Need Advice for Dr Appt

iVillage Member
Registered: 04-01-2004
Need Advice for Dr Appt
14
Tue, 07-06-2004 - 4:27pm
Hi,

I am looking for any advice that I can get for my next Dr appt.

I have been going for the past year and I beleive from what I've

been reading that I may have hypothyroidism. My Dr, however seems

to think that since mt TSH came back at 2.1 that I am fine. I have

all of the classic symptoms but have been told its not my thyroid.

First it was anemia, then depression, then I was told that it was

probably 'hormonal'. I was told to stop taking birth control pills

and best of all, that I just needed to diet and excercise.

I have an appt with my GP coming up and she is having my TSH tested

again and also my iron. Does anyone have any advice, or does it sound

like I just need a different Dr? I have the name of an endo. in my

area that is supposed to be pretty good, should that be my next step?

I welcome any and all advice....I am at my wits end!

Thanks!!!!

Shelly

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iVillage Member
Registered: 11-09-2001
Fri, 07-09-2004 - 9:47am
Hi Shelly - I think Lisa is talking about the antithyroid antibodies tests. One can show the presence of Graves and the other, Hashimoto's. The antibodies are released by the immune system into the bloodstream when there is an immune attack on the thyroid. The antibody for Graves is called thyroid-stimulating antibody - or TSAb and the one for Hashimoto's is anti-TPO, or Antithryoperoxidase antibody. Sometimes a normal TSH level but a tenderness in the throat can indicate Hasimotos and the antibody test will show that. I just thought I'd answer in case Lisa doesn't come on til later. I'm not certain this is what she meant but it could be.

I'm so glad that you got a doctor from that site!! I found mine on that board, by asking if anyone ahd anyone good in my area. That's great news. Cathy :)

iVillage Member
Registered: 04-01-2004
Fri, 07-09-2004 - 10:02am
Thanks Cathy!

In your opinion, should I keep the appt that I have with my current dr on the 20th?

I have an order to get my TSH checked and my iron before that appt. Should I have that

done and see what she says? Or do you think it would be better for me to go ahead and

make an appt with this new Dr that I found?

Shelly

iVillage Member
Registered: 11-09-2001
Fri, 07-09-2004 - 2:22pm
I would keep this appointment because maybe you can convince her to treat you! If not, then you always have the other appt to fall back on. That's what I would do. Cathy :)
iVillage Member
Registered: 04-01-2004
Fri, 07-09-2004 - 3:19pm
Thanks again Cathy.

I swear, this whole thing is affecting my decision making abilities!

It's like the doctors have got me doubting myself.

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