Am I Hypothyroid ?

[Dizzydoris]

I wonder if anyone can help me ?28 years ago I had a partial thyroidectomy due to multi modular goitre.The Drs weren’t going to do anything as all my bloods were normal, but an ultrasound picked up the problem.

Over the years I’ve been referred to endocrinologists because of various problems, but each time nothing has been done as my bloods were normal.

Last Friday I saw my gp as I’ve been suffering the same symptoms as I had before when was operated on.

This time as well as feeling the familiar feeling of a lump in my throat that makes swallowing food difficult.

I also wake up feeling very jittery and haven’t hand tremors , I have great trouble getting to sleep and my hair is very dry.

It also feels like someone is pulling a belt very tightly round my throat. I have a pain at the front of my neck which goes up to my ear.

My gp was very patronising and reluctantly sent me for a blood test to see if I am Hypothyroid.

I mentioned about my other bloods being normal and all he said was blood tests don’t lie .

He said what was left of my thyroid was bulkier than normal and is sending me for an ultrasound.

But has warned me if both results are normal he won’t take it any further.

I really don’t know what to do as I just feel like nobody believes me .

[greygoose]

Blood tests may not lie, but doctors do. Do you ever get copies of these 'normal' blood test results? If you live in the UK, it is your legal right to have a print-out.

Another problem is that doctors don't really know how to interpret blood test results. 'Normal' is just an opinion, with no scientific back-up. When a doctor says it, it just means 'in-range'. But, 'in-range' is not the same as 'optimal'. Doctors don't understand that.

So, your next step should be to get copies of your results, if you haven't already, and post them on here, with the ranges - very important to have both. Then we can get a better idea of what is going on.

[Dizzydoris in reply to greygoose]

I didn’t realise that I could get a copy of the results Thankyou for letting me know . I will make sure I get a copy of them when they are back .

[greygoose in reply to Dizzydoris]

Just ring reception and ask them to print the results out for you, and you'll pick them up at their convenience. But, you'll probably have to take some form of identification. Probably best not to ask the doctor - especially as he doesn't sound very helpful! - most doctors prefer you don't know. But, the law is the law!

[Dizzydoris in reply to greygoose]

Thankyou very much , I will post all the results on here when I have them .

[greygoose in reply to Dizzydoris]

Don't forget the ranges! The numbers in brackets after the results.

[MaisieGray in reply to Dizzydoris]

Dizzydoris It would be useful for you to also ask for copies of the last two or three blood test results too, in order to see what was actually going on when you were being told things were allegedly "normal" despite you being symptomatic.

If you are met with any resistance from the receptionist remind them that they are obligated to give you this information by the Data Protection Act and the EU Data Protection Regulation of 2018.

[Dizzydoris in reply to MaisieGray]

Thankyou , I will do this x

[Nanaedake]

I'm sorry you feel like you're not being believed. This is a common situation often seen here. However, you don't need your GPs belief to get action, you need evidence. So, going for an ultrasound is great, ask for a copy of all results while at the appointment. Get copies of all historical blood tests, make sure they include the lab ranges. Make a list of symptoms. Put it all in a folder and take it with you to every appointment.

Post results on here to get advice.

[Dizzydoris in reply to Nanaedake]

Thankyou very much for replying I will do everything that has been suggested.

[Greekchick]

Hi Doris,

I would suggest that another ultrasound is in order to see if you have any new nodules growing on your remaining thyroid, and also to gauge the current size of your thyroid and any nodules that may be there as well. If you are having trouble swallowing, you should ask for a test with the laryngoscope to see if your thyroid is interfering with your windpipe - thus, difficulty breathing.

Hopefully your blood work will include antibody tests for both Hashimotos and Graves. If not, and it is within your means, you may wish to do private blood testing through Medichecks or Blue Horizons if your GP is uncooperative.

So sorry this is happening to you again - and hope you get some answers soon. All the best and good wishes to you today.