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...
Hello,
I went to the doctors recently because I have been feeling very tired even though I have been getting enough sleep, I have also bee feeling very down, I am really sensitive and very irritable. The doctor wanted to test my thyroid so I had a blood test. I hadn't thought about it being a thyroid issue before but I came home after the blood test and looked it up, there are so many other symptoms I have. I have put on a lot of weight recently, I have dry skin and weak nails, I often feel 'foggy' and unclear, loss of sex drive, I often have numbness and tingling in my right hand fingers and feel very achy in my muscles. I also feel as though someone has their hands around my neck, I have had this sensation for years but never thought to say anything as it doesn't cause me any problems, it's just a strange and annoying sensation, I can swallow fine.
So, I was thinking that this was it, I have a thyroid issue. I called the GP today to get the results and apparently there is no cause for concern. I know this is silly but I'm gutted. I thought that this finally was making sense. I don't know what to think now. I have been reading up on the internet about it and apparently there are some thyroid problems that can't be detected through standard blood tests?
I'm not entirely sure what I'm asking from people to be honest. Does anyone have any experience of having a thyroid problem that was not picked up during a blood test? Does it even sound like a thyroid issue or maybe just depression or something else even? What about the lump in my throat? Should I mention it to a doctor or am I being over the top?
Thanks a lot
Kirsten
I went to the doctors recently because I have been feeling very tired even though I have been getting enough sleep, I have also bee feeling very down, I am really sensitive and very irritable. The doctor wanted to test my thyroid so I had a blood test. I hadn't thought about it being a thyroid issue before but I came home after the blood test and looked it up, there are so many other symptoms I have. I have put on a lot of weight recently, I have dry skin and weak nails, I often feel 'foggy' and unclear, loss of sex drive, I often have numbness and tingling in my right hand fingers and feel very achy in my muscles. I also feel as though someone has their hands around my neck, I have had this sensation for years but never thought to say anything as it doesn't cause me any problems, it's just a strange and annoying sensation, I can swallow fine.
So, I was thinking that this was it, I have a thyroid issue. I called the GP today to get the results and apparently there is no cause for concern. I know this is silly but I'm gutted. I thought that this finally was making sense. I don't know what to think now. I have been reading up on the internet about it and apparently there are some thyroid problems that can't be detected through standard blood tests?
I'm not entirely sure what I'm asking from people to be honest. Does anyone have any experience of having a thyroid problem that was not picked up during a blood test? Does it even sound like a thyroid issue or maybe just depression or something else even? What about the lump in my throat? Should I mention it to a doctor or am I being over the top?
Thanks a lot
Kirsten
I don't know what your doctor tested for. If the doc tested for TSH, they may have said everything was "normal" because it fell within the range limits. It doesn't mean that you feel well with that range...
So, to get you started, you need to always get copies of your lab tests. Keep them. Insist that you also have your Free T3 and Free T4 tested.
Doctor's are somewhat ignorant and arrogant when they rely on a lab number. They are equally ignorant when they rely on Thyroid Stimulating Hormone as a basis for Hypothyroidism. The TSH is not a thyroid hormone, but a pituitary hormone. It's use began in 1973 and is flawed. Prior to that time doctor's used to treat your symptoms.
It sounds like you need a follow up with your doctor and undergo another blood draw. (I got tired of continually following up with the doc for my lab paperwork and just had the lab send it to me direct). While you are at it, ask your doc to test for Vit D and Celiac (gluten sensitivity).
I was surprised too when I had so many of the symptoms, but yet had also been ignored. (I too had the neck issue - didn't hurt...etc)
Good luck!
I was diagnosed with an inflammatory bowel disease about 5 years ago but had to go to about 6 different doctors over 4 years to get the right diagnosis, looks like I may have another battle on my hands!
Thanks again
"leaky gut" is supposed to be related to hypo. Do you take a probiotic for your stomach?
Make certain that you keep copies of your lab results going forward and also get an anti-bodies test for thyroid auto-immune (hashimoto's).
New testing:
Free T3 & Free T4
Vit D
Gluten (eat gluten/wheat prior to the testing)
Antibodies
Best of luck.