Doctors don't know much about thyroid??

[aaronmac5]

Hi everyone, i'm new here so take it easy :) I just got back from getting my TSH results and it was 4.99. They only did T4 with it and it was 9. Basically my symptoms more match hyper not hypo which is why I am confused. For 3 years ive had digestive problems and fatigue and now past 6 months Ive also had depression and anxiety with cold hands/feet. Recently also been getting heart palps but havn't had any for a month or so.

I wasn't sure why my TSH was so high if I find it really hard to gain weight (I'm male 5"11 and 134lbs). This fatigue and memory loss is so annoying. I can read a book and forget everything the next day.

Anyone have similar situation for me?

Also the doctor said he wants to wait a month and re-test. 1 month??? Ive been like this for 3 years and i'm tired of waiting..........

[AR-10]

It's possible for your TSH to jump around if your thyroid is infected. It's possible for it to shift if you start certain medications.

It is not normal for a healthy person to have their TSH shift that much without some outside stimulous like a new birth control scrip or something like that.

It's possible your test was hosed up or you got someone else's results. It is normal procedure with test results like yours to retest in a month to see if it is a mistake, or a temporary thing, before putting you on medication.

I'm not sure about the Ferritin test. If your CBC looked normal, you may not need one. I don't understand the difference between ferritin levels and blood/iron levels. I know getting your ferritn checked is not the same as getting your iron checked, but I get lost in the details.

[aaronmac5]

Thanks for your replies! I'm actually going to see an endocrinologist on monday to get more tests. I'll specifically ask for those tests. Also what are your thoughts on getting tested for ferriten (sp?).

I did get tested for the CBC panel and have the results if you want. Everything showed normal which was surprising to me. Some maybe a bit low.

Can getting a TSH of 4.99 be a fluke? As in can you be 1.5 one day and 5.0 in a few days later?

[AR-10]

You can be hypo for years and not gain weight.
All of your other symptoms say hypo, even the heart symptoms. Your doctor is right to retest in a month, but you are probably needing medication.

When you go in for more tests, ask for a TSH, a Free T4 test, a Free T3 test, and tests for ALL(!) thyroid antibodies.

You won't actually GET tests for all thyroid antibodies, but you will get tested for the two or three most common ones.

If you have antibodies, it will help the doctor decide that you do need medication, provided your other tests show that you are "borderline" hypothyroid.

Your TSH should be closer to 1.0 or 1.5, so you are slightly hypo, unless the test was a fluke.

[crazi]

Well, get ready...lol...cuz if u r Hypo or Hyper u will be getting retested EVERY 4 - 6 weeks, for the rest of ur life, well that is what is going on w/ me.  Ask the Dr. to do a complete CBC panel on u, trust me.
I can relate to the fatigue and the depression, memory loss...once they start u on meds u will start to feel a little better, but don't think it will make it all go away. :)
With my thyriod disorder, well mine is so rare MANY Dr.'s have admitted to me that they have only spent 15 minutes on it in med school.  Nice ...lol...right.
Don't miss ur next blood test, and don't forget to ask them to do a complete CBC.
Best of luck, and we r always here to listen.

Crazi~