Indigestion

[Tellybelly]

I have not been officially diagnosed yet (ths 4.9) and they won't treat me until I have another test. I have lots of symptoms and have now developed indigestion, heartburn and sometimes feel nauseous. Is this related?

[shaws Administrator]

Some of us do complain of digestive problems and the explanation is that, if hypothyroid, (meaning our whole system slows down, ie. heart beat, temp, etc) that our stomach can also be affected by have low acid rather than high. Many of us take Apple Cider vinegar either in water or juice (some don't like the taste) before or during meals. I have read about a tablespoon but I only use a couple of teaspoons. You can also take a Betaine/Pepsin tablet before meals, particularly if having protein, which needs acid to dissolve properly. In some countries they are medicated when TSH is around 3.

For the next blood test, have the earliest possible, fasting, as TSH is highest then.Some doctors prescribe when TSH reaches 5 with symptoms although the British Thyroid Association say to wait till it reaches 10 (I wonder what planet they live upon, but it's not a hypothyroid one).

Always get a print-out of your blood tests, with the ranges for your own records and so that you can post them if you have queries. Some surgeries take a nominal sum for paper/ink.

We have to read and learn as much as possible as some doctors only diagnose and prescribe according to the TSH level which doesn't always make us feel well.

[shaws Administrator]

This is a list of signs/symptoms but many doctors nowadays are unaware of them. Maybe your doctor will be a good sympathetic one.

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

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

If your antibodies haven't been checked, ask for this as well and also Vitamin B12, Vit D, iron, ferritin and folate. If hypo we are usually deficient.

[faith63]

All this and more happened with my digestion, yes.

[Chancery]

Hi Tellybelly, those are the classic symptoms of gallstones, and gallstones are a problem for thyroid sufferers. If you've never had your gallbladder checked you should request an ultrasound. With some diet changes you can often save it, or at least postpone losing it!