Thyroid problems

[simsue]

Hi,just been diagnosed with thyroid cancer.Have trailed backwards and forwards to my doctors with symptoms for ages before a new doctor to surgery saw me and within a month was scanned,had cells taken and then diagnosed.I feel that my symptoms should have been looked into earlier and not ignored

[pet-lamb]

So sorry to hear this issue I wish you a speedy recovery

[shond2015]

Really sorry to hear of your condition...that is the worst news you could possibly want to hear.

If there is any good news to be had from your situation, it's that cancer patients on the whole, tend to be cared for really well (unlike thyroid victims) so hopefully you will be looked after thoroughly and properly from hereonin. I completely understand your despair regarding GP assistance! as follows:

I went to my GP yesterday morning to get blood results and again seek help to shift the 2 stone weight gain I have put on since becoming hypothyroid, despite eating very sensibly. I have like many of us, quite reluctantly had to go gluten free. I have eaten very little the past few days - salads mainly with a little meat -...but the weight remains static. He actually told me that he didn't think there was any more he could do for me as the digestive system was so complicated and my inability to lose weight could be a cause of a number of other things. He was adamant that this theory of T3 being able to assist thyroid sufferers was not clinically proven and told me the drug was quite cheap so this was not a factor in not prescribing. He then compared my idea of T3 being able to help me, to herbal remedies. (making the point i believe that its all in the mind). I was left quite speechless. I do hope you are able to make a full recovery. good luck with it. I am going to be writing to the BMA to make a formal complaint. I think you should do the same. It is only when the medical profession can identify poor medical professional help that they will be able to do something about it. Please do write to them and I urge others to do the same.

[LAHs in reply to shond2015]

T3 does help you lose weight. It may not be clinically proven but I proved it for myself. Problem is that you have to be VERY careful. T3 can raise your blood pressure (BP) (well, at least it does mine). So you can't go too far nor too fast. This raise in BP might be the source of the story that too high a thyroid dose can "affect the heart". And that is why doc's always want to lower your dose, the heart takes precedence and, as a result, you are left feeling like crap with hypothyroidism - but then dragging around with hypothyroidism for months or even years will also "affect the heart". Docs don't have answers to these two conflicting situations yet, so you have to study and be your own doc.

[Hidden]

After I had my thyroid removed when I moved to France the 4cm lump was tested for cancer. Only 1/5 of it was papillary cancer. I had to keep my TSH suppressed and no other treatment was required mainly because it was so small.

When I was in the UK I had an ultrasound and an FNA and no cancer was found. They just left me for about 15 months.

Try not to worry usually it's extremely slow growing. More to the point what treatment are you having next?

[melville999]

I am really sad to hear of your diagnosis and the slowness it has taken to get to it.I hope that your treatment is rapid,focused and supportive.As you have had such a lack of support up to now could you pull together a list of all potential support from now on -hospital docs,nurses,specialist nurses,cancer forums',friends,relatives,spiritual places,favourite cafe etc....I would try to see a different gp if you can than the one/ones who have missed the diagnosis.It may be worth writing a letter to those who missed it(you don't have to send it even).I hope you will find lots of good treatment and positive support.please focus on what you need and be very kind to yourself.

[shaws Administrator]

Doctors are poorly trained that's the main reason. They appear to only go by the results of a TSH and T4 result and know nothing about clinical symptoms.

Many on this forum have remained undiagnosed for quite a few years with disabling symptoms.

I am very sorry you have cancer and it would have been an immense shock to you and no doubt angry with your doctor as he has failed you.

Members who have had the same op as you will respond with some knowledgeable advice.

[Rachelvc]

May I ask what symptoms you had?

[nannybiscuit in reply to Rachelvc]

yes what symptoms did you have?