Scalloped tongue.

[siskin]

I am sure i am hypo. doc says no. I have a scalloped tongue which I believe is an indicator. Does this go away (the scalloping not my tongue) when adequately treated.

[humanbean]

There are multiple things which can help with a scalloped tongue. The ones I know of are B vitamins, iron and thyroid meds. If your doctor is not being helpful then, in the short term, ask for your iron and ferritin, vitamin B12 and folate levels to be tested.

Supplement with a good dose of iron if the results show it is necessary. (Supermarket pills are a waste of money.)

It is usually okay to supplement with B vitamins fairly freely because they are water soluble and the excess is excreted via the urine. There are two potential drawbacks to this. Too much vitamin B6 is potentially hazardous. And if there is any chance you have pernicious anaemia then supplementing with vitamin B12 makes getting a diagnosis very difficult indeed.

[siskin in reply to humanbean]

Thank you humanbean, B12 was measured and was very high. Range 1100 and my result was 1099 doc says fine but don't agree feel like sheet. Am on iron on prescription Hb 139 (120-150)

which is a lot better than has been. Had iron deficiency anaemia but would appear o.k. now. I will push for ferritin and folate.

Just had other blood tests back Rbc 4.96 (3.80-4.80) . Something wrong somewhere as MCV and MCH are in range but by just 1 from base of each range

I believe pernicious is high MCV /MCH so probably not that.

[siskin in reply to humanbean]

Thank you humanbean, B12 was measured and was very high. Range 1100 and my result was 1099 doc says fine but don't agree feel like sheet. Am on iron on prescription Hb 139 (120-150)

which is a lot better than has been. Had iron deficiency anaemia but would appear o.k. now. I will push for ferritin and folate.

Just had other blood tests back Rbc 4.96 (3.80-4.80) . Something wrong somewhere as MCV and MCH are in range but by just 1 from base of each range

I believe pernicious is high MCV /MCH so probably not that.

[greygoose]

Scalloped tongue can be a hypo symptom. The tongue swells and there's not enough room for it in the mouth. It presses up against the teeth and that's what makes the scalloped edge.

I used to have that. And as my tongue was so large, it used to loll out of my mouth when I was sleeping and I'd Wake myself up biting it! But it's ok now.

Hugs, Grey

[siskin]

Hi Grey, thank you for responding. My symptom list is getting so long now I'll need to write it on bog roll.

Glad your problem has been resolved.

Returning Hug. siskin

[shaws Administrator in reply to siskin]

If you doctor is ignoring your clinical symptoms (or even unaware of them as is common nowadays) and going by the TSH alone, if you can afford a private consultation it may be worth it. Do you have a copy of your recent blood test results anyway, with the ranges, so that you can post for comments on them.

[siskin in reply to shaws]

Hi shaws, I did have a private consultation with an ENT surgeon with an interest in thyroid disease. He put me on 50mg levo. I was on it for 3 months, I was not sure of the outcome because in that time I had to have my right hip replaced and a 4 night stay in hosp. ended up as 24 nights. because of complications, nothing to do with thyroid.

When I was discharged my GP decided, for no logical reason, to take me off levo. cos he didn't want me to have a stroke heart attack etc., TSH had dropped. Ugh. wouldn't listen to me. I said that is what it should do.

I am now with a new practice and see new doc. next Weds. Last TSH was 2.7 can't remember lower range but upper was 3.5. T4 was 17 upper 21 or 22 not sure.

The consultant surgeon said he would see me again on NHS so I am going to request that as I now have a voice problem.

If new doc won't cooperate on getting a T3 I have decided to go to Genova or Blue to get tests, I can't go on feeling this rotten and with so many symptoms, I am sure I am right but have to prove it.

[shaws Administrator in reply to siskin]

I'm sorry for the delay in replying.

Request a new full Thyroid Function Test from your new GP, explaining that you were given levothyroxine by an ENT but your previous GP stopped it. Most labs will only do the TSH and if in range maybe wont do a T4. Ask new GP for TSH, T4, TT4, FT4, and FT3. Then you can get a private test if required

thyroiduk.org.uk/tuk/diagno...

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

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

thyroiduk.org.uk/tuk/testin...

thyroiduk.org.uk/tuk/testin....

It's a pity most doctors have lost the skill in recognising the clinical symptoms of thyroid gland dysfuntion and relying only on the TSH as to whether the patient is ill or not or prescribing medication for the symptoms instead of the thyroid hormones needed. Always get a copy of your blood test results for your own records with the ranges as it makes it easier for members to comment.

The ENT may palpate your thyroid gland if GP hasn't done it.

Regards

[siskin in reply to shaws]

Thank you shaws, a great help. I have had RA for the past 20 years and have seen that perhaps I should have a TPO test, but I am sure I have seen that there are others, but can't find them now. Your thoughts would be appreciated.

Thank you

Regards

[shaws Administrator in reply to siskin]

Hi Siskin

It is more difficult when you have more than one auto-immune condition as sometimes the symptoms overlap.

My sister and daughter both have R.A. - daughter's more severe.

If you put a new question re the TPO etc. as I don't have much knowledge you will get more replies from members who have had appropriate tests. I hope you have success with your appointments.

[siskin]

Thank you for your response and sorry to hear about your sister and daughter having RA. Sadly most people don't understand RA and believe it is the same as osteo. Sigh.

I will repost about TPOs.

In the list of blood tests you gave me I am a bit puzzled what is the significant difference between Total T4 and Freet T4 plus Free T3. I understand TRH, TSH, T4 and T3.

I am now so confused.

Sorry if I am confusing things, but just don't seem to get my head round it, and feel I need to get this straight before I see doc.

I bet about 5 mins after I press the reply button to you it will all fall into place.

Thanks again.