Im just listing my moans and groans here - what do you think is wrong?

[andsmile]

I would like you to be honest as I have been rumbling along for a while and getting know where.

Out of the following what do you think is of genuine concern (perspective need as I worry) and what would you prioritise (feel overwhelmed like im slowly breaking)

I am overweight - I need to lose three stone. I admit havtn tried that hard, cant seem to get started, but see below;

I am very low on energy, I could easily fall asleep by 1030 but I drink coffee to keep going. By the time my toddler falls asleep I 'over it'. But I dont do as much after school as I used to like taking them swimming (have DS8)

So I feel lazy, its my fault the house is nowhere near as nicely kept. Though I do manage to cook decent meals most nights it can easily desecend to freezer surprise or takeaway because ive lost track of being organised.

I think I have social anxiety thing - Im constantly thinking about stuff. This has put me off making any new friends, or pushing myself forward. It goes against my nature as I am quite chatty.

My monthly pmt the last three consecutive months has been horrible - I feel like I have tonsillitis without the actual swollen throat, though the glands in my neck do swell. I have chilling aches and pains. My mood is very low and reckless.

This last week, to be fair, following driving I have woke up with swollen puffy hands and feet. Prior to this I have had stiff ankles in the am, and itchy hands and feet (more recent) I am terrible in the am.

I feel like im doing the minimum to keep the kids clean, cleanly dressed (though have lowered standards a bit ie wearing things more than once) and well fed.

Together with DH we have went out to park etc, but in the past I have done a lot more during the week i.e. swimming, library, playdates, walks. I dread craft stuff in the house as it is more jobs....

Im a SAHP, DH WOH 12+ per day but helps at weekends and doese bath times and bedtimes during the week sometimes or when he can. I have posted on other thread (just in case by miracle someone remembers me) about being bored and having 'groundhog' dayness. I do study.

I crave my routines, I want will power. I cant seem to claw myself out of this unhealthy hole I am in. I am quite educated in the ways of diet and exercise i.e. I happily eat a lot of veg and I'm a member of a nice gym and know how to go on so to speak.

I feel defunct and a let down to my family.
I have an appointment with GP this week.

Thanks for reading, I just wanted to get it all down. Any thoughts welcome.

[littleowl14]

just read about fibromyalga (sp) and noticed ibs a symptom - hypothyroid tends to make you a bit bunged up but I guess everyone is different.

hope you get sorted soon op xx

[andsmile]

update 2 - well its nice to and it may help someone!

I have yet to go back to GP (weds) but I asked for my results over the phone the 'receptionist' (well trust me to get the snotty one they mostly wuite nice where I go) she said most of the were normal but the GP has noted to speak to me about, B12, Thyroid function needs repeating and something else.

I didnt dare ask her to repeat what it was as she wouldnt tell me my TSH over the phone and said snootily the doctor will go over them. I did ask nicely and said I had been anxious over the weekend.

I felt quite poorly over the weekend re IBS it all ended in tears. I cant wait to hear what the GP has to say as I feel quite old womanish and desperate.

[littleowl14]

oh andsmile I've had the same issues with receptionists this week!!

one said my vit d below 25 and I'm over replaced fir thyroid, but another said (when I phoned back to find out vit d number) they were 'normal gp had said no action' BUT I think this was cos gp knows I'm going back to see her so no action meant don't send a letter out. then I phoned to clarify and 3rd receptionist was v snotty and claimed she couldn't access that info gp was supposed to be calling me but hasn't. so I've got to wait till next tues. hey ho.

anyway, fx you get answers - I've done A LOT of reading about vit d. there's a lecture on YouTube that's worth watching by this guy. he's found many people benefit from vit d supplements. I've checked doses and the 25mg (or ug?) tablets that boots do are the level he suggests, though he says take that on top of vit d in a multivit.

vitamindhealth.org/

I think the lecture is the same name as the book. very fast paced (and funny!) but VERY interesting. from 27 mins on is the most useful stuff.

[andsmile]

littleowl14 Sorry you had same experience..I hope you get your questions answered.

For me tomorrow is 'D' day for my health - I am gathering the information, I am very much taking note of the advice on this thread.

Im going to actually write a plan of action based around what the doctor advises. I shall definately take the vit D thing on board. When I asked my GP she said most people in the UK are. I have been mindful of being out in fresh air more too.

[littleowl14]

how did it go today?

yes I from more reading we basically all are. and this can lead to ostiomalacia (sp?) which starts with general aches and pains and generally feeling unwell. I reckon there will be a lorra osteoporosis around in a few years.

[andsmile]

Hi littleowl

Following normal:
Cholestoral
Diabetes
Liver Function
Full Blood Coutn

Low:
B12
Folate
TSH borderline at 5.5
B12 179 (?)
Vit D - she deficient - not just insufficient. I have to take a lot to restore.

I have to repeat my Kidney, Thyroid next week,
Will be checking Vit D in 6 weeks also.

She asked how many units I have per week of alcohol, well glasses. Suffice to say she 'spoke' to me about this, I knew it but...well. Time to rein it in.

Im off to look up Vit D stuff, see how much it matches my state if affairs.

[Quangle]

I'm almost certain with that TSH your thyroid is struggling. It's not borderline, not even according to the GP's reference range (0-4) - and as I mentioned earlier, most specialists would like to see that number under 2. Obviously it depends what your other thyroid numbers were but at the least, I think you should be seeing an endocrinologist for a specialist opinion.

[littleowl14]

yes thyroid not good. that is outside the normal range; I feel terrible at that level. considering your symptoms I'd say you need some thyroxine. But obviously I'm not a Dr. I'd question 'borderline' and ask for a second opinion or a referral to an endo for an expert opinion.

But, great in many ways as you can replace all those things . it will take time to fully feel better however, so do be patient xx

[littleowl14]

ah sorry is the repeat thyroid for antibodies? in that case they may be considering treatment

[andsmile]

I feel it is struggling too quangle. I ve read anything over 3 should be c onsidered the new cut off point but that may dcotors still do no treat this as they consider 5.5 to at the top of the normal range. She said my hormone levels were fine..I dont know if tis means the T3 and T4 - I also read about some doctors using T3 on its own to treat - Im still learning. She did say an endocrinologit would be happy with that level - would I jut ask outright for a referral?

Yes I guess it will take a while littleowl I have to take Vit D 4 times per day for weeks then once a day for a long time after.

Next week she is also checking for Coeliac disease - I thought I'd had this ruled out previously. She also said I need to be taking B12 and a multivit. She knows I lack the intrinsic factor that allows me to absorb it properly but said it was still worth doing this.

I have been out and about more in the better weather since booking te intial appointment and my mood feels much better. I still have a bit if anxiety that rumbles on...she said we should wait and see re mood.

[Quangle]

I would just request referral to an endocrinologist. Perhaps after they have done other bloods so you have the full picture. But really, you need to be seen properly on this and you have the right to request a specialist. No need to second guess what the GP will think - just say please could you refer me to an endocrinologist.

[andsmile]

Quangle really, it is ok to just to go in and ask? Im not shy but Im nervous about seemingly telling the doctor in not so many word, how to do their job. I know you are right, as I've read that aything above TSH 3 is thought to be treatable.

I will wait as you say and speak to DH about how to ask. I'll need to practice it!

[Quangle]

Definitely. It's absolutely normal to do this - they are probably going to suggest it anyway but they can't refuse if you request it.

I doubt that a GP would want to put you on thyroxine treatment without a specialist opinion anyway - although they can manage you once you are on it. I don't think they would just take this on on their own (although I don't know) so it seems to be an endocrinologist is the obvious next step that needs to happen anyway and either your GP will send you there anyway or you need to ask if, for some reason, they are not doing it already.

[littleowl14]

I've never seen an endo for hypothyroidism in 15 years BUT I've seen my gps get better at managing it.

however I've come close to asking - everyone has a right to ask and get a referral for a second opinion. and that level is too high. patient.co.uk seems to be gps point of ref these days. I've not looked at it yet but might be worth a check. I'm sure nice guidelines would also say start treating that level. haven't checked recently myself though..

[littleowl14]

that is a referral and second opinion from a consultant.

[andsmile]

Hi littleowl I have just looked this up:

cks.nice.org.uk/hypothyroidism#!scenariorecommendation

From what i can see it means it is a bit of a 'grey' area. Maybe this is why she wants to wait and see how I get on with vitD supplements. (4xdaily for 13 weeks!!) symptons are same/similar.

[littleowl14]

wow that's a lot! still awaiting my results

yes it's possible - I must say I get v bunged up when I creep to 4 ish !

this is the bta 2006 nice quotes from (British thy association) it's a down load.

www.google.co.uk/url?sa=t&source=web&cd=13&ved=0CFQQFjAM&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.british-thyroid-association.org%2Finfo-for-patients%2FDocs%2FTFT_guideline_final_version_July_2006.pdf&rct=j&q=bta%202006&ei=BDZ1U8XkEsbsOpW2gJgH&usg=AFQjCNF0r0XeYphb59cpK7vl85w7-wFMWg&sig2=S3ftQU-0_qMsaS_bvpgkMg&bvm=bv.66699033,d.ZWU

there is a possibility things could get better but I believe antibodies need to be tested to see if there's a risk in the future (as it says). certainly the body naturally makes more tsh when you are poorly etc. I became normal for a while when I came off the pill.

still, I'll eat my hat if you're not on thyoxine at some point in the future!

gonna have to sleep now!

[andsmile]

Thanks for that link little owl it is confusing as there are three differnet things measured and two possible conditions, all with variables.

Ive read more about the Coeliac disease - I'm thinking this may be it as:

Vit D deficient (severly - just read leaflet Im on max dose!)
B12 is low
Folte is low

All of these are related to malabsorption and I have IBS - so I would not be surprised at all if this is it - this can also affect your thyroid as those vitamins particulalry B12 and VD are associated with neuro chemicals that are reuired to transmit messages.

I feel a bit weepy. I have been thinking I am no good, I must be lazy etc That it is 'me the self and I'.

I really think Ive caught this in time - I got out of breath a little and kind of fluttery when talking to some friends today.

[denialandpanic]

don't stop taking gluten before the test.if anything eat more.this is really important.

[littleowl14]

it does sound like it. and yes I've been told that there can be links between coeliac and thyroid too, by a consultant giving a talk about thyroid (not in an appointment) I never get ibs though so I doubt it in my case! I notice a direct correlation to thyroid and getting bunged up or not!

looking forward to chatting to Dr on tues

Im really glad they are taking the investigations seriously for you and hopefully you will get sorted out soon.

thyroid stuff is really hard to get your head around. they worry about giving thyroxine unnecessarily as they panic that it 'surpresses' the body's own system. also, you get your prescriptions free.

[littleowl14]

I'm not surprised you feel weepy. a mixture of relief and frustration I imagine. I think it's really easy to assume you're just useless when you feel like that and that it's normal as it comes on so subtly and you just carry on - you're not obviously ill just struggling. so you carry on struggling and cutting back on things which impede your energy levels. and then you start feeling cut off and lonely as well as useless and lazy. it's just horrid! honestly, so many people experience this, and carry on struggling and getting lower and lower. big hugs, hopefully a year from now you'll feel a lot better!

[littleowl14]

hi op, hope all is well?

seeing Dr today

[andsmile]

How has it gone littleowl?

Thanks denial I have read that somewhere, its very important.

I feel dreadful today, aches and soreness, nausea and a IBS flare up. So now Im totally drained. But Im pleased I got out of the house and took DD to library.

[andsmile]

Hello just thought I'd post my positive update AKA my little plan as it is. I hit a bit if a low yesterday so I have been resourceful today:

Bought some summer nail varnish to cheer myself up.
Bought two new tops - well if I have to be fat I might as well look as best as I can and feel comfortable until I get rid of it.
Read information on NHS website inc calculating BMI - bit of a shocker
Shopped for healthy food
Avoided my usual indulgences and been mindful of how much I was eating - no extra rounds of jammy toast for me today.
Bought the vitamin supplements B complex, Vit C and Zinc to go with my Vit D!

Im feeling less resigned with the need to make serious changes to diet and more 'on board' with it. I felt so old/ill yesterday after doing so much on Monday, like an old women. I want to not feel like that.

I need to lose over 3 stone. Im worried about my saggy low lying belly - it can only get worse, I mean will I have to tuck it up into my kickers. I guess its better than staying this size and weight.

My latest diagnosis is I have a parathyroid problem and chrons or coeliac disease. or it might be that if i lose weight cut out alcohol my body might respond well to a better diet and at some point some exercise.

[littleowl14]

hi andsmile!

sorry for the absence! hard week a work and mumsnet app not working.

I'm so glad you've been diagnosed. both of those things are pretty major in terms of making you feel crap. is it primary or secondary parathyriodism? go easy on yourself though as it'll take a while for your body to recover.

well I've been a bit upset. the receptionist read out the vit d as low but the Dr said fine at 60. all other tests fine (pleased) but I was down about this as I know something isn't right in my joints. and I've been soooo poorly all winter. but the main issue is work questioning absence (all physical illnesses eg chest infections, not just virus) and also work being so physically painful on my hands and back. (sen children).

HOWEVER when I've looked at that result, according to the rest of the world it would be insufficient or even deficient.

it's 60 nmol/l. which is 24 ng/mol, which is apparently low.

I'm going to ask fir a print out and then see my usual Dr to talk about the pain. and self medicate with vit d. I've done some calculations from the vit d council website about how much to take.

feel happier re work since a colleague described a similar situation last year though.