thyroid misery

Wyldwood · 14-04-2015 10:32am

Chemical Byrne, you're coming across to me as someone who is in a blind panic. You said you were beginning to fall for this girl before she mentioned her Hashis (I wonder was it said on a day when she was feeling under par rather than an announcement of illness?).
You need to step back and put the Hashis out of your mind, your girlfriend is under the care of an endo and is getting the best advice whether she decides to follow it or not. Look at the relationship with this girl and decide whether you would have gone further with it if you didn't know about the Hashis. Don't define her by her illness.
In your first post you came across as looking for an excuse to end it but now you seem to be on a Florence Nightingale mission, you seem to be treating her almost like a project, not a good basis for a longterm relationship.
To the vast majority of sufferers Hashis is a minor inconvenience well controlled by medication. It's the minority who have difficulty that come to forums like this to discuss things.

Simon_K · 14-04-2015 5:14pm

I asked around and the basic thyroid test seems to be around 100 euros...Anywhere I can get it cheaper? And if not, what's the most reliable place? I need FT4,TSH and anti-TPO.

Lumps Bumps n Blues · 14-04-2015 5:57pm

I don't know if things have changed, but I got them for free at my GP's. If that route isn't viable, you might want to check with your health insurance, if you have one, to see whether they'd cover some of the costs.

Amazingfun · 14-04-2015 8:42pm

Simon_K wrote: »

I asked around and the basic thyroid test seems to be around 100 euros...Anywhere I can get it cheaper? And if not, what's the most reliable place? I need FT4,TSH and anti-TPO.

Contact St. James hospital. What you mention above is less than 50 euros

Simon_K · 14-04-2015 8:46pm

Do I need GP's letter? Who do I need to contact in St. James Hospital? Sorry, I'm totally confused by Irish healthcare.

Lumps Bumps n Blues · 14-04-2015 9:00pm

Sorry Simon, I wasn't clear in my other post - what I meant was that my GP asked the nurse to take my blood and it was brought to hospital for testing. So, aside from the GP's fee, I didn't have to pay for my tests.

St. James's Hospital probably does them for you directly and they charge you accordingly - I wouldn't know their set up/procedures/rules as I was based in the West, not in Dublin.

Chemical Byrne · 15-04-2015 11:10am

Wyldwood wrote: »

Chemical Byrne, you're coming across to me as someone who is in a blind panic. ......

I suppose I am but I'm beginning to come to grips with it. I suppose I am just afraid that the damage could continue with the medication masking it and she could end up being very sick in future. I accept that I need to relax about it, I'm beginning to see that most cases are successfully treated, I've been fixating on the minority of horror cases and scaring the crap out of myself.

Amazingfun · 15-04-2015 11:21am

Simon_K wrote: »

Do I need GP's letter? Who do I need to contact in St. James Hospital? Sorry, I'm totally confused by Irish healthcare.

Yes you will need a referral from your GP. But make sure you ask first if that panel you mention can be got for free by your local blood testing facility.

The reason I recommend St. James is because they will test FREE T3 and FREE T4 which is not always done by others. Now the panel including the FREES is about 75 euros I believe. I don't know how much you've read about thyroid but it's very important we get the frees tested. I self treat with NDT and this is how I monitor my progress. St. James is the cheapest around.

Simon_K · 15-04-2015 11:49am

I've been told that I'd need FT4,TSH and anti-TPO done as a basic check to see whether I have under/overactive thyroid (If possible, FT3 as well)

GP referral costs 50 euros (as I need to pay for the visit), so I was wondering if
a) I can skip that and go directly to the facility, even if it costs extra
b) get the tests done at GP's office

So St. James requires a GP's referral... Any way to circumvent that? Also, is this what I'm supposed to be looking for?

http://www.stjames.ie/GPsHealthcareProfessionals/GPBloodTesting/

Also, I noticed the following:

Only GP Referral letters/Request forms will be accepted from patients in the following catchment areas
Dublin 2, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 20 and 22
Patients living in Lucan, Leixlip, Celbridge and Maynooth.

I live in Dublin 7, does that mean I can't go to St. James'?

Emme · 15-04-2015 12:02pm

Simon_K wrote: »

I've been told that I'd need FT4,TSH and anti-TPO done as a basic check to see whether I have under/overactive thyroid (If possible, FT3 as well)

GP referral costs 50 euros (as I need to pay for the visit), so I was wondering if
a) I can skip that and go directly to the facility, even if it costs extra
b) get the tests done at GP's office

So St. James requires a GP's referral... Any way to circumvent that? Also, is this what I'm supposed to be looking for?

http://www.stjames.ie/GPsHealthcareProfessionals/GPBloodTesting/

Also, I noticed the following:

Only GP Referral letters/Request forms will be accepted from patients in the following catchment areas
Dublin 2, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 20 and 22
Patients living in Lucan, Leixlip, Celbridge and Maynooth.

I live in Dublin 7, does that mean I can't go to St. James'?

You need a slip of paper from your GP ordering the tests. You also need to make an appointment with St James's for the tests.

Amazingfun · 15-04-2015 12:12pm

Simon: I just contacted St. James and was told to call this number between 2-4 pm 01-2914516

Simon_K · 15-04-2015 10:28pm

Thank you, I didn't have time today but I'll call them tomorrow

Chemical Byrne · 16-04-2015 10:03am

I notice she seems to stumble now and again when we are going for walks. Apparently poor ankle reflexes are a sign of hashi's. I'm not going to say anything but was just wondering if any of you suffer ankle problems too? Would this be a sign of worsening or is it a common or rare occurrence? Would it be caused by the autoimmune action of hashi's or would it be moreso directly related to hormone levels?
I'm not going to bring it up or say anything but I just hope that she is getting the right tests and on the right meds at the right dose. She gets tests but I do not know whether they are only TSH or more broad spectrum for T3/4 too. I know TSH can be a bit misleading. For someone with mild, controlled symptoms what sort of testing is typically done?

Wyldwood · 16-04-2015 10:49am

Chemical Byrne, please let this girl go and have a life with someone who won't be obsessed with her hypothyroidism. Your attitude is far from healthy.

Chemical Byrne · 16-04-2015 11:11am

I'm not obsessed by it, I just want to learn as much as I can about it and be well informed. Surely that is more healthy than being blissfully ignorant or dismissive of it!

I don't drone on to her about it or anything, I think we only mentioned it twice and both times it was she that instigated the convo. As I repeatedly said, I'm on no mission to make a nuisance of myself over it.

lovelystuff · 16-04-2015 11:20am

Chemical Byrne wrote: »

I'm not obsessed by it, I just want to learn as much as I can about it and be well informed. Surely that is more healthy than being blissfully ignorant or dismissive of it!

I don't drone on to her about it or anything, I think we only mentioned it twice and both times it was she that instigated the convo. As I repeatedly said, I'm on no mission to make a nuisance of myself over it.

Being healthily informed is one thing. People in my life are healthily informed in that they recognise that sometimes I get tired. They don't try and take me off birth control or prescribe a diet or enquire what my (expert) consultant does.

The_Conductor · 16-04-2015 11:25am

Chemical Byrne wrote: »

I'm not obsessed by it, I just want to learn as much as I can about it and be well informed. Surely that is more healthy than being blissfully ignorant or dismissive of it!

I don't drone on to her about it or anything, I think we only mentioned it twice and both times it was she that instigated the convo. As I repeatedly said, I'm on no mission to make a nuisance of myself over it.

The questions you're mentioning here- would indicate a complete and utter obsession with hyperthyroidism. Its not healthy for you- and if you bring up even a tiny amount of what you've discussed here with her- with her either.

Chemical Byrne · 16-04-2015 11:31am

lovelystuff wrote: »

Being healthily informed is one thing. People in my life are healthily informed in that they recognise that sometimes I get tired. They don't try and take me off birth control or prescribe a diet or enquire what my (expert) consultant does.

Lets be clear here, I did not at any point, nor am I about to, try to force her off either her medication or her contraceptives. Neither am I attempting to foist any particular diet on her nor am I trying to dictate any particular course of action. (i just thought being on the pill was peculiar since we are not sexually active, I didn't realise it had other common applications). If I did any of that I would have long since gotten the boot, and rightly so I might add.

We've been together several months, conversation about it has amounted to 2 or three minutes all together.

You seem to make me out as some kind of deranged control freak looking to dictate her every action. This is new to me and all I am just trying to do is understand it from all angles.

lovelystuff · 16-04-2015 11:55am

Chemical Byrne wrote: »

Lets be clear here, I did not at any point, nor am I about to, try to force her off either her medication or her contraceptives. Neither am I attempting to foist any particular diet on her nor am I trying to dictate any particular course of action. (i just thought being on the pill was peculiar since we are not sexually active, I didn't realise it had other common applications). If I did any of that I would have long since gotten the boot, and rightly so I might add.

We've been together several months, conversation about it has amounted to 2 or three minutes all together.

You seem to make me out as some kind of deranged control freak looking to dictate her every action. This is new to me and all I am just trying to do is understand it from all angles.

All I can judge it on is how you come across here on this thread. You started this time last week saying you were thinking about breaking up with her as you didn't want to deal with it. Now you've gone the complete opposite way and are trying to find out everything about it,bringing up your questions about why she takes the pill and thinking you should make her gluten free meals at your house. I would advise that you calm down as you have gone from thinking about ending the relationship to stressing about about how to fix an unfixable autoimmune disease. I won't argue with you you can obviously do whatever you want, but if you come on a thread the way you have, you need to be prepared to hear our opinions and experience, take it or leave it.

Lumps Bumps n Blues · 16-04-2015 1:46pm

Chemical Byrne wrote: »

The above is just like a transcript of what runs through my mind at times. I suppose my posts are me thinking out loud.

I'm just saying that I'd be willing to help and support the girl with whatever choices she makes and wouldn't mind if I had to do a bit of work to help her out. If she's not interested, fine - I'll say no more about it and leave as is.

I feel I'm damned if I do and damned if I don't. Damned if I'm overwhelmed by learning of the condition and don't think I can deal with and damned if I want to make an effort to help her out. I'm only trying to do the right thing here to do my bit for her to be happy and healthy. I don't want to do anything that would jeopardise that.

Chemical Byrne wrote: »

I suppose I am just afraid that the damage could continue with the medication masking it and she could end up being very sick in future.

Chemical Byrne wrote: »

I notice she seems to stumble now and again when we are going for walks. Apparently poor ankle reflexes are a sign of hashi's. I'm not going to say anything but was just wondering if any of you suffer ankle problems too? Would this be a sign of worsening or is it a common or rare occurrence? Would it be caused by the autoimmune action of hashi's or would it be moreso directly related to hormone levels?
I'm not going to bring it up or say anything but I just hope that she is getting the right tests and on the right meds at the right dose. She gets tests but I do not know whether they are only TSH or more broad spectrum for T3/4 too. I know TSH can be a bit misleading. For someone with mild, controlled symptoms what sort of testing is typically done?

Chemical Byrne wrote: »

You seem to make me out as some kind of deranged control freak looking to dictate her every action. This is new to me and all I am just trying to do is understand it from all angles.

CB, I've taken some excerpts from your posts and I'll be using capital letters because I cannot highlight parts of the texts, I probably don't have enough posts yet.

On one hand you're saying you don't want to seem to be overbearing towards her, and on the other you're QUESTIONING -not 'wondering'- if she's getting the correct tests done, if every single thing that happens is down to the disease, and you do seem to be fixated with her hormone levels. You're saying that all of this goes through your head and that you're kind of thinking out loud. I'd like to say this as gently as I can, knowing that we cannot properly express a tone of voice in writing, but what do you hope to achieve? Why do you NEED to know all this? I urge you to remember that it's HER condition, and HER decision on how to take care of it, not yours. Gathering information and trying to learn about hypothyroidism is commendable, but trying to find out every single teeny tiny thing about it is almost obsessive. This is not about you. I doubt you'd be reading up as much as this about it if you were preparing for an endocrinology exam at college... For both yours and your girlfriend's sake, please loosen the grip and take a step back.

lovelystuff · 17-04-2015 7:38pm

I was speaking to my consultant earlier as I've been extremely fatigued and having joint pain recently (hands,arms and feet especially), but my thyroid numbers are perfect. She was suggesting i might need a rheumatology check done. Has anyone here done that,or have rheumatism? I'm 28 so I'm hoping it's not the case for me! Thanks!

The_Conductor · 17-04-2015 7:53pm

Rheumatoid arthritis- and osteopenia here

It goes with autoimmune diseases- its common for a few of them to go hand-in-hand. The osteopenia- is through malabsorption rather than a specific condition......

lovelystuff · 17-04-2015 8:31pm

The_Conductor wrote: »

Rheumatoid arthritis- and osteopenia here
It goes with autoimmune diseases- its common for a few of them to go hand-in-hand. The osteopenia- is through malabsorption rather than a specific condition......

Thanks for that. Can I ask is it a big problem in terms of symptoms and treatment? I'm pretty clueless about it, and what it might mean for me. Thanks again!

The_Conductor · 17-04-2015 8:35pm

lovelystuff wrote: »

Thanks for that. Can I ask is it a big problem in terms of symptoms and treatment? I'm pretty clueless about it, and what it might mean for me. Thanks again!

Its painful- and annoying. Aside from calcium and Vitamin D supplements- there isn't anything else I'm on (given the adverse way possible treatments might react with my current meds). Some Crohn's treatments (like Humira for example)- are also good for rheumatoid arthritis- and are what I'm currently discussing with my consultant.

Its sort of what can treat the maximum number of different things- even off label- and can it be prescribed..........

Talk to your consultant though- we're all different- what might be a viable proposition for me- might not for you- for any of a long and bewildering list of reasons..........

It sucks- and some days are worse than others- but when you have to keep going- you grit your teeth and keep going.

lovelystuff · 17-04-2015 8:46pm

Thanks conductor, much appreciated. Can I ask one more thing if you don't mind, does anything lifestyle wise help? Like should I start doing weights or anything like that? Thanks again

The_Conductor · 18-04-2015 9:34am

lovelystuff wrote: »

Thanks conductor, much appreciated. Can I ask one more thing if you don't mind, does anything lifestyle wise help? Like should I start doing weights or anything like that? Thanks again

I needed a laugh- you hear my bones cracking when I move, my ankles give away not infrequently when I'm walking- weight lifting is not going to happen.......

Diet- particularly the use of olive oil in cooking etc- is something I do habitually. Whether or not it helps- and to what extent- I don't know, but it would be silly not to do little things that are beneficial from a health perspective- regardless of whether or not they help specific problems.

Anti-inflamatories can make a big difference- however, after 15 years on steroids- its made my bone density a bigger issue than swollen joints.

You have to be careful that one solution doesn't cause another problem........

Wyldwood · 18-04-2015 12:15pm

Lovelystuff, about 20 years ago I developed severe pains in my feet and found it very difficult to walk. Diagnosed with RA. Was given a letter for a consultant and refused to go as I knew it would mean anti-inflammatory treatment.

I did a lot of research and found Margaret Hill's story. I found it inspiring and bought her book Curing Arthritis the Drug Free Way. I eliminated all the citrus fruits, peppers, tomatoes (I did continue to eat potatoes even though they were on the eliminate list). Also reduced red meat to once a week and cut out alcohol apart from an occasional glass of red wine. Cider vinegar is recommended but I could never take it.

I started taking Codliver oil off the spoon daily, used honey instead of marmalade (now I use Manuka honey) and took Epsom salts baths regularly. Exercise is very important so if you can get out for a brisk walk every day you'll feel much better (good for the thyroid too!)

The bottom line was that I managed to bring the pain right down and never needed medication. I still get a few aches and pains form time to time but never enough to send me running to a rheumatologist.

I realise that I may have been lucky that my RA wasn't severe and also that it could hit back any day and I may have to take meds but I'd encourage you to read Margaret Hill's book if you can find it, possibly in the library. It's just a small paperback.

Wishing you the best of health.

samanthamcgre · 20-04-2015 10:09pm

Hi All

I have been hypo for 3 years. TSH was always ok it was more anti bodies were the problem they were consistently 1800

Have been on 100mcg of eltroxin

Had a bad couple of weeks and decided to see an endo....she put me on thybo. 20 and I am just wondering have any of you any experience of it and has it helped you & in what way?

Chemical Byrne · 22-04-2015 12:19pm

I came across this book. It is a very interesting read I learned a lot from it. It might be of interest suffferers of thyroid problems. It might offer some insight to those who are on treatment with test results showing normal but still feeling bad.
https://www.scribd.com/doc/25224250/Why-Do-I-Still-Have-Thyroid-Symptoms-When-My-Lab-Tests-Are-Normal

lovelystuff wrote: »

Thanks conductor, much appreciated. Can I ask one more thing if you don't mind, does anything lifestyle wise help? Like should I start doing weights or anything like that? Thanks again

If you are interested in lifestyle modifications I might suggest you have a look at the above book Lovelystuff. Granted, it is targetted at thyroid issues but it is very much oriented towards addressing the autoimmune process that underlies many thyroid problems rather than supplanting its roles by means of hormone replacement.
It gives a great run down on the functioning and, importantly, the malfunctioning of the immune system and discusses dietary modifications that aim to go some distance towards normalising immune funtion (and consequently thyroid funtion since in hashi's at least thyroid malfuntion is merely a symtom of a problem with the immune system)

As I'm sure you well know, rhumatism is an autoimmune process so you might find some at least informative if not useful information.

Amazingfun · 22-04-2015 3:16pm

Chemical Byrne wrote: »

I came across this book. It is a very interesting read I learned a lot from it. It might be of interest suffferers of thyroid problems. It might offer some insight to those who are on treatment with test results showing normal but still feeling bad.
https://www.scribd.com/doc/25224250/Why-Do-I-Still-Have-Thyroid-Symptoms-When-My-Lab-Tests-Are-Normal

Dr. Kharrazian is excellent and is a strong advocate of the AIP protocol, a thing I am a definite fan of myself

th283 · 25-04-2015 8:38pm

lovelystuff wrote: »

I was speaking to my consultant earlier as I've been extremely fatigued and having joint pain recently (hands,arms and feet especially), but my thyroid numbers are perfect. She was suggesting i might need a rheumatology check done. Has anyone here done that,or have rheumatism? I'm 28 so I'm hoping it's not the case for me! Thanks!

Hi lovelystuff, I've had joint pain for almost 4 years especially in my right ankle. Like you my doctor suggested tests for arthritis, but these came back clear. I recently came across an article which mentioned arthritis like joint pain in people with under active thyroid being caused by magnesium deficiency. I took a chance and bought magnesium and vitamin b supplements (vitamin b apparently helps with fatigue) in the health food shop.
That was about 8 weeks ago and it's made a massive difference, the pain is virtually gone and my energy levels have increased. Before this at times I struggled to put my foot on the ground with the pain and simple stuff like climbing the stairs was awful but in the last few weeks I've only had a few twinges but I can honestly say the pain has reduced by at least 90% and my energy levels have increased

magnesium and vitamin b may not work for you but it could be worth a try, good luck

alphatango · 03-05-2015 9:00pm

Hello, I am new to this thread and am posting in relation to my 13 year old daughter. She has been unwell for the last 8/9 months suffering from chronic constipation, and headaches and stomach pains. She has had leg pains for many years which we put down to growing pains, she does not seem to have much energy and thinks she gets a sensation of not being able to breathe and has put un a huge amount of weight. I brought her to the GP and he did blood tests for Thyroid, just TSH and FT4, Tsh came back 5.12 and I am not sure what Ft4 came back. Gp told me bring her back in 6 weeks for another test. The day i brought her back for the second test he prescribed 50mcg eltroxin and did the blood test. She was taking the eltroxin for a week and the result of her second blood test came back within the normal range, tsh 2.4 and FT4 13. Gp then told me to stop her medication and come back in 6 months for another blood test. I am not at all happy with the way my gp has dealt with my daughter and i would love to hear the views of contributors to this thread. I am also thinking of bringing her to an Endocrinologist and I would love to know about any good ones and whether or not they deal with children. I am in the west of ireland but will travel anywhere to get her proper treatment. Please let me hear your views. Sorry for long post.

Wyldwood · 04-05-2015 2:12pm

Alphatango, I cannot understand why your GP took your daughter off the meds when she had clearly shown a positive response to them.

It takes 6 weeks for thyroid meds to fully take effect and another 6 weeks to leave the blood, so, based on that, I would take your daughter to another doctor (if your own doc is not willing to repeat tests) 6 weeks from the date when she finished the Eltroxin and see what her bloods are like at that stage.

An endo may or may not be useful, often just a good proactive GP is just as beneficial.

It may be that he's trying to see if it was transitional and hold off on medication for the meantime but, speaking as someone who has had thyroid problems since teens, I would pursue it.

Always ask for a printout of the results so you can see the lab ranges and where blood results lie in that range.

alphatango · 04-05-2015 2:50pm

Wyldwood, thank you so much for your reply. What actually happened was that her first blood test was abnormal so gp told me to bring her back in 6 weeks for another blood test. When I brought her back for the second test he put her on the eltroxin and also took her blood so her blood came back in the normal range for the second test without intervention. She only had tsh and ft4 done and from what i have read i think these tests can come back normal and a person can still be hypothyroid. I would really welcome advice and views because she is symptomatic.

New Home · 04-05-2015 3:06pm

Regardless of what the GP says, I can't see how an endocrinology visit would be a bad thing, at least the specialist could clarify things for you and your daughter.

I don't know if she still works there, but in Sligo Hospital I found Dr. Cathy McHugh in particular to be very good. I know there's another male doctor who works/worked in Galway and Dublin who a friend of mine found excellent, as soon as I find out his name again I'll post back. - Mods, I can't remember if names are allowed in here, so please feel free to remove it if need be, thanks.

alphatango · 04-05-2015 3:17pm

New Home, thanks so much, i would appreciate that very much.
If she is hypothyroid i want her diagnosed as early as possible as i have read the later the diagnosis the more problems it causes. I am bringing her back to the gp next week and will ask him to do all possible tests, i know the lab won't do all tests, and i will ask for an endo referral so i would appreciate any suggestions and advice.

Aeternum · 04-05-2015 10:11pm

I find Dr Brosnan in Mayo Gen hospital great - I used to see Dr Bell in Galway and wouldn't recommend her at all, just my personal experience with her.

alphatango · 04-05-2015 10:34pm

Aeternum wrote: »

I find Dr Brosnan in Mayo Gen hospital great - I used to see Dr Bell in Galway and wouldn't recommend her at all, just my personal experience with her.

Is she good for thyroid? I think her specialty is diabetes.

Aeternum · 04-05-2015 10:42pm

alphatango wrote: »

Is she good for thyroid? I think her specialty is diabetes.

Well I have diabetes too but see her for both

I find her team great.

The_Conductor · 05-05-2015 6:56am

alphatango wrote: »

Is she good for thyroid? I think her specialty is diabetes.

She's an endocrinologist- while she is better known for her treatment of diabetes- she specialises in treatment of issues with the endochrine system- which includes the thyroid- an interesting little list is here: http://www.endocrineweb.com/conditions

Chemical Byrne · 05-05-2015 4:44pm

Hi.

My gf started drinking green tea a few weeks ago. (I'd drink a fair amount of anyway for few yrs). Just there yesterday was over for dinner and out of the blue she said to me that she started drinking it since I drink so much and commented that she thinks she's feeling a good bit better as a result.

I was surprised to read in Dr Kharrazian's book that GT everts a modulating effect on that side of the immune system which is often responsible for hashi's.

I am not aware of any other changes in her situation or lifestyle so I think it might be plausible that GT might potentially have brought about some improvement. I am not sure whether she is aware of GT's *suggested* beneficial effect on the immune system so I cannot say whether or not it might be placebo effect. Of course it might be totally coincidental and unrelated too.

And before anyone asks, no, I didn't tell her to drink it. She did so of her own initiative. I was surprised to see the biggest box of green tea bags I'd ever seen in her place last week! Never knew they came in 80's! I'll have to keep calling around for the cuppas! lol :pac:

lovelystuff · 05-05-2015 5:27pm

Alphatangos just wanted to say hang on in there with your child. Hypothyroidism was showing up on my bloods since I was 17 and I only got diagnosed at 25, the ensuing years were extremely difficult as I was trying to keep going in school and with hobbies etc. If I could go back i would have definitely gone to an endocrinologist earlier. I know that it's something my own parents really regret but at the same time you tend to trust your gp! She's lucky you're so on the ball. Sending you all my best wishes

Chemical Byrne · 05-05-2015 6:11pm

Definitely go to an endocrinologist. GPs are jack of all trades and despite the best of intentions they might have, in many cases they just don't have the specialised knowledge to treat complex diseases effectively. And that goes for everything, not just thyroid difficulties.

If you are not satisfied with your GP, request for a referral to an endo. who is competent to deal with your issue. If they refuse or try to fob you off just tell them you'll be taking your business elsewhere from now on. Life's to short to be going around miserable because of substandard or antiquated healthcare.

alphatango · 05-05-2015 6:33pm

lovelystuff wrote: »

Alphatangos just wanted to say hang on in there with your child. Hypothyroidism was showing up on my bloods since I was 17 and I only got diagnosed at 25, the ensuing years were extremely difficult as I was trying to keep going in school and with hobbies etc. If I could go back i would have definitely gone to an endocrinologist earlier. I know that it's something my own parents really regret but at the same time you tend to trust your gp! She's lucky you're so on the ball. Sending you all my best wishes

Lovelystuff, thank you so much for the encouragement. I just feel that she is hypothyroid, she is so symptomatic and it is in the genes:- her two aunts have it and her first cousin was diagnosed at the age of eight and of course her first blood test just adds to my suspicion. Just can't figure out how the second test came back in the normal range. I have learned a lot from reading this thread and had picked out an endo based on recommendations here but when i phoned her secretary i found out she doesn't take patients under 16 yrs. We are going back to the gp tomorrow and I will tell him all my concerns and ask him for an endo referral, if it means taking her to Dublin to a paediatric endo thats ok, i am up for it. I am bringing my husband with me to gp to back me up and i have my list of questions ready.

lovelystuff · 05-05-2015 6:53pm

alphatango wrote: »

Lovelystuff, thank you so much for the encouragement. I just feel that she is hypothyroid, she is so symptomatic and it is in the genes:- her two aunts have it and her first cousin was diagnosed at the age of eight and of course her first blood test just adds to my suspicion. Just can't figure out how the second test came back in the normal range. I have learned a lot from reading this thread and had picked out an endo based on recommendations here but when i phoned her secretary i found out she doesn't take patients under 16 yrs. We are going back to the gp tomorrow and I will tell him all my concerns and ask him for an endo referral, if it means taking her to Dublin to a paediatric endo thats ok, i am up for it. I am bringing my husband with me to gp to back me up and i have my list of questions ready.

the exact same thing happened me, I was started on meds,started feeling slightly less terrible and then was taken off them. It's an uphill battle to get diagnosed but it comes up in my family again and again that my parents feel so guilty for not pushing for an endocrinologist when they see how well i am (most of the time)now! Hopefully she'll get sorted soon. Margaret Griffin is excellent i don't know if she sees young people but she's based in Dublin and naas and has been a game changer for me. Really thinking of you and your daughter, that was me not so long ago but at least you know what you're dealing with and can get her sorted

alphatango · 05-05-2015 7:03pm

lovelystuff wrote: »

the exact same thing happened me, I was started on meds,started feeling slightly less terrible and then was taken off them. It's an uphill battle to get diagnosed but it comes up in my family again and again that my parents feel so guilty for not pushing for an endocrinologist when they see how well i am (most of the time)now! Hopefully she'll get sorted soon. Margaret Griffin is excellent i don't know if she sees young people but she's based in Dublin and naas and has been a game changer for me. Really thinking of you and your daughter, that was me not so long ago but at least you know what you're dealing with and can get her sorted

Lovelystuff, i am really glad that you are feeling so much better now. It's interesting that the same thing happened you as happened my daughter. The endo i phoned was Margaret Griffin but unfortunately she does not see patients under 16 yrs but I will keep her in mind for the future, i was really dissappointed about that as her specialty is hypothyroidism and weight gain both of which are relevant to my daughter.

New Home · 05-05-2015 7:28pm

Alphatango, I was just thinking, perhaps you could ring one of the Children's Hospitals, I'm sure they'd have the best advice to give you regarding consultants/specialists for your daughter.

alphatango · 05-05-2015 7:37pm

New Home wrote: »

Alphatango, I was just thinking, perhaps you could ring one of the Children's Hospitals, I'm sure they'd have the best advice to give you regarding consultants/specialists for your daughter.

New Home, thanks for that suggestion, i did not think of that. I will phone tomorrow to see if they could point me in the right direction. I really want to find a good endo for her as i have noticed a lot of the contributors to this thread have been very unhappy with some of the endos they have seen.

lovelystuff · 05-05-2015 9:03pm

I've heard good things about Dr chi lee in clare street, Dublin 2 regarding hypothyroidism, she's a gp not an endocrinologist but she might see your daughter? http://www.whatclinic.com/doctors/ireland/county-dublin/dublin/dublin-south-city-centre/dr-chii-lee-clare-street-medical-centre

I've never been to her myself but have seen her recommended for thyroid issues before so could be worth a try!

alphatango · 05-05-2015 10:07pm

lovelystuff wrote: »

I've heard good things about Dr chi lee in clare street, Dublin 2 regarding hypothyroidism, she's a gp not an endocrinologist but she might see your daughter? http://www.whatclinic.com/doctors/ireland/county-dublin/dublin/dublin-south-city-centre/dr-chii-lee-clare-street-medical-centre

I've never been to her myself but have seen her recommended for thyroid issues before so could be worth a try!

Thanks for that Lovelystuff, i have also read some good things about her. It is useful to build a list of Doctors that people have found good.

thyroid misery

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