Undiagnosed Hypothyroidism?

[Guest guest]

I have just turned 55 and I have been unwell for so long that I can't

remember the last time I really felt well. I had a partial

thyroidectomy in 1979 and since then my thyroid tests have always

been " normal " . However, I recently saw Dr Teitelbaum, author

of " From Fatigued to Fantastic " interviewed on TV and he was saying

how inaccurate the current testing is and how someone who tests

as " normal " can have an underactive thyroid. I currently have

another lump on my thyroid which is being monitored by a surgeon.

I've had it for several years and Ihave it scanned every 6 months and

have had it aspirated a couple of times. I am told that it is

harmless and that they are reluctant to perform a 2nd surgery. I

believe that I have most of the symptoms of an underactive thyroid.

I have gained 60 pounds in the last 3 years (not warranted by my

diet), I have insomnia, fatigue, palpitations, breathlessness,

cystitis/frequent urination, puffy face/hands/feet, difficulty

swallowing, choking fits/sore throat, persistent and worsening dry

cough, hair loss, dry skin, intolerance to heat/cold, prone to

overheat, muscle cramps, high blood pressure, nightmares,

forgetfulness, poor concentration, acid reflux/hiatus hernia,

headaches, painful feet, lower back pain, wrist and neck pain. I am

on anti-depressants and medication for high blood pressure. I have

chronic arthritis and have had an abdominal hysterectomy,

trapeziectomy (bone taken out of my thumb joint) and release of nerve

in the cubital tunnel (elbow) this year. I am so tired of feeling

sick and tired and have once again asked my doctor to run a series of

blood tests. What am I looking for in the results, which I should

have on Thursday. Any feedback/suggestions would be very welcome.

Thanks

Delisha