Test results normal, now what?

iVillage Member
Registered: 04-01-2004
Test results normal, now what?
6
Tue, 07-27-2004 - 11:45am
OK, I went last week to have a Rheumatoid Factor test done and an Anti-Nuclear Antibody

test. I got a call from the Dr's office yesterday, both tests came back normal. And she

just wants to see me in October. So now what????

I was going to try and get a second opion from the Dr that I found on the 'top thyroid doctors' list, but I called her office and she is not taking any new patients. So I can't

get in to see her.

I have the name of an endo, do you think I should try her? I still have not had any thyroid tests done other than TSH. Should I request that as well?

Thanks - you guys are the BEST!!!

Shell

iVillage Member
Registered: 08-20-2003
Tue, 07-27-2004 - 11:50am

IT never hurts to get a second opinion and if you haven't been to an endo yet then that is probably the avenue you should take.


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iVillage Member
Registered: 11-09-2001
Tue, 07-27-2004 - 1:34pm
Hi Shell - well, thank goodness those tests were normal. The last thing you would want is to test positive for lupus or arthritis or something like that. So I'm relieved for you - (although I knew you didn't have those things!). LOL! I would go to the other endo. That's your best option right now. You need someone who is going to diagnose your hypothyroidism and treat you!!!! If my memory serves me in this situation, you are just above the normal level, right? What would be considered subclinical hypothyroid. If that's the case, you may want to mention it when you make your appointment and see if he or she is willing to treat subclinical hypothyroid. You don't have to say it that way when you call. You can just say that your most recent tsh test shows that you are just above the normal range but you have a number of clear hypo symptoms and you were wondering if the doctor is willing to treat people in those circumstances. Then you'll probably get a snotty answer in return but at least you tried! LOL! (I'm sorry, I'm in a strange mood today.)

Too bad you can't get in to see the other doc but maybe this one will be good. Cathy :)

iVillage Member
Registered: 04-16-2004
Tue, 07-27-2004 - 1:51pm
Hey there Shelly,

I think going to the endo couldn't hurt. It might not be an easy thing to get if your doctor really doesn't think anything is going on, that is if you have to go through the doc for the referral. But they might, and it cant hurt a thing.

On my first endo appointment, my endo asked me about my symptoms. Which were all over the place! Achy joints, cold hands feet, tiredness, dry itchy eyes, all kinds of stuff. She said that with an autoimmune thyroid disorder there's a high connection with rheumatoid arthritis. So... you and I might ache just because of the thyroid thing! Achy joints might be a thyroid symptom...

I am so glad to hear that you tested negative for the RA! That's good, but that doesn't explain why you are achy. I went to my family doc today and told her about how my endo thought I should see an rheumatist, so my doc drew blood and did x-rays, we will see what happens.

Have you had your antithyroid antibodies checked? It sounds like to me that if you have an autoimmune disorder, it makes you more tired and all kinds of stuff. My sister has chrone's disease. Its an autoimmune gut disorder. She has had lots of days when she doesn't "feel good", and is tired. So I guess its normal to go through times of not "feeling good" and that could mean the achiness. yuck!

Keep in touch, let me know what happens to you! --Lisa

iVillage Member
Registered: 04-01-2004
Tue, 07-27-2004 - 4:06pm


I wanted to let you all know that I called the endo that my SIL recommended

to me. I got an appt for a consult with her on Aug 30th. I am supposed to

have my dr office fax over my tsh results before the appt. I told them that

I have never had a full thyroid panel done, just the tsh and they said that

was ok, the endo can order it if necessary. But the endo won't order it

until after a consult. So, do you think I should press my fcp to order it so

that I can have the results when I go? Or just leave things as they are?

Thanks so much...

you guys here are the greatest!





iVillage Member
Registered: 11-09-2001
Wed, 07-28-2004 - 11:27pm
Hi - that's great news. It won't make any difference to press for the tests. I haven't seen a doctor yet that wanted tests done before you went in!! That would make too much sense. LOL!! So, in the meantime, at least you know that you'll be in capable hands. That's great! Cathy :)
iVillage Member
Registered: 04-16-2004
Thu, 07-29-2004 - 10:40am
Hey there Shelly. That's great about your upcoming appointment! My doc wont even run a test that my endo wants me to have--my referral ran out before I could have the testing and another appointment. I figured my family doc could order it while we are waiting for my next appt but she said, "they will have to do that". So, I guess sometimes in some situations you have to wait.

I know it would be convenient to have the rest of that bloodwork done before you have your appointment that way you will have less waiting--but it looks like that's the way it's going to be. Maybe they will be able to get you back in the office in a few weeks now that you are one of their patients. Plus you could ask that they call you with your results.

I'm just hoping now there will be less waiting for you. I hate not knowing.

Take care, I probably wont have a chance to be back online until Sunday. Talk to you later, Lisa.