I do not understand the results given for my Thyroid test-please help.

[Newhere]

I had a Thyroid test a couple of weeks ago as a consultant thought I might have an underactive Thyroid. It did appear that quite a number of my symptoms did suggest it is possible. I have to phone my surgery for the results and unfortunately they do not really know what to look for. All I was given was the number 0.9 and they did not know what it related to. I don't really want to make an appointment with my GP as he can be very dismissive, and I don't want to waste his time. I have no idea what the results mean and if I should have asked for any other results. I am experiencing considerable weight gain (along with various other symptoms), with very little appetite. My Cholesterol level is 4.4. can anyone give me any idea about what my results meant even if the result is acceptable please?

many thanks

[shaws]

Can you go to your surgery and ask for a print-out of your results.The receptionist always gives me a copy The consultant should have written a letter and ask for a copy. We are entitled. Did the consultant not send a copy to you. If not,you can phone his secretary and ask for the blood test results complete with the ranges.

If you haven't had a Vitamin B12 or a Vit D, ask for them to be done and also ferritin, folate and iron. Just tell him you want to exclude things that could be affecting your health.

Before I was diagnosed I had considerable nausea.

[Newhere in reply to shaws]

The receptionists was even reluctant to give me the results, she just said that the results were normal and no further action was required. Surely we should be entitled to be given more details about our health. I've received nothing in writing from either the doctor or the consultant. I do get nausea, weight gain and I believe my tinnitus is also linked, and I have a number of other symptoms which could also be linked. I shall be looking to changing my doctors shortly so hopefully they will be a bit more forthcoming and approachable. I shall take your advice and will write to my doctors asking for clarification of my results.

many thanks for your helpful reply.

[shaws in reply to Newhere]

Receptionists have no right in telling you that 'no further action is required as results normal'. Even GP's and Endos do not know what is 'normal' for each patient. NORMAL means good health - not dots on a piece of paper.

It unfortunate that we have to search and find information/knowledge for ourselves but I and many others have managed to get well.

[Newhere in reply to shaws]

Unfortunately that's the answer I get to any test. I had to ask them what my cholesterol level was as she wasn't even going to give me that information. About time for a change I think, and next time i will tell them I want full explanations to any health issues.

[shaws in reply to Newhere]

Before I was hypo I would never have dreamed of asking for blood test results but, now I know how my health depends on how the GP's interpret thyroid gland blood tests, I make sure I always have a print-out. Particularly when they say 'normal' when we feel absolutely awful. I am well now but I had to go outside the health service which we really shouldn't have to do. Many, if they are allowed to take enough meds to feel better, do o.k. on levo.

[Newhere in reply to shaws]

To be honest this is all completely new to me. I have had several Thyroid tests before but it's always been the same, its borderline or its normal and I've never questioned it. when you don't know enough about this sort of subject it's hard to challenge what you are being told. However I have read before that a number of people were told that their levels were normal, but they ended up needing treatment after pursuing the matter further and questioning their GP. How long is it since you were diagnosed?

[shaws in reply to Newhere]

It's 7 years since my diagnosis and despite seeing different consultants over a 3 year period, GP and others and an overnight stay in the cardiac ward and discharged as 'probably viral with high cholesterol' - I actually had a TSH of 100 confirmed 7 days later. Not one professional did a thyroid gland hormone test. They diagnosed different problems such as reflux etc etc.

It was a first aider who suggested thyroid and I had never heard of it before.

We have to read and research as much as possible otherwise there is a possibility that you wont get well. I struck lucky with Thyroiduk.org: found information on Dr Lowe's sites (Drlowe.com and Thyroidscience) both archived at present so some links within don't work.

This is just one doctor (there are a few) who take clinical symptoms into consideration as the TSH is not the 'be all and end all' that we've been told.

thyroid.about.com/b/2010/06...

[Newhere in reply to shaws]

It looks like I have a bit of reading to do and a doctor to pester for more detailed results. It's a shame we have to take these steps to be able to have a deeper understanding on why we feel as we do.

[shaws in reply to Newhere]

The problem is they just do not understand how unwell we can be - just tell you "it's not due to thyroid gland problems - your TSH is in range". You then get another medication for a clinical symptom not an increase in meds.

[Newhere in reply to shaws]

I end up by just giving up and putting up with the symptoms until the next time someone else suggests I should have another Thyroid test. It's a vicious circle that never seems to get resolved. I find some doctors are not really interested in giving a thorough diagnosis. Maybe I should pay out for a private test, at least I will be given the full information.

[Heloise in reply to Newhere]

Here is a summary from the STTM website which might be useful. Many links included: stopthethyroidmadness.com/t...

[Newhere in reply to Heloise]

Many thanks for this link, it covers a lot of ground. All I know about myself, is that I was told I could have an underactive thyroid as I have a lot of the symptoms. All I was told by a receptionist was that my level is 0.9 and so is in the normal range and no further action is needed. Not a lot of information to go on really is you do not know anything about the thyroid at all.

Thank you for your reply.

[Heloise in reply to Newhere]

Newhere, arm yourself with information!

I have discovered after many years, doctors do not make money by talking. That keeps patients in the dark and ignorant. Dr. Skinner and Dr. Peat are not that kind of doctor. It's difficult but you can do a lot for yourself.

[Newhere in reply to Heloise]

I think I will be starting tonight and will learn as much as possible. Next thing will be getting back to the doctors and asking for my results and what they exactly mean.

Many thanks for your encouragement.

[Heloise in reply to Newhere]

It is hard to ask for help and stand up for yourself because of the intimidation of the doctor's office. If you think you can't do it, bring someone with you (especially if they can intimidate the doctor Actually a "witness" can be a powerful assistance.

[Newhere in reply to Heloise]

That's something I've never thought of doing. Last time I went there was 3 items I wanted to talk to him about, but left without discussing two of them because he was rude and couldn't be bothered so i went away not having got the problems sorted. I really think it's time for a change of doctors now.

[Thyroidmeg]

I asked for my results recently and the nurse said normal then she rather patronisingly said tsh is complicated you wouldn't understand. . I got them eventually keep asking

[Newhere in reply to Thyroidmeg]

How rude was that, and you are right, it was patronising in the extreme. I am now considering changing my doctors, and this time setting out what I expect from them, not just the other way round. Thank you for your encouragement.