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.

Unfortunately these doctors are protected by other doctors and continue to mispractice for many decades. If it were any other profession besides politicians, they would have been drummed out forthwith. Until this changes, doctors have no right to complain if they are lumped in with the bad apples as a result. We hear about the push for tort reform to limit damages in medical malpractice suits but nothing about getting rid of the doctors who kill, maim, or overdose their patients. Not to mention the obnoxious, rude doctors, again who wouldnt be tolerated in other professions.

I've edited my post above to add the "abuse" I had to endure just to get testing for my abnormal thyroid. ( I tend to not "dwell" on those lost years of being hypo....it makes me angry all over again. Hence I "forgot" to include that experience this morning, when I was still foggy!)

IMO being a medically trained professional can work against you when YOU need help! Keep that in mind, if you get poor or dismissive treatment!

We could ask docs what are the good or bad things that set them 'off' of US?!
Learning better where these guys are coming from, could go a loong waay in enabling us to speak more concisely to our docs about our problems and NOT seem whiney of bossy! A good patient should be 'informed'? But ask and demand answers to key serious questions. AND THEN GET THEM.
I for one, always come in with a steno pad...outlining key concerns [often up to 10 of them?] and usually come out happy if it get to #5! And I keep notes! Docs know then I'm no slouch, even if really I can't remember spit afterwards!
IF I've found relevant research, I'll copy off the summary page of the source and give it to the doc - JUST BE SURE the sources are impeccable, as from university research hospitals or NIH or even international! Lets the docs know you are aware of what is and isn't going on in your areas of concerns, but also that no wool is over your eyes or dustbunnies gathering at your feet!

For example, for CIDP some people are responding well to this treatment-It's chemo and stem-cell related, and very Interesting!
http://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/N...m=CIDP&rank=10
More for peripheral neuropathies? But, many are related to chemo or diabetic PN's: http://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/result...ral+neuropathy

To Mrs D? Inadequate docs are only 30% of the reason I always have a cane when going into any doc's offices! Not quite the 2"x4"x6' I'd like to weild? But, it sure makes me feel happier to know I 'could' use it IF I needed to! Luckily few of my docs warrant this approach in thought or deed.
Lets get to the basics w/our docs and forget about 'personalities'? Just do YOUR JOBS DOCS! I'm particular, but not nasty fussy!
Or, there is always 'silly-string'? [Just IMAGINE doing that?-what fun for the imagining!] Hugs to all! - j 's