Re: Been to GP............

[Guest guest]

Ooooooooooooooooooooooooh! Poor you, my tummy knotted for you reading

that! Your tsh is high, which just reinforces tpa's take on this

whole darn situation, that Drs clearly do not understand the

condition hardly at all. You very likely have found a major cause of

why you're finding life so hard, it's just that you're not getting

the medical support you need. Don't lose faith.

I had a similar experience with an endo a few weeks back. Apparently

it's 'common' to feel this rough. And I got the whole 'non specific'

symptoms thing too, with no treatment suggested. (My result are grey

too which doesn't help)

Wish I could offer something to make you feel better, try and take

care, be good to yourself over the weekend.

Hope all begins to work out for you. Can you try another GP for a

trial of thyroxine. I'm trying Armour at the mo', with some success,

early days still though.

>

> Well, I have just returned from the GP.

>

> I explained that I was there to query my test results and explained

[Guest guest]

Hi

I feel for you and I know how easy the tears can fall when faced with such a daunting thing. Can I ask when you came off your anti depressants? I ask this because you could be suffering some kind of withdrawal from them, did you taper off them slowly? Diss continuation syndrome is very much like the symptoms of depression returning again and can last for a few months, saying that though hypothyroidism has depression as a symptom, it was one of my symptoms, so its hard to tell what you are suffering with.

I really wish the doctor would give you a trial of Thyroxine but they seem so reluctant to, mind you one of my doctors doesnt seem to mind how much I increase mine by, I think he says increase it when he cant think of anything else to say!

I know how hard it is looking after children and feeling so low, keep your chin up and keep posting on here

From: <madmumof4girls@...>Subject: Been to GP............thyroid treatment Date: Friday, 15 August, 2008, 11:58 AM

Well, I have just returned from the GP.I explained that I was there to query my test results and explained why. He went through them - apparently the second test I had, my TSH was 8.32 and the last was 4.31. I explained that I was concerned as I felt I had sympgtoms which possibly related to an underactive thyroid - he asked me what they were and I explained that I had cpme prepared with a list - I almost felt his eyes roll when I mentioned this!He concluded that my symptoms are very non-specific and and my results are not that bad, he didn't feel it would be 'professional' to conclude that it was down to an under-active thyroid. RachSend instant messages to your online friends http://uk.messenger.

[Guest guest]

Dear

Im sorry you are so down and had an unhelpful experience with the GP. A normal TSH in a healthy person is nearer to one. In Germany you would be diagnosed with a TSH of 2.5 and in the UK the range usually starts at around 4.5 or 5 - we need the reference range to really tell where you are in the range as all labs vary. However, the TSH can rise when there is other illness present so you do need to have other illnesses ruled out. For example my mother had very severe anaemia due to bleeding from the stomach and her TSH rose to 3.8. Low ferritin (stored iron) can be a cause of symptoms similar to hypothyroidism. Have a look in the files to find out more about possible other diagnoses.

Hypothyroid symptoms are 'non specific' but a collection of them does point to this diagnosis, and the NHS/DoH guidance does tell them that if a patient has symptoms compatible with hypothyroidism, even if the TSH is normal, then they can offer a trial of levothyroxine! In the absence of another illness - which should be found with the blood tests the doc is doing, then your thyroid could well be the cause of symptoms of tiredness and feeling low - you will probably have other symptoms too!

Many patients, me included, had TSH of much lower than yours and have been diagnosed!

You need to go back when you get the results of the other blood tests and regardless of the results of these,if you havent had the thyroid hormones checked you need to ask him to do these (T3 and T4). Also, have you had the thyroid antibodies tested? This will tell him/you if you have antibodies to your thyroid, which means they are attacking the thyroid and slowly destroying it!

Dont just accept a diagnosis of depression - with TSH results like these then its sure that something is going on and it could well be your thyroid!

I cant decide if this GP is being responsible and ruling out other illnesses first, or falling into the trap that many do of really not knowing the symptoms of an underactive thryoid, or worse, falling for the BTA line and just not treating you!

Stick around and keep asking questions!

Gill x

I explained that I was there to query my test results and explained why. He went through them - apparently the second test I had, my TSH was 8.32 and the last was 4.31. He concluded that my symptoms are very non-specific and and my results are not that bad, he didn't feel it would be 'professional' to conclude that it was down to an under-active thyroid. He mentioned something about text book symptoms and perhaps other health professionals would be more than happy to try thyroxine - but he wouldn't recommend this course of action.

..

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[Guest guest]

Hi there,

Thanks for your support!

Gill, my antibodies were 832, which he said are significant - but not

too bad.

Been off anti-depressants for about a month now, was on effexor for

about 2 years, quite a high dose - then it was changed to prozac but I

had to come off that because of shortness of breath, which they thought

was linked to the prozac.

I'll go and have these other tests done and take it from there?

Definately going to have good weekend!! My birthday Sunday lol Oh

god....another year older - argh!!!!!

xxx

[Guest guest]

I am also just back from my gp, who has told me that my tests are

normal, so I am back to the start again. I explained to him that I

still fell absoulutely dreadful, can't lose weight, even though I

joined slimming world. Hot flushes, early menopause, dry skin,

tiredness, etc etc. I really am back where I started, and to top it

all where I live, we don't seem to have any other choices in where to

go.

[Guest guest]

Well you could quite easily be suffering with some sort of withdrawal, but with anti bodies as high as you have should warrant somesort of treatment, you could be having an anti body attack, I am no expert just trying to think of things that could be making you feel like that and you did say that one of you TSH tests were 8 something, well, what I cant understand is why you werent offered treatment then?

From: <madmumof4girls@...>Subject: Re: Been to GP............thyroid treatment Date: Friday, 15 August, 2008, 8:36 PM

Hi there,Thanks for your support!Gill, my antibodies were 832, which he said are significant - but not too bad.xxxSend instant messages to your online friends http://uk.messenger.

[Guest guest]

Sack him !

Your TSH is well within the defined area that indicates hypothyroidism.

Is there another doctor you could switch to rather than have this idiot put you

through any

more grief.

Mo x

>

> Well, I have just returned from the GP.

>

> I explained that I was there to query my test results and explained

> why. He went through them - apparently the second test I had, my TSH

> was 8.32 and the last was 4.31.

>

> I explained that I was concerned as I felt I had sympgtoms which

> possibly related to an underactive thyroid - he asked me what they

> were and I explained that I had cpme prepared with a list - I almost

> felt his eyes roll when I mentioned this!

>

> He concluded that my symptoms are very non-specific and and my

> results are not that bad, he didn't feel it would be 'professional'

> to conclude that it was down to an under-active thyroid. He

> mentioned something about text book symptoms and perhaps other health

> professionals would be more than happy to try thyroxine - but he

> wouldn't recommend this course of action.

>

> I know have to go back for more blood test, he is going to look at

> everything - including glucose, calcium and iron - I was given iron

> tablets sometime ago because due to my heavy periods I was anaemic.

>

> He apologised that it wasn't perhaps the answer I was looking for and

> he would have liked to have put the symptoms down to one cause - but

> I think he feels that it is my depression that is causing these

> problems.

>

> I tried to explain that I am finding everthing so difficult at the

> moment due to the exhaustion that I feel.....and then the tears

> flowed - which probably confirms his feelings that it is all

> depression related - especially as I have been taken off my anti-

> depressants. I cried in the car all the way home and even crying

> whilst I'm writing this - argh, pull myself together!!! lol

>

> I am just so utterly fed up, I thought I had found a possible 'cause'

> for how I feel and hopefully a solution - but it doesn't look as if

> that is the case.

>

> I will go back for the other tests and see what happens - but I just

> feel that I amk destined to feel like this - God, I must have been

> really evil in a previous life!! lol

>

> Anyway, gonna go - have a coffee and a cigarette (I was going to ask

> him about patches to help me stop - but in my embarrasment and rush

> to get out of there, it slipped my mind!)

>

> Just thought I would let you all know as you have been very helpful

> and supporting in your advise.

>

> Take care

>

> Rach

>

[Guest guest]

What tests did your doctor do Arlene?

You need full thyroid panel which includes a

TSH

FT4

FT3 and

two antibody tests.

were these done?

Mo

>

> I am also just back from my gp, who has told me that my tests are

> normal, so I am back to the start again. I explained to him that I

> still fell absoulutely dreadful, can't lose weight, even though I

> joined slimming world. Hot flushes, early menopause, dry skin,

> tiredness, etc etc. I really am back where I started, and to top it

> all where I live, we don't seem to have any other choices in where to

> go.

>

[Guest guest]

Sadly, this seems such a familiar story, even the menopause thing, I

was told categorically that it couldn't possibly be because I was too

young,(45). Needless to say it was the menopause, early. It's all

linked isn't it, one hormone imbalance has a knock on to all the

others, I already thought that, but also was relieved to read it in

Dr P's book.

I've given up with the mainstream Drs now. I've had the best advice

here at tpa, not only that but it's so much less stressful, being

listened to by caring and supportive people. That in itself has a

healing effect. I've even seen an endo privately, only to be fobbed

off, just more politely really.

Are your blood results in 'their' so called ranges at all? Mine are,

only just, so symptoms aren't official! Ha!

I've read up loads too, thyroiduk, is a website with similar

philosophies to tpa. It's been empowering and helped me to reduce my

frustration with the system, which I have been visiting

intermittently in relation to my thyroid for over twenty years now.

Hope this alternative view is just a little helpful to you. Don't

lose faith.

Take lots of care, enjoy the weekend as best as poss.

x

>

> I am also just back from my gp, who has told me that my tests are

> normal, so I am back to the start again. I explained to him that I

>

[Guest guest]

Here, here! Well said, I agree

From: Mo Osborne <moosborne@...>Subject: Re: Been to GP............thyroid treatment Date: Friday, 15 August, 2008, 9:17 PM

Sack him !Your TSH is well within the defined area that indicates hypothyroidism.Is there another doctor you could switch to rather than have this idiot put you through any more grief.Mo x>> Well, I have just returned from the GP.> > I explained that I was there to query my test results and explained > why. He went through them - apparently the second test I had, my TSH > was 8.32 and the last was 4.31. > > I explained that I was concerned as I felt I had sympgtoms which > possibly related to an underactive thyroid - he asked me what they > were and I explained that I had cpme prepared with a list - I almost > felt his eyes roll when I mentioned this!> > He concluded that my symptoms are very non-specific and and my > results are not that bad, he didn't feel it would be 'professional' > to conclude that it was down

to an under-active thyroid. He > mentioned something about text book symptoms and perhaps other health > professionals would be more than happy to try thyroxine - but he > wouldn't recommend this course of action.> > I know have to go back for more blood test, he is going to look at > everything - including glucose, calcium and iron - I was given iron > tablets sometime ago because due to my heavy periods I was anaemic.> > He apologised that it wasn't perhaps the answer I was looking for and > he would have liked to have put the symptoms down to one cause - but > I think he feels that it is my depression that is causing these > problems.> > I tried to explain that I am finding everthing so difficult at the > moment due to the exhaustion that I feel.....and then the tears > flowed - which probably confirms his feelings that it is all >

depression related - especially as I have been taken off my anti-> depressants. I cried in the car all the way home and even crying > whilst I'm writing this - argh, pull myself together!!! lol> > I am just so utterly fed up, I thought I had found a possible 'cause' > for how I feel and hopefully a solution - but it doesn't look as if > that is the case.> > I will go back for the other tests and see what happens - but I just > feel that I amk destined to feel like this - God, I must have been > really evil in a previous life!! lol> > Anyway, gonna go - have a coffee and a cigarette (I was going to ask > him about patches to help me stop - but in my embarrasment and rush > to get out of there, it slipped my mind!)> > Just thought I would let you all know as you have been very helpful > and supporting in your advise.> > Take

care> > Rach>Send instant messages to your online friends http://uk.messenger.

[Guest guest]

Hi - well have a great birthday! I dont know much about antibodies as I dont have them - but if this is signifant then he really should be offering you a trial of thyroxine - even if he doesnt agree, its very likely that if you have antibodies then you need levothyrosine and he is not helping you by not offering you this! If you have antibodies then your symptoms are very likely to be hypoT!!

go back and insist on a referral to an endo - one who is on Sheila's list - if he wont diagnose, which he should be doing based on your TSH and the fact that you have 'significant' (but not too bad???!!!) antibodies!!

enjoy your birthday and 'gird your loins' and get the diagnosis you need and should have based on your results and your antibody levels - antibodies make the difference, I think, about waiting for your other results and whether you have another illness going on!

Oh yes, shortness of breath is a hypothyroid symptom to add to your list!!

Gill

Hi there,Thanks for your support!Gill, my antibodies were 832, which he said are significant - but not too bad.Been off anti-depressants for about a month now, was on effexor for about 2 years, quite a high dose - then it was changed to prozac but I had to come off that because of shortness of breath, which they thought was linked to the prozac.I'll go and have these other tests done and take it from there?Definately going to have good weekend!! My birthday Sunday lol Oh god....another year older - argh!!!!!xxx

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[Guest guest]

Oh dear - I am having a few days off, but after reading your message felt I had to respond. Please, don't let this one doctor put you through all of this. He is, after all, a general practitioner and he is NOT a specialist in thyroid disease. Did he give you a thorough clinical examination, did he fell your thyroid, did he take your BP and feel your pulse, did he tap your tendons to see how they responded and especially, did he tap your Achilles tendon? If that showed a slow reaction, that is SPECIFIC to hypothyroidism and nothing else. Did he ask you questions about your family history as to whether or not any of them had a thyroid problem or autoimmune disease? Did he test your Free T4 and Free T3? Did he test to see whether you have antibodies to your thyroid?

Does he know that one of your problems may be low adrenal reserve, and if this is the case, your thyroid hormones will not be working as they should? Does he know that if your ferritin level is low (stored iron) that this will also inhibit your thyroid hormones and you need to build these up with iron, otherwise, once this iron is used, this store will become completely depleted and you will also become anaemic? Did he test to see whether your Vitamin D level is sufficient.?Did he ask whether you have amalgam fillings causing mercury poisoning that would affect your thyroid? I could go on, but you should get the picture.

Write to your GP and tell him that you now wish to be referred to a specialist in thyroid disease, because you know you are not depressed and there are other causes, and you need this sorting now. Tell him he may be right, but you need to eliminate the possibility that it may be thyroid related, and if it is eliminated, then you will go back to your doctor and look for other causes. Do this now , you are going to have to do it in the end, but don't wait. The sooner you get this sorted the better for you.

Are you able to see a private doctor such as Doctor Peatfield. If so, let me know where you live and I will see if there is a good doctor in your area, or let you know where Dr peatfield is holding his clinics.

Luv and big ((((HUGS))) - Sheila

I

He concluded that my symptoms are very non-specific and and my results are not that bad, he didn't feel it would be 'professional' to conclude that it was down to an under-active thyroid. He mentioned something about text book symptoms and perhaps other health professionals would be more than happy to try thyroxine - but he wouldn't recommend this course of action.I

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[Guest guest]

Hi Sheila,

I feel awful that you took time out of your break to reply to me!!

But Thanks.

In answer to your question, GP did NO physical tests at all - he just

seemed very reluctant to put it down to a thyroid problem. I've got

to go and have these blood tests done - will hopefully get booked in

one day next week?

He concluded that as my antibodies are 'substantial' that it

indicated that I will probably end up with an underactive thyroid ...

one day.

I'm going to go for these tests and see how they turn out and I

suppose take it from there??

Enjoy your break!! I'll let you know how I get on.

Still confused!! And wish life could be a bit more straight forward!!

Best Wishes

Rach

[Guest guest]

Hello Again!

I am back for some more advise!! (Sorry)

I have just had the results of my latest blood tests back ... now I am

confused!!

My previous TSH levels have been around 4, as a result of this my GP has said

that my thyroid was borderline underactive.

I am still completely shattered, very emotional/depressed (I have now come off

my anti-depressants as my Psych did not feel they made any difference and to be

honest - I don't think they did) My periods are still heavy and to sort of top

it all now I have recently developed ezcema on my arm - which is something I

have never had before in my life!

My latest tests show that my TSH is now 5.something (sorry, didn't get the last

bit) but I have just been told that this is fine? I queried this - but was told

that the ranges have changed since my last test - so now I no longer even have a

boderline underactive thyriod. The antibodies came back with a N/A, she told me

that this was probably as my thyroid is now fine - they haven't taken it.

So............am i barking up the wrong tree here??? Are my symptoms and

previous results all a conincidence?? I really don;t know what to so now, i

really don't want to have to go back on anti-depressants as I didn't think they

worked either

>

> Hi Sheila,

> I feel awful that you took time out of your break to reply to me!!

> But Thanks.

> In answer to your question, GP did NO physical tests at all - he

> just seemed very reluctant to put it down to a thyroid problem.

[Edit Abbrev Mod]

[Guest guest]

Hi

- this is ridiculous, it is as if the NHS has decided that all doctors

must forget about the possibility of anybody becoming hypothyroid and they are

doing whatever they can to stop such a diagnosis being given, and even when it

is, put their patients on one medication and if that doesn't work, tell them

" tuff " - there is nothing else we can give you. You do not have to

put up with this.

Write

too your doctor and tell him/her you want the results of all your last three thyroid

function tests together with the reference range for each of the tests. Tell

your GP you are aware of the controversy in the UK over the reference range for

Thyroid Stimulating Hormone and that it is usually around 0.5 to 5.0. Tell your

GP that in the USA the reference range is 0.3 to 3.0 and in Germany it is 0.3

to 2.5 with a recommendation this be dropped still further to 0.3 to 1.5. In

these countries, your reference range would be way above the top and you would

be treated. Tell your GP that because of the controversy and because of your

symptoms and signs, you wish to be referred to an endocrinologist to get a

second opinion. You can telephone your local laboratory to find out what the

TSH reference range is and why this has been changed (probably because they are

now using a different 'kit' to test TSH) and ask them how they interpret your

new result showing 5. (whatever it was).

Write

down your list of symptoms and signs (check these against the list in our

website www.tpa-uk.org.uk under 'Hypothyroidism'

in the Menu. Take your temperature for 4 to 5 days before you get out of bed

and before you have a drink. List these with your symptoms. Normal temperature

is 98.6 degrees F. and most people who are hypothyroidism have a very low

metabolism, and your temperature may well show 97.8 or much less. Write

down any members of your family who have a thyroid or autoimmune problem.

Tell

your GP you would like the following blood tests done. Ferritin (stored iron),

B12, Vitamin D, Zinc, magnesium and copper. Tell your GP you have been doing

research (don't mention the word Internet, some of these poor doctors think it

is a dirty word) and that you have learned that if any of these are low, your

thyroid hormones will be unable to be absorbed.

Ask

at the bottom of the letter for it to be put into your medical notes and send a

copy to the Head of Practice. If your GP still refuses to allow you a second

opinion after you have asked in writing, you can then send a letter of

complaint to your local Primary Care Trust. What General Practitioners forget

is that they are ONLY general practitioners, they are not experts in any

subject and this is why they should refer patients such as you onto doctors who

specialise in endocrinology. The psychiatrist has already realised the

antidepressants are not working for you and this is because depression in

sufferers of hypothyroidism is caused because the necessary thyroid hormones

are not getting through to the brain. Your GP should KNOW that. Once you start

thyroid hormone replacement, quite often, this depression, along with 'brain

fog' and short term memory are the first symptoms to disappear.

Would

you be able to see a private doctor who specialises in thyroid disease? If so,

let me know what part of the country you live in.

keep

your chin up , this is not the end of the line by a long way - there is

light at the end of the tunnel.

Luv -

Sheila

PA -

and please don't apologise for coming back asking more questions and seeking

support, this is why TPA is here.

I am

still completely shattered, very emotional/depressed (I have now come off my

anti-depressants as my Psych did not feel they made any difference and to be

honest - I don't think they did) My periods are still heavy and to sort of top

it all now I have recently developed ezcema on my arm - which is something I

have never had before in my life!

My latest tests show that my TSH is now 5.something (sorry, didn't get the last

bit) but I have just been told that this is fine? I queried this - but was told

that the ranges have changed since my last test - so now I no longer even have

a boderline underactive thyriod. The antibodies came back with a N/A, she told

me that this was probably as my thyroid is now fine - they haven't taken it.

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[Guest guest]

Hi Sheila,

Thanks for your advice.

Yes, I remember last time I saw my GP I did mention the internet and he rolled

his eyes!! lol

I will ask about the other blood tests that you have suggested - I was told

yesterday that my ferratin levels were low at 30, but in range. (I think the

range is 15 - 250?)

Just feel that I am bangin my head up against a brick wall!

[Guest guest]

Hi

My name is Margaret and I have just read your email.Sheila is right this is ridiculous.I am one of five girls and all but the eldest sister have an underactive thyroid as did my mum.I have been taking thyroxin for 16 years and the last three have been dreadful.I found Sheila and this forum and it is brilliant for advise and knowledge.My elder sister who has not been well for about 3 years (she is 8 stone and tiny petite)was told time after time she was fine at like you, 5.something.She eventually changed docs and it has taken 12 months on thyroid meds for her health to improve.I am learning and reading everything I can but one thing I do know without a shadow of a doubt is 5. something is far too high.Please follow Sheilas advise and you will be amazed.

Good luck xxxxxxxxxx

Your amongst friends

Margaret

From: Sheila <sheila@...>thyroid treatment Sent: Friday, March 13, 2009 7:11:56 AMSubject: RE: Re: Been to GP............

Hi - this is ridiculous, it is as if the NHS has decided that all doctors must forget about the possibility of anybody becoming hypothyroid and they are doing whatever they can to stop such a diagnosis being given, and even when it is, put their patients on one medication and if that doesn't work, tell them "tuff" -

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[Guest guest]

You know when Drs start to realise that depression is a symptom and not a cause

of illness then they might get somewhere in medicine. The blues as a result of

bad circumstances yes, I accept that, but prolonged depression is not a normal

manifestation unless you are Freud or someone in big pharma who's livelihood

depends on it.

Anti d's have their place, I am on them, but I bet if they had found the cause

of my depression years ago instead of just managing the symptom I would be a

darn lot healthier today

Good luck hon

and God bless

Dawnx

[Guest guest]

Hi,

Ok, I am TRYING to 'psych' myself up to go back to GP, but I am finding it

hard!! I get the feeling that he thinks I am making a fuss over nothing - and

who knows he could be right! lol

I have been looking at the Thyroid UK list of signs and symptoms for underactive

thyroid. There are several symptoms that I recognised i.e feeling constantly

tired, pins/needles, loss of libido (doesn't make for a happy hubby does it!!

lol), I am always cold (have the heating on & coal fire - but still huddled

under a duvet), Occasions of difficulty in swallowing (but I have put this down

to anxiety?), dry mouth (my tongue has been like a furball for such a long time,

Ezcema on lower arms, my nails are very 'bumpy', constipation (I regulary take

senna to make me go, this seems like I may be revealing too much?? lol), Acid

indigestion, Very clotty periods and then there are the 'mental & emotional side

effects which I find almost unbearable at times.............. but there are a

couple that I was quite suprised by...one of them being milky discharge from

breasts. I have had very tender breasts, particulary on the left side and on

occasions I have noticed a milky discharge but normally this happens when i am

in the bath. I worried at first that I was pregnant (I have 4 girls and have

been steralised, so I hope you can realise why I was worried!! lol) Then, when

it became clear that this was not the case I was worried it may have been

something else - I can't feel any lumps or bumps - but one area is particulary

tender. I was going to mention this when I went to GP, but unfortunately didn't

find the courage! I also experience very bad lower back pain - I have put this

down to fact I am overweight and rather big busted!!

It's almost now like I do feel to embarrased to go back to my GP, should I just

grin and bear it and if they decide to run test again in 6 months time wait for

the results of these?? (I'm not even sure if they are going to run future tests,

the nurse didn't mention that I would need to go back and concluded that

everything was now fine).

I feel so confused at the moment - inside I feel that I may have found the

'answer' as to why I have been feeling so yuk for such a long time and why the

anti-depressants haven't worked, but then I feel awful questioning my GPs

decision? I feel like a hypocondriac (not sure of spelling!) with my list of

symptoms, perhaps they are all very non-specific given that my blood results are

'ok', although I am slightly annoyed that they did not test for antibodies this

time.

I am so sorry for feeling that I am going on and on and on - but I just do not

know what to do anymore

[Guest guest]

Hi ,

No, you are not barking up the wrong tree- it's the ranges

that are wrong. If you lived in the USA 3.0 is top and Germany 2.5- with

a recommendation that this is further lowered. All I can suggest is that

you ask for a referral to an endo, but with the change in guidelines I'm

not sure if that will help, but Sheila has a list of 'better than most'.

Or go private- Dr. P doesn't need a referral, but Dr.S does.

Subject: Re: Been to GP............

Hello Again!

My previous TSH levels have been around 4, as a result of this my GP has

said that my thyroid was borderline underactive.

My latest tests show that my TSH is now 5.something (sorry, didn't get

the last bit) but I have just been told that this is fine? I queried

this - but was told that the ranges have changed since my last test - so

now I no longer even have a boderline underactive thyriod. The

antibodies came back with a N/A, she told me that this was probably as

my thyroid is now fine - they haven't taken it.

So............am i barking up the wrong tree here??? Are my symptoms and

previous results all a conincidence??

]

------------------------------------

TPA is not medically qualified. Consult with a qualified medical

practitioner before changing medication.

[Guest guest]

Hi ,

Well, I decided to go back and see a female GP - as I have mentioned in my list

of 'non-specific' symptoms, I have been experiencing breast pain and discharge

from my left breast. So I thought that I would go and discuss this with her and

at the same time query my test results. I thought it may have been a 'symptom'

perhaps that could be linked with my thyroid.

After an examination, I have now been referred to hospital (should be seen

within 2 weeks) as she told me she can not rule out breast cancer (yep, very

scarey word) she felt that my thyroid was the least of my problems. Although we

did go on to have a conversation about the test reults, etc - I had toughened

myself up to discuss this issue, so discuss it I would!! Also, it was an

excellent way of not thinking too much about what she had just said!! lol

She went through all my previous test results - and said apart from the one

taken last year - the others were all in range. My T3 & T4 came back within

range (sorry didn't get them - but they were taken in 2007, so thought this

maybe a bit irrelevant anyway??) Mentioned the fact my sister has hashimotos and

have been advised that there is no clear link that hashimotos is hereditary and

the fact she is indeed my half-sister almost rules this out for me.....so it is

just a case of continuing to monitor me. (But I thought if you had antibodies

this meant hashimotos - so a tad confused still!! lol)

I just wanted to let you know how I got on, as I have found this site very

useful and the people very friendly and helpful!!

I am quite(?) worried about having to go to hospital to 'rule out breast cancer'

but hopefully it will be ruled out!! then, no doubt in 6 months time I will be

back on this website again ranting on about my future blood tests!!!

Thank you!

Rach

>

> Hi ,

> No, you are not barking up the wrong tree- it's the ranges that are

wrong. If you lived in the USA 3.0 is top and Germany 2.5- with a recommendation

that this is further lowered.

[Edit Abbrev Mod]

> ------------------------------------

>

> TPA is not medically qualified. Consult with a qualified medical

> practitioner before changing medication.

>

>

[Guest guest]

Hi Rach,

I am very sorry to hear about your experience and I know how frightened you will be right now. I went through a similar thing a few years back, although in my case it was a lump rather than a discharge. I got into a right state, I was sick with worry. They did a mammogram and an ultrasound first, then a fine needle biopsy, which came back as 'unspecific' and then they did a needle core biopsy - all of which was very unpleasant, but a week later I got the 'all clear' and I wept for days thereafter with sheer relief.

I am telling you this, because from the moment I felt the lump until the moment I received the good news, I was absolutely convinced that I had breast cancer .... but I hadn't. - I know, you will worry, but please try to stay calm. Of course they have to follow up any signs for cancer, but in most cases the results will show something benign. I will keep my fingers firmly crossed for you.

As for your GP's remarks about thyroid being the last of your worries and you can't have Hashimoto's because your half sister doesn't count .... what utter rubbish!!! If you do have positive autoantibodies (TPO and/or TgAB) then that does mean Hashimoto's - you are quite right there - don't let this go. If you do have autoantibodies, sooner or later your other blood parameters will follow suit.

Please let us know how you get on.

Warm wishes,

[Guest guest]

Hi my dear, I have just read your email, I for one had many of your symptems including white discharge from both breasts, please don't give up, I had terrible lower back pain, you name it I had it. I started going to my G.P. when I was 14, with terrible migraine, heavy periods that lasted 6 weeks, my health started to go down hill rapidly, as I had T,.B.age 9. but I was never treated for an underactive Thyroid until aged 57, I am now being treated privatly, So do not dispair, please don't think you are a hypochondriac, because you are not alone, I am thinking of you, just let your G.P. KNOW YOU WILL NOT BE FOBBED OFF. love Louise.

J Coase

01223 870575 Office

07889 654142 Mobile

2a Queens Close

Harston

Cambridge

CB2 5QL

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[Guest guest]

Hi ,

Thank you so much for your kind words of support!

It sounds as if you went through a real nightmare experience!

Yes I am worried, I held it together really well until I got into my car and

then her words hit me! (I really do need to keep a box of tissues in my car

!!lol)

But I am still wondering if this has anything to do with a thyroid problem? In

fact I think I am now hoping it is, rather than anything other going on! My

husband who is wonderfully reassuring, is going to come with me to the hospital

and if everything is ok we're going to ask if it could be thyroid related and

perhaps take it from there?

I've got a feeling this is going to be a really long two week wait!!

xxx

[Guest guest]

Hi!

I am so sorry it has taken me so long to get back to you all!

Well, the great new is that I went to the Breast Clinic and had an examination

and they don't think it has anything to do with cancer - she thought it was

either inflammation between the breast and breastbone, or hormones!! I have to

take anti-inflammatories and go back in about 6 weeks time.

I decided to go back, yet again, to my GP - hubby in tow. This time we saw a

different GP - who to be honest actually seemed to listen to me...although he

still seems to think that my 'symptoms' are not thyroid related.

I spent a lot of time with him, instead of the usual 2 minute consultation and

get out of my surgery routine - I spent a good 20 minutes with him.

He said that I was 'middle of the road' regarding my thyroid, but is sending me

for various blood tests and a urine test to see if there is anything else -

although he seems to think that there is a probablility that everything will

come back ok and it's ... wait for it ... related to depression. Apparently

there are various things that can mimic an underactive thyroid gland and he

wants to rule them out - he was quite suprised that the tests he is requesting

now haven't been requested before and I THINK he is going to re-test my thyroid

- I will question this when I go for the blood test and see if there is any

chance they will do a full test including T4,T3, etc

So, bascially I am back where I started!! lol Although - this time, if they

rule 'everything else out' and they are still refusing to consider my thyroid i

will definately take Shelias advise and put everything in writing to them!

Just out of interest though..is it normal to be able to feel your thyroid

gland?? I have a smallish oblong lump at the bottom of my neck - not massive!!

It may not even be anything to do with my thyroid - but as you guys seems so

'informed' I thought I would ask!!

Thanks you all so much for your kind words of support - it was very much needed

at the time!! x