Mamma Health

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Having to go private to gain diagnosis.

I have suffered intermittently with thyroid symptoms since puberty, I am 40 years of age, so quite some time spent ill! Back in my teens and the early twenties I had no idea this could be the cause of weight issues, feeling cold, fatigued, horrendous periods, random fainting episodes, sun allergy, endometriosis, large numbers of water infections etc etc. I visited doctors for each issue, and the visits climbed in number a few years ago when the signs/symptoms worsened. I was treated for each separate issue singularly, but never as a whole picture of health. A few years ago I dared to raise my concerns re hypothyroidism; thyroid problems are rife in my family, my mother, her sisters and some of my female cousins have thyroid problems.

Each time I voiced my concerns about this fear, alongside discussing crippling fatigue, sore dry skin, feelings of coldness, repeat infections etc I was told my blood was fine so it couldn’t be this.

I decided to research the condition, and also joined support forums who provided a wealth of information. I decided to take my health into my own hands, ordering copies of my blood tests, researching my ‘barely in range’ blood, such as ferritin, vitamin D, white cells etc. I then ordered private blood tests for Ft3 Ft4 thyroid antibodies and TSH. I measured my basal temperature daily which was generally around 36.2 .

I had a starting place, supplementing all of the vitamins and minerals i was low in and then my own dwindling thyroid hormone, starting very slowly and steadily to self-medicate. Some of my symptoms lifted in a matter of days, within two months I was symptom-free.

By now I had saved enough money to go private and see a specialist, who was thorough and confirmed the diagnosis. Sadly he died earlier this year.

My own G.P. will not accept I have hypothyroidism and states the four grains of armor thyroid that I require to function on a daily basis must be for some other condition.

The whole state of affairs is so farcical its almost a joke. Shocking treatment of vulnerable patients!

About Julie

Julie is a mother of two boys who strives to apply wellness principles in her daily life. She is the editor of MammaHealth.com. Outside of writing, creating and editing, Julie enjoys outdoor sports, reading, and traveling.

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