[PixieJo]

#1072399

The normal range my dr uses is:

TSH 0.34-4.82

Free T4 0.89-1.76

Free T3 2.3-4.2

[Ski]

#1072400

FYI, each lab uses different processes, and so each lab will have a different range of normal (not to mention the difference between measurements and units of measure in various nations). Each lab report will indicate the range of normal that relates to the results you’ve been given, so THOSE are the numbers to pay attention to.

For the most part, it is important to pay attention to all the levels and how they relate to each other, keeping in mind the fact that TSH levels will lag behind T4 by a few weeks.

[hyperm]

#1072401

yeah I would agree with Ski as my T3 levels are 3.8 where as the normal range my endo said was 0.4 to 2.8 – thats in the UK there must be different systems I gather????? However, when your bloods are done there will be a normal range indicated in brackets to guide your endo.

HTH

[catsmum]

#1019546

Can anyone give me an idea of aht ‘Normal’ levels or ranges are for TSH, fT3 & fT4?
I can’t seem to find these so can’t work out if my daughters latest results are good or bad?
Her last bloods were:
fT4 11.7
fT3 4.3
TSH wasn’t tested this time but was less than 0.01 initially (fT4 was 31 & fT3 11.2).
Thanks!

[DianneW]

#1072402

Catsmum,

When you get your daughter’s results, do you get them over the phone, or do you get a printed copy?

What I do is when my blood is taken, request that a copy of the report be mailed to my home. I often get a report this way before I’ve even talked to the doctor about it (at least, in some facilities). Regardless, the printed lab sheet always lists the normals for the lab along with the patient’s result.

Try doing this with your daughter’s thyroid tests, and with all her tests (and yours) for that matter. I think you’ll find it to be most helpful.

Best wishes,

[catsmum]

#1072403

Thanks for the advice, I will ask for copies of the levels. We did get a copy of her first ones but there were no reference ranges with them as they were part of the consultants letter to GP. Last time we were’nt told her results, just that she had to increase her levothyroxine dose. She’s been re-tested in 3-4 weeks so I will definately ask for a copy of the results to be sent to us.
Thanks again,
Catsmum

[DianneW]

#1072404

Catsmum,

I always find that really annoying when I’m given information on that level (just that something is "normal" or "abnormal"). In essence that tells me they believe I am not capable of participating in my own care, when in truth I’m never sure the providers are capable of providing the quality of care I would like.

Don’t hesitate to be pushy when it comes to getting your daughter’s records. It will help you and her correlate the numbers with how she’s feeling and you’ll have the records if you decide you want to change doctors, or if you need care on an emergency basis. I’m not sure what the differences are in the U.K. or if there is a universal database, but still I wouldn’t think it can hurt.

Best wishes to you both.

[catsmum]

#1072405

Thanks Dianne,

I will start being a bit more ‘pushy’ with the doctors. I know exactly what you mean about them making you feel like you are not capable of understanding & managing your illness. I am actually a trained Biomedical Scientist & although my specialist area is clinical microbiology I have training in clinical chemistry too, so although I no longer work in this area I am fully capable of understanding medical issues. I find it really annoying that many doctors fail to fully inform patients of their conditions etc as they a. think they can’t understand or b. think they can’t cope with the truth. Yes, I think it’s time to stop being so polite & demand a few answers.

Take care,
Catsmum.

[DianneW]

#1072406

Catsmum,

Wonderful training–similar to mine, which I needed to get in to med school (unfortunately, didn’t go due to an unplanned pregnancy). If you’re like me, you know you went to school with some of those doctors and probably did better in class. We had a speaker at one of the GDF Conferences who said she was trying to put her talk into layman’s terms because she wasn’t speaking to a roomful of rocket scientists. But actually, there was a rocket scientist in the group, and many more people who were just about as intellectually capable.

In your case it probably would be a good idea to let the doctors know about your education. I think you’ll find it changes the way they communicate with you and you won’t need to be as pushy to get the level of information you need (maybe just a little). ” title=”Very Happy” />

Any chance you and your daughter can make it to the Conference in Charlotte this year?

[catsmum]

#1072407

Hi Dianne,
We’d love to make the conference but unfortunatley we live in the UK. Don’t suppose you could bring it forward a month as we’re in the US till mid-september…..
There does’nt seem to be much in the way of support groups for Graves over here, only a few for general thyroid problems so we are so glad we came across NGDF.org, it’s been a Godsend to us as it provides so much support & info. Big Thanks to all who keep it running.

[hyperm]

#1072408

Hi,

I am in the UK too and wish we has something like that over here! I know that there is the British Thyroid Foundation but not sure if they are running anything.

I am a member of a website called netmums. There are a lot of support forums on there one of which is for miscarriage support – however as a result of so many women on these boards who have m/c recently been diagnosed with some form of thyroidism they have started a Thyroid support forum which I was delighted about. Although a generic site, it is broken down into regions so it could be possible that you could advertise on there to start some kind of support group in your area or even just online????

M x

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