So fed up and need advice- normal TSH (again) lab did not do others!!

[Guest guest]

long story short they

> repeated the TSH and it was 1.7 with a reference scale of 0.3 - 6

(I

> believe). So completely normal. However when she asked about the

> other results she was told they hadn't been done! ) and wonder if

> I am indeed a wolf in sheeps clothing i.e instead of being

> hypothyroid I am a depressive/menopaused fraud.

Kim. It's not you. My GP also requested thyroid tests but only a TSH

came back. When I queried where the T4 and T3 results were I was

told if the TSH is normal, mine was 1.4, the labs will no longer do

any other test. NHS policy.

I am just post menopausal and it gets extremely complicated to sort

it all out and find out which symptom belongs to what. But

nne's right in what she said - don't let them make you doubt

yourself.

Love

[Guest guest]

you sound like me, its so frustrating but I guess thats what

has happened to me...like the GP doesnt know what test she is

ordering! Like they say if one part is normal they dont check others

but we know that there is a possibility that another link in the

chain is faulty and I should know in my job (midwife), having

autoimmune conditions I know my body is already fighting itself so

why not something else? Dont get me wrong if I am subsequently proved

to be wrong in my 'diagnosis' then fine I will accept I am afflicted

by depression and menopause but what is menopause??? OVARIAN FAILURE

is that not a lack of hormones?? so they say if men had the

menopause, then men wouldnt suffer the menopause because it would get

treated (no offence intended to male members). Menopause is a failure

of a part of female systems and no we dont want babies in our old

age - well actually there are some women who do! mother nature needs

a smack with a damp bedsheet. My shrink asked me today if I wanted to

get better! duh - NO I want to be miserable, tired, fatigued,

lifeless lose my job!! I want raised cholesterol and die of a heart

attack or stroke, in fact why waste time taking antidepressants eh?

no seriously OF COURSE I WANT TO GET BETTER THATS WHY I AM TRYING TO

DIAGNOSE MYSELF AAAAAAAAAAAAARRRRRRRRRRRRRRRGGGGGGGGGGGGHHHHHHHHHHHHH

Kim X

>

> long story short they

> > repeated the TSH and it was 1.7 with a reference scale of 0.3 - 6

> (I

> > believe). So completely normal. However when she asked about the

> > other results she was told they hadn't been done! ) and wonder if

> > I am indeed a wolf in sheeps clothing i.e instead of being

> > hypothyroid I am a depressive/menopaused fraud.

>

> Kim. It's not you. My GP also requested thyroid tests but only a

TSH

> came back. When I queried where the T4 and T3 results were I was

> told if the TSH is normal, mine was 1.4, the labs will no longer do

> any other test. NHS policy.

>

> I am just post menopausal and it gets extremely complicated to sort

> it all out and find out which symptom belongs to what. But

> nne's right in what she said - don't let them make you doubt

> yourself.

>

> Love

>

[Guest guest]

Again you are spot on. Frustrating as it is the more I ask the GP the

more I think she feels its in my head and talk about counselling. I

have read that many years ago if your cholesterol was raised you were

automatically treated for an underactive thyroid... I need to see my

GP anyway about my ongoing sick leave due to my OCD/Stress so will

ask again.

Kim

thyroid treatment , " diddleedum "

<diddleedum@...> wrote:

>

> Kim you really do have my sympathy as I've also been blighted

> with 'normal' TSH. Since self treating my hypothyroidism (having

> seen Dr P for confirmation of my condition) I've come to realise

> that I was ill for many years. I guess hypoT isn't always the

> answer but with factors like yours I would hope that your GP might

> be prepared to persue this further.

> Does she have any previous TSH results? Sometimes this can at

least

> be an indicator that with a rising TSH your situation is worsening.

>

> You might be able to get your GP to phone the lab whilst you are

> there to ask them why they didn't check T4 and T3 and perhaps she

> can insist that they do these test because... she believes you have

> a conversion problem - as an example.

>

> Try not to think of yourself as a fraud. For whatever reason, you

> are feeling ill and are asking medical professionals to find out

> what is wrong. Do you have someone who can go with you on your

next

> visit to the doctor? Perhaps they can attest to how you have

> changed but they also could help the GP to realise that you are

> serious about expecting them to help you.

> Don't allow this to beat you.

> ly who cares if some closed-minded doctor thinks we are a

bunch

> of misinformed laypeople! What is dangerous is the misinformed

> doctors out there!!!

> Luv Bella

>

>

>

>

> >

> > I am so fed up...under advice from Sheila, I mentioned my

concerns

> > regarding possibly hypothyroidism to my 'shrink'. I was diagnosed

> > with OCD and clinical depression back in October and discovered

> that

> > two of my sisters had recently been diagnosed with Hypothyroidism

> > (for those who don't remember my sorry tale). Well my doctor

asked

> if

> > she could ring the lab for me and I said yes...long story short

> they

> > repeated the TSH and it was 1.7 with a reference scale of 0.3 - 6

> (I

> > with my GP and then went on to suggest that maybe my menopause

> > symptoms need treatment (I stopped periods age 47 in Aug 04). She

> > then went on to say I should take the advice from 'these

websites'

> > with a pinch of salt. Now I know you will not take kindly to that

> > assumption but now I am confused (no change there then) and

wonder

> if

> > I am indeed a wolf in sheeps clothing i.e instead of being

> > hypothyroid I am a depressive/menopaused fraud.

> > Kim

> >

>

[Guest guest]

Oh Kim - you are having a rough ride. Do you work with other GPs or nurse practitioners? Can they do a blood test for you for T3 - even if they have to put ? hyperthyroid - Im pretty sure that all labs will do T3 if there is a possibility of hyperthyroidism! I would use the colleagues you have to get your bloods done! (I work in the NHS and have done so in the past, not for me but for my son, and I would do for myself if necessary!).

I was told I was menopausal, depressed and had fibromyalgia, heel bursa and plantar fascitis at different times, many of my symptoms were just ignored!! I do know how you feel - my TSH was normal. Through TPA I found out a 'good' endo and had my bloods done through TPA (it was about £33 for TSH, T3 and T4 about a year ago) and I used these results, (all normal but TSH starting to rise and T3 and T4 low) to insist on a referral to the endo of my choice. Im loads better, not back to normal, but really so much better that I am still up at nearly 10.30!! I thought I was going round the twist! Dont give in you really will get there! What Ive realised is that Its Not Fair - why couldnt I have an illness that is easy but then I think - what like a cancer? and then I realise that this thyroid business is really crap but we can get better from it - I know, I am doing!" Please hang in there, go off sick from work - depression will do for the sick note if they dont want to say anything else! then get well, get reading and get into gear and insist on what you need - you will only do this when you have read up and had a rest (I think so, anyway)!! You have seen the support you have from the group with so many replies, please dont give in and ask and ask on here for more information and support!

Gill x

[Guest guest]

Oh Kim - This is SO typical of what we are all experiencing within the NHS. SAVE, SAVE, SAVE money, and damn the patient. The problem doesn't lie with your GP - many requests a full thyroid function test for their patients, but it is the laboratories who are refusing to do the other tests if the TSH is within the reference range. Laboratories are actually over-riding medical practitioners recommendations and this is appalling.

Your psychiatrist is correct - there are many websites that should be ignored (some might feel ours should be ignored too DUH!) but if people are not getting the help and support from the NHS, then where are they supposed to be getting it. From the comments people have made though, this one has helped a great number of people, and perhaps if more doctors came to have a look, they would learn something and apply it to their patients.

Dr. Hertoghe (author of The Hormone Handbook) says that when thyroid hormones are not working properly none of your other hormones are working properly and so your psychiatrist is probably right that you could have menopause problems. Many hypothyroids become oestrogen dominant and need progesterone to balance this out.

You are not alon e in thionking you are "a wolf in sheeps clothing" Kim - I bet every single member here has had that feeling at some time when they were trying to get a proper diagnosis. Look at the symptoms list for hypothyroidism in our Files section, and you will find both depression and sex hormone problems there.

I would try to get an appointment with somebody like Dr Peatfield or Dr Skinner and for the time being, concentrate on getting a correct diagnosis. Dr Peatfield does metabolic clinics in different parts of the UK, but he cannot prescribe medication as he is now retired, but he recommends what you should take and will give you a diagnosis. You would need a referral by your GP to see Dr Skinner (who lives in Birmingham), but he can prescribe. Very hard to get one on the NHS if your blood results are within the normal reference range - the majorioty of medical practitioners refuse to look at the signs and symptoms, do not listen to the patient's story and don't even do a medical examination. The fact that you have these other autoimmune diseases says it all.

Luv - Sheila

> Oh to remind you, I have autoimmune kidney disease, lichen planus > and ? vitiligo white patch on my side (teenage daughter diagnosed > several years ago and I have had a 'white birthmark' which I had > forgotten about> Kim>

[Guest guest]

Go to our Files and scroll down the list until you fiond NPTech Services. This is a laboratory in Newmarket where you can get a full thyroid function test for £40 - or iondividual tests for £17 each. Also, you can see the list of hospitals where you can get your blood drawn, though many GP's will let you get your blood drawn at the surgery and then you send it off to NPTech Services. You can get your results after about a week - and then you can post the results here so we can help sort out what is happening.

Luv - Sheila

Kim. It's not you. My GP also requested thyroid tests but only a TSH came back. When I queried where the T4 and T3 results were I was told if the TSH is normal, mine was 1.4, the labs will no longer do any other test. NHS policy. I am just post menopausal and it gets extremely complicated to sort it all out and find out which symptom belongs to what. But nne's right in what she said - don't let them make you doubt yourself. Love

No virus found in this incoming message.Checked by AVG Free Edition. Version: 7.5.516 / Virus Database: 269.17.13/1211 - Release Date: 06/01/2008 11:57

[Guest guest]

I should imagine your GP is getting very frustrated because she doesn't know anything about hypothyroidism - it is an easy way out for her to say it's all in your head.

Type high cholesterol hypothyroidism into Google - you wll get lots of information.

Luv - Sheila

Re: So fed up and need advice- normal TSH (again) lab did not do others!!

Again you are spot on. Frustrating as it is the more I ask the GP the more I think she feels its in my head and talk about counselling. I have read that many years ago if your cholesterol was raised you were automatically treated for an underactive thyroid... I need to see my GP anyway about my ongoing sick leave due to my OCD/Stress so will ask again.Kimthyroid treatment , "diddleedum" <diddleedum@...> wrote:>> Kim you really do have my sympathy as I've also been blighted > with 'normal' TSH. Since self treating my hypothyroidism (having > seen Dr P for confirmation of my condition) I've come to realise > that I was ill for many years. I guess hypoT isn't always the > answer but with factors like yours I would hope that your GP might > be prepared to persue this further.> Does she have any previous TSH results? Sometimes this can at least > be an indicator that with a rising TSH your situation is worsening. > > You might be able to get your GP to phone the lab whilst you are > there to ask them why they didn't check T4 and T3 and perhaps she > can insist that they do these test because... she believes you have > a conversion problem - as an example.> > Try not to think of yourself as a fraud. For whatever reason, you > are feeling ill and are asking medical professionals to find out > what is wrong. Do you have someone who can go with you on your next > visit to the doctor? Perhaps they can attest to how you have > changed but they also could help the GP to realise that you are > serious about expecting them to help you.> Don't allow this to beat you. > ly who cares if some closed-minded doctor thinks we are a bunch > of misinformed laypeople! What is dangerous is the misinformed > doctors out there!!!> Luv Bella > > > > > >> > I am so fed up...under advice from Sheila, I mentioned my concerns > > regarding possibly hypothyroidism to my 'shrink'. I was diagnosed > > with OCD and clinical depression back in October and discovered > that > > two of my sisters had recently been diagnosed with Hypothyroidism > > (for those who don't remember my sorry tale). Well my doctor asked > if > > she could ring the lab for me and I said yes...long story short > they > > repeated the TSH and it was 1.7 with a reference scale of 0.3 - 6 > (I > > with my GP and then went on to suggest that maybe my menopause > > symptoms need treatment (I stopped periods age 47 in Aug 04). She > > then went on to say I should take the advice from 'these websites' > > with a pinch of salt. Now I know you will not take kindly to that > > assumption but now I am confused (no change there then) and wonder > if > > I am indeed a wolf in sheeps clothing i.e instead of being > > hypothyroid I am a depressive/menopaused fraud. > > Kim> >>

No virus found in this incoming message.Checked by AVG Free Edition. Version: 7.5.516 / Virus Database: 269.17.13/1211 - Release Date: 06/01/2008 11:57

[Guest guest]

Thanks Gill

Gonna try and twist the GPs arm again, like the hyperT idea of

getting test done, once I have exhausted that I will then pay for

tests and see what happens. I guess Doctors dont want to diagnose

thyroid problems because it would cost the NHS millions in free

prescriptions BUT on the other hand it would save money on the time

spent attending doctors and seeing specialists taking sick leave

etc.. Just a thought!

thanks

Kim

>

> Oh Kim - you are having a rough ride. Do you work with other GPs

or nurse practitioners? Can they do a blood test for you for T3 -

even if they have to put ? hyperthyroid - Im pretty sure that all

labs will do T3 if there is a possibility of hyperthyroidism! I

would use the colleagues you have to get your bloods done! (I work

in the NHS and have done so in the past, not for me but for my son,

and I would do for myself if necessary!).

>

> I was told I was menopausal, depressed and had fibromyalgia, heel

bursa and plantar fascitis at different times, many of my symptoms

were just ignored!! I do know how you feel - my TSH was normal.

Through TPA I found out a 'good' endo and had my bloods done through

TPA (it was about £33 for TSH, T3 and T4 about a year ago) and I used

these results, (all normal but TSH starting to rise and T3 and T4

low) to insist on a referral to the endo of my choice. Im loads

better, not back to normal, but really so much better that I am still

up at nearly 10.30!! I thought I was going round the twist! Dont

give in you really will get there! What Ive realised is that Its Not

Fair - why couldnt I have an illness that is easy but then I think -

what like a cancer? and then I realise that this thyroid business is

really crap but we can get better from it - I know, I am doing! "

Please hang in there, go off sick from work - depression will do for

the sick note if they dont want to say anything else! then get well,

get reading and get into gear and insist on what you need - you will

only do this when you have read up and had a rest (I think so,

anyway)!! You have seen the support you have from the group with so

many replies, please dont give in and ask and ask on here for more

information and support!

>

> Gill x

>

[Guest guest]

Hi Kim,

Menopause is the time when the production of oestrogen changes from

the ovaries to the general fat and progesterone levels drop. Now

progesterone promotes the circulation of thyroid hormones, but oestrogen

takes them out of circulation. So at this time if you develop oestrogen

dominance this can aggravate any lowering of thyroid hormones. See

www.progesterone.co.uk for more info . oestrogen HRT can make this worse.

Progesterone can be converted to oestrogen at need so there isn't much point

using oestrogen HRT.

My pshychiatrist has suggested I take it up

with my GP and then went on to suggest that maybe my menopause

symptoms need treatment (I stopped periods age 47 in Aug 04). She

then went on to say I should take the advice from 'these websites'

with a pinch of salt. Now I know you will not take kindly to that

assumption but now I am confused (no change there then) and wonder if

I am indeed a wolf in sheeps clothing i.e instead of being

hypothyroid I am a depressive/menopaused fraud.

Oh to remind you, I have autoimmune kidney disease, lichen planus

and ? vitiligo white patch on my side (teenage daughter diagnosed

several years ago and I have had a 'white birthmark' which I had

forgotten about

Kim

Messages are not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always

consult with a suitably qualified practitioner before changing medication.

[Guest guest]

> Gonna try and twist the GPs arm again, like the hyperT idea of

> getting test done, once I have exhausted that I will then pay for

> tests and see what happens. I guess Doctors dont want to diagnose

> thyroid problems because it would cost the NHS millions in free

> prescriptions BUT on the other hand it would save money on the time

> spent attending doctors and seeing specialists taking sick leave

> etc..

Are you taking your temperature per Dr Rind's method? There's a whole

lot of information to be got from that - more, in my view, than from

blood tests. For starters, it will tell you whether you've got thyroid

or adrenal issues or both.

Rosie

[Guest guest]

Hi Kim - I actually think that its ignorance - they are fed the line by the BTA and the fear of the BMA/GMC stops them stepping out of line! I dont think the cost of free prescriptions will mean much to GPs as they dont have that budget. But I do think that there would be cost savings (direct to the NHS) through treating us because then we wouldnt have all the other referrals and tests and the much more expensive drugs they treat us with to lower our cholesterol, BP, and the HRT and the antidepressants and the anti-inflammatories etc - whih are all more expensive than thyroxine and all added together probably more expensive than Armour!

Gill

Re: So fed up and need advice- normal TSH (again) lab did not do others!!

Internal Virus Database is out-of-date.Checked by AVG Free Edition. Version: 7.5.516 / Virus Database: 269.17.6/1192 - Release Date: 21/12/07 13:17

[Guest guest]

Then it could be the drug companies' influence. After all who makes extra money by denying us thyroxine so that we have umpteen other drugs prescribed for each individual symptom.

We never did find out whether people on the BTA have any affiliations with the pharmaceutical companies.

Lilian

Hi Kim - I actually think that its ignorance - they are fed the line by the BTA and the fear of the BMA/GMC stops them stepping out of line! I dont think the cost of free prescriptions will mean much to GPs as they dont have that budget. But I do think that there would be cost savings (direct to the NHS) through treating us because then we wouldnt have all the other referrals and tests and the much more expensive drugs they treat us with to lower our cholesterol, BP, and the HRT and the antidepressants and the anti-inflammatories etc - whih are all more expensive than thyroxine and all added together probably more expensive than Armour!

[Guest guest]

Lilian, the BTA accounts are on line and do show substantial support from the pharmaceutical industry!!

Gill

Re: Re: So fed up and need advice- normal TSH (again) lab did not do others!!

Then it could be the drug companies' influence. After all who makes extra money by denying us thyroxine so that we have umpteen other drugs prescribed for each individual symptom.

We never did find out whether people on the BTA have any affiliations with the pharmaceutical companies.

Lilian

Hi Kim - I actually think that its ignorance - they are fed the line by the BTA and the fear of the BMA/GMC stops them stepping out of line! I dont think the cost of free prescriptions will mean much to GPs as they dont have that budget. But I do think that there would be cost savings (direct to the NHS) through treating us because then we wouldnt have all the other referrals and tests and the much more expensive drugs they treat us with to lower our cholesterol, BP, and the HRT and the antidepressants and the anti-inflammatories etc - whih are all more expensive than thyroxine and all added together probably more expensive than Armour!

Internal Virus Database is out-of-date.Checked by AVG Free Edition. Version: 7.5.516 / Virus Database: 269.17.6/1192 - Release Date: 21/12/07 13:17

[Guest guest]

I rest my case - as they say in the films.

Lilian

Lilian, the BTA accounts are on line and do show substantial support from the pharmaceutical industry!!

[Guest guest]

Well - doesn't this say it all Lilian?

http://www.btf-thyroid.org/index.htm

The Inception of the British Thyroid Foundation

Sir Bayliss, Thyroidologist:

The British Thyroid Foundation is the brain-child of Mrs. Janis Hickey. In 1989 this lady, then aged 34 years, was suffering from thyrotoxicosis and sought to learn more about the nature and course of her thyroid disorder. Through relatives she learnt of The Thyroid Foundation in Canada and wrote to this organisation in April 1989, seeking advice on how she might organise a similar foundation in the United Kingdom. They suggested that she contact me.

I suggested that Mrs. Hickey talk with Dr. Belchetz, the endocrinologist under whose care she was at The General Infirmary, Leeds. Dr. Belchetz offered to raise the matter of a British Thyroid Foundation at the next meeting of the Thyroid Club, which was then the forerunner of the medical profession's organisation for thyroidologists, The British Thyroid Association. After due consideration the members of the Thyroid Club welcomed the establishment of the British Thyroid Foundation. Armed with this support and her own determination, Mrs. Hickey undertook the formidable task of registering The British Thyroid Foundation as a charity, recruited a legal adviser, established a broadly-based Council of Management (Trustees) and an Advisory Board. She sought financial support, mainly from the pharmaceutical industry. The first formal meeting of the Trustees was held in July 1991 and there has been no looking back. Patients with thyroid diseases and those who look after them owe a great debt to Janis Hickey.

Re: Re: So fed up and need advice- normal TSH (again) lab did not do others!!

Then it could be the drug companies' influence. After all who makes extra money by denying us thyroxine so that we have umpteen other drugs prescribed for each individual symptom.

We never did find out whether people on the BTA have any affiliations with the pharmaceutical companies.

Lilian

Hi Kim - I actually think that its ignorance - they are fed the line by the BTA and the fear of the BMA/GMC stops them stepping out of line! I dont think the cost of free prescriptions will mean much to GPs as they dont have that budget. But I do think that there would be cost savings (direct to the NHS) through treating us because then we wouldnt have all the other referrals and tests and the much more expensive drugs they treat us with to lower our cholesterol, BP, and the HRT and the antidepressants and the anti-inflammatories etc - whih are all more expensive than thyroxine and all added together probably more expensive than Armour!

No virus found in this incoming message.Checked by AVG Free Edition. Version: 7.5.516 / Virus Database: 269.17.13/1211 - Release Date: 06/01/2008 11:57

[Guest guest]

HI Sheila,

I would strongly disagree

with the last sentence!

http://www.btf-thyroid.org/index.htm

. She sought financial support, mainly from

the pharmaceutical industry. The first formal meeting

of the Trustees was held in July 1991 and there has been no looking back.

>>>>Patients with thyroid diseases and

those who look after them owe a great debt to Janis Hickey.

Re:

Re: So fed up and need advice- normal TSH (again) lab

did not do others!!

Then it could be the drug companies' influence. After

all who makes extra money by denying us thyroxine so that we have umpteen other

drugs prescribed for each individual symptom.

We never did find out whether people on the BTA have any

affiliations with the pharmaceutical companies.

Lilian

Hi Kim - I actually think that its

ignorance - they are fed the line by the BTA and the fear of the BMA/GMC stops

them stepping out of line! I dont think the cost of free prescriptions

will mean much to GPs as they dont have that budget. But I do think that

there would be cost savings (direct to the NHS) through treating us because

then we wouldnt have all the other referrals and tests and the much more

expensive drugs they treat us with to lower our cholesterol, BP, and the HRT

and the antidepressants and the anti-inflammatories etc - whih are all more

expensive than thyroxine and all added together probably more expensive than

Armour!

No virus found in this

incoming message.

Checked by AVG Free Edition.

Version: 7.5.516 / Virus Database: 269.17.13/1211 - Release Date: 06/01/2008

11:57

[Guest guest]

You mean the "no looking back" sentence. I agree.

Luv - Sheila

HI Sheila,

I would strongly disagree with the last sentence!

http://www.btf-thyroid.org/index.htm

. She sought financial support, mainly from the pharmaceutical industry. The first formal meeting of the Trustees was held in July 1991 and there has been no looking back.

>>>>Patients with thyroid diseases and those who look after them owe a great debt to Janis Hickey.

Re: Re: So fed up and need advice- normal TSH (again) lab did not do others!!

Then it could be the drug companies' influence. After all who makes extra money by denying us thyroxine so that we have umpteen other drugs prescribed for each individual symptom.

We never did find out whether people on the BTA have any affiliations with the pharmaceutical companies.

Lilian

Hi Kim - I actually think that its ignorance - they are fed the line by the BTA and the fear of the BMA/GMC stops them stepping out of line! I dont think the cost of free prescriptions will mean much to GPs as they dont have that budget. But I do think that there would be cost savings (direct to the NHS) through treating us because then we wouldnt have all the other referrals and tests and the much more expensive drugs they treat us with to lower our cholesterol, BP, and the HRT and the antidepressants and the anti-inflammatories etc - whih are all more expensive than thyroxine and all added together probably more expensive than Armour!

No virus found in this incoming message.Checked by AVG Free Edition. Version: 7.5.516 / Virus Database: 269.17.13/1211 - Release Date: 06/01/2008 11:57

No virus found in this incoming message.Checked by AVG Free Edition. Version: 7.5.516 / Virus Database: 269.17.13/1211 - Release Date: 06/01/2008 11:57