TSH | Arthritis Information

 

Because I complained of fatigue, my Rheumatologist checked my TSH.  It was 5.6 which is .6 over norm.  I've read up and many physicians treat over 3.  Anyone else being treated for hypothyroidism?  What was your TSH?  What symptoms were you having?

The thyroid regulates so much in the body, and when it's not functioning properly, it really messes things up!  Hair, skin, body temperature, fatigue, depression, body aches and pains, weight to name a few. 

Thanks for that information Honey.  I appreciate it.  I knew a lot of it but Dr's are again making me jump through hoops by waiting and getting it rechecked in a month.  One more month of being tired, heavy periods, joint aches (how could I tell it from the RA??), etc.  On the postive note, my Rheumatologist called me with all the results HIMSELF even though only the TSH came back out of range.  I was impressed.  Wait till he gets my anti ccp today......it was through the roof : )

Do you need a referral to go to an endocrinologist?  If so, do you think your rheumy would give it to you?  You really have nothing to gain by waiting, and this isn't something you should leave to a rheumatologist to treat.Actually its my primary.  He said to me that we could treat it but he'd rather check it again in a month.  I'm not sure his mind is in the "auto immune" tract of thought.  I think I do need a referral for an endocrinologist.  My Rheumy is deferring to the PCP.I would see the endo...  ask him/her to also test your levels of Vit D ;)

Wow, it seems I'm chasing after things.................

Excellent suggestion Babs!

My clinic must use different ranges.  I had my TSH tested when first dx in Jan 07, and my result was 1.05, with a range of 0.34 - 2.5 UIU/mL    I guess I shouldn't worry though since it seems to be close to the middle.  It always seems crazy to me that there can't be a standard on normal ranges.

After my experience with my daughter's thyroid cancer, I would recommend you see an endocrinologist.   Their knowledge and experience is invaluable! Lynn492008-07-23 16:30:28Most people report that they feel their best at a level between 1 and 2.Interesting story from way back, might of help to someoneWow, it was weird seeing that ole topic pop up...............still at about 5 and he won't increase my synthroid or refer me to an endocrinologist and neither will my rheumy. They feel it's just fine.see another doctor for another opinion on that... preferably one that follows the NEW guidelines and not the old ones.....I dealt with thyroid cancer 20 yrs ago.  I highly recommend seeing the endocronologist.  The pc may not test the T3 and the T4...that also needs to be checked. This really is easy to fix and get you feeling less lethargic.  Well worth the monthly blood draws!Don't know, but glad to see your post.  Where have you been?I come back now and again but the nonsense deters me. How r u JL? Miss you, Pincushion, PIP, Joonie, etc.O.K.I have surgeries coming up here end of the month. Right now that's taking all my concentrated effort. After that maybe I'll look into an endocrinologist BUT I'll have to travel an hour to get to one. Nice to see the old friends again : )Goldie, I went to an endocrinologist just to get my meds tweaked a bit to bring my levels down to a level where I felt better, and then he sent a letter to my GP about what he had done, and the GP now maintains things and checks the levels for me.
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