blood tests normal

averysmom · 07-24-2003, 11:43 PM

I just stumbled upon this message board and I'm wondering if anyone can help me. I'm feeling pretty desperate.

Aprox 4 years ago I started gaining weight. At the same time my Ob noticed my thyroid was enlarged. She did a test (don't remember which one) that came out normal.

Aprox 3 years ago after my daughter's birth I had a variety of symptoms...
*weight gain
*always hot
*irritable
*fullness in throat
*diarrahea

My endocrinologist said my thyroid was 5 to 6 times the normal size. All of the blood tests and radioactive iodine scan came out normal.

Since then I have been having blood tests every few months. All normal.

My ds was born 11 weeks ago. Since that timne I have had extreme full ness in my throat and no ability to loose weight (not even one ounce with the help of a dietician). My thyroid is still very large and it now has nodules on it. I had a FNA on one large nodule. that test came out fine too.

Could this be hypotyroidisim?? Please help a desperate Mom. Thank you.

CathyWood · 07-25-2003, 01:53 AM

Hello I wanted to Welcome you to SC. Sounds like it could..but I am going to BUMP this so someone will answer you. Take care of your little one...and hope to see you around.

ladioffaith · 07-25-2003, 03:47 AM

OK, first things first. What are the numbers? What do they consider "normal?"

Endos now say TSH levels should be below 3 (my endo wants mine under 2.5.) Yet most doctors do not know this. My previous doctor said my TSH of 4.75 was normal . . . but the endo said it was twice what it should be!

Secondly, have you had the thyroid biopsied? I would want to examine ALL avenues if the ones you're going down don't prove anything, just to be on the safe side.

averysmom · 07-25-2003, 10:27 AM

CathyWood and ladioffaith thank you for your responses! It helps to know I'm not alone out there.

I will call my dr. today to find out exactly what my numbers are. I never thought ot ask. I will also ask him about a possible biopsy.

My dr. is young, only out of school for a couple of years. I wonder if I need to find someone with more experience in cases that aren't so teextbook. Maybe up in Boston.

prunepie · 07-25-2003, 07:11 PM

hi avery..i have hypothyroid..and drs blew me off for years..

aace.. american association for clinical endocrinologists have changes the guidelines for what is normal..before on average tsh was .5-5.0 ish.. now it should be no higher than 3.0.... and even then the optimal is around 1-2..

plus tsh is really not the only way you should be dxd the t4 and t3 is also another way....

get your numbers and post them back here with the ranges and lets see how we can help xo jenn

averysmom · 07-29-2003, 11:07 AM

I called my doctor again on Friday because I felt like someone had their hands around my throat and I was having problems breathing. He called me back, after hours, and did not have my files. So I can't tell you what my numbers are yet.

He did schedule a neck and chest CAT scan to see if my thyroid has grown over to my windpipe and esophagus. Ugh..another test. At least he is taking me seriously this time and made me a fast appt.

I'll update when I get my results.

Thanks again for your support!!!

prunepie · 07-30-2003, 03:46 AM

avery ..good luck and please keep us posted xoxo jenn

averysmom · 08-03-2003, 06:48 PM

My CAT scan, from my neck to my belly button, came out completely normal.

My TSH levels have been 1.2, 1 and .73 at my last three appointments. .73 being just two weeks ago.

So now where do I go? Am I making these feelings and symptoms up? Do I turn to complimentary medicine? Has homeopothy helped anyone?

Thank you for your caring responses.

prunepie · 08-04-2003, 12:30 AM

with your thyroid..the most imp numbers are the t3 and t4..but you ahve to ask drs to do it..bc most are idiots lol
do you have those numbers?

averysmom · 08-04-2003, 08:45 AM

He did tell me my T3 and T4 levels, but of course I can't remember. He did tell me they were normal.

Prunepie, have you shared your story on these boards?

prunepie · 08-05-2003, 12:41 AM

hi avery...i think getting those numbers and ranges might be helpful..bc for years i was told the same thing..better safe then sorry..

no i havent shared my whole story on here..do you think i should and where would i do it? xo jennnnnnn

fuzybuny · 08-06-2003, 05:41 PM

OH MY GOSH!!!!! You all have helped me solve a 2-3 year (possible 7 year) problem! I have told the doctors 100x that I had a thyroid problem. But every time that they did a test it was "normal".

I started tracking my basal temperature because a doctor told me that it's the best way to determine when you are ovulating and it was always under 97.0! Now besides the fact that I probably wasn't ovulating, I did some research and figured out that a low basal temp is very good indicator that you have a thyroid problem. So I went to the doctor and they weren't too alarmed and I said, but listen to me I have like 100 other symptoms, but they would take my blood and find nothing to support my thoughts! BUT thank God I kept a copy of all my labs since 02/02 and now I am going to go back to the doctor (because of what PruniePie said) and show them that my TSH levels went from 1.08 to 1.68, to 2.43, to now 3.56! And the normal is below 3.0, check this out...print this and bring to your doctors. Plus, any other info you can
http://www.thyroid-info.com/articles/aacereversal.htm
find. Get armed and in their face..just kidding, but really I am so thankful (once again) for you all! GOD BLESS YOU. Thanks

prunepie · 08-07-2003, 01:51 AM

fuzzy i am so glad you have an answer.... even more imp than tsh..is your t3 and t4..you MUST have those numbers as well as tsh..if your dr says those numbers arent imp..move on!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

i think i gave this website but its www.thyroid.about.com
the best of the best plus they have lists of drs in dif states that come recommended... please email me at dreamtime7@earthlink.net.. if you have any questions at all!! xoxo jenn