Toddler with high TSH

[HowNowWhatNow]

Update:

My GP is minded to refer my son to a paediatrician regarding his high TSH, but only because his hair is moulting and he is constipated and not because his TSH is 6.5 and he is tired and lethargic all the time and complaining of being in pain - I couldn't follow the logic. It might take months before we see the specialist, which I suppose is not surprising but is disappointing.

Our doc said that generally they only treat a high TSH in children when it is 10 or more. Seems a very high threshold to take.

Has anyone any advice to share?

--------------

Good morning!

I am no stranger to this forum because I have been hypothyroid since my nearly three year old son was born. I welcome your expertise with a new problem.

I have a meeting with a GP tomorrow to discuss my young son's high TSH level. I don't have ranges yet or many other blood results. I know that his TSH is 6.5 and that his glucose, renal and gluten results are normal. If he is hypothyroid, the diagnosis would make sense, given his symptoms.

I would like to know what those of you with experience of paediatric hypothyroidism recommend I ask my GP we do next. (Assuming the other results confirm a diagnosis of hypothyroidism). Do you recommend a consultation with an endocrinologist? A hospital paediatrician? More tests?

My nearly three year old's bloods were taken because his height is dropping down through the centiles. His height was off the chart when he was born - in the 104th centile - and is now around the 50/60th. He has had a number of other health complaints, constantly. It has been difficult to get the doctors to focus on seeing these as part of one problem instead of multiple problems. He had glue ear for a year, a parade of respiratory problems (ear infections, scarlet fever, tonsillitis several times, multiple flu episodes) and has been feeling tired and thirsty all the time of late and is constipated and gets a lot of joint pain / pain all over. His hair is moulting and I think he has dry eyes as he has started blinking a lot. He has hit his developmental milestones on the whole.

The reason I am asking for your advice before we see the GP is that i have found it very hard to get the health visitors / doctors to consider height as a problem or to consider his multiple symptoms as part of something bigger or to get any referrals in the past. So I would like to know the right questions to ask, please.

I am particularly concerned about his growth and brain developement.

Any advice, particularly from parents of a hypothyroid child, would be so helpful.

Thank you!!

[Hidden]

I'm afraid I can't help but I'm sure many will be along to do so, but I just wanted to say that you as his mum know far more about him than they do, make sure they understand that, and remember they serve you not the other way around. Don't be afraid to make a fuss, to ring them constantly for updates and generally make a nuisance of yourself, this seems the only way to get things done properly, and I used to be a GP's receptionist! Good luck to you both x

[HowNowWhatNow in reply to Hidden]

Thank you!