Confused where do i start???

[redredred]

Past 6 years been borderline with my thyroid. Have all typical symptoms drs keep saying its just borderline. recently did some family research and my cousin and auntie have thyroid issues. would this additional info make the drs listen.

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You need to read up as much as possible and there is good info on the main website, especially with regard to diet and supplements. It would be a good idea to request copies of all your blood tests over the last 6 years. You can post up the results and someone can help to interpret.

Many GPs don't listen cos they know little about the thyroid. It may help to put your concerns in writing to the GP, more chance of being listened to from my experience.

There's some really knowledgeable people on here who are happy to listen!

[Glynisrose]

Ask your doctor if its like being a little bit pregnant or a tiny bit diabetic?

[marram]

redredred, The first place to start could certainly be to tell the doctor about your family history. There is evidence that early treatment of some forms of hypothyroidism can stop it in its tracks:

"If thyroid antibodies are found, then you may have Hashimoto's disease. If there are thyroid antibodies but the other thyroid tests are normal, there is evidence that treatment will stop full blown hypothyroidism from occurring."

That is an extract from a page on the main Thyroid UK website, and refers only to the form of hypothyroidism caused by Hashimoto's. The rest of the page about hypothyroidism in general, is here:

thyroiduk.org.uk/tuk/about_...

It would be useful if you could get the actual blood test results, including ranges, from your GP. If only TSH has been tested, you might like to consider doing a private blood test, to include as a minimum the TSH plus free T4 and free T3. In addition, it would be beneficial to check your vitamins and minerals. The following information, also on the main website, can give you guidance:

thyroiduk.org.uk/tuk/treatm...

You could ask you GP to test for vitamins D, B12, ferritin and folate. Sometimes lack of some of these vital nutrients can cause hypothyroidiam-like symptoms, or can make hypothyroidism worse. If you can persuade the doctor at some stage to give you treatment, then having your vitamins and minerals at optimum level will make the treatment more effective.

With regard to getting a diagnosis, you can make sure that you have your blood drawn as early in the morning as is possible. This is because first thing in the morning your TSH is at it highest and thyroid hormones T4 and T3 are at their lowest. This could actually make the difference between being diagnosed or not, in some cases.

Hope this can help you.

Marie XXXX

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Hi Red

My understanding is that if your thyroid tests show you are 'borderline' and you also have symptoms, then you should be offered treatment with T4 - or at least a trial.

I agree with cinnamon girl that a letter of concern to your medical centre can get you better service. It worked for me.

Like Marram, I have also found that if I have blood taken early this can make a difference in results.

Best wishes

Liza

[redredred]

My Couains got graves disease and my dad sister (aunt) m had to have her parathyroid removed a couple of years ago .

The frustrating thing last test was last year and surgery called me in regarding thyroid results i was like yes i last got there and dr says only borderline dont worry. So one dr thought it was worth a call in my dr thankfully not my dr anymore didn't. Only said i monitor every six months. well that was march last year we moved. And infection after infection,weight gain rapid feel face puffy periods stopped eyes feel gritty muches ache constantly. im going into drs tomo with this info and your very much appreciated advice. Want my life but i used to be so active motivated