Having My Thyroid Tested

Hi everyone! I've been a member since December 2013, but have mostly been posting in the anxiety forums. For a couple years now, I've had a lot of the symptoms listed below, but since last October, I have been dealing with anxiety, depression, hypertension, GAD and lightheadedness. Thankfully, my blood pressure is finally starting to come down and my anxiety and depression are improving.

Energy Level and Sleep:

Less stamina than others
Less energy than others
Feel weak
Run down
Sluggish
Lightheaded

Weight:

Weight gain
Heightened appetite
Obesity

Body Temperature:

Cold extremities
Night sweats
Internal shivering
Cold hands
Low basal body temperature (below 97.8 degrees Fahrenheit)

Infections:

Frequent infections
Low immune system
Candida (yeast)
Repeated urinary tract infections

Swelling and Thickened Skin of:

Legs

Mouth and Throat:

Difficulty swallowing
Sensation of lump in throat
Pain and tenderness in neck and/or thyroid area
Goitre (enlargement of the thyroid gland in neck)
Swollen tongue
Choking fits
Sweet cravings
Persistent teeth clenching

Eyes:

Poor focusing
Dry eyes
Blurred vision
Heavy eyelids
Frequent tics in the eyes
Dark rings under eyes
Puffiness around the eyes
Problems with night vision

Hair:

Head hair loss

Nails:

Brittleness
Yellowish
Thickened
Ingrown toenails

Skin:

Dry skin
Cracked heels
Skin tags
Varicose veins
Moles and warty growths

Numbness and Tingling:

Hands

Pain:

Chronic back and loin pain
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (hands or forearms)
Aching muscles

Digestion:

Acid Reflux

Reproductive Disorders and Pregnancy:

Loss of libido
High birth weight

Emotional:

Easily upset
Irritable
Mood swings
Anxiety
Personality changes
Feelings of resentment
Lack of confidence
Nervousness

Other Related Conditions:

Stress

Brain:

Depression
Panic attacks
Memory loss
Confusion
Brain fog
Mental sluggishness
Poor concentration
Phobias
Loss of drive

Heart:

High blood pressure
Heart flutters
Heart palpitations
Chest pain
High triglycerides

Back in July 2012, my doctor checked my thyroid during a physical and said that it was enlarged. My blood work was OK, but my triglycerides were high. When I started having problems this past October, my doctor did more blood work and my TSH level was normal. I went for an appointment today and she checked my thyroid again. It is still enlarged, so she has ordered an ultrasound, which I'm going to next Wednesday at noon. I still have a lot of the symptoms above, so I have a feeling my thyroid is the culprit even though my TSH level is normal. If I have a goiter, my doctor will be referring me to an endocrinologist for further testing.

I'm hoping this will lead to me getting the treatment that I need so I can start to feel normal again. :)

Thank you :)

No, I haven't had that test yet. I expect once I get to the endocrinologist, that's one of the tests they'll run. I'll ask about it. Thanks. :)

The ultrasound went well, but it will be a couple days until I get the results. I'll let you all know when I find out something.

My doctor called me back on Friday to tell me that they were referring me to an endocrinologist. Hopefully they'll call some time this week with information on my appointment. I really believe (and so do some of my friends that have been through a similar situation) that the tiny nodule on my thyroid is what has been the cause of most of my health issues. Praying that the endocrinologist performs the necessary tests to get the results needed to treat whatever is going on with my thyroid.

I will. Thank you!

I'm hoping I'll hear back today about when my appointment will be. I expect it won't be until next week, but I hope it's sooner.

Thanks! I'm not sure, but I definitely know that it was in range. I will be getting a copy of my blood work when I go back to the doctor on February 20th. I still haven't heard back from them about my appointment with the endocrinologist. I called and left a message last Thursday with no call back. I'll be calling again today.

I went to see the endocrinologist yesterday. First off, I'd like to say that my doctor is awesome! She listened to all of my symptoms and asked me lots of questions. After talking with her, she suspects that I do have an underlying thyroid disorder. I was sent for a full thyroid panel, plus A1C. I should get the results back by the first of next week. Please continue to keep me in your thoughts and prayers. I really hope this means that I'm finally going to find out what the problem is so I can be treated and start to feel better soon!

I hope this will help you feel better. Remember it will likely take at least six weeks for you to begin to feel any results from the medication, so be patient.