I Am A Vet And I Believe I Have A

I am a vet and I believe I have a problem with my thyroid but because our physicians are overworked - well! No more to say, except my physician is a very good physician but I do believe he is overworked. Unfortunately, since I had been in the medical field and find it fascinating to keep up on things as a hobby I sometimes may be looked at as one who self-diagnose themselves, yet, I've never been wrong - even when I knew I had cancer and one doctor dismissed it because it was not a normal symptom! Well, I have been complaining of upper back pain, particularly on the upper spine - often finding relief when my son applies gentle pressure which couples the spine simultaneously on each side. I recently have a new computer chair, mattress, and memory pillow which has not helped. A few years ago (approximately 4) I spent 6 weeks in physical therapy through the VA because one Saturday morning I awoke extremely stiff that my teenage children aiding me in bathing and toileting. After physical therapy, I lose some range of motion and that is when I began to notice that at the base of my neck on both sides swelling was occurring. The swelling is not hard, no lumps are felt; it is noticeably swollen but as if with fluid in tissue not hard. I complained previously about being able to grasp things and dropped a glass and or pot or two, joint pain in the right shoulder (ball and socket area) - given steroid injections for; only to find relief for a very short time. The pain continues in the ball and socket area, along with the pain along the upper portion of the spine - perhaps from the C1 through the T6 or 7. While I have been diagnosed with some mental health issues after what to me were some tragic events not matter what I do I can not lose weight ( yes, it could be because of antidepressants), but recently my anxiety has been returning for reasons I can't explain, I am always tired but can't sleep, even after taking meds to aid my sleeping and I am getting lost and losing a sense of direction traveling to places I often conduct business at; example I found myself driving an extra 20 minutes within my small town to refill water bottles at a company I have been doing business with for over 4 years! Almost done! Had an MRI done was informed it did show that there is a possible problem with my thyroid but perhaps they should watch it for 6 months to a year. Well, I am 4 ft and 11 inches weighing 172 lbs. Have taken self off bread, meat only twice per week (can't stop - grew up with chicken and turkey), stay away from salt due to high blood pressure. Don't know what else to tell you - Please help!!!!