23, shouldn't I be healthy?

[JJordan]

Dear Docs,
I'm 23 year old female. I get dizzy, nausea, acid reflux, chest  plevic and back pains. I work out 5 days a week in additon to chasing my 2 1/2 year old around, I eat extremely healthy, I quit smoking a year ago, I rearly drink, and can't seem to get into a healthy BMI weight, or make myself feel better. And I'm always tired. I haven't had health insurance since my hubby got out of the marines. I went to a low income clinic. The Doc there asked me what I thought was wrong. I told her my symptoms and my family health history of thyroid problems. But I told her that I had no idea what was wrong, and all the things I had been trying to do to make it better. She asked if I wanted her to test my throid. I said sure if thats what you think is wrong. She said that that sounded like it. She did one blood test. When the results came back her nurse called me and said that "it looks normal enough." ( in those words) They told me to see a nutritionist. I've seen plenty of nutritionist while under the navy's medical care. Obviously I have limited resources. The doctors that I can afford will only test me for what I ask them to test for, and no one wants to help me figure out what is wrong. I have a very high threshold for pain. But the things I have been experiencing are making me hurt so bad that I can't move sometimes. Especially with the acid reflux making it hard to swallow, and the getting dizzy while I'm just sitting there. Please I know that this sight is not meant to diagnose, and I appreciate the time you are taking to answer questions. If you have any suggestions for me on what I might do to make these things go away and be healthy, or even a medical clinic that would be alittle more helpful, please let me know. Thankyou for all of your time and effort.

[janesez]

I would ask for the actual results and do the research yourself. The same thing happened to me.  They called back with it's WNL (within normal limits).  I'd like to know exactly if it's on the high or low side or if they did the full panel test which I doubt.  I have a slow metabolism too or something.  I've heard also that some women after having children will develop thyroid problems.  Someone I know had gestational diabetes and followed her pregnancy with thyroid problems.  

[star queen]

You need to get a better doctor.  There are more than one test for Thyroid disorders.  Your symptoms ( and family history) all point to that being your problem.  It has also been studied that many people have Thyroid symptoms even when the levels are "normal" because they just don't fit into the mold.  You need to see an endocrinologist that specializes in Thryoid and not just Diabetes.  If you have no insurance, there are programs through your local Community hospital for the uninsured that are funded by the State you live in.  You can also go to the Welfare department and see about State funded health insurance that may be free or low income health insurance that has income based rates.  good luck

[Jaybay]

Have you tried Prilosec OTC (over-the-counter) for the reflux symptoms?  It's a proton pump inhibitor (PPI) drug.  This class of meds are used for reflux, but Prilosec is an older one and now available OTC.   Before you mentioned that your thyroid test came back normal, that was what I thought - you have a thyroid problem.  However, it could still be something to do with your endochrine system (glands) and for that, you need to see an endochrinologist.  Can you scrape up enough money for a consult and some tests?  Depending on the doctor, you may be able work out financial arrangements ahead of the appointment.