thyroid misery

lovelystuff

I was speaking to my consultant earlier as I've been extremely fatigued and having joint pain recently (hands,arms and feet especially), but my thyroid numbers are perfect. She was suggesting i might need a rheumatology check done. Has anyone here done that,or have rheumatism? I'm 28 so I'm hoping it's not the case for me! Thanks!

The_Conductor

Rheumatoid arthritis- and osteopenia here
It goes with autoimmune diseases- its common for a few of them to go hand-in-hand. The osteopenia- is through malabsorption rather than a specific condition......

lovelystuff

The_Conductor wrote: »

Rheumatoid arthritis- and osteopenia here
It goes with autoimmune diseases- its common for a few of them to go hand-in-hand. The osteopenia- is through malabsorption rather than a specific condition......

Thanks for that. Can I ask is it a big problem in terms of symptoms and treatment? I'm pretty clueless about it, and what it might mean for me. Thanks again!

The_Conductor

lovelystuff wrote: »

Thanks for that. Can I ask is it a big problem in terms of symptoms and treatment? I'm pretty clueless about it, and what it might mean for me. Thanks again!

Its painful- and annoying. Aside from calcium and Vitamin D supplements- there isn't anything else I'm on (given the adverse way possible treatments might react with my current meds). Some Crohn's treatments (like Humira for example)- are also good for rheumatoid arthritis- and are what I'm currently discussing with my consultant.

Its sort of what can treat the maximum number of different things- even off label- and can it be prescribed..........

Talk to your consultant though- we're all different- what might be a viable proposition for me- might not for you- for any of a long and bewildering list of reasons..........

It sucks- and some days are worse than others- but when you have to keep going- you grit your teeth and keep going.

lovelystuff

Thanks conductor, much appreciated. Can I ask one more thing if you don't mind, does anything lifestyle wise help? Like should I start doing weights or anything like that? Thanks again

The_Conductor

lovelystuff wrote: »

Thanks conductor, much appreciated. Can I ask one more thing if you don't mind, does anything lifestyle wise help? Like should I start doing weights or anything like that? Thanks again

I needed a laugh- you hear my bones cracking when I move, my ankles give away not infrequently when I'm walking- weight lifting is not going to happen.......

Diet- particularly the use of olive oil in cooking etc- is something I do habitually. Whether or not it helps- and to what extent- I don't know, but it would be silly not to do little things that are beneficial from a health perspective- regardless of whether or not they help specific problems.

Anti-inflamatories can make a big difference- however, after 15 years on steroids- its made my bone density a bigger issue than swollen joints.

You have to be careful that one solution doesn't cause another problem........

Wyldwood

Lovelystuff, about 20 years ago I developed severe pains in my feet and found it very difficult to walk. Diagnosed with RA. Was given a letter for a consultant and refused to go as I knew it would mean anti-inflammatory treatment.

I did a lot of research and found Margaret Hill's story. I found it inspiring and bought her book Curing Arthritis the Drug Free Way. I eliminated all the citrus fruits, peppers, tomatoes (I did continue to eat potatoes even though they were on the eliminate list). Also reduced red meat to once a week and cut out alcohol apart from an occasional glass of red wine. Cider vinegar is recommended but I could never take it.

I started taking Codliver oil off the spoon daily, used honey instead of marmalade (now I use Manuka honey) and took Epsom salts baths regularly. Exercise is very important so if you can get out for a brisk walk every day you'll feel much better (good for the thyroid too!)

The bottom line was that I managed to bring the pain right down and never needed medication. I still get a few aches and pains form time to time but never enough to send me running to a rheumatologist.

I realise that I may have been lucky that my RA wasn't severe and also that it could hit back any day and I may have to take meds but I'd encourage you to read Margaret Hill's book if you can find it, possibly in the library. It's just a small paperback.

Wishing you the best of health.

samanthamcgre

Hi All

I have been hypo for 3 years. TSH was always ok it was more anti bodies were the problem they were consistently 1800

Have been on 100mcg of eltroxin

Had a bad couple of weeks and decided to see an endo....she put me on thybo. 20 and I am just wondering have any of you any experience of it and has it helped you & in what way?

Chemical Byrne

I came across this book. It is a very interesting read I learned a lot from it. It might be of interest suffferers of thyroid problems. It might offer some insight to those who are on treatment with test results showing normal but still feeling bad.
https://www.scribd.com/doc/25224250/Why-Do-I-Still-Have-Thyroid-Symptoms-When-My-Lab-Tests-Are-Normal

lovelystuff wrote: »

Thanks conductor, much appreciated. Can I ask one more thing if you don't mind, does anything lifestyle wise help? Like should I start doing weights or anything like that? Thanks again

If you are interested in lifestyle modifications I might suggest you have a look at the above book Lovelystuff. Granted, it is targetted at thyroid issues but it is very much oriented towards addressing the autoimmune process that underlies many thyroid problems rather than supplanting its roles by means of hormone replacement.
It gives a great run down on the functioning and, importantly, the malfunctioning of the immune system and discusses dietary modifications that aim to go some distance towards normalising immune funtion (and consequently thyroid funtion since in hashi's at least thyroid malfuntion is merely a symtom of a problem with the immune system)

As I'm sure you well know, rhumatism is an autoimmune process so you might find some at least informative if not useful information.

Amazingfun

Chemical Byrne wrote: »

I came across this book. It is a very interesting read I learned a lot from it. It might be of interest suffferers of thyroid problems. It might offer some insight to those who are on treatment with test results showing normal but still feeling bad.
https://www.scribd.com/doc/25224250/Why-Do-I-Still-Have-Thyroid-Symptoms-When-My-Lab-Tests-Are-Normal

Dr. Kharrazian is excellent and is a strong advocate of the AIP protocol, a thing I am a definite fan of myself

th283

lovelystuff wrote: »

I was speaking to my consultant earlier as I've been extremely fatigued and having joint pain recently (hands,arms and feet especially), but my thyroid numbers are perfect. She was suggesting i might need a rheumatology check done. Has anyone here done that,or have rheumatism? I'm 28 so I'm hoping it's not the case for me! Thanks!

Hi lovelystuff, I've had joint pain for almost 4 years especially in my right ankle. Like you my doctor suggested tests for arthritis, but these came back clear. I recently came across an article which mentioned arthritis like joint pain in people with under active thyroid being caused by magnesium deficiency. I took a chance and bought magnesium and vitamin b supplements (vitamin b apparently helps with fatigue) in the health food shop.
That was about 8 weeks ago and it's made a massive difference, the pain is virtually gone and my energy levels have increased. Before this at times I struggled to put my foot on the ground with the pain and simple stuff like climbing the stairs was awful but in the last few weeks I've only had a few twinges but I can honestly say the pain has reduced by at least 90% and my energy levels have increased

magnesium and vitamin b may not work for you but it could be worth a try, good luck

alphatango

Hello, I am new to this thread and am posting in relation to my 13 year old daughter. She has been unwell for the last 8/9 months suffering from chronic constipation, and headaches and stomach pains. She has had leg pains for many years which we put down to growing pains, she does not seem to have much energy and thinks she gets a sensation of not being able to breathe and has put un a huge amount of weight. I brought her to the GP and he did blood tests for Thyroid, just TSH and FT4, Tsh came back 5.12 and I am not sure what Ft4 came back. Gp told me bring her back in 6 weeks for another test. The day i brought her back for the second test he prescribed 50mcg eltroxin and did the blood test. She was taking the eltroxin for a week and the result of her second blood test came back within the normal range, tsh 2.4 and FT4 13. Gp then told me to stop her medication and come back in 6 months for another blood test. I am not at all happy with the way my gp has dealt with my daughter and i would love to hear the views of contributors to this thread. I am also thinking of bringing her to an Endocrinologist and I would love to know about any good ones and whether or not they deal with children. I am in the west of ireland but will travel anywhere to get her proper treatment. Please let me hear your views. Sorry for long post.

Wyldwood

Alphatango, I cannot understand why your GP took your daughter off the meds when she had clearly shown a positive response to them.

It takes 6 weeks for thyroid meds to fully take effect and another 6 weeks to leave the blood, so, based on that, I would take your daughter to another doctor (if your own doc is not willing to repeat tests) 6 weeks from the date when she finished the Eltroxin and see what her bloods are like at that stage.

An endo may or may not be useful, often just a good proactive GP is just as beneficial.

It may be that he's trying to see if it was transitional and hold off on medication for the meantime but, speaking as someone who has had thyroid problems since teens, I would pursue it.

Always ask for a printout of the results so you can see the lab ranges and where blood results lie in that range.

alphatango

Wyldwood, thank you so much for your reply. What actually happened was that her first blood test was abnormal so gp told me to bring her back in 6 weeks for another blood test. When I brought her back for the second test he put her on the eltroxin and also took her blood so her blood came back in the normal range for the second test without intervention. She only had tsh and ft4 done and from what i have read i think these tests can come back normal and a person can still be hypothyroid. I would really welcome advice and views because she is symptomatic.

New Home

Regardless of what the GP says, I can't see how an endocrinology visit would be a bad thing, at least the specialist could clarify things for you and your daughter.

I don't know if she still works there, but in Sligo Hospital I found Dr. Cathy McHugh in particular to be very good. I know there's another male doctor who works/worked in Galway and Dublin who a friend of mine found excellent, as soon as I find out his name again I'll post back. - Mods, I can't remember if names are allowed in here, so please feel free to remove it if need be, thanks.

alphatango

New Home, thanks so much, i would appreciate that very much.
If she is hypothyroid i want her diagnosed as early as possible as i have read the later the diagnosis the more problems it causes. I am bringing her back to the gp next week and will ask him to do all possible tests, i know the lab won't do all tests, and i will ask for an endo referral so i would appreciate any suggestions and advice.

Aeternum

I find Dr Brosnan in Mayo Gen hospital great - I used to see Dr Bell in Galway and wouldn't recommend her at all, just my personal experience with her.

alphatango

Aeternum wrote: »

I find Dr Brosnan in Mayo Gen hospital great - I used to see Dr Bell in Galway and wouldn't recommend her at all, just my personal experience with her.

Is she good for thyroid? I think her specialty is diabetes.

Aeternum

alphatango wrote: »

Is she good for thyroid? I think her specialty is diabetes.

Well I have diabetes too but see her for both I find her team great.

The_Conductor

alphatango wrote: »

Is she good for thyroid? I think her specialty is diabetes.

She's an endocrinologist- while she is better known for her treatment of diabetes- she specialises in treatment of issues with the endochrine system- which includes the thyroid- an interesting little list is here: http://www.endocrineweb.com/conditions

Chemical Byrne

Hi.

My gf started drinking green tea a few weeks ago. (I'd drink a fair amount of anyway for few yrs). Just there yesterday was over for dinner and out of the blue she said to me that she started drinking it since I drink so much and commented that she thinks she's feeling a good bit better as a result.

I was surprised to read in Dr Kharrazian's book that GT everts a modulating effect on that side of the immune system which is often responsible for hashi's.

I am not aware of any other changes in her situation or lifestyle so I think it might be plausible that GT might potentially have brought about some improvement. I am not sure whether she is aware of GT's *suggested* beneficial effect on the immune system so I cannot say whether or not it might be placebo effect. Of course it might be totally coincidental and unrelated too.

And before anyone asks, no, I didn't tell her to drink it. She did so of her own initiative. I was surprised to see the biggest box of green tea bags I'd ever seen in her place last week! Never knew they came in 80's! I'll have to keep calling around for the cuppas! lol :pac:

lovelystuff

Alphatangos just wanted to say hang on in there with your child. Hypothyroidism was showing up on my bloods since I was 17 and I only got diagnosed at 25, the ensuing years were extremely difficult as I was trying to keep going in school and with hobbies etc. If I could go back i would have definitely gone to an endocrinologist earlier. I know that it's something my own parents really regret but at the same time you tend to trust your gp! She's lucky you're so on the ball. Sending you all my best wishes

Chemical Byrne

Definitely go to an endocrinologist. GPs are jack of all trades and despite the best of intentions they might have, in many cases they just don't have the specialised knowledge to treat complex diseases effectively. And that goes for everything, not just thyroid difficulties.

If you are not satisfied with your GP, request for a referral to an endo. who is competent to deal with your issue. If they refuse or try to fob you off just tell them you'll be taking your business elsewhere from now on. Life's to short to be going around miserable because of substandard or antiquated healthcare.

alphatango

lovelystuff wrote: »

Alphatangos just wanted to say hang on in there with your child. Hypothyroidism was showing up on my bloods since I was 17 and I only got diagnosed at 25, the ensuing years were extremely difficult as I was trying to keep going in school and with hobbies etc. If I could go back i would have definitely gone to an endocrinologist earlier. I know that it's something my own parents really regret but at the same time you tend to trust your gp! She's lucky you're so on the ball. Sending you all my best wishes

Lovelystuff, thank you so much for the encouragement. I just feel that she is hypothyroid, she is so symptomatic and it is in the genes:- her two aunts have it and her first cousin was diagnosed at the age of eight and of course her first blood test just adds to my suspicion. Just can't figure out how the second test came back in the normal range. I have learned a lot from reading this thread and had picked out an endo based on recommendations here but when i phoned her secretary i found out she doesn't take patients under 16 yrs. We are going back to the gp tomorrow and I will tell him all my concerns and ask him for an endo referral, if it means taking her to Dublin to a paediatric endo thats ok, i am up for it. I am bringing my husband with me to gp to back me up and i have my list of questions ready.

lovelystuff

alphatango wrote: »

Lovelystuff, thank you so much for the encouragement. I just feel that she is hypothyroid, she is so symptomatic and it is in the genes:- her two aunts have it and her first cousin was diagnosed at the age of eight and of course her first blood test just adds to my suspicion. Just can't figure out how the second test came back in the normal range. I have learned a lot from reading this thread and had picked out an endo based on recommendations here but when i phoned her secretary i found out she doesn't take patients under 16 yrs. We are going back to the gp tomorrow and I will tell him all my concerns and ask him for an endo referral, if it means taking her to Dublin to a paediatric endo thats ok, i am up for it. I am bringing my husband with me to gp to back me up and i have my list of questions ready.

the exact same thing happened me, I was started on meds,started feeling slightly less terrible and then was taken off them. It's an uphill battle to get diagnosed but it comes up in my family again and again that my parents feel so guilty for not pushing for an endocrinologist when they see how well i am (most of the time)now! Hopefully she'll get sorted soon. Margaret Griffin is excellent i don't know if she sees young people but she's based in Dublin and naas and has been a game changer for me. Really thinking of you and your daughter, that was me not so long ago but at least you know what you're dealing with and can get her sorted

alphatango

lovelystuff wrote: »

the exact same thing happened me, I was started on meds,started feeling slightly less terrible and then was taken off them. It's an uphill battle to get diagnosed but it comes up in my family again and again that my parents feel so guilty for not pushing for an endocrinologist when they see how well i am (most of the time)now! Hopefully she'll get sorted soon. Margaret Griffin is excellent i don't know if she sees young people but she's based in Dublin and naas and has been a game changer for me. Really thinking of you and your daughter, that was me not so long ago but at least you know what you're dealing with and can get her sorted

Lovelystuff, i am really glad that you are feeling so much better now. It's interesting that the same thing happened you as happened my daughter. The endo i phoned was Margaret Griffin but unfortunately she does not see patients under 16 yrs but I will keep her in mind for the future, i was really dissappointed about that as her specialty is hypothyroidism and weight gain both of which are relevant to my daughter.

New Home

Alphatango, I was just thinking, perhaps you could ring one of the Children's Hospitals, I'm sure they'd have the best advice to give you regarding consultants/specialists for your daughter.

alphatango

New Home wrote: »

Alphatango, I was just thinking, perhaps you could ring one of the Children's Hospitals, I'm sure they'd have the best advice to give you regarding consultants/specialists for your daughter.

New Home, thanks for that suggestion, i did not think of that. I will phone tomorrow to see if they could point me in the right direction. I really want to find a good endo for her as i have noticed a lot of the contributors to this thread have been very unhappy with some of the endos they have seen.

lovelystuff

I've heard good things about Dr chi lee in clare street, Dublin 2 regarding hypothyroidism, she's a gp not an endocrinologist but she might see your daughter? http://www.whatclinic.com/doctors/ireland/county-dublin/dublin/dublin-south-city-centre/dr-chii-lee-clare-street-medical-centre

I've never been to her myself but have seen her recommended for thyroid issues before so could be worth a try!

alphatango

lovelystuff wrote: »

I've heard good things about Dr chi lee in clare street, Dublin 2 regarding hypothyroidism, she's a gp not an endocrinologist but she might see your daughter? http://www.whatclinic.com/doctors/ireland/county-dublin/dublin/dublin-south-city-centre/dr-chii-lee-clare-street-medical-centre

I've never been to her myself but have seen her recommended for thyroid issues before so could be worth a try!

Thanks for that Lovelystuff, i have also read some good things about her. It is useful to build a list of Doctors that people have found good.