For more than 10yrs I kept telling my doctors my symptoms and suspicion of thyroid disorder,and most of those yrs. they said bloodwork was within in normal range (I don't believe in one size fits all) while I really had a gradually growing problem.
About 2 yrs ago the tests revealed hypothyroidism,was put on low dose of Synthroid (25mcg) and it helped a little and for only about 2yrs. still doc would say the typical variations I've heard for so long, "it's stress,depression,exercise more,and all the other generic stuff.
Well,since last yr I had on and off low grade temps. but no signs of cold,flu,etc.
Finally a Pysician's assistant "listened,re-examined thyroid region and felt nodulars,sent me for ultrasound which confirmed I did indeed have something going on.
Today I went to endocrinologist (3rd one I've seen in this 10yr. span) and her further tests, and "listening",diagnosed me with Hashimoto's thyroiditis (sp?), this now explained and confirmed what I felt was my problem all this time.
Okay,I'm happy that I proved not to be hypochondriac,and finally something is being done. She increased my dose of Synthroid,which I had practically begged my GP to try,and she would say, "your tests show your function is normal",and would brush things off or send me for the usual Lyme's disease tests,I've had so many over the yrs. due to always living in areas with heavy deer tick population,even had been put on antibiotics periodically,that docs thought,"just in case", tests were always negative,I could of told them that too!
Point I want to make,don't ever feel a Physician's assistant may not be as qualified as the GP.
It saddens me that all these yrs wasted,suffering hair loss,weight,fatigue,joint pain,edema,skin disorders,etc.
It saddens me that so many women go through this too,while unecessary, doctors need to "listen" more closely to their patient's health complaints.
I read one out of ten women develop Hashimoto's,many are undiagnosed to being really ill. Grrrr!
Wow!! so common I read,it's an uncommon disease and yet many docs will feel more inclined to hand out unecessary meds not related to the real issue.
Okay,sorry for this long vent,but just needed to release some steam of frustration.
Thanks so much.