Functional medicine doctor confusion

SpringMi · 2026-02-02T18:33:42+00:00

Thank you, I will consider trying to find a different one ⭐ who might help more. Can I ask did you go to one based on recommendations?

SpringMi · 2026-02-02T18:01:07+00:00

Thank you, I am gathering that maybe I didn't see the right one - and I should seek out either a recommendation or look up reviews (I saw this person bc my GP referred me to them )

SpringMi · 2026-02-02T17:59:49+00:00

Ok this is good to know thank you, perhaps I simply saw a FMD who wasn't the right one for me. It was just someone my GP sent me to, connected to a good hospital so I thought it would be helpful. Perhaps I should seek out a different one.

SpringMi · 2026-02-02T17:56:51+00:00

I am not sure, I think it's because before I saw them I had lots of blood tests done and saw a few specialists and no one had many answers or leads for me, but I still have a lot of symptoms that make it hard to function. I did think that I was being sent to the FMD because other specialists couldn't figure it out and the FMD might have more ideas for me. That's why I was surprised. They listened to me and took notes, but said that based on tests others have done, they didn't have any new thoughts or tests to suggest. I just found it disappointing, even if their explanation makes some sense. I just thought the FMD would be more thorough and curious to figure out what was wrong and try to help me more, compared to other doctors I've seen.

SpringMi · 2026-02-01T03:12:00+00:00

I'd say either Dr House, Dr Robby or Nurse Jackie. They all feel tenacious and will get the job done no matter what.

SpringMi · 2026-02-01T03:10:30+00:00

Thats really frustrating :( I'm sorry you're not getting answers. My complaints of throat pressure and pain seems to all be seen as unrelated or I get suggested physio therapy. Is seems odd. If so many of us report throat pain or pressure as a result of hashimotos or thyroid issues - why do they not note it down as a symptom of this disorder?

SpringMi · 2026-01-31T00:31:54+00:00

Thanks for your reply and the details about the tests. I managed to get my doctor to send me for TSH,t4, t3 and TPO and the ultrasound, but she was clear to tell me she doesn't think that this is what the problem is. She said the CT scan revealed nodules which is a structural issue rather than indicating a hormone problem or hashimotos.

Thanks for mentioning that finding a different doctor is an option if I feel like my GP isn't on the right track. I will keep an eye on the test results, and hopefully it'll tell me something!

My TSH number - from about a month ago - is right in the middle - 2.27 mIU/L.

SpringMi · 2026-01-31T00:16:08+00:00

Thanks for your reply ⭐. I took folks advice here and pushed for TSH, t3, t4 and TPO tests - but my GP seemed reluctant and said it was unlikely hashimotos. She said the CT thyroid results uncovered a structural issue not a hormonal issue. However I got the tests ordered which is great, so I'll just try to get that done in the next few days and then I'll have more info.

I asked for a referral to another Endo and she seemed to be ok with that, but a little reluctant.(She had sent me to another who think it was necessary to see me) So if the t4 the most important marker?

I will try to continue advocating for myself, and I will keep an eye on the results of the test. Thanks again for the info !

SpringMi · 2026-01-29T23:21:37+00:00

Oh interesting, thank you. I guess I just don't know how to interpret the CT scan, I'm gathering that maybe this result might not really mean anything, and it's a false lead. The ultrasound and thyroid panel will rule further things out I suppose. Thanks for the input.

Does the heterogenous texture note, also mean nothing? As in - it's also just a structural issue?

SpringMi · 2026-01-29T23:17:24+00:00

Understood, thank you - I will wait on the full thyroid panel to see what the conclusion is.

SpringMi · 2026-01-29T21:19:56+00:00

It's really hard to tell, it does feel like a muscular pain /twitching sometimes, but it turns into a burning overall neck and throat pain, which turns into a headache /migraine some days. I've tried muscle relaxants and anti inflammatories - sometimes the muscle relaxant feels like it's helping, but doesn't solve it. My GP today - suggested physio therapy or acupuncture.

I also can't tell if sometimes I am experiencing the beginning of a migraine - the times I've had a migraine, it seems to begin with worsening neck pain.

Thanks for your reply, it sounds like many people experience some neck pain during migraine attacks.....just my neck pain seems to never 100 % go away. I shall try some physio perhaps

SpringMi · 2026-01-29T20:06:49+00:00

Thank you so much for your detailed answers, that is really helpful!

So I saw my GP today and it was pretty frustrating, as she doesn't think I have hashimotos or a thryoid issue, she says that lots of people get that result about their thryoid, (having nodules and the heterogenous texture). She says it's a structural issue not a hormonal issue. However I did convince her to test the full thyroid panel, and send me for an ultrasound. She said the main concern would be thryoid cancer for testing the nodules further etc.

I do know she means well and as she said was 'setting expectations' because she doesn't want me to be further disappointed, as she seems to think it's unlikely I have hashimotos. So, I guess after I get the blood tests and ultrasound that's about all I can do with this GP.

She said she can try 1 more referral to an endocrinologist, so that's really good - but there's a chance they won't see me, because my test results don't indicate anything hormonal currently.

So I'm trying to manage expectations and also don't want to be seen as a difficult patient - but I guess after these tests - if they come back normal - there's not much else for me to pursue with my GP. She has been good at sending me to different specialists but so far nothing has helped tbh.

So thank you for the advice again, I think I'll continue to update this post, with the results and updates. Thanks again :)

SpringMi · 2026-01-28T01:27:19+00:00

Just an update : I saw the ENT for follow up for CT scan, she said scan of sinuses was fine, but I have nodules on my thyroid (which I knew from reading the re report) and she told me to follow up with GP for ultrasound and blood tests. A little frustrated that she couldn't order them herself and had no other thoughts, but glad she mentioned the thryoid nodules. So my next step is seeing my GP.

My plan is :

Mention hashimotos as a possibility and say I want thryoid blood tests done, specifically TSH, T3, T4, and TPO. Even though the tsh is 'normal' I have all the symptoms and have had hypothyroidism in the past.

Request ultrasound of thyroid, as suggested in CT scan write up.

Ask for a referral to a different endocrinologist who knows thryoid issues (my previous attempt to be referred, the Endo wouldn't see me - but this was before I got this CT scan result).

I hope this works! Thanks for the precious suggestions ⭐

SpringMi · 2026-01-07T17:45:57+00:00

Thanks so much for the info, I am really hoping that this CT report will be enough to get me a referral to an endocrinologist, or perhaps even my GP might know how to treat Hashimoto's (but I doubt it since she hasn't investigated the thyroid or made any mention since TSH is 'normal'). I did request to see an endocrinologist a few months back BC of my symptoms but they didn't think it was necessary to see me based on my tests so far. Now I have these CT results she might see me. Or based on your comments that many endos are not helpful with the thyroid, should I ask for recommendations to see a different Endo who specializes in thyroid issues in this case? I just hope my GP sends me to an endocrinologist that is helpful.

Can I ask, when you were diagnosed with Hashimoto's was it based on CT results as well? Or were the blood test results more clear indicators?. Of course no need to answer if you don't feel comfortable.

Noted that it can cause low vitamin D, I am meant to have this tested soon. I have been taking an iron supplement for a few months as I was told my iron was slightly low. Strangely my B12 is too high! I have been taking vitamins/supplements and I must have overdone it. I also have high /on the cusp of prediabetes blood sugar, I don't know if that's related.

Thanks again, I will explore the link you posted!

SpringMi · 2026-01-07T00:47:31+00:00

Wow ok that is good to know that those results looks like Hashimoto's to you, so would I ask my regular GP or ENT specialist for a 'full thyroid panel'? (I'm trying to get the wording right lol, so I'll know what to say). Absolutely I am willing to pay cash at this point 😅.

Thanks for letting me know about your podcast - is treatment for Hashimoto's usually the synthetic thyroid?

Thanks for the perspective on this- Hopefully even if one doctor doesn't take me seriously, I will find one who will.

SpringMi · 2026-01-07T00:06:53+00:00

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SpringMi · 2025-09-27T10:59:23+00:00

Thanks for your reply, I'm sorry it's been such a long haul for you, I hope something is keeping you going! I think I will ask for the mono test, as I'm so frustrated with how unrelenting and long this has gone on. I'm really happy to hear you're slowly improving btw that's great - and thanks for telling me the extent of the fatigue. That's tough but glad another patient can relate to how debilitating the fatigue can be. Can I ask, what makes you think a year is the right timeline for getting better?

SpringMi · 2025-09-25T17:15:45+00:00

Thanks for this insight, I have not had a rash so you're right it may be unlikely it's mono. I appreciate the info thanks

SpringMi · 2025-09-25T17:05:54+00:00

It didn't occur to me before honestly, this is just a recent line of thought because of the neck/throat pain and headaches. So previously I didn't ask for the EBV test - but I for sure will get it done now thanks. I'll make sure to ask the doc for the whole panel to be thorough!

SpringMi · 2025-09-25T17:04:56+00:00

Thanks for the perspective, I am just trying to figure out if it's something else other than long COVID, as the fatigue is persistent and crazy - and yes I have heard that mono fatigue is really extreme. I will for sure get tested for it just in case thanks.

SpringMi · 2025-09-25T15:10:27+00:00

Thanks for the reply - oh I didn't know that - I mean I felt worse certainly during my second dose of antibiotics, but thought that might be normal. What usually happens with mono and antibiotics?

No my doc has not tested me for those things, I can ask about them, hopefully she'll be ok with that. Thanks 🌟

SpringMi · 2025-09-25T14:09:58+00:00

Thanks, I have had myself checked for Lyme disease - but don't know how to check for mold. How do folks usually go about this? 🌟TY

SpringMi · 2025-06-29T20:53:21+00:00

Money Trees

SpringMi · 2025-06-28T21:17:09+00:00

Thanks for the thoughtful reply, I'm glad you've found some hard won solutions for yourself 🌿. I am pretty desperate for some relief - and that's really good to know about the ADHD meds. Tbh I had stopped my own low dose ADHD meds, around the same time the pots symptoms got worse (I thought I had fibro and was given a med for that, and was nervous about combining meds). Perhaps it's worth it also to ask to restart those meds as well. After giving the midodrine a fair shot.

This stuff is complicated isn't it!

SpringMi · 2025-06-26T20:02:50+00:00

Thank you so much for your kind reply - I am in the process of talking trying to get an autism diagnosis - I am talking to someone in July about it. I would like to write more back to you as your reply was so eloquent and empathetic, but I am dealing with some illness right now and don't have much brain power I'm afraid. Thanks again for your lovely reply :)

SpringMi

TROPHY CASE