I'm strangely interested in how HypoT was recognised before THE blood test (did you see the pinch test?) well, here's one about slow reflexes
I've had these 'hammer' tests on various joints but now I think they didn't really know what they were doing (or nerve conduction tests either! I thought they were testing for MS?), but this chap seems to know.... (do feel a bit sorry for the lad 'tho) J
I thought the slow reflex , (what is normal reflex though) was when your feet and ankles dont work and are stiff and painful.
I always get this again when I take the 25mcg wockhardt over a few weeks instead of another brand. But it reminds me how far ive come.
Great find. I did miss the pinch test, ill have a look for that one.
The tuberose one - where it lists 'old fashioned' symptoms - Myxoedema, being cold etc.
thyroiduk.healthunlocked.co...
"Strangely Interested"? Is that what it's called? I thought it was just natural curiousity. Personally I think the most useful tool they used to have that has been forgotten is observing the patient standing in front of them. Good video. PR
When you visit Dr P. he has you stand upright and close eyes. He does your reflexes and takes your blood pressure standing/sitting. The 'Old School' of symptoms being most important.
An endocrinologist did this test when I was diagnosed hypothyroid, explaining everything to me, lovely woman that she was. This is the Achilles reflex test. When the Achilles tendon is hit just above the heel, the foot first jerks one way at normal speed then returns to its starting point at a perceptibly slower speed. Another way of doing this is by kneeling on a hard chair and hitting the Achilles tendon with the spine of a (narrow) book, foot jerks one way then returns more slowly.
She also took a great interest in my (then) canary yellow torso, explained my liver was not converting carotene to Vit A but depositing carotene there resulting in the yellow appearance, then called a Philippine trainee endocrinologist to see this phenomenon. Naturally I was longing to ask how this yellow colour would be distinguished in people of his race considering their natural colouring but did not as it seemed impolite but I really would have like to know.
In 1988, when I was diagnosed, my GP did my knee reflexes and took my pulse before saying, 'I think I know what's wrong with you but I need a blood test to confirm it.' I thought I was just exhausted after looking after a baby and a toddler for 9 months. I also had an X-ray, which showed an enlarged heart, which quickly returned to normal once I started treatment.
Unfortunately knowledge of this 'Woltman's Sign' is not prevalent these days, although before the TSH test it was one of the standard diagnostics.
My reflexes were checked and found to be slow, I was diagnosed with sciatica, sent for an MRI, which was of course negative, as a result of which I was discharged.
Another chance of diagnosis lost!
AN
Maybe not - if we post the obvious signs here! maybe someone will take note.....
My osteopath made me stand there with eyes closed, arms up, etc. reflexes tested - and she knew then I had neck and Thyroid problems. I must go again.
I've had 2 MRIs checking artery/nerve compression under neck ribs (but it only checks you lying down! so fine if I lie down!) Nerve conduction tests negative for bilateral carpal tunnel too, but they'd like to op anyway - no ta! (that was 'cos I was low in vit D)
I really should get a copy of my full notes - I'm sure they'd say awkward begger - please ignore! J 
I said I'd come back with my results :)
can my GP charge me £30 for a copy of one lab blood result?
Has anyone had an initial diagnosis of fibromyalgia?
Here's at least one piece of good news
Which blood tests for pituitary function?
