Got the blood results, and the GP wants to talk.....

[ChemicalAngel]

I rang to see if my bloods were back that I got sent for last week, to be told that everything has come back normal apart from one, and that there is a note for me to speak to the GP.

I asked for my TSH level, and oh look, it is now 3.97!! range 0 - 4.2

Does he want to talk about that??? Does he b*****ks!!!

He wants to talk about my cholesterol being 5.8!!

The receptionist said that he had finished surgery and was taking calls and that she would put me through. I said No, you're all right, I dont want to talk to him about that, as it would be just a lecture on my diet, offers to see the dietitians again, and that the figure never changes. I apologised if I sounded a bit abrupt, but that there was no point in going over old ground, as in the past when I followed every darn plan every dietitian has ever put me on, to the letter, and not lost a bean, and in some cases put more weight on, and then get accused of deviating from the plan. I even did the Cambridge Diet shakes a few years ago, it nearly killed me for 6 weeks, and only lost 2lbs over the entire time, and never faltered from that plan either!!

So, where to from here???

Ann xxx

[PinkNinja]

Firstly, don't worry about your cholesterol. 5.8 is nothing to worry about really. Statins might bring it down but they won't help in the prevention of coronary artery disease or anything else. Some doctors believe that a cholesterol level between 5 and 6 is actually very healthy. Diet will do little to reduce your cholesterol unless your diet is absolutely appalling, which I'm sure it isn't!

Can you point out to him that your TSH is only just inside the range and that the range is correct for 95% of the population. Doesn't logic suggest that, as 5% of people within that range are not healthy, that you could be one of those 5%? Wouldn't a trial of levothyroxine be a good idea as you are only 0.5 away from the top of the range? It might help your cholesterol too. Isn't it at least worth a try? Whatever happened to doctors using their brains and the diagnostic skills that they spent years developing? He shouldn't be slave to "guidelines" (and that's all they are - guidelines) and numbers.

I hope you manage to convince him. You are clearly hypo. Do you always make sure you have your blood test as early as possible in the morning. TSH is at its highest then.

If your GP can't understand the above logic then I feel it is time for a different GP!

Good luck. I hope you get some success.

Carolyn x

[ChemicalAngel in reply to PinkNinja]

Thanks Carolyn.

I would be banging my head against the wall trying to convince him I need at least a trial of meds, as both he and the endo are convinced that me levels are good, and that I dont require treatment.

I am not worried about my cholesterol, I know what I have and what I dont, and wish that I did sit with the pizzas, pies, chocolates etc, then I would have something to change!!

I have been looking into a new GP, but it is finding one that is sympathetic to thyroid issues, that would rather go off symptoms and the patient rather than relying on the TSH result.

Ann xxx

[shaws Administrator]

Here is what a heart surgeon says about cholesterol

thyroiduk.healthunlocked.co...

[ChemicalAngel in reply to shaws]

Thanks Shaws

Ann xxx

[lesleywagg]

You sound exactly the same as me, I was told to write down what I ate over a 2 week period and then go and see the nurse.

The nurse said you have got a great diet there's not much I can say apart from eat less bread (I don't eat it every day and when I do I eat 2 rounds) Oh and cut out the 4 crackers I have twice a week for my lunch because they are fattening. How rediculous is that!!!!!!!

Since the middle of January I have been on a 1200 calorie diet, I walk twice a week 5-6 miles sometimes 3 times a week and I have lost 3 lbs.

I feel as though I'm trying desperately to control my weight and have to constantly watch what eat because if I don't my weight will just go up and up. x

[DeniseR]

Would the GP not budge if you took in some printed research regarding the TSH, like Dr Tofts book. This strategy definitely helped with my Gp, not that she looked at it really but that she saw I knew what I was talking about and couldn't argue if I had it in writing - she probably just wanted to get rid of me but it worked! It's so frustrating.

Best of luck get your trial X x

[tactano50]

Have you had your thyroid antibodys checked .I went for years checking tsh only to be told tsh in range until I forgot blood form and nurse let me fill in another I mistakenley ticked antibody box nurse said oh they dont routinely check that but dont worry you have done it now and low and behold I have thyroid problem, even though tsh in range.

[ChemicalAngel in reply to tactano50]

Hi, no I havent had antibody testing done, as they refuse as the TSH is 'normal'

I will save and get this done privately.

Thanks

Ann xx