Hypothyroidism Support Group
Hypothyroidism is the disease state caused by insufficient production of thyrohormone by the thyroid gland. There are several distinct causes for chronic hypothyroidism, the most common being Hashimoto's thyroiditis and hypothyroidism following radioiodine therapy for hyperthyroidism. Advanced hypothyroidism may cause severe complications, the most serious one of which is...
I was in the ER last night becuz the lymph nodes under my right jaw are extremely painful and red. Also the right side of my lower chhleek/jaw areas numb. I told them that i have hashis and my thyroid has been very low lately. They did a bunch of bloodwork and everything came out ok..except my tsh....it was 46!! Also, it is hard to swallow. They told me to call my endo first thing today so i did. She raised my levo dose...also i ache everywhere and i am so weak and fatigued that even tiny movements make my heart race. Could all of these things be caused by my thyroid?? has anyone else experienced these symptoms before ? Thank you for your help!"
Long answer: Yes, these symptoms can be caused by your thyroid....and worse!
Yes. It IS your thyroid - you have a TSH of 46 -- a healthy person should have a TSH of no more than 1 or 2.
And finally, YES - I've had these same symptoms...and much worse because of thyroid issues.
Here's what you must do for yourself if you want to reclaim your health:
Request that Free T3 and Free T4 tests be done along with your TSH test. They tell the real tale as to what's going on with you. TSH is an "indicator" - but far from the whole picture.
You can post these tests on this forum and we can help you interpret them.
ALWAYS keep a hard copy of your labs, a written record of your thyroid medication changes (date you started them, dosage, etc)
Here's some really good places to start:
http://www.dailystrength.org/c/Hypothyroidism/forum/14455047-journal-success
As with anything..... you get out of it what you put into it. Be vigilant about your own health, and it will pay off.
PS I know it's hard to "take charge" when you feel like you're about to die (that's how it can feel sometimes) But it's a must if you want to feel better.
I agree 110% with what MButterfly said.
Thyroid hormone is very potent so, even if our levels are a little "off" from what is optimal for the individual, symptoms can be quite "dramatic".
A TSH of 46 is INSANE......I can't believe your doctor let things get this bad. ((hugs))
You know, besides causing us some pretty horrible symptoms, hypothyroidism can cause many things "behind the scenes".....bone loss, cardiac issues, cholesterol/glucose issues, neurological issues...the list goes on and on.
It's really important to work towards optimizing and maintaining our thyroid levels......this is what's necessary to maintain good health.
Wishing you well on your recovery.
Did I read your post correctly? Specifically, this line:
"A TSH of 46 in INSANE.....I can't believe your doctor let things get this bad." ((thugs))
Not to make light of your serious situation TC40, but any doctor who would allow a TSH of 46 should be banned from practicing medicine. Do all that MButterfly says, and keep us informed.
Wishing you the best.
Maybe you could say, "I know you feel they are un-necessary, but please run them to put my mind at ease."
If that doesn't work - there are place you can get them done that doesn't require a doctor's request.
Please don't give up.
It's entirely possible to feel well while having thyroid disease but, it will require work on your part.
Minimally, your doctor should be increasing your dose until your TSH is 1.0 or lower......please don't let any doctor get away with anything otherwise.
And, if you have to travel to see another doctor, isn't your health and general wellbeing worth it?