Normal results, still feel poorly

[kayw]

Good morning,

I was diagnosed with Hashimotos in April this year, GP built up my dose of levo to 100mg. My last results this week where all within normal range. However, i still feel unwelll. I frequently get up, have a cuppa then sleep on the sofa for 3-4 hours. My hair is still falling out, and I feel like i have an iceburg in my insides.

My questions is, what do I do now? Is this it? will i always feel rubbish? or is there more that can be done by GP

Thanks

[bluebug]

There is no such thing as "normal results". The word "normal" in a medical context just means within range. However where you need to be in a range depends on you.

I suggest you go to your GPs practice and ask the receptionist for a copy of your latest blood test results AND ranges. You MUST get the ranges. If the receptionist asks why you want them state "For my own health records and anyway it is my legal right under the Data Protection Act 1998".

If the receptionist is difficult or states they cost £10 come back, start a new thread to get more advice. Ideally you should get your results in 3-5 days and when you do post a new thread with the results AND ranges. Then posters will tell you what else you need to do to get to optimal health.

The reason ranges are needed is because different labs use different equipment and so ranges vary lab by lab.

[shaws Administrator]

If hypothyroid never accept 'normal' 'fine' or o.k. with regard to blood tests. Ranges can be quite wide and we need optimum results not bottom of the range.

When you have a blood test it should be at the very earliest possible and fasting although you can drink water. Allow about 24 hours between the last dose of levo and the test and take it afterwards.

Take levo first thing on an empty stomach with one full glass of water and wait about an hour before eating. Food can interfere with the uptake of hormones. You can also take it at bedtime if you prefer but you must last have eaten about three hours before. If hypo our digestive system is slow so it takes longer to digest.

Ask for a print-out of your results with ranges and get it each time. Some surgeries charge a nominal sum (mine's free) for paper/ink.

If you've not had B12, Vit D, iron, ferritin and folate checked ask for these to be done next time. We are usually deficient.

[kayw]

Thank you all for your replies. I will go back to my GP for a chat, she has been very good actually, it was the nurse who rang and said my results are within normal range. I'm not disrespecting nurses, but I think it will be better to talk face to face with my GP if being symptomatic despite 'normal range' results isn't the end of the road.

Thanks again guys