Thyroid Test Results....comments please.

[Clover]

I've had new test results and could do with some advice please. I've had hypothyroidism for eighteen years, I'm sixty eight now. My results at the moment are.....

Plasma free T4 level 15.8 pmol/L (7.5 - 21.1 )

Plasma TSH level 0.37 mu/L (0.34 - 5.6 )

I've been told they are normal and no action needed and possibly now they are. I've had a battle with my weight on and off since I was first diagnosed. I'm small, 5ft 1" and at the moment weigh 10 stones 6lbs. That may not seem too much for some people but after having had a back operation a few years ago, a badly smashed up knee two years ago and a hip replacement too, I do need to keep my weight down. I walk on the flat ok, it's only stairs that are more of a problem, but I do try to keep active and I have lots of interests. When I was finally diagnosed with an underactive thyroid eighteen years ago I was put on Thyroxin. After the blood test I had telephoned to ask for my results but was told that as no one had contacted me everything was fine! It wasn't, they had 'lost' my results! I got more and more swollen and dreadfully tired and eventually another gp 'found' my results and put me on Thyroxin. It was a real battle to get the dose correct for me and to feel anywhere near 'well' again. The depression dragged me down for a very long time. One of the worst things for me apart from the weight worry is still always feeling continually cold. I'm a bed socks person all year round, no matter what the weather and at my worst I feel physically sick when it's cold and almost as if I'm getting the flu. I did get alot of joint and muscle pain but these days that's not so bad as I take Meloxicam for arthritis. I'm hoping that these new results will show that I'm taking the right dose, I'm seeing my gp tomorrow and as another person mentioned I would like to know a little more about my results before I see him. Many thanks in advance. (PS. I know that I'm very fortunate to be going on a cruise to the Caribbean in three weeks for 16 days and I know that the temperature and lovely sunshine will be just fantastic for my continually cold bod!)

[Clutter]

Clover, TSH is low and FT4 mid-range which indicates adequate replacement. If you are symptomatic I think a small dose increase could be in order to raise FT4 but some doctors are very agin TSH being below range.

If you're still having joint and muscle pain ask your GP to test vitD as deficient levels can cause significant musculoskeletal pain.

I envy you the winter sun you will enjoy on your cruise. Have a lovely time.

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I am not a medical professional and this information is not intended to be a substitute for medical guidance from your own doctor. Please check with your personal physician before applying any of these suggestions.