Low Body Temperature, Fatigue and Cold possible Thyroid?

[RAB10]

Hello everyone due to complete desperation and frustration I've found your site. I know a lot of you will probably feel the same when you think you cannot get a GP to listen to you. Current symptoms are low body temperature (compared to what was my "normal" temp of 37.1. Over the last few months it ranges from 35.1-36.2. I can't go into supermarkets now without a fleece on and then find I start breaking out in a cold sweat when I come back out. I'm not menopausal as probably finished this a while ago I am 58. I am usually full of energy, pretty fit but feeling completely exhausted (but never really tired enough to sleep). Usually have normal blood pressure but last few readings it is in the high reading. My normal cholesterol level is up at 6 again with no change to my diet. Cannot sleep longer than around 4 hours a night. Have to admit to the last few years being incredibly stressful, due to bereavements and job but I have always been in stressful jobs and coped really well as I strive under pressure. I have spend a small fortune on private blood tests which come back normal for everything but doctor did point out I obviously had a compromised immune system as I have had bronchitis and pleurisy for the first time ever last winter. He also said I may have fibromyalgia but not completely certain and only treatment is with antidepressants which I have declined. I have probably the same diet but have gained about 20lbs in weight in the last year. I have now seen 5 different locums in my gp practice so no continuity of care at all it is a complete shambles of a clinic and has now been taken over by the NHS as it had been deemed too poor. It doesn't fill me with any real confidence in the latest prognosis by a GP who said all my symptoms are normal but I should start taking HRT (I also have a history of endometriosis). As I said no faith in the GP so won't be starting these until I see some kind of specialist (no doubt another massive private medical bill). I have so much respect for the NHS but have read so many horror stories of mis-diagnosis. I am hoping someone in the forum might look at this post and think gosh this happened to me as well and may be able to give me some advice. Thanks

[Treepie]

"Normal" blood tests mean within range but that may not be optimum for you.Suggest you post results with ranges for : TSH,FT4,FT3, ferritin,folate ,B12,D3 and antibodies.

[RAB10 in reply to Treepie]

Thanks to you and everyone else who has replied I cannot tell what it is like to feel that someone understands. I will track down my latest tests and try and post asap. Got a really heavy workload at moment which means I haven't been able to get back on to the forum for a few days. I hope this note finds you well and if not take care.

[Judithdalston]

My sympathies Rab10, I am diagnosed with diabetes, fibromyalgia, hypothyroid and Hashimoto's but only the diabetes creates any contact with medics- a yearly health assistant who conveys results to / from a Gp. Consequently over 14 years of hypothyroid symptoms ( many like yours) have largely been dismissed - ending up with the fibromyalgia diagnosis just over a year ago. I believe this is a result of undermedicated thyroid problems, and have now gone DIY: private blood tests, buying T3, and huge amounts of advice from this forum. You say you have had private blood tests, which were 'normal' , but can you post them here? Did they include the thyroid TSH, FT4, FT3 and T4 , or / and thyroid autoimmune antibodies , or any of the Vit D, B12, folate and ferritin test results? This group is what is needed to help diagnose hypothyroidism, Hashimoto's and improve thyroid health with optimum Vit/ min levels. Members get their tests mainly thru Medichecks and Blue Horizon labs( both with c. 20% off on orders today- you don't need to use the kits immediately).

[RAB10 in reply to Judithdalston]

Thanks so much sorry I don't think I replied properly and it has come out below.

[RAB10]

Thank you so much for taking the time to reply and for the advice, I will certainly look into this. Take care and thanks again.

[RAB10]

Hello thank you so much I feel I am talking to someone who truly understands the frustrations of having to deal with GP's who have no real interest in trying to find out what is really wrong with you. Not sure about the Fibromyalgia "label" although I have a large amount of the underlying symptoms and past medical history that seems to fit in. It was my osteopath who has known me for years that finally suggested talking to the GP when I had a session of acupuncture which should not have hurt. When the needles were going in I hit the roof with the pain, it was like getting electric shocks right through my body, especially when she touched my toes. I ended up going privately to one of the best endocrinologists in the country and again my tests were normal. I will try and find them to see if they make sense to you. I have a very healthy diet and have taken B vitamins, Magnesium and omega 3 for a long while. Strangely enough I have been tested for vitamin B12/B6 deficiencies as both my sister and dad had to get injections as they were very low. I think the overall assessment from the endocrinologist was that the severe stress and shock I suffered from bereavements 6 years ago have impacted on my auto immune system but I feel there must be something else going on as I have suffered from the symptoms of an underactive thyroid for years (my husband even left an article lying out for me to read as a hint and that was nearly 10 years ago). I have always been a type A personality, very driven and ambitious and even when I was exhausted I still worked 12 hour days, perhaps I have damaged myself in some way. One thing that does spring to mind is that about 20 years ago I was in Scotland for Easter in a caravan. There was a freak change in weather and the temperature plunged to minus 4 overnight. We had no heating and I woke up shivering. I felt ok until I got home and then my knees and fingers were very swollen. I quickly got a private appointment with a rheumatologist who told me I have rheumatoid arthritis. I was devastated as I was only 30 at the time. I went to the library and found a book about natural remedies. I started taking high strength fish oils and within 2 months I was to normal and my rheumatoid factor has never gone back up again even although I feel my joints are very painful. I also had suspected glandular fever and shingles about the same time. Not sure if this is relevant. Thanks again I'll try and find my blood test results. I hope this note finds you well and if not take care of yourself.