But
As you say TSH is a very bad joke. I recently had a major row with the local PCT about that. After threats, we reached agreement on a set of more worthwhile tests. I am not willing to be short changed by these clowns.
It's funny to a point, and I do laugh actually.
In the end it becomes a debate between do I have a row with the PCT about an issue or just spend the money to cut it short.
If you take a look at the NICE flow charts of what a GP is supposed to do in relation to many common conditions, it's all about cost minimisation and how to cover as many patients as possible for the same money.
Excellence is a misnomer, I'm afraid.
Sadly, that's whatmost of the punters want because it's easy.
You're not overdoing it. This one really does matter and it's clear to me that there is serious short changing going on.
Today I saw a report of a patient with a TSH of around 150 - and normal fT3/fT4. Which rather emphasises that issue. (FWIW - Normal range for TSH is likely to be 0.35 - 4.95 or thereabouts in the UK.)
Hmmm.yes. My GP started me on statins last year. After some initial success (relevant cholesterol level dropping) I started getting a bad side effect. After discussion, I decided to try again. Pretty well eliminated other factors eventually.
Yesterday I was offered a different statin, which is 'better tolerated'. It was explained to me that GPs usually start with simvastatin, because it's the cheapest.
Still suffering the side effects from the experiment...
My doctor tried me on three different statins before giving up on them altogether.
I had the same side effects with all three, from cheap to expensive.
Very good idea, Sam.
Yes they do. Some PCTs are leaning on GP practices to migrate patients on more expensive on-patent medications (e.g. Atorvastatin - Lipitor) to Simvastatin as a generic.
You might also want to read around the various clinical studies.
Did you check interactions with other drugs and with certain foods? Grapefruit is one classic.
Then look at what is considered to be a normal TSH at most centres in the U.S. - a lower number for the high end. The implications of that one are clear enough.
That is my opinion also.
People think its rape,because its bloody visible.
But I have walked through a field of 6 ft tall rape in full bloom (ask not why) and it did nothing.
Grass..well thats another matter, and tree pollen too. Hawthorn I suspect is one of the worst.
Indeed - varies a bit - but 2.5 to 3.0 is not exactly unusual. It took quite a while for their labs to follow the recommendations in terms of the ranges used. And there was a suggestion that the top of the range should be raised here in the UK!
And then they use TSH to adjust dosage of thyroid hormone. There appears to be no actual research supporting this - just a 'seems reasonable' assumption. There is every reason to question whether TSH is meaningful (at least in a useful way) for exogenous hormone. [Common to US & UK.]
Can't say statistics is a strong suit for me, but the misunderstanding of even basic statistics by the medical fraternity is astonishing.
Good - and, if you don't mind, do let us know.
Oh, I have. Trying Lipitor now.
Works for me, haven't tried others personally, but have looked at the studies. There appears to be better comment about Lipitor from users and I don't think it can *all* be placement by Pfizer.
For *you*. Just because *you* aren't affected by rape doesn't mean others aren't.
And the pollen does travel in the wind as I have had it on my car and I am
*miles* from any rape fields.
To get back to the original question, might I say without offence to anyone feeling ill :o)
This is a DIY group and Sam wants to know about sealing concrete (DIY) (and she took her daughters medicine ( also DIY)) - fine!!.
She never said she had an asthma attack, just she was wheezing and out of breath, she wanted to know how to seal the concrete and we gave her two ideas.
Is there a uk.rec.my-illness-is-worse-than-yours ng, where the discussion could be moved?
uk.diagnose-it-yourself?
Anyone with thyroid issues - over to alt.support.thyroid.
Ah yes, very good!
I don't suffer from hay fever, but can find the scent of rapeseed irritates my throat quite badly leaving it sore for some time after exposure.
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