Balance &memory

[caz1967]

In the past 6 months ive noticed i have been forgetting silly things like the names of items & place names , along with items i need for my grocery shop. I am aware the menopause can get these symptoms of memory loss / confusion . i do not know if im the other side of this or still in it & GP wont even give a blood test to check levels. If it was this on its own id not be bothered much however, combined with losing my balance quite a bit& dizziness, now this last week ive had headaches every day. I had a eye test not long ago so my glasses are fine its not this causing them. I dont normally have many ,so these im as well concerned about. Trying to get an apt for anything is a 3 week + wait then the GP is never interested every time i see him guaranteed he claims its normal or osteoarthritis or some of the medications i take.

A few years ago i had a lot of pain around the end of my jaw nr my ear lobe, after a scope i was told i had a lot of dryness everywhere and possible sinusitis, i was given an ultrasound where a small lump type thing was found but i cannot remember now what it was called. I was told id be seen again but too date ive not received an appointment as yet 3 yrs later. Anyone with any of these symptom's id appreciate any information.

[TaraJR]

Hi. Has your GP done full thyroid tests for you? Thyroid conditions can cause memory loss, poor balance, dryness, and aches and pains, including neck pain.

Check Thyroid UK website - it's brilliant

thyroiduk.org/signs-and-sym...

That link is to HYPOthyroid.

There's HYPERthyorid too, but your symptoms sound more like hypo (underactive thyroid)

[caz1967 in reply to TaraJR]

Thanks i had some blood tests completed in December last yr i can ask though if and when i can get an apt.

[TaraJR in reply to caz1967]

Request copies of all your test results with their reference ranges. You're legally entitled to them and they're free. Or download them if you have online access. I'm happy to look at them if you like. Drs get very little training on thyroid conditions. Never accept 'normal/ in range/ satisfactory' .. always get the results yourself and check they're OPTIMAL.

[Hidden]

I have not but my partner has. In her case it turned out to be early onset Alzheimer's. Forgetting of the names of things and places were some of the first signs we all noticed; a bit more than normal memory loss. I pray it's not that, but suggest getting a neurological screening while you are at it. Early diagnosis is so very important for you and your family.

[caz1967 in reply to Hidden]

Many many thanks for the advice. getting a neurological screening is not that easy, only my GP can request im seen and getting apt' is very difficult at present. I had wondered if i had a middle ear problem in relation to the headaches balance & dizziness . But ill give it a try ..

[Whimbrel]

Hello, I'm very sorry and in fact angry to hear that your GP is not listening to you. You're within your rights to ask for a different GP or contact a patient rights group to see if you can get some additional support/advice.

In terms of the follow up for your appointment with regard to the ear it's worth chasing it by calling the place that did the initial check up. Or the relevant hospital's appointment/advice line.

All th best. x

[caz1967]

Thank you for your advice.

[caz1967]

UPDATE:: STILL TRYING TO GET AN APT TO SEE GP. informed nothing for next 2 weeks have to be at surgery door 08.00 when gp's apt book re opens in 2 weeks time.. you could drop dead the NHS is not servicing patient's they have become bone idle