After years of suffering from multiple joint arthritis, I recently underwent a rheumatology evaluation. I loved my doctor - he actually listened to me and asked for my opinions and approval on proposed treatments and testing. He ordered multiple x-rays and so much blood work that it required 19 tubes of blood in order to process them all. I am still awaiting the results of those tests. I could not get a second appointment with the doctor for 4 more weeks and he wants a face to face appointment and will not give results on the phone. I had copies of the tests sent to my family doctor. This morning I received a call from the family doctor telling me that they had noted on the tests that I have hypothyroidism and needed to immediately start on medication. Started my first dose today. While I am obviously not pleased to have this diagnosis, I am hoping that it answers some questions I have been having. I have over the last 6 months suffered from major hair loss, dry skin, fatigue, joint pain and inability to lose weight even though I consistently exercise at least 60 min a day 7 days a week and my appetite has been missing in action and my calories have reflected that. All of these can be symptoms of hypothyroidism but also can be results of some of the arthritis processes so that may still be an issue but I am hopeful that at least some of these symptoms may lessen and hopefully disappear over time. Today I have spent time looking over information online regarding hypothyroidism and would encourage anyone that has any of these symptoms to seek a doctor who will listen and order the appropriate testing. From reading through numerous personal accounts with the illness, it is often disregarded when a patient complains and written off as anxiety, depression, or medication seeking behavior when indeed there is a medical reason. I am naturally saddened that I have this illness but am nevertheless hopeful that some relief may be coming my way.