New with questions on hypothyroidism

Question

Hi, I am new here.  I recently had bloodwork done as I went to my doctor complaining of headaches for the past few months.  He did a CT of my head which was normal and all of the labs were normal except for the thyroid tests. My TSH was 114.6 and my free T4 was 0.4 (low).  He sent me back to check my thyroglobulin, thyroid peroxidase antibodies, and thyroglobulin antibodies.  These were all normal.  I then went for an ultrasound of my thyroid yesterday which showed multiple nodules.  I am now scheduled for a thyroid uptake scan next week.

Besides the headaches, I am also experiencing fatigue,muscle aches, heavy periods, forgetfulness, occasional sore throats, and I just feel "off" .  I kind of blew these things off and so has everyone else since I have a 3 year old and I had identical twins 9 months ago.  

My doctor is not in the office so all of this info has come through the nurse and his back-up doctor.  I have been reading your forum for a few days.  I am wondering if based on this info, does this coarse of action seem wise?  I am just at a loss and I am not even sure what questions I should ask my doctor when I do finally speak to him. From what I have read, and what the nurse says, it sounds like these things are pointing to hypothyroidism.  

Any advice on how to proceed is appreciated.  

Thanks!

goolarra · Answer

I don't think any test has "instant" results anymore!  If they can't make you wait a while the torture just isn't as fun, is it?

I'd call my doctor and ask for a prescription that you can start as soon as the scan is finished.  The results of the scan probably won't be available, but he won't be basing your prescription on the scan anyway.  That will be based on your FT4 and TSH and your weight.  

He shouldn't have a hard time understanding that with a TSH of 114, you feel pretty awful.  If he won't go for it, ask him if you can spend the weekend at HIS house!  Seriously, best of luck.

3UnderThree · Answer

I have an appointment with my doctor on the Monday following the thyroid uptake scan, which is Wednesday.  

I have a question about the thyroid uptake scan to those who have had it done... do you get results immediately? Will a radiologist come out after the test and say "here are your results" or do I have to wait for the radiologist to type up something and send it to my doctor?

The reason I ask is that each day I am feeling worse. I was hoping that after the last part of the scan, I could call my doctor and that he could start me on medication immediately instead of even waiting until Monday, the day I see him in the office.

goolarra · Answer

Yes, you can't be on meds when you have the uptake scan.  However, I would make an appointment with my doctor to see him as soon after the scan is complete as possible.  It is important that you start taking meds.  Don't wait any longer than you absolutely have to.  Are you on a wait list for the scan?

Nora86 · Answer

I hear you! I have been singing to my doctor that something is not right with my body...see my recent posts to know why I have been doing this. I keep telling my thyroid numbers can say one thing but doesnt mean its perfect! I had blood work done and he said sugar is good thyroid okay...Oh you have high cholesterol...im 23 exervise daily and live low fat low saturated fat and try to avoid transfat. Hmm high cholesterol can be linked to hypothyroidism...can we try that medication before you hook me up on a statin I asked. He said "welllllll let me look at this and call you back" 

Needless to say im outta breath because of trying to tell him and plus asthma so we will sit back and see...my question is "dont we as patients pay for the health care that pays these doctors? yes..."

3UnderThree · Answer

Thank you all for your answers. I feel so in the dark about all of this. Anyway, I was told by the doctor's office (a PCP, not an endocrinologist) that they can't start me on medication until I have this nuclear med thyroid uptake scan completed. Supposedly being on the medication would affect the test results the way they explained it to me. I am not scheduled for any visits with my doctor, only this scan for next week, which is their first available appt. The nurse did say the doctor wanted me to have this test ASAP.

Super_sally888 · Answer

The course of action / testing seems wise at least you'll have comprehensive check.  But need to start the meds immediately. Even before the tests...  You may need to build up slowly so you don't shock your system.  Probably should also have adrenal testing to make sure all is fine, before you start on the thyroid meds.

Super_sally888 · Answer

You should be started on thyroid hormone replacement immediately. Even if they decide to do additional tests.  You are at risk of thyroid coma, from lack of thyroid hormone.  How soon do you see your doctor.  If it is not within 1 or 2 days, I think you need to get in to see him as a matter of urgency.

Yes, you must feel terrible!  And really struggling to take care of your kids feeling like this.  but things will get better with treatment.

Welcome here.

goolarra · Answer

There is no question that you are hypothyroid.  You need to talk to your doctor and start thyroid hormone replacement therapy ASAP.  You must feel awful.