Why so long in diagnosing?

[Kris39]

I went to the Gyn for other problems (Basically after three or longer years I was at the end of my rope....I really couldn't get out of bed) she "accidently" finds my thyroid (TSH test) is low (High TSH number) then she tells me that I need more blood tests before she will prescribe meds......It's been over a week and the results are not back....I'm still tired, bloated, hair is falling out, Brain Fog, Temp right now is 95.8....the highest it's been in three days.....etc. etc. etc.
Why does it take so long for these tests to come back and why would she wait before trying something....I know I sound impatient but I'm soooooo sick of being sick and being told that it's depression....or I'm just mental....I'm not depressed....my tears are from anger and frustration.....Please tell me that this will all get better....I've got a wonderful job good kids and I am one of the lucky single moms who actually ended up better off on their own than when they were married...I know that I have so much to be thankful for but every day I feel like more and more of me is slipping away and I'm not going to be able to hang on much longer. (No....I'm not suicidal....I just feel my life slipping away as these hypo symptoms seem to get worse every day!)

[Mark Lupo, M.D.]

Your symtpoms do sound like hypothyroidism but it is important to confirm the abnormal tests before starting what is most likely a lifelong medication.  The repeat tests should take less than a week - so call the office and find out what the results are.  If it is confirmed hypothyroid then treatment will help symptoms (for a young health person would start with a dose between 75 and 100mcg) within 3-6 weeks then repeat TSH is essential to further fine-tune the dose.

[doll face]

I am so sorry that you are having to go through this, especially trying to raise kids on your own. I know how hard it can be. I thank God my son was grown before I started having all my medical problems. I do have my grandson (18 months) here with me right now for the past week and it is extrememly hard to find the energy to watch him with my hypo being undertreated. That is the main reason that I increased my meds on my own, cause I knew I wouldn't be able to do it the way I was feeling.

I don't know why your results are taking so long. Mine have always been in on the next day, but they have a lab right at the hospital that does them. Maybe yours had to be sent out. I would be on the phone with your doctors office at least twice a day till they can tell you something. These people don't understand how bad it can be for us. Good luck. I hope you get some relief soon

[JEPG]

I can empathize with you on all of your symptoms. Unfortunately(or fortunately) they are normal!!! Call for lab results until they comply. It should never take that long to get them back. I have had numerous blood work done the past 6 years. I have never had to wait that long!

[OMC]

No,you are not crazy.Doctors,lab result and waiting games can make you crazy. I felt the same way this past July & August. I was told that I was stressed or depressed.Yeah, right, I was looking forward to a wonderful summer full of parties, swimming, fun!!!What was stopping me,I was not depressed.I kept going from one doctor to another.Eventually, it all made sense when I got the correct diagnosis.Make sure they test for thyroid antibodies.I have Hashimotos Thyroiditis. My thyroid gland was under attack from the antibodies (very high) and excess harmone spilled into my system and made me unable to think straight/ constant thoughts in my head, panic attacks, heart was racing, so tired, hair falling out, my body seemed to be working 24/7. Here I was a woman that had it all, to feeling like I was becoming a "freak show" in a short amount of time.The attack has calmed down for now and I am on medication for this.I am not feeling 100% but working towards it. Don't stop calling your doctor and keep looking for answers, you will find them.It is so frustrating, hope you feel better soon.

[Kris39]

Well....the doctor called and left a message....she says the first tests were in error and the second set shows that my thyroid is just great....now she wants to do an endometrial biopsy since my periods are still heavy and irregular.....How can this be possible since I have ALL the symptoms of hypo???? Has this ever happened to any of you?  What should I do next?

[OMC]

What are these just great numbers your doc spoke of? I also had numbers within range. My TSH was 2.7, no need for concern. They thought I was premenopausal, depressed, stressed. I had all the symptoms of hypo also. I was screaming to be heard. I asked for a thyroid antibody test when they took blood for FSH(ovarian function). There it was, very high antibodies. I was going thru thyrotoxicosis. Then my TSH jumped to 4.7.  Please demand they check antibodies before they cut you, just to be sure.

[lazydog]

I was also told I was “normal“ - in 1999 I was told by GP that my blood test showed I had borderline thyroid (at 6.6!!) and a follow up would probably be normal - and yes it was (at 4.2!!) - so thyroid could be counted out!!!   Why would I question the doctors??  If only the labs had correct figures inputted - and antibodies had been asked for.  Finally in April 2005 TSH was 8.5 and antibodies at 3435 and I now have hypothyroidism.  All that time wasted - my time with young children.  Make sure you get a look at the results yourself.

[Kris39]

Thanks so much for your replies.  I called the doctor back and she said that my thyroid is normal.  TSH is .38....well that's funny since two weeks ago my thyroid was soooo high (I never saw those results.)  I have hypo symptoms but if my TSH is .38 isn't that hyper?  I am asking her to fax my results and then I'm calling my GP and asking for a referral to an Endo.....I am NOT getting another endometrial biopsy....I had one in the past and it was the worst thing I've ever gone through!  All of these symptoms cannot mean that I am crazy....I may feel like it sometimes because this is stressing me out but I'm NOT crazy!  I am just wondering though if the ovarian cysts and not another yeast infection have anything to do with thyroid?  I have had 4 yeast infections since I had Pnuemonia (pneumonia) last winter and before that it had been almost 18 years since my last yeast infection....Thanks again......

[ancientmariner]

There are very strong ties between ovarian cysts and hypothyroid. Also respiratory infections are very common with hypothyroid. And, did you know that before the TSH test existed, patients were treated by symptoms? For nearly 100 years, patients were treated by symptoms, and they were given desiccated pig thyroid, not synthetic hormones like Synthroid & Levoxyl....and they did very well. Good luck to you.