how did u find out and what r the symptoms?
2007-06-28 06:12:58 · 4 answers · asked by croydon 2 in Health ➔ Diseases & Conditions ➔ Other - Diseases
I have congenital lingual hypothyroidism, and it was discovered when I was 7. I presented with fatigue, pallor, dry and brittle nails and hair, weight gain, and joint pains. First, they tested my blood to get TSH Levels, and I was way above normal (0.5- 5.0) at a level of 178 (yikes!!!). When this was discovered, they did a scan of my thyroid. This works being given a pill that contains radioactive iodine, and then you wait as the iodine collects in the thyroid. The first scan is usually 4 - 6 hours after the iodine has been ingested, and another scan may be taken 24-hours later. Additional or substitute imaging may be performed using a compound containing technetium.
After the radioactive iodine has been absorbed by the thyroid, you lie on your back on a movable table with your neck and chest positioned under the scanner. The scanner detects the location and intensity of the gamma rays emitted. During this part of the procedure, you lie still to let the scanner get a clear image.
Next, the information is sent to a computer that displays images of the thyroid and any possible nodules that have absorbed the iodine.
During this process, they had me swallow water to try and locate my thyroid, but it was not in the normal location, near the adam's apple. Instead, they discovered my immature and undeveloped thyroid under the base of my tongue, where it is when you are born and throughout the first few years of your life.
This led to my previously stated diagnosis. At this point they started me on Synthroid to balance my hormones. Since, I have been taking Synthroid every day, as I will for my whole life.
My case is extremely atypical, and I am literally one in a million, none of my doctors had even heard of this before, so I am now part of a study at NIH in Bethesda MD.
2007-06-28 06:57:59 · answer #1 · answered by TBomber 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I can symptoms lomg before it showed up in a blood test. Symptoms I had were, low blood pressure, slow pulse, IBS with constipation, dry skin, dry thinning hair, fatigue, weight gain, muscle and joint aches, frequent infections, ridged fingernails, sleep apnea, and sensitivity to light.
The first test I had was a TSH and it didn't show the problem. Almost a year later when symptoms were more severe it was finally over the 5.5 and I got diagnosed. I wish I had known then what I know now. TSH is a lousy test for diagnosing thyroid problem because TSH changes throughout the day. TSH is highest while we sleep, so if you have a TSH test do so first thing in the morning. About 2PM, TSH is at its lowest and could stop a diagnosis. Also another thing about TSH...in 2003, AACe changed the range to 0.3 to 3.0. Unfortunately most labs still have the range at 0.3 to 5.5. If you test, find out the TSH. Chances are if its over 2.0, there's a problem.
When testing, I suggest a TSH, free t4, free t3, and an antibody test making sure its a morning test.
Links below
2007-06-28 13:35:08 · answer #2 · answered by DNA 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Don't trust the blood tests.
Thyroid abnormalities lasting months to two years can be the result of a virus infection.
Do not rush into treatment, especially if you are under 21.
The American treatment is a bit iffy.
2007-06-28 13:22:08 · answer #3 · answered by Perseus 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
There's different types of thyroid disorders and they each have their own set of symptoms
If you suspect you might have a problem, ask your dr. to request some bloodwork - easiest way to find out
Good luck!
2007-06-28 13:24:11 · answer #4 · answered by :-) 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
all it takes is a simple blood test.
2007-06-28 13:15:16 · answer #5 · answered by essentiallysolo 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋