Dr Toft's Book

[Mini1]

I bought the book 'understanding thyroid disorders' , but am wondering if I have got an old edition of the book. I have seen lots of posts relaying to what he says on page 88, but that is different in my book. I bought it second hand and it has a picture of a syringe on the front. Do I need a more up to date one? Thanks

[RedApple Administrator]

I have the same version of the book, with the syringe image on the cover. I'm not sure what info you're looking for, but maybe this helps?

page 43-44

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Most patients with hypothyroidism feel perfectly well while taking an appropriate amount of thyroxine, as judged by measurement of T4 and TSH in the blood. However, some patients do not achieve the sense of well-being expected, even if a little extra thyroxine is taken, which results in a low rather than normal TSH level.

If you are one of this small group of patients, there is some evidence, which needs to be confirmed, that a combination of thyroxine and the other thyroid hormone , T3 (triiodothyronine) may be beneficial.

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Page 94

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I feel better when I am taking a higher dose of thyroxine than recommended by my doctor. Is this safe?

There is considerable debate about the correct dose of thyroxine. The consensus is that enough should be given to ensure that levels of T4 in the blood are at the upper limit of normal or slightly elevated and those of TSH at the lower limit of normal, or in some patients undetectable.

[Mini1 in reply to RedApple]

Hi thank you for replying. I think the info I am looking for is on pages 83 and 84. I don't know if it will help me though as I haven't been diagnosed as hypothyroid as my tsh is normal! I am just searching for something to make my GP believe I have a thyroid problem.

[Hidden in reply to Mini1]

Hi there Mini1 .......so many of us have been told by our GPs that our TSH is normal even though we have symptoms of hypothyroid

and don't feel well.I too took the advice to buy Dr Toft's book and when I went to my next GP appointment I took it with me ,with markers in all the relevant pages..... it was from then on that he started listening.Along with being advised by TUK on what tests to ask for,my confidence grew and things are gradually moving forward.Good luck with your own journey. X

[Mini1 in reply to Hidden]

Hi marfit thanks for your reply. Did you have normal tsh results?

[Clutter in reply to Mini1]

If you have hypothyroid symptoms but your TSH is normal, request Thyroid Peroxidase antibody (TPoA) blood test. Hashimoto's, a thyroid autoimmune disease, often produces 'normal' TSH.

[Mini1 in reply to Clutter]

Thanks, Clutter. That is what I am going to do I think. I am exhausted, no stamina, muscle aches, can't lose weight, scalloped tongue.... But doc says its chronic fatigue or menopause or depression!

[Hidden in reply to Mini1]

The only one my GP did to start with was TSH which he said was normal at 4.8 however that was only because the range used was 0.5- 5.5

When I contacted TUK they weren't surprised I felt

unwell and felt I was under medicated ....had been on 50mcgs for 10 years ! And my TSH was too high.When I had my last annual check up in April I told my doctor that if my TSH continued to rise ..by next April it would be above the top end of the range.He then agreed to raise my Thyroxine which gradually increased to 100 mcgs.

However,he did send me for further blood tests as advised here....Vits, anti bodies etc. and eventually agreed that I should see an endocrinologist as I still had problems,mainly aching muscles and weight gain which increased more with the Levo increase.

My Endo has ordered an FT4 and FT3 test ( he has initialed the test form to make sure it's done! )

It is a continual struggle to get results and takes time,but while waiting I find it worthwhile to do as much reading as I can and also look at other people's posts here.You will gradually build up your knowledge and confidence....in order to hopefully be able to work with your doctor to get you back to good health.Hope this helps a bit.X

[Mini1 in reply to Hidden]

Thank you, marfit. It really helps me. I have done lots of reading and am sure I have a thyroid problem....and have probably suffered for years! But doc says its chronic fatigue, menopause, depression!!

[Stourie]

Most chemists sell it and its about £5

Jo xx

[Mini1]

Hi I bought mine second hand on Amazon for less than £3. It gives a good overview of thyroid problems. However, I'm not sure it's the right book if your results are normal. There Is a chapter called 'hypothyroidism with normal blood results' but it says that your tsh has got to be out of range to be hypothyroid. On another page it says that 'medical care will also depend on careful assessment of symptoms and clinical examination. 'Perhaps someone more experienced will be able to tell us if I have read this correctly.

I am searching for an answer as my blood results are normal.

[Mini1]

Hi I have just ordered the book by Dr Barry Durrant Peatfield which is supposed to be very good. Are you having problems getting diagnosed?