ok, well the 'lab range' is the bit that they decide is where 'normal' people are... so as long as your lab range is in between those two numbers, then you're deemed to be 'normal'.
Your TSH is Thyroid Stimulating Hormone and your level is not so bad, but I'd like to see the other test results you've had for thyroid so I could see over time.
Yours isn't high, but I would say it's slightly raised above what the general population is meant to be...but that could be normal for you... who knows!
Also, your TSH level will show as low if you have a swollen thyroid or perhaps nodules on your thyroid... TSH level tests are merely an indicator of what's happening but they are notoriously unreliable. You would need your free T3 and T4 testing by your endo to have any accurate picture of what is happening with you.
This is why your doctor doesn't think you're hypo. Low TSH would rule that out *for her* (as she's not a specialist) so this is prob why she's so darned impatient with you.

Have you started on a gluten free diet, Becs? If you have gluten or wheat allergies, it can mimic thyroid symptoms so you need to rule that out completely.

The only way you're going to get to the bottom of this is with an endo, so I would hang in there to see him, or her.

1.98 isn't huge but I sure felt lousy in that range. My sister is in that range too and has a lot of symptoms.

I'd say in addition to low thyroid your issue might be:

Gluten sensitivity
Sleep Apnea

Just two other things that can present thyroid like symptoms.

You'd probably have to find a special doctor to get treatment at your level.

Hi both,

Thanks for the reply...thats the only test the Doc did so I have will have to wait to see an Endo before I can find out if I do have a problem.......Annabel - its definitely not a gluten or wheat sensitivity as I cut both of those out over two years ago as I thought they might becausing problems with my digestion......

I really don't know what to do and am my wits end.......there is no way I can seem to loose weigt and I have never felt so drained in all my life......I just want someone to help me.......I wish I could get referred to Dr Skinner.......Or I just wish I could get to see him, but without a referral its a no go.....

Becs
x

Becs, there's an internet group which might be able to help you regarding Dr Skinner and others:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/TPA-UK

http://www.tpa-uk.org.uk/ is where they hang out generally.


Join and get some good doctor info. They're very helpful.

Hi Annabel,

Thanks those are great links. I am going to call Dr Peatfield today to see if he will see me without being referred. I am fed up of waiting! Is he the Dr that you saw?

Becs
x

No Becs, I haven't even seen an endo. I'm lucky enough to have a vaguely decent doctor at my surgery. His partner, the one I *used* to see, wouldn't treat me at all and told me he wanted to see me 'get a lot worse' before he'd treat me!!!
I went back a month later, to see the partner and said 'Right, I'm worse so you have to treat me' ... At this point, I couldn't do anything physical without being out of breath and gasping for air. Even walking the 5 minute walk to the surgery took me 15.
Anyway, the other chap seemed much more reasonable and took me seriously. I didn't have to ask for a thyroxine trial - he put me on it straight away.
He's not brilliant in that he's not up to date on the latest reading (like I am ) but for now, he's fine.
In a few months, when our house sale is finalised, we're heading to Australia to live, so I'll find an endo there.
Dr Peatfield is closely connected with thyroid UK, and is an excellent dr. I know many people who've been sucessfully treated by him. You won't need a referral if you're seeing him privately.

Hi guys,

Just a quick update.

I have recently got in touch with Dr Peatfield, and he is sending me a questionnaire and hopefully i should be seeing him in the New Year!

I am so happy that I am finally getting to see someone and also someone who is sympathetic, not like my GP!

Will let you all know how I get on!

Hope you all are well.

Becs
x

Oh Becs, that's truly wonderful news!!!
I'm really pleased for you. I hope you'll be able to hang on in there until then. I am positive he will get you sorted very quickly.

Thanks for updating us... Keep us informed of your progress, won't you?

Fingers crossed and good vibes your way.

Annabel
x

Horray! He wrote a really good book about thyroid treatment, have you read it?

Hi both!

Thanks for your messages!
Nancy I haven't read his book as yet as have just ordered it off amazon, so hopefully should have it by next week....

I can't wait to see him and even just knowing that I am going to see him has picked me up!

Annabel, did you say he was the Dr you had seen?

X

No, I didn't see him, but I know lots of people who have in the About.com thyroid board - and they've all had very sucessful treatment.

I have been trying to find Dr Durrant-Peatfield's address/phone number on the net but can't find the details anywhere (must be blind or something).

Can someone please give me his details?

Thanks
Michaela

http://www.tpa-uk.org.uk/ has a list of contacts for docs.


http://www.thyroiduk.org/ also has lists under 'resources'.

HTH.

x