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951908 tn?1303156218

Should I get tested?

Hi, I'm 35 yrs old and have had alot of medical issues in the past, my number one symptom has always been fatigue or no energy. I have been diagnosed with bipolar, anxiety, and add. I've had my gallbladder removed because it wasn't functioning and had a hysterectomy because of irregular menstrual cycles and abdominal pain, I still have problems with abdominal pain and also have symptoms of IBS. I am overweight and have been struggling with losing weight. I don't eat alot and I try to watch what I eat, but exercising is difficult for me due to lack of energy. I'm tired all the time, some nights I don't sleep well and some I sleep too much, no matter how I sleep, I stay extremely exhausted. I constantly yawn all the time and can't seem to control it. My mom has a thyroid disorder and believes that I may as well. I don't have any health insurance since my husband was laid off a few months ago. We're both working now, but it'll be a while before we can get any health insurance. I just want to feel better and have the energy to enjoy living!
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Avatar universal
Your symptoms are frequently associated with hypothyroidism.   One way you can get a further indication without having to go to the doctor immediately is by testing your basal temperature.  Here is a link that tells about basal temperature and how to check it, etc.  

http://www.thyroid-info.com/topdrs/michigan.htm

If you find that your basal temperature is substantially lower than the normal range, then that will give you more evidence that  you do need to go to the doctor and get your thyroid checked.  If you go for testing, be sure that they test for free T3 (FT3) and free T4 (FT4), not total T3 and total T4, plus TSH.  I mention this because doctors do not frequently check the "Frees", yet they are the thyroid hormones that are biologically active in the body and largely regulate metabolism and many other body functions.  The level of free T3 also correlates best with hypothyroid symptoms.  So insist that they run FT3 and FT4.  Be sure to always get a copy of the test results for future reference, and post the results here for comment from our very experienced members.
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Avatar universal
From the point od view of your health, I'd say to have your free T3 (FT3), free T4 (FT4) and TSH tested.  The three tests combined only cost me about $50...well worth it if it makes you feel better.  However, if you expect to be covered by health insurance soon, I might think about waiting until you're covered.  If you do have a thyroid problem, you might find it coming under "preexisting conditions" if it's diagnosed when you're not covered by insurance.  Don't delay your thyroid testing too long.
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