Could I have Hypothyroidism?

[crackalyn]

I believe I may have something medically wrong with me causing me to gain weight. I have seen my doctor twice about my unexplained weight gain. I have gained about 30 lbs in the last year and half and absolutely nothing has changed in my diet or activity level. Both times I was asked how much I exercised and when I said I walked for about 30 minutes 3 times a week, she said I need to "work out hard, for an hour at least, 4 times a week". Now I can understand that if your goal is to look LOSE weight but I am simply trying to keep from gaining for no reason. I have other symptoms that I recently read could be indications of Hypothyroidism. The ones I have are: fatigue/sluggishness, memory loss, yellowish skin, coarse, dry hair, dry skin, brittle nails, hoarseness, Swelling of my hands, feet, legs and face especially puffiness around my eyes, muscles aches (I often feel I have carpal tunnel from writing ONE check), heavy long lasting menses (6-7 days). I am also experiencing thirst that is never quenched, itchy skin, irritability, heavy sweating, shortness of breath (asthma-like symptoms that are not relieved by inhalers), dry red irritated eyes, blurry vision at times and occasionally depression.

So in my long-winded way I am wondering, before I see my doctor tomorrow, if this sounds like hypothyroidism and if so, do I need to ask for any specific tests? About 2 years ago, at the beginning of some of these symptoms I had blood work done and they said it all came back fine, however, I didn't see the results at all. Should I get a print out? Do I need to ask for one?

[kennyp]

IT SOUNDS LIKE A REAL POSSIBILITY!!
YOU NEED TO ASK FOR CERTAIN BLOOD TESTS INCLUDING A TSH FOR THYROID AND A T4 TEST. IF YOUR TSH IS HIGH  OVER 5 AND YOUR T4 IS LOW THEN YOU PROBABLY HAVE IT AND NEED TO BE PUT ON MEDICATION FOR HYPOTHYROID WHICH IS AN UNDERACTIVE THYROID. PLEASE GIVE THE DOCTOR ALL YOUR SYMPTIONS, TOO.

                      GOOD LUCK

LET US KNOW, HOW IT ALL CAME OUT.

[janeth]

Two years ago I had very similar symptoms and was told I was depressed. I started taking anti-depressants. I started to gain significant weight with no change to my activity level or diet. I was tested 6 weeks ago with a TSH level of 117(above 5 is hypo). I was obviously at the early stages of hypothyroidism two years ago, but it was misdiagnosed. My TSH went from 117 to 80 in 5 weeks. I've since increased my meds and I'm feeling better. I would absolutely recommend requesting a test for hypothyroidism. You seem to have all the obvious symptoms. Good luck.

[crackalyn]

Kennyp & janeth:

Thank you for replying. :) I wonder why with all these symptoms I have to ask for the test. Hmmm... Oh well. I will keep you all posted.

Jacq

[crackalyn]

Oops. I meant to ask if anyone knows the accuracy of the home thermometer test or has even looked into it? I did it this morning and according to what they say, it definitely indicated low thyroid activity. Just curious really.

[kennyp]

THE REASON YOU HAVE TO GET THE BLOOD TESTS IS TO CONFIRM THAT YOU DO HAVE HYPOTHYROIDISM SO THEY CAN START YOU ON MEDICATION. THE SOONER YOU GET THE TSH TEST, THE BETTER. LET US KNOW THE RESULTS AND THE READINGS OF YOUR TSH AND T4 ARE. MY WIVES TSH WAS 246 AND HER T4 WAS .3 AND THEY IMMEDIATELY PUT HER ON MEDICATION AND SHE JUST TOOK A THYROID ULTRASOUND.

[alovelilly23]

LISTEN THIS IMPORTANT, I am 24 and I am to  have surgery to remove my left thyroid in 2 weeks. I had a baby 2 years ago and I started to gain weight(70)pounds, I found a lump in my throat and I called my doctor and she said she would run some tests on me and they did and they came up fine, then she sent me to get a nuclear scan and a ultra sound, which both came back saying nothing and she wanted me to wait 6 weeks to do it again and we dont have insurance and it cost alot of money to do the test to start, so I waited and the lump did not go away and my body was turning inside out. My hair was falling out and my skin was dry and I ached all the time and always sleepy and I still have had no period since the baby. So I did call for about 6 months and she said that I needed to have a needle biospy and so I went to a new Dr and I did the same test and more and it came back as a hard nodule with cysts growing in my thyroid, they could not get my needle biospy done because of all the cysts so I have to have it removed and tested to see if it is cancer. I know it was a long story but the point is get a second dr to look at you. I waited way to long and I still do not know what is really wrong with me. So please find a thyroid Dr and get second person to run the test and go from there.Best of Luck

[crackalyn]

alovelilly23,

wo. i'm so sorry you are going through all of that. sounds awful. you know, i have had all of the symptoms for at least 2 years. i went to the dr. friday and he reminded me that i had my thyroid tested about 1 year ago and it came back fine. so i am concerned now that these tests are not that accurate, specially after hearing your story. i need to get my blood test done on tuesday and then i go back to the doc on friday. if it comes back fine this time, i will tell him your story and ask to be referred to a thyroid specialist, whatever they are called. i have an HMO though so i doubt it will be easy to get referred. i did the thermometer test 2 days in a row and if that is accurate then i have a low active thyroid. but i am wondering how accurate it is. do you have any idea? supposedly if you are 97.6 or lower upon waking, you have a low active thyroid. i was 97 exactly both times. argh! i hate having to diagnose myself.

jax

[alovelilly23]

Well to start I would find a Dr that you feel will help you, The first Dr I went to I have going to for 5 years and I really thought she was doing a good job, she wasnt!!! She did not want to take the time to help me and I am angry with her for that. I might have cancer and I have been sitting on this for along time. If she had taken the time to listen and actually made me feel like I was a person not a number maybe I would not be so mad but I think in any case that you think something is wrong please please find another Dr because you still might have something wrong with you. I know it sounds scary but you need to make sure. I wish you the very best.

[ShannieK]

You have seen your dr for sure now by the time you receive this comment.  I agree you have several hypo symtoms, but it also sounds to me that you have alot of symptoms related to diabetes, something to be careful of, make sure your dr. gives you that test.  Extremem unquenchable thirst is so related to diabetes.  good luck

[alovelilly23]

Thank you I will look into that.