Have finally educated my doctor on thyroid. Yay for me. Doctor-Gobsmacked. Also educated my doctor on my other symptoms. Seratonin syndrome. ( yes the doctors and emergency departments tried to kill me ) All medications stopped!. Doctors have taken 10 years of my life away from me. Now i have their undivided attention. So today i am going back to my doctor. Full blood results are in. Im aware i am already low on Vitamin D etc etc as
Previously posted. I am obviously not in range for many a vitamin. Hence- why doctor has called me in. Will keep you posted!!!. Looking forward to these test results. Ps managed to get referral to endo. Still waiting on appointment. All good things come to those that wait ( hehe) its only been 26 years.
Today i walk into my doctors without Seratonin Syndrome ( well under control anyhow) thanks to me!
My Doctor again will be gobsmacked ( i am walking & not in a wheelchair).
This sight has given much needed knowledge. Knowledge is power.
I cant thank you guys enough.
Will keep you posted!
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Bridie2014
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What was it that caused your serotonin syndrome? And how was it discovered? What tests were done?
I just went back and read one or two of your earlier posts. I noticed you said that you were very tanned.
I just wondered if you were misinterpreting the colour of your skin, and it wasn't actually a tan but a condition called hyperpigmentation. I would agree it's a bit of a long shot!
Look at the symptoms and do a Google search for "hyperpigmentation Addison's Disease".
After being a victim of a severe stabbing. ( attempted murder ) i was placed on effexor ( ptsd ) may i add ptsd my arse!!!!!!!!! As the years rolled on, my back continued to get worse ( chronic and crippling back pain ) doctors have been subscribing morphine and other opiods. This combination was deadly!!!!toxic. I diagnosed it and brought it to my doctors attention. Morphine was no longer working. My pain was thru the roof. Muscle spasms thru the whole body ( some uncontrollable) i presented to emergency department on 4 occasions. Emergency department doctors missed it. I knew there was something seriously wrong. The pain ad me passing out several times a day. I researched & researched....... i went to my doctor...... my doctor apologised profusely.... i earned his respect..... he has yet to earn mine 😂😂😂
The effexor may also have contributed to the thyroid issue. It is a 'rare' side effect, but it is listed (hyper and hypo also nodules). I was on venlafaxine for years and suspect a connection, albeit a small one in my case. Many people report thinking it played a part, sometimes a main cause. I can see how you earned your doctor's respect - well researched.
Hello, I imagine that it was probably the anti-depressants resulting in the Serotonin Syndrome and am very glad that you have an answer to that part of the puzzle.
The thyroid is involved in hormonal control and regulation of serotonin.
I quote
"Hypothyroidism is a very common cause of increased serotonin (e.g. Henley, et al., 1998), and if the thyroid hormone is supplemented until symptoms are resolved, it’s likely that the serotonin will have been normalized. -Ray Peat, PhD
Hypothyroidism increases the formation of serotonin, as does cortisol (Henley, et al., 1997, 1998; Neckers and Sze, 1976). -Ray Peat, PhD"
The elevated serotonin can cause issues with processing histamine, and oestrogen dominance can affect all of them.
What you have gone through is unbelievable and I think you've a case for negligence after all those years. One of the commonest autoimmune diseases which most doctors could diagnose (in the past) at fifty paces -no need for blood tests then only skill of doctors recognising the 'look' of the patients and symptoms.
Once you are diagnosed, hypothyroidism it is for life. You need to take levothyroxine and did you know that once diagnosed it is such a serious condition that you no longer have to pay for any other prescriptions for any other illnesses you may develop? If antibodies are present you have a condition called Autoimmune Thyroid Disease commonly called Hashimoto's or hashis. Going gluten-free can help reduce the attack of the antibodies on your thyroid gland but treatment is the same.
You have to read, learn and ask questions. These are steps to follow - doctors seem to know zilch about treating patients.
All blood tests have to be at the very earliest, fasting (you can drink water). If you were taking thyroid hormones (if you don't there are serious consequences) you'd allow a gap of 24 hours between last dose of levothyroxine and the test and take afterwards.
Levothyroxine is a synthetic hormone and it is T4 alone. It has to convert to the Active Hormone which is called T3 (liothyronine) and it is T3 which is needed in all of our T3
receptor cells and the heart and brain contain the most. Without sufficient our body cannot function and we feel awful.
You actually need a Full Thyroid Function Test (GP usually or lab wont do it). You can get a private one and it may be worth it and get you onto good health more quickly. We have three labs and they do home pin-prick tests and NHS have been told only TSH and T4 is sufficient but it isn't.
If you decide on a private test, make sure you are well hydrated a couple of days before blood draw - which has to be at the very earliest - fasting but you can drink water - and if you were taking thyroid hormone replacements you'd allow a gap of 24 hours between last dose and test and take afterwards. Labs are Blue Horizon, Medichecks or Thriva.
TSH, T4, T3, Free T4, Free T3 and thyroid antibodies.
GP has to test B12, Vit D, iron, ferritin and folate.
Post your results on a new post with the ranges. Ranges are important to enable members to respond - labs differ in their ranges.
Post your results on a new post for comments. GP should test B12, Vit D, iron, ferritin and folate. Deficiencies also cause symptoms.
Always get a print-out of your results for your own records and post if you have a query. Aim is a TSH of 1 or lower with Free T4 and Free T3 towards the upper part of the ranges. If antibodies are present going gluten-free can help reduce the attack of them on your thyroid gland which means you also become hypothyroid.
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Eyebrows have started growing again : )
Need Advice Please 
Increased anxiety…
I’m fine. Really?
Thyroidectomy or not? Thyroidmegaly and multi modular goiter. 
