Is it the thyroid problem that makes me feel so ill ?

[sally1976]

I'm new here so this is my first post.

I had several heart ablations done March 2015 and never really recovered. Had a load of tests done and was diagnosed as having hyperthyroidism. Was immediately put on 25g of carbamazol which has been now reduced to 5mg. Since March 2015 I've also been diagnosed as coeliac despite never having any symptoms until I had the camera down my throat and a blood test. I've also had systemic lupus for 30 years. For the past 18 months I have visited the doctor as I feel like a dead slug ! Blood tests have been done and they continue to tell me everything is good ! The last visit to the doctors last week the latest news is my cholestrol is 7.9 and they insist I go on statins. Reading the reviews on statins I think that would be the worst thing for me. I already have muscle and bone ache, extremely fatigued, yet the doctors keep telling me that my vitamin and minerals levels are fine, my thyroid is under control and there is no reason for me to feel the way I do ! I have never been told my thyroid reading and neither by HDL or LDL for the cholesterol reading. Checking on the thyroid UK website apparently my blood tests can appear normal even if they are not ! I run my own business and have to fight the urge to lie on my desk every afternoon to sleep, despite being in bed at 8pm. every night.

I've gone from being a very active person to a zombied geriatric ! I need help but have no idea what to try next. Since the coealic diagnosis my diet has never been so healthy, I take supplements as I believe being coeliac they are not absorbed through my diet. I just need help and advice please !!

Apparently having thyroid problems can result in becoming coeliac.

[SeasideSusie Remembering]

sally1976 I think the first thing you should do is get a copy of your test results, with the reference ranges, and post them on the forum for comment. You are legally entitled to a print out under the Data Protection Act, although your surgery may make small charge for printing.

The fact that your 'vitamin and mineral levels are fine' is an opinion. They only have to be somewhere within the range for a GP to make that comment, but just being in range doesn't mean that they are optimal. I'm guessing there are some low levels.

When you post your results, give as much information as possible, say what supplements you are taking as well.

[sally1976 in reply to SeasideSusie]

Thanks for that ! The Doctor is ringing me tomorrow with my blood test results despite me seeing a different doctor last week for the same reason ! I'll ask her for a print out of the test results. The only supplements I take (under my own instigation) are A-Z multivitamins and minerals. I eat spinach, nuts, seeds, chia seeds and everything possible to increase my energy levels but they are dropping rapidly !

[SeasideSusie Remembering in reply to sally1976]

sally1976 Multivitamins are generally a waste of time and money. They tend to contain not enough of anything to do any good, and frequently use the cheapest and wrong form of ingredients. Also, if it contains iron that stops the absorption of anything else. Much better to test and target specific deficiencies or low levels.

Always recommended to be tested are

Vit D

B12

Folate

Ferritin

Once you've posted your results suggestions can be made for supplements where needed.

[sally1976 in reply to SeasideSusie]

Thank you ! I'll wait to get a print out of my blood and cholesterol results after tomorrow, then hopefully I can post the readings on here.

[Scazzoh]

Hi Sally, a high cholesterol level can be linked to an under-active thyroid. However, there is no link between high cholesterol and heart disease. You are right to be cautious about statins. Doctors get their collective knickers in a twist when they see high cholesterol levels. The 'good' and 'bad' cholesterol levels are a myth. Doctors also get paid for prescribing statins. They cannot 'insist' you take them. It's a pity they're not as concerned with the other symptoms you have. My G.P. has got bored with trying to get me on them for my high cholesterol level (7 at the last count) and doesn't mention it any more. I am more annoyed about my 90 year old Dad being prescribed them as a 'precautionary measure' when he hasn't even got high cholesterol.

Here is a link to a book by Dr. Malcolm Kendrick about Cholesterol and Statins, 'the truth behind the hype'.

drmalcolmkendrick.org/books...

Stick to your guns!

[sally1976 in reply to Scazzoh]

Yes I've read that book thanks. I have 4 friends/relatives that were prescribed statins for a lower cholesterol than mine and all have them were extremely ill. One friend tried 3 different statins over 6 months. 3 years later they are only now coming out of her system. I've read that women tend to have a higher cholesterol than men, plus having system lupus can give you a higher level. I'm determined not to go on statins because at the end of the day it's not the cholesterol that's making me feel so ill and tired !. Thanks for your reply.

[sally1976]

Thanks for your reply. Even though I've had hyperthyroidism for 2 years I have never been given my TSH reading ! I was referred to an endocrynologist in the early months, all he wanted to do (in between checking his mobile for messages) was take my thyroid out !! I'm speaking to my doctor today and will be requesting a print out for my blood test results for both my thyroid and high cholesterol reading. I'm sure I will be going do the herbal route. Glad that you are feeling much better !