Doctors wont do anything from following results despite chronic fatigue and other symptoms, advice would be appreciated?

[jodicurtis]

Hi

I recently had three blood tests across about 6-9 months, the latter two a follow up for some thyroid results.

The results are:

August
TSH 1.99
T4 10.4 (scale they use in uk average is between 11.8 and 23ish)

October
TSH 1.54
T4 11.3

The Endocrinologist said if there was anything wrong TSH would be really high, and said my fatigue I have been suffering with for the last 1-2 years is essentially not a real symptom and has many causes.

In  the last year (and before I found out about the thyroid levels) I have suffered with a consistent sore throat - over the last 6 months, changes in body hair - over the last year, worsening fatigue, temperature intolerance, poor concentration, weight gain and some other symptoms.

Is her right to discard any results, not to investigate further as prescribing something will do more harm than good - this is not being followed up any any way shape or form.

I am based in the uk, any comments would be appreciated

[tamkat]

I would ask your GP for your hemoglobin number to be sure.  Acceptable number for women is 12.0 to 15.0.  

There are many autoimmune diseases and they are on the rise for some reason.  Definitely talk to your GP about the possibilitiy.

Good luck,
tamkat

[jodicurtis]

I guess that would have shown up in the full blood count but they didn't show me those results, just said it was acceptable.

[jodicurtis]

No... I could maybe ask my GP, and whichever private specialist I visit, my GP seems to genuinely want to help

All I have had is:

full blood count = acceptable
liver function = acceptable* GGT was 60 but everything else was really good
blood sugar = normal
Testosterone = very low at 0.2 formerly 0.1 on last test
Estrogen (On HRT) very high at 1900 - this is all the supposed endocrine specialist seems to care about and the risk of oesteoperosis.

and the follow-up thyroid

[tamkat]

Have you had your hemoglobin number checked?  Could be an autoimmune disorder.

[magentagirl]

It's interesting how doctor's are unwilling to treat this. I recommend Mary Shomon's book Living Well with Hypothyroidism. There is a lot of good information in there about a wide range of thyroid issues and she really acknowledges and addresses the attitudes that most doctors seem to have about this.

[jodicurtis]

I was initially referred for assessment for hypopituitism, which doesn't show a high TSH level.

I am going to get a second opinion privately since my GP thought it was significant enough to warrant a referral, if he finds different from the NHS GP I will file a complaint, as I am sick of NHS specialists putting everything down to depression related illnesses.

Maybe you could do the same? Have you asked about Hypopituitism? I can't really afford it but I really want to get back into work and get on with things, and this NHS approach which seems to be "ignore until can't ignore anymore" is interfering with me trying to lead a happy normal life? It was my doctor the alerted me to my blood results too, it wasn't me looking for a problem.

[JAZ64]

Hi Jodi,
I know exactly where you are coming from.  I have been  having symptoms gradually getting worse for 5 years now.  I am also in th UK.
my Tsh is now 3.15.  The only good thing is that your GP has done a T4 test, mine won't even do it.
and issued me with anti depressants and diet pills neither of which I have taken.
I do the Temp test every morning and its averaging about 35.9.  Told the Dr.  "Utter rubbish" was the reply.
I fully sympathise with you