Hey. I found this message board and I hope someone can help me. I am only 19, i feel 80, here is what I have been diagnosed with so far (from childhood up)
scoliosis
hypoglycemia
gerd,acid reflux,hiatal hernia,ibs(extremely bad constipation)
acute depression
chronic fatigue
I have had my thyroid checked(only tsh), and of course, it all comes out as 'normal'. Once it was 1.1, then only 3 weeks later 2.3 My hair has been falling out at an alarming rate,my eyebrows are falling out, my hands are always freezing, I sleep practically all day and still feel awful. Now, I also seem to have 'swelling' around my mouth, and it's whiter around my mouth than the rest of my face. people tell me I always look tired or 'mad'. I have done a lot of research, and the only thing I can come up with is secondary hypothyroid, what tests need to be done to determine this? Also, is a naturopathic doctor better than an endo?I am seriously losing my mind, it is hard for me to be happy, I know you guys know what this feels like, and you've been there, so I really hope someone can help me here. I have a picture to show the swelling around my mouth and white color. Thank you..
Tracy
Last edited by trustnoone555; 09-02-2004 at 03:33 PM.
what tests need to be done to determine this? Also, is a naturopathic doctor better than an endo?
Hi Tracy I know how you feel - it's frustrating dealing with the symptoms and it's frustrating dealing with the doctors sometimes too.
The tests you want done are Free T3 and T4 and antibodies. TSH isn't a great indicator of a thyroid problem, although it's the first one typically run - it becomes even less of an issue once you're being treated. Testing for antibodies will help your doctor discern if you're suffering from the autoimmune type of hypo (hashimoto's).
Naturopaths can be better when it comes to treating thyroid disorders because they look at symptoms where as regular doctors tend to focus more on the lab results. When you're looking for a specialists it's advisable to call the office and ask how they diagnose and treat hypothyroidism, with just TSH, with Free Ts, with symptoms. Also ask if they are willing to prescribe natural thyroid (Armour) or if all they use is synthroid; many hypos better on the natural replacement, but not many doctors will prescribe it.
When you get your results post them here along with the lab ranges and you'll get some good advice.
Best,
Nat
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A foolish consistency is the hobgoblin of little minds.
I think testing for antibodies is a good idea. Your symptoms sound extremely similar to mine when I first became ill. My TSH level was perfectly normal too. Also, I too have hypoglycemia. As it turns out I have Hashimoto's Thyroiditis, but I haven't developed hypothyroidism yet.
I have not begun treatement yet (big sigh). My doctor would not treat me, as I am "normal" (it's just wonderful dealing with some of these doctors!). But I did get a referal to a specialist and I have an appointment on Tuesday with her. She has been treating a friend of mine so I do hold out some hope. In the meantime I have been avoiding certain foods that can make things worse (check out the information archive for tips) and I have started taking Selenium and Maca, which seem to have helped (I still get exhausted almost daily but I am dizzy and nauseated less frequently now).
I think the bad news we hear is more about trying to get treatement and find the right dose for each person, once you're properly medicated you do feel better - right? Frankly, I'd be happy right now with even just a little more energy and for the dizziness to go away (although having my hair stop falling out would be nice as well!)
Nat
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A foolish consistency is the hobgoblin of little minds.
I found out that my dizziness was caused by really low blood pressure: (94/60). One of my doctors put me on a blood volumizer, which seems to have raised my blood pressure a bit and I haven't been dizzy since. I just wish we figured that out two years ago. Anyway, my doctor put me on Armour Thyroid, b/c my free T4 and T3 levels were a little low, but then I had to stop the meds b/c I started getting really horrible symptoms of hyperthyroidism, even though my energy level was somewhat normal again. I also have daily migraines and they have gotten worse over that past year and a half. No one seems to know what's causing my migraines. Oh well. At least my dizziness went away. I apologize if I wasn't any help. It seems like everyone on the boards is still trying to figure out how to improve their own quality of life.
I know how you feel - it's frustrating dealing with the symptoms and it's frustrating dealing with the doctors sometimes too.
