Not sure what to do

[BeckyS]

I was diagnosed with a goiter in 1992. At that time, I was having symptoms of hypothyroidism (fatigue, weight gain, irritability, etc). I had numerous tests done (bloodwork, thyroid uptake and scan and thyroid ultrasound). My bloodwork always came back within the normal levels and the ultrasound showed no nodules.

The first uptake/scan I had done (12/29/92) indicted borderline hyperthyroidism:
6-hour uptake = 16% (normal range 5-15%)
12-hour uptake = 29% (normal range 12-36%)

The second uptake/scan I had done (6/13/01) indicated hyperthyroidism:
6-hour uptake = 27% (normal range 5-15%)
There was no 12-hour uptake done because of the 6-hour uptake results (I guess the lab thought it didn't need to be done).

My TSH levels were low at the time of the second uptake/scan, but my doctor said there was nothing wrong with me that he could see (the other thyroid levels were within the normal range).

Back in 1992, I was told that there was nothing wrong with my thyroid other than it being enlarged and to have it checked annually. I was also put on an anti-depressant and since then, have tried just about every anti-depressant out there and even had a VNS therapy surgery done last year to help with the depression and 2-hours of light therapy a day for SAD and depression. I thought I was starting to feel better. That is, until about 2 weeks ago. I went to see my internist to have my bloodwork checked:
TSH 0.89 (range 0.45-4.50)
T4 1.6 (range 0.8-1.7)
T3 3.1 (range 2.0-4.8)

I also had an ultrasound done and that came back fine. My doctor says there is nothing wrong with my thyroid, but I just find it strange that I am having so many hypothyroid symptoms: fatigue/tiredness, hair loss/dryness, weight gain, fluid retention, constipation, irritability, no sex drive, decreased concentration, and of course depression. Also, my bloodwork showed that my cholesterol levels were high (209). Last year when I had it checked, it was 175. There's always been this gnawing feeling inside of me that there's just something not right with my thyroid and that the doctors just haven't been able to figure it out. I also always thought the depression was just a symptom of the thyroid problem and that's why treatment was always unsuccessful (because they weren't treating the root of the problem - the thyroid!).

So my dilemma is this...what do I do now? Should I see another doctor? Have more bloodwork done? Just live with it?

I'm so confused. Please help!

[316Believer]

Hi BeckyS!

Sorry to hear about your symptoms. I have had Graves for a long time (but only newly diagnosed). I can offer only my experience that may be some help to you.

When my initial labs were done (routine physical-I didn't know I was sick I have had this so long...), it was screaming hyperthyroid. They repeated the test a couple weeks later and again the results were immediate--Hyperthyroid.

I saw my Endo (he is highly recommended!) and he repeated my labs just to be sure, did the RAI and a bone density. The results were immediate and there was no question it was Hyper.

I guess my point is, if you really believe there's a thyroid problem it may two things.
1. You do need another doctor who will watch you over time and repeat the test from time to time (but if you are Hyper, then the test will find it even if you don't want that diagnosis)
2. You may be in remission. I have read that here in these message boards. Sometimes it happens and God is just that good.

Either way I wish you only the best and hope you find your answer.

[BeckyS]

Hi BeckyS!

Sorry to hear about your symptoms. I have had Graves for a long time (but only newly diagnosed). I can offer only my experience that may be some help to you.

When my initial labs were done (routine physical-I didn't know I was sick I have had this so long...), it was screaming hyperthyroid. They repeated the test a couple weeks later and again the results were immediate--Hyperthyroid.

I saw my Endo (he is highly recommended!) and he repeated my labs just to be sure, did the RAI and a bone density. The results were immediate and there was no question it was Hyper.

I guess my point is, if you really believe there's a thyroid problem it may two things.
1. You do need another doctor who will watch you over time and repeat the test from time to time (but if you are Hyper, then the test will find it even if you don't want that diagnosis)
2. You may be in remission. I have read that here in these message boards. Sometimes it happens and God is just that good.

Either way I wish you only the best and hope you find your answer.

Thanks for sharing your experience and for your kind words. I wish I could find a doctor that looked at more than just the test results. Of the 6 doctors I've seen over the last 16 years, they've all said the same thing - there's nothing wrong with my thyroid other than it being enlarged. Maybe I should just accept that and move on :(

If anyone knows of a good thyroid doc in the Phoenix or Los Angeles area (that takes United Health), please let me know!