I'm new...and have an endocrinologist appointment next week!

[LindseyCP]

Hello everyone,

Newbie here. I'm so glad to have finally found you all.

I was diagnosed with an underactive thyroid about 6 years ago following blood tests to check out my general health and why I felt so sad all the time. I was found to have an underactive thyroid and since then I’ve been wavering between 100 to 150 levothyroxine per day, but after reading some posts here I think I may be on the wrong meds.

I never gave my diagnosis much thought at the time, I was just glad I’d spoken out about feeling so low and that it was being dealt with. But recently I began to wonder if the other symptoms I have might just be connected to my thyroid.

Since 2013 I’ve had pain in my hip. First it was put down to a weak core. Then some kind of misalignment due to hyper-mobility. And finally in 2017, a stress fracture!

In 2015, I began to get pain and swelling in my big toe. No one could me what the problem was other than some kind of stress reaction. Then at the end of 2016 I felt a pop and could no longer walk. A&E said there was nothing wrong with my foot and sent me home…twice, but referred me to Orthopedics (foot and ankle) and Rheumatology because of my foot, hip and knee (also painful and swollen) and thyroid history. After numerous meetings, Orthopedics were stlll baffled and told me there was nothing they could do and Rheumatology were baffled and couldn’t tell me why a 33 year old women would have a fractured hip without suffering any trauma (no falls, trips etc). Around the same time my knee was also scanned but again, I was told that nothing was wrong with it.

I asked for a second opinion and I was told by a (leading) rheumatologist that my bone density's fine and various stress fractures were likely ‘bad luck’. I’m not sure he ever looked at any of my MRIs.

My GP has now referred me to an endocrinologist, and I convinced her to send me for more thyroid blood tests (peroxidase and thyroid function). Results due soon.

Nowadays my symptoms (thyro-related or otherwise?) are:

Pain / stiffness in left foot, left big toe, right knee, right hip, lower back, left wrist.

Depression and anxiety (on meds)

Painful / heavy periods

Spots (that I just cant get rid of!)

IBS-like symptoms

Weight gain

Sensitive to cold (and cold extremities)

Loss of libido

Diminished sweating

Tiredness and lethargy (despite loads of sleep)

Post nasal drip and sinusitis

Dry, gritty eyes

Headaches

Restless legs

Dry, itchy skin

I guess I’m just fed up of going to the hospital, of seeing numerous specialists who can’t seem to help. I’m not even sure than seeing an Endocrinologist is the right person to see. But most of all, I’m fed up of daily pain and discomfort – all be it low level.

So that’s me. Any words of wisdom, advice or encouragement gratefully received.

Best wishes to you all,

Lindsey

[Aurealis]

Good luck with your endo appointment. Are you seeing one that is on the thyroid U.K. recommended list? Your list of symptoms does sound like hypothyroidism. All the best x

[greygoose]

Anything and everything can be - and probably is - a hypo symptom - either directly or indirectly. That is my mantra.

Some of your symptoms could be caused by low nutrients, though (indirectly hypo). You need to get your vit D, vit B12, folate and ferritin tested.

It's possible that an endo isn't the right person to see - depends on the endo. Many of them are diabetes specialists and know little or nothing about thyroid. But, get as many blood tests out of him as you can.

Whilst waiting for your appointment, learn as much as you can about thyroid and Hashimoto's, so that he can't pull the wool over your eyes, or fob you off. Keep your calm and look him directly in the eyes!

[GrandyW]

Wellllll, where to start. Simply, I can only recommend as an 86 year old!!!! and having tried every kind of treatment other than prescription drugs, give homeopathy a try. Even though I was only diagnosed with hypothyroidism at 70, yes, even though I had checkups, low blood pressure, different meds. I was never offered a blood test.......until I asked!!!BY which time I was 'off the scale' and Dr.was on phone as soon as he knew my T.S.H. was 65, more or less said I should 'not be walking about!!!!!' Ha ha. I was on 75 levo mcg until 3 years ago when I managed to see an expert thyroid Dr.,tests showed I was suffering from severe toxicosis and had been ill for a long time.Being old and now well informed I know I was very fortunate to find a different way, Have been on natural adrenal and thyroid supplements ever since and am much better.Search the net, find BOOKS to read, don't think I am supposed to say which.See if you can find an expert on the subject. Good Luck.