a little concerned

iVillage Member
Registered: 09-12-2003
a little concerned
5
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

Avatar for cl_calley7
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-20-2003
Tue, 01-30-2007 - 9:51pm

Hi Lizfoley,


Welcome back!


I don't know about the DES

 

Calley7

iVillage Member
Registered: 09-12-2003
Tue, 01-30-2007 - 10:02pm
Hi - thanks for the response. Actually, I've been on Nexium for a couple of years now due to ulcers, so that is something that is already treated. I thought of that, but there is no GERD left. It seems though that it is the worst when I am active, when I eat, when I go outside, when I turn on the heater in my car....oh, never mind, it's always there! I will ask to see if I need a bigger dose of Nexium.
iVillage Member
Registered: 09-12-2003
Wed, 01-31-2007 - 6:16pm
Well, they are convinced that my problem has nothing to do with the thyroid. It was tested and was in the "normal" range a year and a hlf ago, so didn't even entertain it. Did decide I must have asthma, and are upping treatment in that regard. Did also say that the new blood pressure med I was on may have made something that was already going on worse. So, we'll see, I guess....thanks for letting me vent! Liz
iVillage Member
Registered: 02-01-2007
Thu, 02-01-2007 - 10:53am
hi,
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.
iVillage Member
Registered: 10-06-2006
Thu, 02-01-2007 - 11:55am

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