Help! Do I need new dr?

[lesann14]

Hi, I was diagnosed with thyroid nodules 2 years ago. Family Dr. wanted me to see surgeon to have removed.  I chose to see endocrinologist at university hospital and had FNA with results that appear benign.  I had a total of 7,  1 larger than rest around 2.5 cm.  Last month I started to feel a lump on throat went back to endo and largest one appears to have grown around 30%.  He said no treatment is necessary come back in 6 months.  Didn't repeat FNA.    My tsh is "normal", last reading was 1.62 up from 1.23 6 months ago.  I feel like crap, lots of issues not sure if they are all related.  My mother and sister are both hypo.  My frustration is my family dr, my gynecologist and endocrinologist will only order blood tests for total TSH.  No one cares or wants to look at any other number.  The first question they ask if I'm cold or hot and I haven't been and that is end of discussion.  Then they say it must be related to something else but don't seem interested in finding issue.  I have been taking B12 injections for about 3 years even with injections it hovers around 400-500.  Vitamin D is always low, 32.5 last month. They give me supplements and as soon as it is one number over minimum they stop and I have been taking over counter D3 supplements.  My gyn said I was also borderline diabetic even though my fasting glucose was 89?  I thought that was okay.  Ok do I need to fire these people?

[firefly7]

To me it sounds very possible that you have anemia.   I too have heavy periods and flirt on the edge of anemia all the time.   Many doctors missed it for a number of years because they only looked at the CBC and did not run a ferritin or total iron binding test.   Low iron by itself can cause fatigue, palpitations, weakness, depression...a lot of overlap with hypo symptoms.  

You may have thyroid problems too for all I know but think about getting that iron seriously investigated.   As for your doctors, if you really don't have faith in them or good communication with them then it is best to find new ones.  In the end I think that's what matters most.    Be well.

[Super_sally888]

Hi,

for the vitamin D levels.

These should be maintained at least mid range and preferrably in upper 1/2 of range.

Correct supplement to take is Vitamin D3, which is available over the counter.  If your levels are low a daily dose of 5000 IUI is probably appropriate.  Test levels after a month and then adjust accordingly.  You would need to maintain the daily dose that will keep your levels in range.

Why prediabetic?  Did they test HBA1C?  A fasting of 89 is pretty close to normal.  But maybe your after eating numbers are high?

[Barb135]

BTW - yes, I think you do need a new doctor.  Any doctor who insists on testing only TSH will keep you un or under medicated and very ill.

[Barb135]

If FT3 and FT4 are below range, or too low in their ranges, you can still have hypo symptoms; unfortunately, many doctors consider anything "in range" as being "normal", when in fact, we are all comfortable at different levels.  

You certainly do have a lot of hypo symptoms and if you can't get the tests any other way, you might have to order the tests that flyingfool suggested.  As stated, it costs about $85 for the TSH, FT3 and FT4; not sure how much more the antibody tests are, but I don't think they are a lot.

I take my B12 shots weekly in order to keep my levels at the top of the range. The range my lab uses is 200-1100 and I feel best between 1000 and 1200; note that B12 is a water soluble vitamin, so excess will be eliminated in urine.

[lesann14]

flyingfool:  I actually did ask but they all insist it means nothing if total TSH is normal.  Ugh.....I could do that lab test myself.  My symptoms are ...major fatigue, menstrual cycle totally messed up always normal before miss periods, heavy bleeding and clotting, tingling numbness in face and neck ( they said it is definately not thyroid), sleep disturbance, always had extremely dry skin, weight gain (about 5-10 lbs), heart palpitations (never before), achy all over.  I think I need new body...
I take B12 monthly or if my muscles start twitching every 2 or 3 weeks.  Maybe I should try them a little closer together.  Barb where do you feel best at on B12 level?

[Barb135]

How often do you take your B12 injections?  I have to take mine weekly in order to keep my level high enough to feel well, which is right at the top of the range.

[flyingfool]

You can pay out of pocket for $85 and get TSH, Free T3 and Free T4.  for an additional charge you can also get the Hashi antibody tests.

This from on-line lab which will write up the order and send you to a lab for the blood draw nearest to you.  I think the site my wife used was "healthcheckusa"  But I think there are others.

This may be a consideration in between firing and looking for new Dr.  Another option is to simply INSIST that they test for the Free T4 and Free T3.

I would have to ask as well what other symptoms do you have. you said you don't feel well.  Could you describe what you feel.  Fatigue is also associated with low D3 and B-12.  Many people find they need to be well above mid range (which are normally VERY broad/wide range) in these in order to feel well.