a little concerned
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| Tue, 01-30-2007 - 9:29pm |
Hi - I haven't posted on ivillage in a couple of years, but have always found it an enlightening place. I think this is the board I should be on but not sure. I have had a cough for quite a while now, off and on for the last few years. This last bout with it, I've done the antibiotic route,the inhaler route, etc, etc. Still coughing and raspy. It's something very annoying that I've learned to live with. But, last few days, noted that the base of my neck is tender - not in a "can't touch it" kind of way, but in an uncomfortable, don't like my chin resting low on my neck kind of way. And, finally paid a little attention and looked at the base of my neck - it is swollen. Yes, I will call the doc in the morning. But am pretty sure they will have me come in and check it out. I've had thyroid tests before and always, always is it normal.
But here (finally!) is my question. I am DES exposed. DES was a hormone, hormones are part of the endocrine system. So my levels are already off. So if they test me for the TSH levels, and it comes back normal again, is it really "normal"? Are any of you running into the "you have normal levels" bit but know by virtue of what you feel like and weight gain and tiredness, and thinning hair, and cycle problems that you do have something going on with your thyroid? How do we get them to listen? I guess right now my advantage in this is that my voice and the coughing with the enlargement will now maybe convince them, (the elusive "them"!) but that just this means this has all been going on for a while. Thanks - I guess this turned into a ramble, but maybe someone will see themselves here! Liz

Hi Lizfoley,
Welcome back!
I don't know about the DES
I am also a "DES Daughter", although I had not connected my recent hypothyroidism diagnosis ( found out 2 weeks ago) with my exposure to DES. I do know that DES exposure can be related to reproductive disorders & cancers. Definitely somthing I will ask my Dr. about.
They have misdiagnoised me for years. My TSH has never been above 5.5 so they always said it was normal even though I haven't had a regular menstral cycle my whole life (Im 31). Have you seen an endocrinologists? She told me the normal range of .5-5.5 is not correct and that anything over 3 was considered subclinical hypothyroidism. She also said that a women in her child bearing years should be between a 1-2. She tested my antibodies and sure enough they indicated Hashimotos disease. Have they tested your antibodies? I knew for years something wasnt normal with my body, DONT let them tell you youre fine if you know youre not.
Danielle