Test Results

MimisMomma · November 01, 2007, 01:45:39 PM

I got my last test results back for my thyroid. They are normal. The nurse is the one who called to tell me. So I asked her what the doctor had to say about my symptoms and what in the world is causing me to have flucuationg thyroid counts and being tired and in pain and all the rest. She is supposed to call me back. I am wondering what is going on here.

Now I guess it is back to the waiting game to find out what to do next. Maybe I should just keep my mouth shut and just muddle through. I have to start feeling better at some point right?

Mel

Teresa · November 01, 2007, 04:27:52 PM

When they call back, find out if they did all three tests, TSH, T4 and T3. Of course, you may have to approach this cautiously, depends on how your doctor is about being questioned about things. Sometimes you can ask and its fine, other times not so great. I would guess they checked all levels, but just wondering.

MimisMomma · November 01, 2007, 07:40:38 PM

She did test all three. So who knows what is going on. And she never called back and neither did her nurse. So as you can imagine I am happy that it is not thyroid problems but not happy that I don't know what is causeing me to feel like this.

Mel

doxielady5569128 · November 01, 2007, 11:01:20 PM

So its not your thyroid? Gosh this is getting confusing. I can't imagine how frustrating this must be for you!

I can relate to the being tired and feeling awful part. There is a nasty cold/flu bug going round here. Lucky me, I caught it. My cold turned into bronchitis and then today I was having the belly ache and nausea from the flu part of it. I had lost my voice completely for three days, but it was back this morning. :apls:

Maybe you have this weird virus thing too? It really wipes ya out and it doesn't seem to want to go away no matter how long you rest. I know of at least 6 or 7 other people that are down with this crud. I was supposed to get my flu shot today but since I have chills and a fever they wouldn't let me. I really hope the doctors can make up their minds about what you have soon! Hopefully you'll be on the mend soon as well. Nothing worse than feeling sick for a long time.

papbouv · November 02, 2007, 06:02:59 AM

At least it sounds like you have a female doctor most male doctors make you think its all in your head.Gee hope you get to feeling better soon. I sometimes think women are suppose to be tired all the time its not like we get to sit on our butts all the time look at what all we have to do over & over everyday. I still do not know how to make" I do not know for dinner"married forever seems like.
Papbouv

cheryl186 · November 02, 2007, 06:40:09 AM

Mel, I am glad too that it is not your thyroid causing you to feel so bad but on the other hand....what the heck is it? It is so frustrating......we all just wish you would start feeling better but it is so frustrating when they can't find out what is wrong. :xfinger: that the doctors find out very soon and give you something to make you feel better :thumb:

MimisMomma · November 02, 2007, 09:33:15 AM

It is frustrating. When I woke up this morning I could barely move!! And still no call from the doctor. I already racked up over 500 dollars in medical bills trying to figure out what is wrong. I can't afford anymore. If it is a virus then there is nothing they can do about it. I just have to wait it out. But I have been feeling sick like this since mid August. you would think it would have run it's course. And then I question why my thyroid count was 7.4 three weeks ago and now it is 4.9. What made it do that? Yep very frustrating. At least this weekend my boyfriend will be taking me out to dinner at my favorite place, Olive Garden, for my birthday!! Gives me something to look forward to at least. Now I just hope I can stay awake for it!!

Doxielady, sure sounds like what is going on at your end of the state is bad!! I don't think I have that anyway, I am not sick to my tummy. I did have a fever a couple of days this week but that was it. But my body does ache like a flu bug. So who knows. I hope you feel better soon. It has been a long time for you to be feeling bad too hasn't it?

Thanks for all your support! I don't know what I would do with out this board. The one think I look forward to everyday is reading about everyone here on the board.

Mel

doxielady5569128 · November 08, 2007, 12:02:20 PM

Mel,

Have you tried getting an ultrasound done of your thyroid? The reason I ask is my mom has been having problems lately. She had a blood test done and her levels were all fine. She is experiencing hair loss, weight gain, extreme tiredness, muscle aches, and mood swings. All of which are symptoms of having your thyroid out of whack. She had her ultrasound done yesterday and they found multiple lumps on it. Which confuses me because the technician told her if there was only one lump we should be worried, but where there are mulitple lumps, its not a big deal.

Anyway...I thought maybe if you have these symptoms too it would help to get an ultrasound done. It only takes about 10 minutes. Although it would be expensive and you have already had to spend so much!

How was your birthday dinner? And when was/is your birthday. Happy birthday!! Today is my sister's birthday and we are surprising her by cleaning her house for her tomorrow while she's at work. And my grandmother came down as a surprise from Wyoming. I'm going to call her tonight and set up a movie night with her Saturday night at her house so she will be expecting people, but thinks that its just going to be me. Then we are all going to show up at her doorstep. I can hardly wait until Saturday!! :apls: My sister turns 28 today.

MimisMomma · November 08, 2007, 01:47:15 PM

Thanks for asking. The doc can't feel any lumps so she isn't worried about that. She does want me to get retested in another week just to see if the counts are normal or out of whack again. Also I found out that my Grandmother has Fibromyalgia. That has the same signs as Hypothyroid bit it doesn't make the counts out of whack. My doctor thinks that I may have that too but it is hard to diagnose because there isn't a test for it. They just have to rule everything else out first. And there is only one med approved for it right now and that is just to deal with the pain. So who knows what is going on. All I know is that I can barely move in the mornings and by the end of the day I am so worn out from trying to get around and do things I go right to bed!! I do hope that your Mom is ok. I did read some where during all my research that many lumps isn't as bad as one lump. Treatment is either surgery or a pill. I will be thinking of her during this. I can say I know what she is going through and I feel for her.

My birthday was the 5th. So on the 3rd is when I celebrated with my boyfriend. He took me to see SAW IV and then out to eat at the Olive Garden and then home for a nice relaxing evening. I didn't have the energy for anything else. So it was really nice.

Sounds like fun what you are doing for your sister. She is going to be surprised!! Tell her happy birthday for me from a fellow WW and Nebraskan!!! And I hope the weather is good there for you. It is supposed to be nice here but the weather seems to be opposite on the two ends of the state!

Mel

doxielady5569128 · November 09, 2007, 08:40:30 AM

Mel,
I never even thought of fibromyalgia!

My boss suffers from it she is a nutritionist and has a bachelor's in kinesiology so she has lots of good ideas to care for her disease without medication. She makes sure she does an exercise program at least three days a week. She says swimming excercise, and yoga have been the most helpful to her. I know it sounds weird to suggest those when you are so worn out, but she said it built up her energy and stamina so she culd at least get out of bed. Hers is a very severe case. Maybe there is a support board on the internet or something.

I'm sure they would have great ideas too.

Well Happy Belated Birthday! I'm gald you enjoyed your dinner and a movie. That sounds like fun. I love Olive Garden!!! Too bad we don't have one here. m,

The weather looks like its going to be great today and tomorrow. We are supposed to get colder weather on Monday. We've been having really warm weather. I had to lie to my sis over the phone last night which made me feel awful, but I'm sure she'll understand when she sees what we had in store for her.

MimisMomma · November 09, 2007, 09:24:59 AM

I actually did some stretching exercises last night. Which I had to fight through. Isn't it weird, to build up energy that you don't have an ounce of you can get it by exercising! That helped some, but this morning I woke up and could barely move!! Sounds like your boss has a good way of dealing with it. That is good. Some of the things I have read about this is just horrible. Considering there is only one med out there for it right now I am glad she can find alternatives! Don't know if I actually have it since I haven't been diagnosed with it but I sure have all the symptoms!!

I am sure your sister will understand about what you told her on the phone. It will turn out OK. I am actually excited for you. I love putting together surprises for people and watching their reaction!! Oh and I really get into decorating to, but since you are going to her house you can't really do that this time. I can't wait to hear how it goes.

Yes the weather is supposed to be almost 70 here today!! Can you believe that? This is crazy weather for Nebraska!! But I am not complaining!

doxielady5569128 · November 09, 2007, 09:31:10 AM

The weather is nuts here too. We've had 70s and upper 60s since last weekend. Um....what happened to fall? I'm definately not complaining either.

I really hope that you don't get diagnosed with fibro. it is an awful disease. But, then again it would be nice for you to get some answers about what is going on too.

MimisMomma · November 09, 2007, 09:47:49 AM

I would be happy if we had this weather all winter!! That would be great!

No kidding about finding out. At least that way I will no it isn't just in my head!! I am beginning to think I am just plain old!!

Delia and girls · November 09, 2007, 10:48:50 AM

I can only imagine how frustrating this must be for you. At least there some people on this board that have been there and can help. Rays from Texas that you'll feel better soon.

cheryl186 · November 11, 2007, 09:48:44 AM

Mel, my cousin has fibromyalgia and does very well with it. She has had it for years. Taking her medication and exercising (she golfs) help her tremendously. She does have bad days along with the good, but she always has an upbeat attitude about it. I really hope you don't have fibromyalgia, but I just wanted to let you know that it is manageable.

MimisMomma · November 14, 2007, 08:01:59 PM

Thank you everyone! Cheryl what is your cousin on? Fron my research there is only one that is approved. Still waiting for a diagnosis here. I take my next blood test of Friday.

Mel

janetleej · November 14, 2007, 08:44:31 PM

I have a diagnosis of fibromyalgia. Have had it since 1992. At first the Dr. was thinking it was some kind of arthritus/lupus problem. My SED rate (a rather non-specific test that measures inflammation) was high, which is common with arthritus/lupus. I would describe my symptoms as an all over ache, kind of like the flu, combined with specific joint pain (knees, elbows, hands, etc), and extreme fatigue. I took many different medications for arthritus, which did not help very much. Finally my rheumatologist tried a low (25mg) dose of amitriptyline - that has worked wonders. Amitriptyline combined with exercise allows me to rarely even think about the fibromyalgia. Apparently for me the amitriptyline allows for deeper, more restful sleep - I have had sleep issues all my life - my 20 year old daughter is beginning to experience some of the symptoms I have had - she also has had problems most of her life. Her rheumatologist has her on a different regimen than I am on, and she is not doing as well - of course she is in college and has a crazy sleep schedule anyway.

Have you gone to a rheumatologist? If not, you might want to consider one, especially if your diagnosis is leaning towards fibromyalgia.

cheryl186 · November 15, 2007, 04:49:01 AM

Mel, my cousin lives in New Mexico and I just sent her an email to ask her the name of the medication. She will get back with me asap (she usually does) and I will have that information for you later today.

Take care, Cheryl.

cheryl186 · November 16, 2007, 04:48:36 AM

Mel, I received a reply from my cousin and here is what medications she takes: "At present, Cymbalta one time per day (anti-depressants are used for fibro), Celebrex two times per day, Flexeril 3 times per day, Neurontin three times per day." She also stated she takes a Xanax at night to help her sleep and 10mg of Percocet as needed for pain. She takes the supplements of Glucosamine and Chondroitin, two pills two times a day. She also stated that she has had luck with a "Mucus Relief product" that she takes 3 times a day and states this product has been pretty successful in helping people with fibro. She then told me that her mom (who was related by marriage) had fibro when she was alive and three of her brothers and sisters also have it....so, 4 out of 5 siblings have it. I didn't know they did....so fibromyalgia must be hereditary? I know you said your grandmother had it. I hope some of this helps...she did say there were support groups online that you should join as they are very helpful also. I hope this information helps you.

MimisMomma · November 16, 2007, 07:24:01 AM

Thanks Cheryl. I appreciate it. I go today actually for another blood test. My doctor wants to rule out everything else. Plus Fibro is hard to diagnose. I have checked out a couple of support groups too. Getting lots of good information. I just wish that I can get a diagnosis for what ever I have (even though I am pretty sure it is fibro) so I can start on any meds that will help me. Right now, I am so tired and would love to sleep but I hurt so bad it keeps me up and so far over the counter stuff isn't working. I will take the list of meds your cousin takes with me to the doctors and use that as a starting point to discuss with her.

Thank you again for your information.

Mel

doxielady5569128 · November 17, 2007, 12:41:23 PM

Mel,
When do you find the results of this blood test out? Gosh, you must be so tired of getting poked and prodded at!

Looks like we are going to get our first BIG cold snap this Tuesday. The weather for us looks cold and windy Tuesday through Friday of this coming week. I'm not really looking forward to it. We just had one of our heaters go out during the night, so our kitchen, bathroom, second room, and entry way are soooo cold right now. We are hoping to have the plastic up on all our windows and the heater fixed tomorrow. :xfinger: I really hope we can get it all done in time!

I just read that you were getting another blood test today. I guess I was too busy with Porky this week to check up on this one. Sorry! I would have responded a lot earlier if I could have.

Hope you have a great weekend!

Roberta · November 17, 2007, 05:11:58 PM

Sorry to hear all is still not right. You can get what is called "sick Euthyroid" which is the patient is sick but the tests come back normal. Most hormones are carried around the body attached to carrier proteins, so it could be a protein abnormality. In thyroid hormones one of them is TBG (thyroid binding golobulin ) another test that shows a predisposition to thyroid disease is thyroid peroxidae antibody test.
SED or as we call it here ESR, is not a good indicator as it should only be read along with other test results, now the most common is CRP and another I cannot get my mind to think of at present.
Another thought is Chronic fatige syndrome as it can throw up funny results.

But a good Rheumatologist or constultant diagnostian may be the best route.

Take care Roberta

MimisMomma · November 19, 2007, 09:32:01 AM

I should find out either today or tomorrow about what the latest blood work shows. I am really getting tired of waiting! I just would like to know what is wrong with me. I stayed in bed pretty much the whole weekend. The pain was just that bad. I usually try to work through it but this weekend I couldn't. I ran out of energy. After the blood reults my doctor should either a: tell me what is wrong and get me started on something to help or b: send me to a specialist. And let me tell you how tired I am of being poked and prodded. I am not good at all when I have blood drawn. So this is really hard on me.

I appreciate all the concern and help. Believe me, this board seems more informed and actually cares than my own doctor. I am really glad you all are here for me.

I will post as soon as I find out the results. Thanks again for checking on me.

Mel

doxielady5569128 · November 19, 2007, 04:59:44 PM

Mel,
I know how much I cringe just at the thought of getting blood drawn. I can't imagine how much you have been through lately. I really hope they can figure it out and save you the trip to a specialist! The waiting would drive me insane.

It stinks that you are in so much pain! I feel really bad for you. You seem like a really strong person though, I gotta give you credit for that! :apls: I would be really upset and frustrated if I were in your situation.

Thanks for keeping us posted.

MimisMomma · November 19, 2007, 09:31:09 PM

OK so even though I did not hear from the doctor today. Hopefully tomorrow, but I keep thinking to myself, Gee your really tired, you hurt all the time, I know the best answer is to go and get another doxie!! I really hope I can handle this. But I have to admit. I have had the best night in a long time regarding my health. So even though I am still awaiting what the doc says. I think I made the right choice. I will let you all know what the doc says.