These are my test results.

[fabulousat52]

These are my test results from a blood test 08/12/10, as taken from a print out from my GP surgery.

FreeT4 10.4pmol/L (normal range9.0-24)

TSH 23.5mU/L (normal range0.3-6.0)

GP has started me on 50mcg Levothyroxine.

My symptoms have been tiredness, hair and nails breaking,fuzzy brain, forgetful, aching muscles, can`t stay asleep...get to sleep ok but wake a couple of hours later then toss and turn for the rest of the night, there could be others but I can`t remember. I didn`t know why I had been feeling this way, it has just been a steady decline, i thought I had just been working too hard and trying to play too hard.

How does this compare with others?

[helvella Administrator Thyroid UK]

Your TSH looks quite high for the free T4 number (which although low is still in range). And I'd suspect that your high TSH is what has got you treated now.

At diagnosis, your TSH is much higher than was mine - but much lower than my partner's.

I'd concur with you being started on 50 - you should have another test soon. You should also have a test for thyroid antibodies - to see if you have autoimmune thyroid disease.

As I have said to others many times, I'd recommend tests for vitamins B12 and D as well.

And an unscientific, unproven rule of thumb is that it can take as long to get well again as it did to deteriorate.

All the best

Rod

[Hidden]

Hi Fabulous.....

Bet you weren't feeling very fab with these results So you have some T4 which shows your thyroid is still producing it, but the raised Thyroid Stimulating Hormone shows that the poor thyroid is having to be flogged to death to do it....

You need enough t4 so that it sits comfortabley in the top third of the range, so it needs to be between 19 and 24 and if you have enouth T4 in your blood there will be no need for the TSH to be raised. In fact if there is sufficient T4 the tsh will not be needed at all.

A normal TSH is 1, don't let the doctor get you down to 6 and tell you you are normal. The society for endocrinolgy issued a press release in March this year which advises that a TSH higher than 4 is more likely to lead to heart problems.

<b>Updated on Dec 29 2010 10:15PM:</b> endocrinology.org/press/pre...

[fabulousat52 in reply to Hidden]

Hi NellyB

Thanks for your reply.

You talk in a way I understand and can relate to, it wasn`t just my thyroid that felt like

it was being flogged!!

I had been feeling really `off` for months, very tired not interested in my usual hobbies, couldn`t remember stuff. I`ve had a range of symptoms that I just put down to

the menapause......it`s your age!

I used to be compared to the Duracell Bunny, I just kept going, not at the moment though.

How long on the meds before I should start seeing some improvement? My GP said he wants to test my blood again in about 6 months but everything I have read so far points to it being checked after 8 week. Would this be correct and a point where I should be feeling a bit better?

Thank goodness for the support and info at Thyroid UK, my GP has told me nothing apart from underactive thyroid isn`t a big deal....oh how I wish he could try it just for a while.

Karen

[Angela in reply to Hidden]

Hi fabulousat dont know much about your GP he does nt seem to know much about thyroids I have been on thyroxine for 10 years and its always been after 6to 8 to check the bloods again and you should start to being to feel better but not untll they have the right dose. your GP said its not a big deal thats what one of my friends said thats what i thought wish you could try it for a few days wish you all the best Angela