Need Chicago Area Doctor

[Tami3939]

I’m 49 and don’t want to get into all my symptoms, I’d get carpal tunnel (and one of my symptoms are the God awful pain in my wrists, hips and shoulders).  My sister finally got diagnosed with Hashimoto’s disease (after 7 years of searching) then called my entire family.  We all have hypothyroid problems that went undiagnosed until later in life because the relative suffered hallucinations or delusions.  We’re also all pretty lean and lanky but suffer from depression/bipolar.

I went to my doctor for a blood test.  These are my results.

TSH 6.34 H (0.34-4.82)
T3 Uptake 32.  (30-39)
T4 5.2 (4.8-13.9)
Free T4 .53 L (0.59-1.61)

My PCP says these tests are normal.  I wanted him to do an antibody test also but he said he couldn’t justify that with the insurance company but after the long family history and these results he did.  I’m waiting on them now.  He does, indeed, believe I have Hashi’s but would rather prescribe antidepressants and diet pills.  WHAT?!  Regardless of the test results, I’m not getting help from him and I don’t understand the point other than to take them to another doctor?

I’m feeling really badly.  I’ve felt this way my entire life but it’s getting worse.  Depression has swallowed me whole and because of all the aches and pains, I have a really hard time sleeping.  Does anyone know a doctor in the Chicagoland area that takes Medicare?  I’m so miserable.

[Tami3939]

Thanks, I have the doctor and will call when I get the rest of my labs.  Will let you know what he says.

[Tami3939]

Thank you.  To say I'm upset by my doctors response is an understatement.  To hear that he has dozens and dozens of patients with the same results is even more heartbreaking.  He told me that my test results are common and I wish I knew his other patients because they don't have to feel that badly nor do they have to be told, "It's just menopause."

I need to talk to someone with Hashimoto's because I want to know if they felt strange all their lives or just when the thyroid hormone is registered as borderline or becoming deficient on their blood tests.

[gimel]

Click on your name and check your messages.  I've sent the name of a doctor recommended by fellow members.

[stella5349]

I've sent Mel a message on someone also. I'm fairly close to your area.

[FTB4]

I think the MD is living in the past, I will not debate that insurance companies don't want to pay for anything, but the point that no one wants to say anything about thyroid is because, that is the way it was in the past, and not knowing anything about thyroid in those days Thyroid disease is common today, Hshimoto's is most common. I think more cases are reported today because of advanced testing, even though the ranges and dependance on TSH is outdated and many Md's only rely on TSH alone to treat the disease. Keep in mind the the Depression is a symptom of the disease and will get better with treatment, don't let it get you down. Being born in Chicago, our family lived in many neighborhoods on the Northwest Side.   Best Regards FTB4

[Tami3939]

Thanks for emailing it.  I appreciate the help.

[Tami3939]

Thanks for the support and responding so quickly.  I'm in the city, on the NW side.  My PCP is in his late seventies and I adore him otherwise.  He's been my doctor for almost twenty years.  His nurse gave me a copy of my blood work, she told me that he's worried about me getting wired from Synthroid and so on.  I'm not sure how I can cope with these symptoms anymore?  I'm really bitchy too, can I write that on a forum?  

My PCP also told me that the insurance companies don't want "thyroid" out in the mainstream because it's a hormone and a lot of people suffer from the lack.  They don't want to pay for the medication, the testing and so on because too many people need it.  Just like the birth control controversy and the fact they don't want to cover those.  Therefore, you need justification for a blood test.  Symptoms are good - family history of the disease is better.  You can pay for the testing yourself, I can't afford it.

To be completely honest, I'm floored by all the symptoms that I suffered from my whole life.

[gimel]

MedHelp prefers that we not post doctor's names on the Forum.  So click on your name and then go to messages.  I sent a PM with the name of a doctor that was recommended by a fellow member.

[FTB4]

Your Depression is also caused by Thyroid and he should know that,my symptoms did not hit me until I was 58. I am sure one of our members can help with locating a good thyroid MD in the Chicago area, What part of Chicago are you in, I am from Chicago also, moved out in 98. Your labs do indicate Hypothyroid, and just because he said your labs did not justify the antibody test alone indicates you need to find another MD, besides he failed to do the most important test of Free T3, and the Uptake for what that is worth is even low.  Did he even prescribe a thyroid medication? Stay with this forum, you will receive support and good advice. We have all been through your situation. Best Regards FTB4