Hello

[Mary-Contrary]

Hello to everyone. I have arrived at the Thyroid UK forum after four years of increasing symptoms, and struggling to get GP to take them seriously! I look forward to comparing notes and hopefully finding a way forward.

[greygoose]

Welcome to the forum, Mary. If you have any questions, don't hesitate to ask them.

[shaws Administrator]

Welcome to our Forum and the members will be helpful.

These are a few hints, hopefully, for the best outcome. We have to read and learn if we've to become symptom free. Of course, we do need co-operative doctors but it isn't always forthcoming:-

When due for a blood test it should be fasting and get the earliest possible one. The TSH is variable throughout the 24 hours and could mean the difference between being diagnosed and not.

Also allow about 24 hours approx between your last dose of levo when prescribed and the test and take it afterwards.

When your next test is due ask for a Free T4 and Free T3 and antibodies as well and B12, Vit D, iron, ferritin and folate if you've not already had them. If you have antibodies, you'd have an Autoimmune Thyroid Disease called Hashimoto's. Some labs don't do 'extra' tests if TSH is within range but we do need to know more than the TSH, particularly if symptomatic.

We have recommended labs who will do the necessary tests required with a small discount.

[Nanaedake]

Hi Mary, glad you've joined the site as I've found it very helpful. You don't say what your symptoms are or whether you've been diagnosed with a thyroid condition or not so it's hard to suggest a way forward. Have you had blood tests done by your GP? If so, if you post them here then people will make helpful suggestions about what you could do based on their own experiences and what they've discovered.

[Mary-Contrary]

Hi there, so far only two sets of investigatory bloods requested by GP to rule out things like diabetes/celiacs/anaemia etc, done early 2015 & 2016 including TSH levels which were 'normal.' I have been to GP several times in last few years with an ever-increasing list of apparently random things - premature menopause, IBS & constipation, ovarian cyst, tinnitus, mild hearing loss, exhaustion, anxiety, bad knees, painful Achilles, numb toes, painful joints, uti's and kidney pain, chronic headaches, eyebrow thinning, yellowing of nails, stubborn weight gain, hoarseness, chronic puffiness of face, hands and feet etc etc. I am in late 40's and until 3 or 4 years ago was fit and healthy. I have a good diet, walk and cycle 5 times a week, non-smoker, sensible alcohol intake. The decline is incredible.

[Josiesmum in reply to Mary-Contrary]

Please do take Shaws' advice about testing. Also worth investigating food sensitivities which can cause these kinds of symptoms, gluten sensitivity being the most common. A trial of the Paleo Autoimmune diet may reveal whether this is the case for you:

thepaleomom.com/the-autoimm...

[Mary-Contrary]

Sorry for not replying, shortly after your message I had to get up 5 times in the night to spend a penny, and mild kidney pain, so went to docs who detected blood cells in urine and prescribed anti-biotics. After completing the course, I returned to GP who said that blood cells still in urine and suspects a kidney stone! I am now booked in for an ultrasound next week. I'm terrified it will turn out to be kidney stone! I know there is a strong link between kidney function and thyroid problems.