 for the TSH, fT3 and fT4 but you can get the free T3 for about £14 - it was worth every penny as I took the results to my GP and used them to insist on a referral to an endocrinologist. Please tell us where you are as we can advise on a 'good' endocrinologist! The free T3 is important for you to have I think (but the NHS probably wont do it for GPs) as sometimes people have a problem converting the T4 to the active T3 and a sign of this is tiredness in the afternoon - but Sheila and others will be able to tell you more. Mainly just dont give up, its pretty obvious to me that you are hypothyroid from what you say! If your GP is any good then ask for a trial on thyroxine. The DoH guidance states quite clearly that if your TSH is rising and you have hypothyroid symptoms you should be offered a trial of thyroxine, even if your TSH is in the 'normal' range. Many people (including many on the group) dont respond well to just the thyroxine and as Dr Weil said in the Sunday Mail article, many people respond better to a combination of thyroxine (T4) and T3 treatment (or the natural dessicated porcine thyroid extract - Armour Thyroid). Gill Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 27, 2007 Report Share Posted December 27, 2007 I am in Rugby, Warwickshire > > Kim, please dont get downhearted (easy to say I hear you say!) you really will get the help you need from this group. Where are you? Did the GP do a TSH test? There should be no reason why the GP couldnt do a TSH and a freeT4 test, although many labs wont do the free T3. I got my bloods done privately through NPtech (its on the website) and was only £33 for the TSH, fT3 and fT4 but you can get the free T3 for about £14 - it was worth every penny as I took the results to my GP and used them to insist on a referral to an endocrinologist. Please tell us where you are as we can advise on a 'good' endocrinologist! > > The free T3 is important for you to have I think (but the NHS probably wont do it for GPs) as sometimes people have a problem converting the T4 to the active T3 and a sign of this is tiredness in the afternoon - but Sheila and others will be able to tell you more. > > Mainly just dont give up, its pretty obvious to me that you are hypothyroid from what you say! If your GP is any good then ask for a trial on thyroxine. The DoH guidance states quite clearly that if your TSH is rising and you have hypothyroid symptoms you should be offered a trial of thyroxine, even if your TSH is in the 'normal' range. > > Many people (including many on the group) dont respond well to just the thyroxine and as Dr Weil said in the Sunday Mail article, many people respond better to a combination of thyroxine (T4) and T3 treatment (or the natural dessicated porcine thyroid extract - Armour Thyroid). > > Gill > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 27, 2007 Report Share Posted December 27, 2007 Can anyone advise Kim on endos or GPs in Warwickshire? Kim - its a bit quiet on the group at the moment, with Christmas - usually its quite busy and you get a response in no time! Gill I am in Rugby, Warwickshire Recent Activity 6 New Members 5 New Photos 1 New LinksVisit Your Group Cancer Support Groups on Find answers, connect with others. Healthy Eating A Group for families on how to eat healthy. Health Live Better Longer Find new ways to stay healthy. .. No virus found in this incoming message.Checked by AVG Free Edition. Version: 7.5.516 / Virus Database: 269.17.6/1192 - Release Date: 21/12/07 13:17 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 27, 2007 Report Share Posted December 27, 2007 I don't suppose things will get back to normal until after New Year, thanks for trying anyway. Kim > > Can anyone advise Kim on endos or GPs in Warwickshire? Kim - its a bit quiet on the group at the moment, with Christmas - usually its quite busy and you get a response in no time! > > Gill > > I am in Rugby, Warwickshire > > > Recent Activity > a.. 6New Members > b.. 5New Photos > c.. 1New Links > Visit Your Group > Cancer Support > Groups on > > Find answers, > > connect with others. > > Healthy Eating > A Group > > for families on > > how to eat healthy. > > Health > Live Better Longer > > Find new ways > > to stay healthy. > . > > > > -------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------- > > > No virus found in this incoming message. > Checked by AVG Free Edition. > Version: 7.5.516 / Virus Database: 269.17.6/1192 - Release Date: 21/12/07 13:17 > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 27, 2007 Report Share Posted December 27, 2007 Its a bit late now but Im sure Sheila is around and will contact you tomorrow. Just dont go away as you really will get a lot of help here (and I know what its like when you are feeling so run down and tired, but hang in there kiddo!). Gill Re: Getting a diagnosis I don't suppose things will get back to normal until after New Year, thanks for trying anyway.Kim>> Can anyone advise Kim on endos or GPs in Warwickshire? Kim - its a bit quiet on the group at the moment, with Christmas - usually its quite busy and you get a response in no time!> > Gill> > I am in Rugby, Warwickshire> > > Recent Activity> a.. 6New Members> b.. 5New Photos> c.. 1New Links> Visit Your Group > Cancer Support> Groups on > > Find answers,> > connect with others.> > Healthy Eating> A Group> > for families on> > how to eat healthy.> > Health> Live Better Longer> > Find new ways> > to stay healthy.> . > > > > --------------------------------------------------------------------> > > No virus found in this incoming message.> Checked by AVG Free Edition. > Version: 7.5.516 / Virus Database: 269.17.6/1192 - Release Date: 21/12/07 13:17> No virus found in this incoming message.Checked by AVG Free Edition. Version: 7.5.516 / Virus Database: 269.17.6/1192 - Release Date: 21/12/07 13:17 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 27, 2007 Report Share Posted December 27, 2007 Thanks Gill, poor old carpet is so worn, I have a laptop computer cos I can't be asked to walk a few feet to the main pc in my living room! thanks will check back tomorrow > > > > Can anyone advise Kim on endos or GPs in Warwickshire? Kim - its a > bit quiet on the group at the moment, with Christmas - usually its > quite busy and you get a response in no time! > > > > Gill > > > > I am in Rugby, Warwickshire > > > > > > Recent Activity > > a.. 6New Members > > b.. 5New Photos > > c.. 1New Links > > Visit Your Group > > Cancer Support > > Groups on > > > > Find answers, > > > > connect with others. > > > > Healthy Eating > > A Group > > > > for families on > > > > how to eat healthy. > > > > Health > > Live Better Longer > > > > Find new ways > > > > to stay healthy. > > . > > > > > > > > ---------------------------------------------------------- > ---------- > > > > > > No virus found in this incoming message. > > Checked by AVG Free Edition. > > Version: 7.5.516 / Virus Database: 269.17.6/1192 - Release Date: > 21/12/07 13:17 > > > > > > > > > -------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------- > > > No virus found in this incoming message. > Checked by AVG Free Edition. > Version: 7.5.516 / Virus Database: 269.17.6/1192 - Release Date: 21/12/07 13:17 > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 27, 2007 Report Share Posted December 27, 2007 Hi Kim, Sorry you are having such a rotten time with your GP's surgery and the 'normal' test results. Gill has given you such good advice but I wanted to add that I also had normal test results over many years of worsening health problems that had me resigned to becoming wheelchair bound. I didn't feel I had any options but to take my health in to my own hands and I am considerably better for it. There's no talk of wheelchairs now, rarely do I feel that I have a screw loose and I'm on much better terms with my family due to feeling balanced and normal. I visited Dr Peatfield who confirmed hypoT and I started self treating over a year ago. It can be a very long time before doctors will agree to treat a person with normal results but Sheila and the forum members will hopefully be able to steer you towards a specialist who may agree to treat you. You will get so much support from this forum in obtaining the treatment you require and plenty of sympathy too. Luv Bella > Thanks Gill, > poor old carpet is so worn, I have a laptop computer cos I can't be > asked to walk a few feet to the main pc in my living room! thanks > will check back tomorrow > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 27, 2007 Report Share Posted December 27, 2007 > > I am in Rugby, Warwickshire There should be no reason why your GP's surgery won't give you your results. If all else fails, you can put in a request for them under the Freedom of Information Act. Since they *have* to give them to you if do put in such a (written) request, they really should give them to you if you just point this out to them. Rosie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 27, 2007 Report Share Posted December 27, 2007 > Insist on a referral to an endocrinologist - look in the links for > the ones listed - or tell us where you are so we can advise on who > is a good one to go to. But be aware that some of them are hopeless. I'd say, check with us lot first before seeing one, or you may end up wasting much more than your time. For instance, I got a referral to an endo at the local hospital. I saw her last December. I explained my debilitating fatigue. She did some blood tests. When I got her letter, although it showed that my fT4 was off the bottom of the scale (and therefore, by definition, lower than 95% of the population), my TSH was " only " 2.68 (actually an increase of 233% if only she'd bothered to look). She said that the normal TSH meant that I didn't need thyroid replacement even though my fT4 was low and in any case it couldn't account for such extreme fatigue, and she couldn't help me further. God in heaven, what do we pay them for? Another example: a *seriously* hypoT friend of mine who is just on thyroxine went to an endo to ask about trying T3. This endo said he had never heard of T3. WTF??? (and she's still on - and doing very badly on - thyroxine). All I'm trying to say is that it's worth checking to see whether the endo you go to see does actually have half a clue. Personally, I see a private GP in Brighton (Dr ce, top bloke). He may not be an endocrinologist but he understands more about this stuff than any endo I have seen. Rosie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 28, 2007 Report Share Posted December 28, 2007 Kim, if you are having a problem getting rid of the lichen planus in your mouth try using an aloe vera toothpaste. You can get this in health food shops if you cannot get it in the supermarket. A friend of mine was plagued with this and even her dentist didn't know how to get rid of it. Someone suggested the aloe vera toothpaste to her and it did go away. Not instantly though. Lilian Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 28, 2007 Report Share Posted December 28, 2007 Hi Kim and welcome to the forum. I am sorry not to have got back to you before now but the holidays took over and now, hopefully, things will get 'back to normal'. I hope you get all the help and support you require. > I need help...I have had two blood tests of 30th Nov & 10th Dec for > Thyroid function & T4 & free T4, free T3 and autoantibodies > respectively. I cannot get the results of either. I have telephoned > my GP several times and keep being given the results of my liver > function test!!! which is normal but protein high normal. Because of your GP's refusal to give you the blood results you require. I would write to him personally and send a copy of the letter to the Practice Manager, that way, your request will have to be placed in your medical notes. Enclose a stamped addressed envelope so he can send his response to you in writing. Tell him you wish to have the full results for your TSH, Free T4, Free T3 and antibodies, and you would like these within 7 working days. All NHS patients are entitled to their results and if you go to our FILES and scroll down, you will find one about 'getting access to your medical records'. If he still refuses to let you have these, then write to your local PCT and ask their advice. So here it > is...I have just turned 50, in the last month or so two of my four > sisters, the one just older and the one just younger have been > diagnoses with hypothyroidism. I have many of the symptoms they > have/had. I have raised cholesterol of 5.7 (was 6.4), never been > raised before. Periods stopped in August 04, I have autoimmune lichen > planus of mouth, autoimmune vitiligo one patch on my side and ?> autoimmune (or damage)Focal Glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) affecting > kidneys. I have recently been diagnosed with OCD and stress - > obsessive compulsive disorder and clinical depression. I am sluggish -> want to hibernate, I have gained weight despite being ill and not > eating as much as normal, dry skin, slow hair growth on body not sure > about my head hair. My eyebrows are fair but seem to disappear for > the last third by outer edge of both eyes. I have absolutely no > libido. Alot of my symptoms are being put down to depression and I am > being treated with medication and also Simvastin (statin) because of > my kidney disease. As stated previously, a cholesterol level of 5.7 does NOT need statins. I would change your doctor, and fast. You can bring your own cholesterol down by using high dose of natural CoEnzyme Q10 and Vitamin B3. You have many of the symptoms of hypothyroidism, and you need to ask your doctor to refer you to an endocrinologist - somebody who is trained in thyroid disease, because your GP most certainly is not. Are you being offered any help with your OCD by a professional who knows about this. If not, you need to again, ask your doctor to refer you to a person who might be able to help you with this. It is very hard to treat this yourself. When you write to your doctor asking for the blood results, request in that letter that you get a referral to an endocrinologist and psychologist who understands OCD. I have said before that I feel it must be my OCD > but I have wondered for a while if I might be hypothyroid and now my > sisters are diagnosed I feel cheated. However I must point out that > my last TSH result was apparently normal but my younger sister says > her result was abnormal. So I feel confused, am I to accept I am > suffering from mental illness. Having a normal TSH does NOT mean you do not have hypothyroidism. This method of diagnosis is appalling and very wrong. Scientists will point out that you cannot be hypothyroid if your TSH is normal, but it doesn't work out like that. Your GP should take a full family history, should give you a thorough clinical examination to see if you have any of the 'signs' of hypothyroidism (see our website and check yourself against the list of symptoms and signs, www.tpa-uk.org.uk . He should also take your BP and temperature and test yhour tendoln reflexes, especially the Achilles tendon reflex. If this is a slows reaction, this is a SPECIFIC sign of hypothyroidism. Do NOT accept that you are suffering from a mental illness. Giving such a diagnosis to their patients and prescribing them antidepressants is tolol easy for them and lets them off the hook. They want their patients to go away and leave them in peace. Don't let him do this. I dont know why the lab has not posted > any results through yet and get fed up keep having blood taken but no > results. You could telephone your local laboratory at the hospital and ask them direct why they have not posted any results. I think you will find that they HAVE but that your doctor is not letting you have them for some reason. Perhaps he is just not qualified to interpret them. Send that letter to your doctor too and lets see what happens. Lastly I feel by getting diagnosed would mean treatments > would make me feel so much better than I do. I am a nurse/midwife and > so knowledge is sometimes a hinderance to getting sorted. I am certain that getting a trial of thyroid hormone replacement would help you. Make 2008 the year you are goiong to get your health back Kim. You don't have to suffer, but sadly, I am finding that people suffering hypothyroidism are being very badly treated in the NHS, and this is what this group is about. Luv - Sheila> Kim> Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 28, 2007 Report Share Posted December 28, 2007 I would ask your GP to refer you to Dr Newrick, who has an excellent reputation and works within the NHS. Luv - Sheila Dr. P Newrick MD FRCP Worcestershire Royal Hospital WorcestershireWR5 7DD >> I am in Rugby, Warwickshire> > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 28, 2007 Report Share Posted December 28, 2007 Hi Kim, Keep pushing for your test results- make an appointment to see doc to discuss them. But, yes it is possible to be hypothyroid with a 'normal' TSH when thyroid hormones get low it is possible that the pituitary is affected so it doesn't put out enough TSH to tell the thyroid to do more. In this case you will be showing low T4 and low(er) T3 ( this is the active hormone. If the free T4 and free T3 are in the lower half of their range this is a pointer that thyroid disease is developing even if it is not full blown yet. All that you have said does point that way. There is a good symptoms list on http://www.drrind.com print it off and tick all the symptoms that apply and take it to you doc -this should encourage him to give you a trial of thyroid hormones even if your tests are borderline. Over 90% of healthy people havea TSH of around 1.0 so don't accept anything higher than 2.5 ,but sadly some docs won't do anything until TSH reaches 5 or even 10. in this case go private- list of docs on the website. Getting a diagnosis Lastly I feel by getting diagnosed would mean treatments would make me feel so much better than I do. I am a nurse/midwife and so knowledge is sometimes a hinderance to getting sorted. Kim Messages are not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult with a suitably qualified practitioner before changing medication. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 28, 2007 Report Share Posted December 28, 2007 There's is also an excellent symptoms and signs list on our own website www.tpa-uk.org.uk *grin*. Just click on 'Hypothyroidism' in the main menu, and then click on 'Symptoms and Signs' in the sub menu. Luv - Sheila There is a good symptoms list on http://www.drrind.com print it off andtick all the symptoms that apply and take it to you doc -this shouldencourage him to give you a trial of thyroid hormones even if your tests areborderline. Over 90% of healthy people havea TSH of around 1.0 so don'taccept anything higher than 2.5 ,but sadly some docs won't do anything untilTSH reaches 5 or even 10. in this case go private- list of docs on thewebsite. .. No virus found in this incoming message.Checked by AVG Free Edition. Version: 7.5.516 / Virus Database: 269.17.11/1200 - Release Date: 27/12/2007 13:34 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 28, 2007 Report Share Posted December 28, 2007 Wow Gill was right, you are all out there!! Thank you so much for your encouragement, I have felt so isolated for quite some considerable time, even with 5 kids a husband and many pets!!! I have felt in a bubble 'nothing applies to me' almost in a way I have wondered if I have been preparing my family for coping without me.....don't get me wrong I don't mean suicide, just a feeling always that I am not all there. My brain is constantly in turmoil, contradicting itself. Knowing that these feelings etc aren't normal and recently resolved to accept that it must be mental illness. Yes I am being treated for that by a PSHYCHIATRIST who confirms I have OCD and am clinically depressed. Menopause happened and as a midwife I should be able to understand that but no! Menopause is Ovarian failure - a disease that if it happened to men they would sort it out. Yes all women will go through it and some will experience symptoms that can be distressing but my menopause happened almost within 6 months. For goodness sake I had a baby at just turned 42, she is 8 now, so in 1999 I was fertile and by 2004 over and out. That seems quite a long time but I didn't have any period problems until a couple of months before they stopped forever but with it went my libido, self confidence, normal brain function - at the age of 40 I was training to be a midwife as nursing wasn't what I wanted to do any more. I did a BSc Hons and now I am like a gibbering idiot. I have fallen upon this 'idea' that I may be hypothyroid because I cannot understand why my health is failing - mental mostly and weight increasing when it should be decreasing. I will take the advice of so many of you and try and get a referral (I do believe they think this is part of my OCD). y sister was finally diagnosed after 10 years of observing and finally her TSH was high. I am not sure if my blood has actually been tested properly by the lab and cannot get a straight answer from the receptionists because they have no medical knowledge. My GP was not confident the lab would carry out the free T4 free T3 and antibodies as she requested (after I asked her). So having already checked the symptom list I took it with me and she didn't seem interested in it and said to do a trial with thyroxine would be dangerous as I could go hyperthyroid. Blimey I am going round in circles Kim > > Hi Kim, > Keep pushing for your test results- make an appointment to see doc > to discuss them. But, yes it is possible to be hypothyroid with a 'normal' > TSH when thyroid hormones get low it is possible that the pituitary is > affected so it doesn't put out enough TSH to tell the thyroid to do more. > In this case you will be showing low T4 and low(er) T3 ( this is the active > hormone. If the free T4 and free T3 are in the lower half of their range > this is a pointer that thyroid disease is developing even if it is not full > blown yet. All that you have said does point that way. > There is a good symptoms list on http://www.drrind.com print it off and > tick all the symptoms that apply and take it to you doc -this should > encourage him to give you a trial of thyroid hormones even if your tests are > borderline. Over 90% of healthy people havea TSH of around 1.0 so don't > accept anything higher than 2.5 ,but sadly some docs won't do anything until > TSH reaches 5 or even 10. in this case go private- list of docs on the > website. > > > Getting a diagnosis > > Lastly I feel by getting diagnosed would mean treatments > would make me feel so much better than I do. I am a nurse/midwife and > so knowledge is sometimes a hinderance to getting sorted. > Kim > > > > Messages are not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always > consult with a suitably qualified practitioner before changing medication. > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 28, 2007 Report Share Posted December 28, 2007 Oh Kim, the feeling of being in a bubble is so much how I used to feel - I used to have to concentrate to 'be here' or I would just drift off to nowhere! I think this is part of how we dont get diagnosed as we are not with it enough to understand what is happening, in a way you are right that it is mental illness in that the thyroid hormones affect every part of the body, including the brain, so if you dont have enough thyroid hormones then your brain can't function properly. This started to respond immediately I went onto thyroxine but still isnt 100% and I am now thinking of asking the endocrinologist to give me a trial with either Armour, or adding in some T3 to my levothyroxine. If you are seeing the psychiatrist soon I would definitely tell him your symptoms of hypoT and see if he will diagnose you as often psychiatrists are better at understanding hypothyroidism than the endocrinologists! Its still quiet on the group Kim, Im not usually on during the day but Im on holiday and doing some work on the pc so I cant resist the ping when I hear an email has arrived!! Lots more people will be back in the new year with more advice and help, to get you on the road to recovery. Gill ----- I have felt in a bubble 'nothing applies to me' almost in a way I have wondered if I have been preparing my family for coping without me.....don't get me wrong I don't mean suicide, just a feeling always that I am not all therebefore changing medication. .. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 28, 2007 Report Share Posted December 28, 2007 Thanks again Gill for words of encouragement. Not been back on much today as my cold has got the better of me. Managed to break my new lap top so parts of the screen are missing, so off to PC World tomorrow. Hey have you or anyone ever heard of this... my tongue seems to keep getting in the way, my lichen planus isn't too bad at the moment, just a bit inside cheeks but I keep biting my tongue when I am eating and it really hurts! I chomp right into it and it feels like it is a bit bigger than maybe it should be or is it me being silly?? It sounds daft but I only bite my tongue on rare occassions but recently I seem to bite it all the time and as I said it hurts when I do. Oh well another ramble to myself. Kim > > Oh Kim, the feeling of being in a bubble is so much how I used to feel - I used to have to concentrate to 'be here' or I would just drift off to nowhere! I think this is part of how we dont get diagnosed as we are not with it enough to understand what is happening, in a way you are right that it is mental illness in that the thyroid hormones affect every part of the body, including the brain, so if you dont have enough thyroid hormones then your brain can't function properly. This started to respond immediately I went onto thyroxine but still isnt 100% and I am now thinking of asking the endocrinologist to give me a trial with either Armour, or adding in some T3 to my levothyroxine. > > If you are seeing the psychiatrist soon I would definitely tell him your symptoms of hypoT and see if he will diagnose you as often psychiatrists are better at understanding hypothyroidism than the endocrinologists! > > Its still quiet on the group Kim, Im not usually on during the day but Im on holiday and doing some work on the pc so I cant resist the ping when I hear an email has arrived!! Lots more people will be back in the new year with more advice and help, to get you on the road to recovery. > > Gill > ----- > I have felt in a bubble 'nothing applies to me' almost in a > way I have wondered if I have been preparing my family for coping > without me.....don't get me wrong I don't mean suicide, just a > feeling always that I am not all therebefore changing medication. > > > > . > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 28, 2007 Report Share Posted December 28, 2007 Kim, I too keep biting my tongue, but believe it or not, I keep biting underneath my tongue. Now if I tried to do it, it is impossible. Yet when I have been eating it is definitely bitten underneath. I tried to see if I could catch how I do it, but never can. Lilian Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 29, 2007 Report Share Posted December 29, 2007 Developing a large tongue is another symptom of hypothyroidism. Kim, go to our website www.tpa-uk.org.uk and click on the link "Hypothyroidism" and then on "Symptoms and Signs" and check off how many of both you suffer. Luv - Sheila Hey have you or anyone ever heard of this... my tongue seems to keep getting in the way, my lichen planus isn't too bad at the moment, just a bit inside cheeks but I keep biting my tongue when I am eating and it really hurts! I chomp right into it and it feels like it is a bit bigger than maybe it should be or is it me being silly?? It sounds daft but I only bite my tongue on rare occassions but recently I seem to bite it all the time and as I said it hurts when I do. Oh well another ramble to myself.Kim .. No virus found in this incoming message.Checked by AVG Free Edition. Version: 7.5.516 / Virus Database: 269.17.11/1200 - Release Date: 27/12/2007 13:34 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 29, 2007 Report Share Posted December 29, 2007 Hi Kim, A swollen piecrust edged tongue ( depressions around the edge caused by the teeth) is a definite hypo symptom. Mine was horrible, but now I'm properly treated ( had to go private) it's still a bit big, but I don't have the indentations around the sides. I understand how you feel and was put on antidepressants by my doc, who wouldn't listen when I said that my tiredness felt physical, not mental. After telling him of the family history of thyroid disease I reluctantly got a TSH done, which made him very guilty when the results showed 126_ I was rung up and told to go straight to the surgery without and appointment! This is unheard of. Have you been able to get your tests results yet, though I don't suppose you will until after New Year- I swear the holiday gets longer each year. I suggest you go to the surgery and ask for the numbers ( a sec will do that as long as you make it clear that you don't want an interpretation) and won't leave until you get them, I also found that talking loudly and refusing to leave the public area also can get attention if they are really being difficult, then make appt to see doc again. A low dose trial of thyroxine is not dangerous. What do you think docs did before all these silly tests were invented. I call them silly as half the time they don't show all the truth and are often interpreted incorrectly anyway. If I was treated to the tests I would still be bedridden as I need far more meds than the tests should indicate- system damage due to the 17 years I was treated but severely undermedicated. I can't convert T4 into T3 anymore and need lots of T3 to get through into my cells- no good just slopping around in the blood stream. The big problem is getting docs to reaslie that we are not all the same and one size ( working to the tests) does not fit all, and that applies to diagnosis too. How can they tell if you can't convert to T3 if the test has not even been done. ... my tongue seems to keep getting in the way, my lichen planus isn't too bad at the moment, just a bit inside cheeks but I keep biting my tongue when I am eating and it really hurts! I chomp right into it and it feels like it is a bit bigger than maybe it should be or is it me being silly?? It sounds daft but I only bite my tongue on rare occassions but recently I seem to bite it all the time and as I said it hurts when I do. Oh well another ramble to myself. Kim Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 29, 2007 Report Share Posted December 29, 2007 Hi Sheila, I know! But this one compares and contrasts hypo with adrenal issues in a particularly clear manner, which can be useful when you're not sure what is causing what! I'm assuming that our members have read the website first and all the useful info it contains. thyroid treatment From: sheilaturner@...Date: Fri, 28 Dec 2007 11:14:54 +0000Subject: Re: Getting a diagnosis There's is also an excellent symptoms and signs list on our own website www.tpa-uk.org.uk *grin*. Think you know your TV, music and film? Try Search Charades! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 29, 2007 Report Share Posted December 29, 2007 Bizaar eh Lilian? > > Kim, I too keep biting my tongue, but believe it or not, I keep biting underneath my tongue. Now if I tried to do it, it is impossible. Yet when I have been eating it is definitely bitten underneath. I tried to see if I could catch how I do it, but never can. > > Lilian > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 17, 2008 Report Share Posted March 17, 2008 ees " <kimbmarees@...> wrote: > > I am overwhelmed with all the information both here and elsewhere - how do I actually get a > diagnosis so that I know I am on the right track? I have felt unwell for a long time with many Even though it seems easier, I think a diagnosis doesn't really matter. I thought I needed one for my daughter. But, I " know " that she has yeast problems. and I " knew " that I had them too. (I was lucky enough to get a test and they found yeast in my stool - but what if they hadn't? because a lot of tests come back negative even though you are full of yeast) It is overwhelming!! I think it gets easier. Read one article and change 1 thing everyday. (I think it is actually much easier than it looks) I started this somewhere around 6 weeks ago. I was totally petrified to put my kids on the diet. I mean, I was shaking for days. Silly me and my drama. Really, you aren't supposed to start the diet all at once. So, you have time to read 1 thing and change 1 thing every day. Also, I think it is possible to feel out what you need to change first. Find something that draws you, feels true. The next day, find something else that draws you. I am two weeks out with my kids (age 2.5 & 5) and it has been an absolute miracle!!! They actually think vegetables are sweet now - because I took out all the other distracting sugars. I am so impressed with their eating. kim chi and swallowing frozen raw liver. Are these my kids? (who were super picky just a few months ago) And, I feel better too. sleeping better. I can't believe how bad for us all those yummy carbs are. I was on some stupid blood sugar roller coaster and saying I ate healthy. How blind we can be! Good luck as you start your journey, may God be with you, Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You are posting as a guest. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.