All viewpoints are welcome here.

kwinkler.... I had rather borderline normal tests (but a higher TSH--5-6) for many years... before getting a radioactive technicium scan (I had a right sided goiter). That showed an abnormal gland (no uptake on the left lobe) . When I finally got the levothyroxine, my feet woke up from years of pain, and finally numbness. It took about a full year for me to get my feet back. It started around 30yrs with the hypo symptoms, became worse after I delivered my son, and was finally treated when I about 47-48.
I also had major issues (carpal tunnel) in my hands...with the low thyroid. I had carotene deposits in my hands and feet also.. which is common in hypo patients.

Thyroid problems can be confusing and often doctors will not deal with them, when borderline. There is a thing that is rather new, called reverse T3... this can be tested for. It is still controversial but some doctors call this inactive and a form of thyroid resistance. Keep that in mind when you go to the endo.
For what it is worth, most Endos toe a very strict line when tests are interpreted (old school). It is the holistic MDs that are more open to T3 supplementation.

I would like to add:
The Endo my PCP sent me to when she found my right sided enlargement, told me I was a neurotic medical professional....he was rude and demeaning (he was from S. America originally and I thought maybe it was his culture). He grudgingly ordered the scan, and when that came back very abnormal, he would not even look at me as I sat across from his desk. He made me wait 6 more months before giving me my needed medication...he withheld thyroid hormone from me! I went back and demanded it, and finally he gave it to me. You'd think it were a precious gem or something! So kwinkler, being a doctor or nurse or whatever, you may encounter jerks like this who like to play HOUSE (TVshow) and try to prove how smart they really are NOT!.
After all that I went back to my PCP and she monitors the levels with my yearly tests. I've been pretty stable at 75mcg/day.