Hello, I'm new to the group and was diagnosed with hypothyroidism 20-25 years ago. I take 50 mics levothyroxine daily.

[G-L-Y-N-I-S]

I have extensive osteoarthritis and fybromyalgia. Recently, the past 5 years or so, I have have had severe oedema in my legs and the most recent bout affected my face. Both were badly infected. Despite requesting an appropriate referral, since moving health authority , GPs are reluctant to make referrals. I wonder if anyone suffers thyroid related oedema and can advise? Thanks

[humanbean]

Have you been on 50mcg Levo for a long time? I do hope you haven't been on it for the whole time you've been diagnosed with hypothyroidism. It is a starting dose and is almost certainly too low to keep you healthy. I'd be very surprised if you are adequately medicated for your thyroid.

Are you from the UK or a different country? Options available to you that might help differ from country to country, so we really need to be told the country you live in.

You really need to know the results of any blood tests (including the reference ranges) you've had for thyroid and nutrients in the last 2 or 3 years. With all those health issues you have I'm guessing you must be on huge amounts of medication?

In the UK people are legally entitled to be given copies of their blood test results.

[lisabax]

It seems as though your GP has not monitored your condition properly. As Humanbean says, 50mg is a starter dose and you should have been having regular blood tests 5 years ago and gradual increases in dose until you felt well. You do need to get copies of your thyroid blood test results and post them on here so that people can comment. You can insist on a referral to an endocrinologist. You may have to wait a long time for an appointment though. But start with blood test results. Your surgery should give you copies (they may make you pay a small amount for printing, but they are yours and you are entitled). Post them here with the ranges (figures in brackets after the results). Fibromyalgia and osteoarthritis are related to underactive thyroid. Hope this helps

[thyr01d in reply to lisabax]

You have a right to access your records online, I believe, and although some practices are awkward about this and you end up having to put the request in writing and jumping through hoops, it's well worth it because it saves on the hefty charge made by some surgeries for 'printing'.

[AliF]

I have oedema in my feet legs and arms and rolls of mucin plus stiff joints and muscle pains. I take 125 Levo but the pains are getting worse. I am waiting for an endocrinologist appointment but suspect I will end up adding in some T3 myself as he probably won't prescribe. I have seen a rheumatologist and I am weak positive for inflammatory markets.