carpel tunnel and thyroid issues

[dodi1978]

Any experiences with the above?

I developed quite bad carpel tunnel late in my first pregnancy (2013). Symptoms persisted for a while after and then got better, but things never quite improved back to normal.
Fast-forward to second pregnancy (gave birth end of September 2016), and problems were back, and have stayed to far. I often wake up with hands so numb I struggle to "wake them up".
Went to the docs last week and it was suggested that thyroid issues may be underlying this. I had a thyroid test this morning and am waiting for results now.
There are some other symptoms that suggest that thyroid issues may be a possibility - I have been unusually tired (but have put this down between pregnancies to having a child and working full time whilst renovating a house), and have also not had my usual "drive" (but certainly wouldn't say I am feeling depressed, which is another symptom of an underactive thyroid). I also had not problems conceiving whatsover!

Any experiences appreciated

Okite i think you need a referral to an endocrinologist. You GP might say your thyroid is coping but really your TSH is over range but your ft3 and ft4 are low in range. Its not good but GPs often dismiss until your numbers get worse. It's really important to get your vitamins optimal too. Ferritin should be over 70, vit D 100 and B12 and folate in the upper ranges. At least then, you'll be able to rule those out of contributing to how you feel.

I had TGAB and I went on to need thyroxine.

The nice guidelines say that within that 4-10 range of 'possibly ok' that a trial can be done to see if symptoms are alleviated. The antibodies stack up against your argument to try. Even a low dose of 25 or 25 alternate days (you can get a 12.5 dose now but not very common) might help and is worth a trial. It getting a dr to agree with you. The nice guidelines might help or request a referral to an endo.

Yes pernicious anaemia often goes with autoimmune thyroid issues.

Well he referred me to an endo, which is good. He wasn't hugely convinced but was happy to have it investigated further. He did say if it turns out to be hashimotos to go back and let him know as he's always looking to learn from things like this, which is nice to hear.

Okite well done for pushing this. Sometimes we have to question our GPs to get the best outcome. They are advisors but we know best how we feel☺
Prepare a list of symptoms to take to the endo so you get the most from the appointment. I think you should urge them to give you a trial of levothyroxine.

Sorry for reviving the thread, here is OP!

I've got my appointment at the docs tomorrow and have worked through this thread for some questions to ask.

I've posted before about my sister who is hypothyroid, she told me she has a MAK value of 2600, and nobody on here had an idea of what it was.

I have done a bit of googling on German websites (I am German, she still lives there) - turns out this is the results of the Antibody test (for Hashimoto's). Normal range is up to 35, she has got 2600.

Will definitely mention this tomorrow! i think it will be difficult to get a trial of the medication now, given that I am only 7 1/2 months postpartum. But I hope that they retest me in a few months. I would really like to try the medication to see what it does for me, if anything.

Don't apologise!

Tell gp about your sister.

I'd ask for a trial quoting nice, your tsh is significant. At the very least a second test in 2-3 mo.

Good luck!

So I had my appointment today!

I won't get the meds just yet - they only ever prescribe after a repeat blood test, which also includes the Antibodies test.

Good news is though that she asked me to book on for a repeat test right away, and I managed to grab a nurses appointment this morning.

So it is very likely that I'll get a prescription, unless the second test doesn't confirm the results of the first one (which is unlikely - even the doctor said so, given my family history). She also said that at 7 1/2 months postnatal, and as I am not breastfeeding any more, my thyroid should have recovered from pregnancy.

So all is well - just need to wait for the next results, which will take a bit longer due to the antibodies test.

Hi OP, have you seen the Stop The Thyroid Madness website? stopthethyroidmadness.com

A really good source of info, especially for those who have trouble getting diagnosed and treated properly