You can only get Myxoedema in your legs or arms

[Karispitit]

According to my GP that is. As I have it on my ankles, feet and mainly around my middle section and face and neck and possibly in my lungs as well she said it doesn't count and she spent most of my consultation today comparing my legs with pics of legs with Myxoedema on the internet today. And to think she passed her exams to become a GP. You really couldn't make these things up!

[roslin]

I am sure I had myxoedema in my oesophagus when I had swallowing problems and I have read somewhere that you can even have it in your bones. So yes it is present in all tissues of the body.

Roslinxx

[PinkNinja]

What a load of rubbish! Myoedema in the face is what causes the classic 'moon-face' look of hypothyroid people. It can occur under the skin anywhere. It is a collection of mucin and hyluronic acic under the skin, because of low thyroid function, which can absorb up to 1000 times its weight in water. It can happen anywhere you have connective tissue. It is quite common to have it in arms and legs before anywhere else, but it is not limited to those areas.

I wish doctors would do a little research before making sweeping statements like that. It doesn't take long!

[puncturedbicycle in reply to PinkNinja]

CarolynB you took the words right out of my mouth. And what about the swollen tongue we always hear about?

When I was bloated my waist and belly were big (as well as face, feet, etc), and I've always had a small waist, so it changed the shape of my body entirely. I just didn't look like myself anymore. Now I have my cheekbones back but sadly a lot more sagging too. That oedema acts like facial fillers.

[shaws Administrator]

Do you have your latest blood test results? If so post on a new question complete with the ranges.You may well be undermedicated, thus causing the swelling.

I would certainly ask to be referred to an Endocrinologist (email [e-mail] for a list of NHS Endos/private doctors). Your GP is out of her depth and you need an in-depth consultation with someone who is knowledgeable.