misdiagnosed thyroid problem?

[aemmaline]

I have had a partial thyroid removal when I was 8.  The doctors told me that I may start having problems as I get older.  I am now 34.  I am tired all the time.  Cold all the time.  My memory is terrible.  I am gaining a lot of weight.  (10 lbs in the past two weeks).  I have no sex drive at all!  My eyes are puffy and my hair is falling out.  I went to the doctor and he did some blood work to test my levels.  He said that they looked normal and that I should just wait it out to see if it goes away on it's own.  I have been feeling exhausted for over a month now.  Is it possible that I DO have a thyroid problem that just didn't show up in the blood work?  

[aemmaline]

okay, will do!  Thanks so much!!!

[magpieannie]

Good! I'm so proud of you!  Make sure you get a copy of the labs and post here. Gimel is a good one to explain all the different test. Post him, he is so good at explaining it all! Get the book Overcoming Thyroid Disorders by Dr. David Brownstein (Amazon. com) Easy read and helped us so much.

[aemmaline]

okay. Just got back.  He agreed that my symptoms are most likely caused by my thyroid!  He drew blood and will be doing the tests that asked for.  He is also doing a T3 uptake, which I know nothing about.  If anyone knows what this is, please let me know.  He seemed surprised that I have not been put on meds yet because of my partial removal.  So hopefully I will have some answers next week!  

[magpieannie]

Bring in a list of hypothyroid symptoms (Goggle it). Depression, hair loss, weight gain, fatigue, puffiness, low sex drive, coldness, are all symptoms that will be listed, plus many more. Also, bring in an article about the importance of testing the AVAILABLE (not bound up with proteins in the blood) t3 and t4 in the body (FREE T3 and FREEt4)! (google this also) You need to walk into the appointment prepared and do not take no for an answer. Then ask for TSH, Freet3, Free T4 testing. If he says no with your history of having only part of a thyroid gland, then you leave and fine another doctor who will work for YOU!

[aemmaline]

I have an appt for ANOTHER doctor today.  Hopefully he will listen to me when I tell him that I want my "frees" checked.  If he doesn't, what do I do?  My throat hurts today... I am exhausted...  I may break down in tears if he tells me that this is depression and all in my head.... grrrrrrrr.  

[magpieannie]

Please let us know how it goes! It's not in your mind!!!

[aemmaline]

okay here is what the lab results say...

Tsh, 3rd Generation   0.88 Reference Range > OR = 20 Years: 0.40-4.50

Next to that it says Reference Range mIU/L  

I have never been on any medication for my thyroid.  I have always needed "nappy time" when growing up and of course after I had my babies... but Now I cannot get through the day without sleeping... Yesterday I couldn't get out of bed and slept the entire day.  The doctor has never checked my (frees), which quite frankly after reading through this forum upsets me greatly.  I have made an appt with an Ear Nose and throat guy who states that he does help with thyroid problems.  I will specifically ask for these tests.  The closest endo is about 45 min away.  :-(  But if I feel that this next guy isn't doing the job, then I will request a referral to the Endo.  
Thanks so much for the responses.  I finally do not feel like I am losing my mind!!!

[goolarra]

It is very possible to have "normal" bloodwork and still be hypo.  If your doctor tested nothing but TSH, he and you have no clue about your thyroid status.  TSH is a pituitary hormone and is affected by many factors other than thyroid hormone levels.  Free T3 and free T4 are the actual thyroid hormones and give a much better picture of thyroid status than TSH alone.  

Your symptoms sound very hypo.  I'd ask your doctor if he tested the "frees".  If so please post the results along with their reference ranges.  If the frees weren't tested, I'd get those done as soon as possible.  If your doctor didn't test them, you may very well have to find another doctor.  

Response times vary...we're all volunteers, and it depends who's on the forum and how well they feel they can answer your questions.  Sometimes we leave a question hoping someone with more personal experience on a subject can help.  

[magpieannie]

It depends on the time of day on responses back. I stay home, so I usually check in the morning to see if I can be of any help. Many people work and check more at nightt or on the weekends.  We are not doctors, just members who have first hand experience with many different perspectives in regard to thyroid issues. TSH looks fine, what about the thyroid hormones?(Free t3 and Free t4) TSH is a pituitary hormone, and not the best indicater of thyroid issues. Always post the lab reference ranges for the lab result along with your level so we can advise you better. Your symptoms sound like those of someone who is struggling with being left hypothyroid (low available thyroid hormone) Are you on any thyroid hormone replacement? My daughter is 9 and born without a thyroid gland. If you had part of yours removed at the age of 8, then I feel fairly certain that your issues are due to this. Get those thyroid hormones checked ASAP. The TSH alone is not enough!

[aemmaline]

just received my tsh lab work back.  It is .88.  

[aemmaline]

How long does it usually take to get a response on this forum?  Just so I know when to check back.  Thanks