I am new to forum and not sure if I'm in the right place.
I got here by checking symptoms and was quite surprised when it led me to Thyroid information. Went to GP (not my usual one) 4 weeks ago with the following:
Swelling of hands and feet
extreme fatigue, following 10 hrs sleep
memory issues
painful joints.
I also have other minor symptoms which are not causing me too much of a problem atm. However I do have a very unhealthy sugar craving which I've had for years now.
GP sent me away with virus diagnosis, of which I was sceptical but was willing too wait out. My swelling has subsided, although still slight in am. Joints are constantly cracking (never had this before). However my fatigue is still through the roof. I'm on holiday for a week and I've done little but sleep, which I also did all over Christmas/New Year.
My question is how do I approach my GP without sounding like I have been picking up on every quack article in Googleland? I don't like the idea of my doctor thinking I'm looking for a particular diagnosis. Because the main symptom is my fatigue I find it difficult to get over how bad, and unlike normal, this is for me. I think it may be thyroid related, but to be honest it doesn't matter what it is, I just want to feel better.
I was considering ordering private blood tests - is this a good or bad idea before speaking to my GP again? What are your experience of private tests for initial symptom checking. I'm happy to spend the money if it is the right thing to do.
Hope you can give me some advice on all of this.