Don't rely on doctors! Know what is normal for YOU!

[smackseattle]

Over 6 years ago, a routine blood test showed that my TSH was low. My T3 & T4 were within the "normal" range, so the doctor paid no attention to it. Over the years, I had the same results repeatedly with different doctors, all of whom paid no attention to the low TSH. This year, a doctor I had never seen before discovered a large lump on my thyroid which turned out to be a toxic multinodular goiter.

It turns out the anxiety, panic attacks, overdrive & extreme exhaustion are not because of my high-stress job (at least not entirely). The sweating, flushing & heat flashes are not because I have become inexplicably self-conscious. I have not simply been blessed with an amazing metabolism. My dry eye, hair loss, poor sleep & finger nails growing so quickly might be symptoms~ if I'd just paid attention! Not to mention the noticeable lump in my neck which I never noticed...

I had radioactive iodine treatment 2 months ago & it is only now starting to work. There are no words to describe the exhaustion I feel (I'm a healthy 36 year old, otherwise). Walking across a room wipes me out. Through out the day & night I continually get hot flashes that leave me sweaty & beat-red.

This could cost me my job. If I had children, I don't know what I would do. Pay attention to yourselves please!

[TamraW]

Hey, Seattle! I used to live very close to you in Tacoma. First off, because of where you live, I sure hope you're taking vitamin D daily. Many thyroid sufferers have low D and low B12.

Next, any antibodies tested to determine if you have Hashimoto's or Graves? Yes, everything you mentioned can definitely be thyroid.

I know what you mean about the docs. I suffered for years with constipation, depression and fatigue. Docs loaded me up on Miralax and Prosac, never bothering to tell me my TSH of 2.74 was too high. Now we know I have Hashimoto's. I have a good endo now, who knows thyroid.

Take care...

:) Tamra

[stella5349]

It did cost me my job previously. Knowing your body is very important, but we do need doctors to help us when in need.

[laura1967]

I agree that everyone needs to pay attention and be their own advocate. You story is a very common happening to so many of us. If only we had the knowledge then that we do now! lol
:)