REPOST Mommy3boyz: Depression, Vit D low, Normal labs ....

[ChitChatNine]

Hi I am a mother of three boys and a wife to a great husband.  For the past year I have been back and forth to the Dr to try to find a reason for the deep exhaustion, restless legs, itchy scalp, low ferritin levels, low vitamin D levels and multiple other symptoms.  The Dr. is telling me that my labs are normal but she also is not recommending anything for a Ferritin level at 6 and telling me to just do over the counter vitamins.  I have and for the past year I have seen no change in my iron or vit. D level.

So I just had my levels rechecked and wanted to get your thoughts prior to my appointment in March.  

My Ferritin was 6
Did not get my vit. D rechecked
my FTI was 2.2
T3 uptake 31%
T4 - 7.1
TSH 1.489

I took these fasting and at 9 am.

I am on no medications am on a multi vitamin with iron and vit D

Its been frustrating as they have been wanting me to take antidepressants and saying that my symptoms that I am talking of are all from Depression.  I do not struggle with Depression.  So I hate going to the Dr. to hear that and have no confidence in what I am going to hear.  

Thanks
T

[mommyof3boyz]

Thanks everyone,

No I take no anit depression medication at all.  

I am just taking a multi vitamin with 650 iu of Vit D, and 18 mg of iron and a bunch of other stuff.  

I do not drink.  I am about 15 pounds overweight despite excersise 4 to 5 times a week.  I do watch what I eat and do not eat sweets, tons of carbs etc.  

Yes, I am always cold, but the crazy thing is that at times my face and head almost feel feverish but they are not.  

The Doctor has not been able to tell me anything so her thought is that its just depression and in my head.  Hence why I hate going there as she proceeds to tell me that if I would just take an antidepressant then all my symptoms will go away.  I feel taking it would just mask some of the symptoms and not ever let us know what is wrong.  

Thanks everyone,  .

T

[stella5349]

Oh yeah -

FIND THE SUN too. Getting out in the winter months - if this is the case for you - for 15 minutes a day is good.

The sun is the most natural way to build up our Vit D level in our body. I am freezing this time of year where I live. I never see the sun and the SAD condition has always been an issue for me at this time - even prior to my thyroid problems.

I do go tanning - I can't say everyone should do that - but I do. I can tell since I haveen't started - it is an issue I need to get going with. I don't abused my skin and I take extra zinc to promote my immune system when I do it.

Again - different skin on different people - so use your judgement when thinking about that.

[dai3symae]

I forgot to add....

About 80% of people with RLS also have periodic limb movement disorder (PLMD).  That means you move all night long even if you or your partner don't realize it.  You're sleep is constantly disrupted which leads to exhaustion.  There is a lot of information about it on the internet.

Also...some meds (tylenol PM) can make RLS worse.

Good luck,

Sandy

[stella5349]

Depression can be present in low vit D On a TSH level - most likely you will get the Dx of normal levels.

Are you doing any meds with Lithium in it? This would be anti depression/bi polar meds.

How much Vit D is in your multi?

With your low ferritin level you should consider a high absorption brand - adding Vit C with it will enhance the absorption to restore your iron level. COnsider looking for a supplement along the lines of a Ferrous Gluconate- it's easier on the stomach.  There is a brand Enzymatic Therapy Liquid Liver that works pretty good to get those levels up.
Again you should look into a Vit C with that - and maybe taking some magnesium citrate in case of bowel issues arise could help you out too.

Personally I like the Emergen-C brand of VitC. I drink a glass - or two every day. I am impressed with it's zinc and magnesium I get in my body along with adding close to 1000mgs of Vit C in each glass.

I can tell within a day - when I run out.  You may want to pay attention to your diet as well. Try to eat more foods rich in iron including lean meats, liver ( YUCK FOR ME :) , eggs, green leafy vegetables (spinach, collard greens, kale)

It's a back to the basics thing with diet.

Are you feeling a bit chilly at all? This can be a symptom of low iron as well.

[dai3symae]

I not an expert on labs but......

I have RLS and take wellbutrin (brand only NEVER the generic) which keeps it under control pretty well.


Good Luck