what is "optimal" for blood results if GP says I'm normal but not quite better yet?

[Redditch]

Someone commented on a blog and I can't find it.. thought it was Rolo's I got T3 blog but can't see it there... My GP says my blood results are now "normal" but I'm not fixed enough to go back to work full time.. what is "Optimal"? I'd like to compare mine

[shaws Administrator]

Optimal means that what you have been prescribed has got rid of your symptoms and that you feel much better. In fact you feel good. TSH doesn't come into it.

What the GP means by 'normal' means that you are within the 'normal range'. That is medicating you till your TSH comes within the range set by the BTA. That is o.k. if levothyroxine agrees with you and you do feel well, but most on this forum do not. So, therefore, we are not 'normal'.

If you can get a copy of your most recent thyroid gland blood test results, complete with ranges (figures in brackets) post again and someone will comment. To be well many of us have to have a TSH 1 or below.

I have look at your profile and I see you are only getting 50mcg of levo - that's not enough and this is a link which will give you information. Some of the links within may not work. There are other topics at the top of the page too but cursor down to the question dated November 25, 2002. GP's know little about metabolism.

web.archive.org/web/2010122...

[Redditch in reply to shaws]

Marvellous. thanks.. used stuff from here to convince GP that am not malingering depressive but genuine unfortunate in need of more expert help

thanks a lot..