TSH test shows normal but still feeling unwell.

[pennybain]

I recently visited my GP for my regular TSH test and the results showed "normal". I am currently taking 100mg of levo a day and take 3 iron tablets over the course of a day. When i questioned the validity of the TSH test with the GP, i was told that they do not test for T3, t4 etc individually. I am just wondering where to go from here. Would it be worthwhile having the tests done privately and presenting the findings to my GP? i would appreciate your thoughts. Fed up with feeling tired with a constant headache!!!!!

[Moggie]

Do your know any of your results - how "normal" was your TSH test and why are you taking three iron tablets a day - what were your iron/ferritin results. Unless we have more information we will find it hard to answer you - which could be why no one has yet.

Moggie x

[pennybain]

Ok results in July2013- tsh 2.45. Nothing else checked at the time. As for iron, I have a history of being anaemic and began taking iron tablets way before my thyroid diagnosis. However, it seems my iron levels have not been checked since my initial diagnosis in Dec 2012!!!!!!!! Initial testing in dec 2012 did not check for t3/t4 etc only platelets, red/white blood cell count. I have not questioned things with my GP until recently when I began to feel unwell again. Following a chat with her this morning (and armed with my new knowledge) I have convinced her to arrange an endo appointment for me. Having read the postings on here, there seems to be very mixed reviews. I believe I have not been tested appropriately and even though my tsh levels look normal- boy, oh boy I'm not feeling "normal". What should I be expecting at the endo appointment? I am anticipating that they will run more selective blood tests. Am I mistaken. Any comments much appreciated!

[Moggie]

Every endo is different so will offer different treatment. My endo did so many blood tests that the nurse took 5 or 6 tubes of blood from me but my endo is very thorough. Other endo's are not so good and what you should be doing, before GP refers, is going on line and research a good endo yourself and then asking your GP to refer you to him/her. You mustn't leave anything to chance, you must take control (as much as possible) and try to push things your way.

Ask a question (in the questions section) on here to see if anyone has been to see a good endo in your area - that will be a good start - and also ask what preparations you should be doing before you see him or her and what you should be asking. If you get no joy then google all your local hospitals and read up about the endocrine dept's as a lot of endo's specialise in diabetes and not thyroid and you really don't want to be wasting your time with someone who isn't interested in thyroid illness. Saying that my endo is a diabetes specialist but still knows his stuff as far as thyroid illness is concerned.

Hope this helps.

Moggie x

p.s. A referral to a gastro might be advisable also if you say you have a history of anaemia.

[pennybain]

Thanks Moggie