I finally received the latest round of test results. I had the blood work done two weeks ago and one set of results last week and the second set came in today.
My endo doctor was the most concerned about my thyroid. I have always tested as borderline but we went ahead and treated in hopes that maybe it would take away some of the issues I was having. Because of the myriad of issues, I face we were never quite sure which symptoms tied to which illness. But when I rebelled and stopped my medications, she was concerned primarily about my thyroid function without medication.
In case you didn’t know, symptoms of hypothyroidism (or low thyroid function) include fatigue, increased insensitivity to cold, constipation, dry skin, unexplained weight gain, puffy face, hoarseness, muscle weakness, elevated blood cholesterol level, muscle aches, tenderness, and weakness, pain, stiffness, and swelling in joints, heavier than normal or irregular menstrual periods, thinning hair, slower heart rate, depression, and impaired memory (information from mayoclinic.com). There is also a possibly a connection between low thyroid function and infertility (which is what initially pushed us to start treatment when my tests first came back borderline). Obviously, your thyroid is an important part of your body and if you have some of the same symptoms that are either unexplained or not responding to other treatments, have your doctor check your thyroid function.
When the results came in, they showed that my thyroid function was not normal and treatment was definitely necessary. I do not have the numbers off-hand but I have definitely moved from the borderline category to the treat category. I mentioned in my last What I Wore Wednesday post that I was having issues wearing my contacts because my eyes were drying out so bad and it appears to be related to my impaired thyroid. As I have started back my medication, I can finally wear my contacts again! Woo-hoo! I am hoping maybe my joints and muscles will loosen up a bit too as treatment progresses!
As far as everything else, NORMAL. Sigh. Why does it have to be frustrating to get normal results? Wouldn’t most people jump for joy? Believe me, I am not asking for an additional illness as I’ve got plenty thankyouverymuch but sometimes with chronic illness you are hoping for some sort of answers even if its in the form of a new diagnosis. I feel like we have so many unexplained issues and have had so little results with treatments recently that you hold out hope for any bit of information that may hold an answer such as if my SED rate or ANA came back abnormal, it would indicate something autoimmune going on which could open up the doors for other possible treatments. But, alas, all normal. The good news is that my liver function is back to normal (it has gotten really wonky prior to my bowel obstruction) so that I can try taking an anti-inflammatory to see if it helps my joint pain. I had success this past spring but then my liver count shot up so we had to stop so we’re keeping fingers crossed! My rheum is concerned about how much of a role endometriosis is playing in the current level of pain but of course there is no real way to know. We are going to hope that the antiflammatory helps with some of the fibromyalgia symptoms and go from there.
My next step is setting up a follow-up appointment with my endo doctor to discuss disability options. I’m not sure if the results make me more or less anxious for the next step…
I have endo, and this past fall my pain went through the roof. I had an ultrasound once to see if it was an ovarian cyst causing such concentrated pain and we’ve tried to measure other things, but it all comes back “normal” and it’s so frustrating! It’s like when I first had endo pain and I thought it was appendicitis, and everyone kept saying how nice it was that it wasn’t something that required emergency surgery. Two years later, it’s hard to explain how much I would have preferred the emergency surgery to the constant, chronic pain. I both hate and am glad someone else understands.
I don’t think people understand just how exhausting chronic pain can be! When people ask me what its like I tell them to imagine having the flu indefinitely and sometimes it helps them catch a glimpse of what it is like. I hate the thought of anyone else having to life with the pain of endo (and other chronic illness) but I am so thankful to know that I’m not on the journey alone!
i cant wear my contacts to save my life. i used to be treated for hypothyroidism but my most recent doctor took me off last year because my numbers were “normal”. Wondering if I’m going to need to get another test done!
It is a possibility! I would definitely ask just to check!
I understand your frustration, but it sounds like you got some answers. The thyroid levels and liver function make it possible to try other medications and it may make a difference in your day to day life.
I would still pursue disability. 4-5 hours is the max I can work every day and I only work 3-4 days a week. It allows me the time & energy to take care of my family.
Keep your head up, better days will come.
Thank you for the encouragment! Those are definitely some answers that matter! I’ll be calling Dr. H’s office tomorrow to set up an appointment!
no clue that thyroid issues could mess with your eyes – my husband was given RX drops by our eye doctor, but was recently diagnosed with thyroid issues. i’ll have to ask if his thyroid meds have helped!
it took about a week but I am finally able to comfortably wear my contacts again!
“Why does it have to be frustrating to get normal results?” Because our bodies are definitely telling us SOMEthing is wrong and the fact that lab tests don’t show us what that SOMEthing is, is very defeating.
As someone who can definitely relate to what you wrote today, I have to say that I admire your tenacity and HOPE in spite of how you’re feeling or how your “normal” is not like it is supposed to be. You inspire me!
Praying for you…
Blessings!
~Anna
Thank you so much for your encouragement and kind words! They have definitely made my day!
No results tests can be so frustrating; at least if they get a result someone can tell you what’s going on! I had years of that stuff, and they never *really* figured my issues out, just how to treat them.
I wouldn’t worry about that in connection with the disability stuff; it’s not like you haven’t had plenty of very well-documented health problems as it is.
Thanks for the encouragement! I set up my appointment to talk with my doctor about taking the next step today!
Aww it sucks but at least there’s treatment. My son is borderline low thyroid and takes synthroid daily
I agree! I get my blood work redone in a month to be sure I am on the appropriate dosage!