So I Had Some Blood Work Done

[Sweetfudge]

When I went in to the dr. on thursday, I had them take some blood to test my thyroid, as many here have recommended I do. They called me back friday morning. (Sidenote: I was amazed by this, as it took them 3 1/2 months to call me back after taking my blood for the celiac test...lol). Anyway, they said I have borderline low thyroid levels, and that they wanted me to come back in a month or two. What does this mean, and why "in a month or two"? Shouldn't I be taking something to help this? What are the pros and cons of being on thyroid meds? Any advice? Helpful links?

I called my parents yesterday and talked w/ them both. My mom said there's no history of thyroid problems on her side of the family, but that thyroid medicine will probably help me feel better, lose a little weight, and give me back some energy. My dad said that he doesn't think there's anything on his side of the family, although I do have 2 cousins w/ thyroid problems...they most likely got this from their mom's side of the family. He did mention that my grandpa was dxed w/ chronic fatigue syndrome back in the 60's...and they never did any tests on that, so it could have been a thyroid thing. I don't know how important it is to know my family history, I was just interested in seeing if anyone else had dealt w/ it.

Anyway there's my story, just looking for some feedback. Thanks much

[Ursa Major]

If even the 'official' thyroid tests show borderline low thyroid, you really need to do something about them. And 'coming back in a few months' is NOT going to be any help at all!

Make an appointment with your doctor to see you now. If this doctor doesn't understand about treatment for this, then find a doctor who does.

Here is a good website to educate yourself while you wait to see your doctor Open Original Shared Link

[Sweetfudge]

so i looked at that site a bit, and lots of the symptoms sound like me. what do i need my doc to do for me/give me/etc? what is a good treatment? i've not had time to do much research yet, so i feel pretty clueless....thx

[georgie]

I composed a long mail and the cookies ate it Go back and get your paperwork. You need to see what your Thyroid result was - as a NUMBER - and if all the Throid tests were done. I was told 30 years ago that I had a borderline Thyroid, and that it didn't matter. I have suffered 30 years of CFS, Fibro and it was all due to this one Dr making a bad dx. Many Drs do not understand how to test Thyroid, and how to read a blood test for Thyroid, and how the new labs ranges for Thyroid are changing. Many labs are still using old lab ranges and you may find that your borderline result is not borderline at all.

[Sweetfudge]

I composed a long mail and the cookies ate it Go back and get your paperwork. You need to see what your Thyroid result was - as a NUMBER - and if all the Throid tests were done. I was told 30 years ago that I had a borderline Thyroid, and that it didn't matter. I have suffered 30 years of CFS, Fibro and it was all due to this one Dr making a bad dx. Many Drs do not understand how to test Thyroid, and how to read a blood test for Thyroid, and how the new labs ranges for Thyroid are changing. Many labs are still using old lab ranges and you may find that your borderline result is not borderline at all.

Is there a specific type of doctor that I need to look for to correctly diagnose what's wrong? What are all the tests they need to do for me? Thx I will call the dr on monday and find out what my numbers were.

[Corkdarrr]

I have been hypothyroid for over 13 years. And just in the last few months I have finally found a competent doctor.

I would highly recommend that you find a doctor who prescribes and understands Armour thyroid. For a lot of people it makes a HUGE difference.

You can find doctors that prescribe this type of med several ways:

1. ask your local pharmacist for the names of the doctors who prescribe armour

2. visit armour.com and do a search

3. Open Original Shared Link

visit the above website. on the right hand side choose the link for 'Top Drs' and search for your state

Even though I felt blatantly hypo and my gut feeling told me I was hypo, My tests kept coming back 'normal,' but as Georgie was saying, the thyroid tests are inaccurate and their ranges are HUGE. So if I'd ever thought enough to actually ask to see a copy of my test, I probably would've caught this sooner. So much for trusting your doctor...

If your doctor is on the wait-and-see with borderline low thyroid numbers it might not hurt to get a second opinion.

Keep us posted!

Courtney

[happygirl]

An endocrinologist is a doctor that you might want to see (with your tests in hand).

Thyroid and Celiac problems go hand in hand.....

[georgie]

I would suggest a Dr that uses Armour and uses saliva testing. If you ring the saliva labs they may have Drs names that use their services. Also the same with pharmacies in your area. A Dr that is DO often seems quite good. Endos seem about the worst usually. They refuse to understand and treat adrenal fatigue, and don't understand borderline Thyroid readings on blood tests. My Dr is just a normal GP who is interested in Natural Therapies as well.

[Sweetfudge]

Thanks everyone. I will give the doc a call tomorrow!