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

[Guest guest]

WOW - what a relief. That's

wonderful news and you must feel the weight of the world has been taken off

your back.

The problem with doctors is that

they know the symptoms of hypothyroidism are non-specific - yes they are when

taken in isolation, but no they are NOT when you go with lots of hypothyroid

symptoms, along with the signs of hypothyroidism too. These go with low

temperature, often with low blood pressure and low pulse rate.

If your blood results do come

back OK - and let's face it, we all know that some people can be hypothyroid

for years without their thyroid function tests EVER going outside of the

reference range - then we will take it from there. You may have to 'appeal' by

writing a letter and asking specific questions, but we will cross that bridge

when, and if it is needed. I doubt they will do a Free T3 test if your

TSH and Free T4 are normal. You may have to get this done privately. I think

all this not testing Free T3 is all tied up with the BTA boycott on all T3

containing products. If they don't know you are suffering with low FT3, then

they don't have to treat it, do they? Sorry for the cynicism.

Tell me, did your

endocrinologist actually palpate your thyroid gland. If not, he should have

done - this is all part of the thorough clinical examination they should have

given you. No, it is not really 'normal' to feel your thyroid gland, unless you

are specifically trying to feel it. If it has suddenly come up, I would mention

this, but if it is a case of you are just wondering, then leave well alone.

Luv - Sheila

..

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

[Guest guest]

Hi,

No, there should be no lump! Good to hear you have met a doc who is

trying to help.

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

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

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

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

TPA is not medically qualified. Consult with a qualified medical

practitioner before changing medication.

[Guest guest]

Hi Shelia,

Thank you and yes it is a massive relief!!

Unfortunately the only consultaions I have had are with a GP, I have never been

referred to an Endocrinologist. I have also never had any 'physical

examinations' done either - they have never checked my blood pressure or pulse.

The 'lump' at the bottom of my neck is a new thing - I've never noticed it

before and only really noticed it because I was going to wear an old chocker

necklace that I have and it felt very uncomfortable - literally felt as if I was

being choked!! lol And when I went to smooth my hand down my neck there is an

oblong 'lump', which my husband can also feel - that's the only way I can

explain it...it may have always been there, so at this moment in time I don't

think it is worth mentioning.

I will wait for the results of the tests that are being done now and I suppose

take it from there.

Thank you for all of your help and advise - I'll let you know how I get on x

[Guest guest]

Hello ,

I meant to reply to you yesterday, but I'm chasing my tail at the mo, getting ready to travel up to Yorkshire for the get-together....

***Well, the great new is that I went to the Breast Clinic and had an examinationand they don't think it has anything to do with cancer - she thought it waseither inflammation between the breast and breastbone, or hormones!! I have totake anti-inflammatories and go back in about 6 weeks time.

I am so very pleased for you that the shadow of the big C is no longer hanging over you. I fully empathize the relief you must be feeling... I remember the day I got the 'all clear' - I morphed into a blubbering, sopping heap. - Having an inflammation though is not great news, but compared to what could have been, I'm sure you were elated.

Just a thought about anti-inflammatories. - You might want to ask the doc at the breast clinic if taking EPO (Evening Primrose Oil) might help the healing along. I have been taking EPO for years, but when I found the lump in my breast, the specialist recommended to double my intake from 1000 mg to 2000 mg/day until the lump had resolved.

***He said that I was 'middle of the road' regarding my thyroid, but is sending mefor various blood tests and a urine test to see if there is anything else -although he seems to think that there is a probability that everything willcome back ok and it's ... wait for it ... related to depression.

Oh Lord, give me strength !! not the old 'somatoform disorder' chestnut again .... why treat the cause, when you can treat the symptoms.... - unbelievable ! - Well, at least he was listening to you and has given you lots of tests.... always useful - remember to ask for copies with norm ranges and then post it all on here ;o)

*** Just out of interest though..is it normal to be able to feel your thyroidgland?? I have a smallish oblong lump at the bottom of my neck - not massive!!

Nope - don't think you should have a lump there... - have you pointed it out to your GP?

All the best,

[Guest guest]

Hi

Thanks for replying, it is very kind of you - especially as you are so busy

I have a few weeks before I go back to the breast clinic, but I do have to go

back and see my GP in about a weeks time, when the results of blood/urine tests

come back - so I may ask him? I don't think it would hurt!!

When I get the results, I will post them on here and seek your guidance!

I will see how the consultation with him goes and I may ask him about 'the

lump', it's just something that I have never noticed before - but of course that

doesn't mean it hasn't always been there...but hubby can feel it too - so

perhaps I'm not going completely insane!!? lol

Have a wonderful time in Yorkshire!! xxx

[Guest guest]

***> I have a few weeks before I go back to the breast clinic, but I do have to go back and see my GP in about a weeks time, when the results of blood/urine tests come back - so I may ask him? I don't think it would hurt!!

Thanks, , I'm sure it will be fun at Sheila's bash ;o))

Do ask your GP by any means, but if yours is anything like mine, he'll screw up his face at the mention of supplements <G>. The guys at the breast clinic, however, *should* know better. EPO is very beneficial for 'lumpy' breasts.

If your GP is non-plussed, you could always phone the secretary at the breast clinic and have her ask the doctor, and you could phone back for the answer. I'm sure EPO will be ok, but it's always better to have the 'seal of approval' .

..... Yorkshire, here I come )) (off in 1/2 hour....)

Love,