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Heart Disease (Expert Forum)
Re: Hypothyroidism tests
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Re: Hypothyroidism tests
by Denise__0__0, Jan 01, 1995 12:00AM
Posted By Denise on November 22, 1998 at 13:20:19:
In Reply to: Hypothyroidism tests posted by CCF CARDIO MD - DLB on November 22, 1998 at 13:12:10:
: I recently visited my doctor for symptoms which include: intolerance to cold, very cold hands and feet, poor memory, rapid heart beat that lasts only a few seconds 1-2 times a month, dizziness, lightheadedness, slight nausea, and the inablity to lose last 15 lb, no matter how much I exercise.
My doctor did a TSH test for hypothyroidism which came back as .41. I didn't notice any tests for T3 and T4. Should this be done also? One more thing, the lab test showed very low RF titers. I don't know what that is and my doctor didn't make mention of it. Does it have any relevance?
Thank you,
Tracy
Hi Tracy,
I have had Subacute Thyroiditis for a couple of years. I have been hypo and hyperthyroid during that time. My thyroid is normal at the moment. My results are as follows:
Ultra sensitive TSH: 0.43
FREE T3: 2.7
FREE T4: 1.9
Now the normal limits are:
Ultra Sensitive TSH: 0.20 - 4.0 mIU/ml
FREE T3: 1.1 - 4.7 pg/ml
FREE T4: 0.6 - 2.2 ng/dl
Now, as you can see, my TSH level is way out of the limit. Although this is the case, when taking my T3 and T4 into account, the whole picture shows a "normal thyroid" function. I have an Endocrinologist (Endocrine Specialist), so I have confidence that what he is telling me is right (one would hope).
As for the RF Titer, that is a Rheumatoid Factor. I don't know what the limits are for that, but it may be if you show any kind of a RF titer, you could have a "possibility" of Rheumatoid Arthritis. If you didn't, it would probably show a "negative" RF Titer. I'm sure there was nothing to worry about and s/he didn't think anything was there, so s/he didn't mention it. I have a positive ANA Titer 1:640 and have tested negative for Lupus and no signs of Rheumatoid Arthritis. I show no signs, so with the high titer, I just get bloodwork done periodically (annually). If I show signs, he will deal with it right away. I've heard a lot of people have positive ANA titers but have no problems. Time will tell.
Well, that is my "personal experience" with these issues. By all means, these are my experiences and only your doctor can tell you what your situation is. I'm sure the doc at CCF will have a great answer for you. If you have new symptoms, you should contact your doctor.
Take care and you'll be fine! I can tell you from personal experience that it is better to be hypothyroid than hyperthyroid! Both can be controlled by different medications though!
Denise
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dear Denise
Different labs have different upper and lower limits of normal for thyroid tests. Every value ought to be compared with the laboratory limits in the lab where the blood was drawn.
You are mistaken. The TSH value you have listed for yourself is normal.
Regarding RF titers, a low titer usually has little clinical meaning.
I hope this has been useful. Feel free to write back with further questions. Good luck.
Information provided here is of a general nature. Specific diagnoses and treatments can only be made by your doctor. If you would like to be seen at the Cleveland Clinic, please call 1-800-CCF-CARE for an appointment with a cardiologist at Desk F15.
Hi Dr. DLB,
You are right, my levels are normal in this reading. I corrected myself in my next post to her. I was using the wrong test result. I couldn't find my one with they Hypothyroid result. I have had results with my TSH being supressed and out of limit and my T3 and T4 normal and the Endocrinologist said it was a combination of all. Now, this could have been a crock!
Regardless, I'm done giving my opinion to people on this forum. I am going to stick to asking questions!
Have a great day!
Denise
In Reply to: Hypothyroidism tests posted by CCF CARDIO MD - DLB on November 22, 1998 at 13:12:10:
: I recently visited my doctor for symptoms which include: intolerance to cold, very cold hands and feet, poor memory, rapid heart beat that lasts only a few seconds 1-2 times a month, dizziness, lightheadedness, slight nausea, and the inablity to lose last 15 lb, no matter how much I exercise.
My doctor did a TSH test for hypothyroidism which came back as .41. I didn't notice any tests for T3 and T4. Should this be done also? One more thing, the lab test showed very low RF titers. I don't know what that is and my doctor didn't make mention of it. Does it have any relevance?
Thank you,
Tracy
Hi Tracy,
I have had Subacute Thyroiditis for a couple of years. I have been hypo and hyperthyroid during that time. My thyroid is normal at the moment. My results are as follows:
Ultra sensitive TSH: 0.43
FREE T3: 2.7
FREE T4: 1.9
Now the normal limits are:
Ultra Sensitive TSH: 0.20 - 4.0 mIU/ml
FREE T3: 1.1 - 4.7 pg/ml
FREE T4: 0.6 - 2.2 ng/dl
Now, as you can see, my TSH level is way out of the limit. Although this is the case, when taking my T3 and T4 into account, the whole picture shows a "normal thyroid" function. I have an Endocrinologist (Endocrine Specialist), so I have confidence that what he is telling me is right (one would hope).
As for the RF Titer, that is a Rheumatoid Factor. I don't know what the limits are for that, but it may be if you show any kind of a RF titer, you could have a "possibility" of Rheumatoid Arthritis. If you didn't, it would probably show a "negative" RF Titer. I'm sure there was nothing to worry about and s/he didn't think anything was there, so s/he didn't mention it. I have a positive ANA Titer 1:640 and have tested negative for Lupus and no signs of Rheumatoid Arthritis. I show no signs, so with the high titer, I just get bloodwork done periodically (annually). If I show signs, he will deal with it right away. I've heard a lot of people have positive ANA titers but have no problems. Time will tell.
Well, that is my "personal experience" with these issues. By all means, these are my experiences and only your doctor can tell you what your situation is. I'm sure the doc at CCF will have a great answer for you. If you have new symptoms, you should contact your doctor.
Take care and you'll be fine! I can tell you from personal experience that it is better to be hypothyroid than hyperthyroid! Both can be controlled by different medications though!
Denise
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dear Denise
Different labs have different upper and lower limits of normal for thyroid tests. Every value ought to be compared with the laboratory limits in the lab where the blood was drawn.
You are mistaken. The TSH value you have listed for yourself is normal.
Regarding RF titers, a low titer usually has little clinical meaning.
I hope this has been useful. Feel free to write back with further questions. Good luck.
Information provided here is of a general nature. Specific diagnoses and treatments can only be made by your doctor. If you would like to be seen at the Cleveland Clinic, please call 1-800-CCF-CARE for an appointment with a cardiologist at Desk F15.
Hi Dr. DLB,
You are right, my levels are normal in this reading. I corrected myself in my next post to her. I was using the wrong test result. I couldn't find my one with they Hypothyroid result. I have had results with my TSH being supressed and out of limit and my T3 and T4 normal and the Endocrinologist said it was a combination of all. Now, this could have been a crock!
Regardless, I'm done giving my opinion to people on this forum. I am going to stick to asking questions!
Have a great day!
Denise
