I'm Exhausted all the time. I was checked for Thyroid 4 years ago and was told I'm fine. Any ideas?

Question

I'm afraid that my doctor isn't taking me seriously and I'm starting to get scared. I'm tired all the time and I take 325 mg of iron 3 times a day. My muscels hurt and I'm gaining weight rapidly despite having gastric bypass surgery 4 years ago. I've been checked for Thryoid, diabetes, and Lupus (although after being told my test was high for Lupus and being refered to a rheumatologist, she didn't even examine me). I was just wondering if anyone could advise me on what I should get checked again this time by a new doctor.

Answer 1

If you've been tested 4 years ago, its time for another test. My test was in range one time and in just under a year it was elevated and I got diagnosed hypothyroid. The TSH is the test most often done. Unfortunately its a poor test because TSH changes throughout the day. When testing, you only want a morning test. Another problem with the TSH is that the range was lowered by AACE in 2003 to 0.3 to 3.0, however most labs still have the range at 0.3 to 5.5. If your doctor does not know about the range change in 2003 you could go undiagnosed.

Get tested again and make sure its in the morning. In addition to the TSH, get a free t4, free t3, and a thyroid antibody test. If your TSH is over 2.0, the thyroid gland is slowing down.

Below are some links about testing and about hypothyroidism. If you don't feel right, don't give up until you find out whats wrong. If one doctor won't help, move on.

Answer 2

Why are you taking so much iron...have you tested as anemic? There are problems with hormones other than thyroid that can cause your symptoms. Low IGF1 (growth hormone) can cause muscle pain and fatigue in adults. Also after 4 years you should have your thyroid checked again. Some Drs don't know how to read these tests. Was it the ANA test that was high for Lupus? That could also indicate other autoimmune problems like Hashimotos thyroiditis. You should definitely see that rheumatologist but also see an endocrinologist.

Answer 3

It sounds to me like you might have Chronic fatigue syndrome. It is characterized by severe exhaustion, muscle and/or joint pain, and problems with cognitive functioning as well as a variety of other symptoms. The exhaustion is not relieved by rest and can be made worse by even minor exertion. If you have four or more of these symptoms:

Substantial impairment in short-term memory or concentration
Sore throat
Tender lymph nodes
Muscle pain
Multi-joint pain without swelling or redness
Headaches of a new type, pattern or severity
Unrefreshing sleep
Post-exertional malaise (deep fatigue and exhaustion following physical exertion) lasting more than 24 hours

then there is a slight possibility that you might have the condition. Consult a different doctor and ask about the possibility of you having CFS. Since there is not a specific lab test that reliably identifies chronic fatigue syndrome, and because CFS closely resembles other illnesses (e.g., mononucleosis, fibromyalgia, Lyme disease), the first diagnostic step usually involves a series of tests that will help the physician rule out other illnesses.
Anyway, Good luck! And by the way, don't listen to anybody who doesn't tell you to consult another doctor!

Answer 4

For lupus, you should see get it checked. Why? Because so u can get medication immediately. Doctors hv to explore every sign of possible illness but sometimes some (not all!) let issues like health insurance or apathy to patients hinder thm from taking all the possible tests,scanning,etc to diagonize an illness. Meanwhile, while you are seeking treatment, do not let ur pain and illness overwhelm or control ur life. Do sth u love every minute!

Answer 5

Your symptoms could be a number of things including depression