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Doctor refused to give me antibodies test-Need help w/ online tests
My thyroid levels tested within range and my dr. refused to give me the antibodies test. I mentioned that Graves may not be detected w/ thyroid tests and he told me that I absolutely did not have Graves. I have been piecing together my life and symptoms and other than the symptoms I mentioned below, I have also experienced periodic diarrhea, frequency in bowel movements, headaches, inability to concentrate and more. I have also been under the care of an opthalmologist for suspected glaucoma because my optic nerve is showing signs of damage (elongated and misshapen). All of the glaucoma tests have come back negative and they have no answers except wait. I have also been experiencing vision problems such as fuzzy distorted vision which I attributed to problems with my contacts. I now have new contacts and the problem persists. Looking through the symptoms of Graves I see that vision problems and optic nerve damage are also symptoms.
My doctor insists that I have anxiety because of my children. He prescribed Ativan for me last week and advised me to continue taking it. Granted, some of my symptoms are better. I don't feel as aggravated as I did before taking it and I am able to sleep a little better. Since my doctor refuses to give me the antibodies test I am going to take one online. What test do I need to identify if this is Graves? and how accurate is it? This may sound odd but my greatest fear is that the test will be normal. I can't go back to thinking that there is no cause (other than I'm crazy) for these awful symptoms. Thanks
My doctor insists that I have anxiety because of my children. He prescribed Ativan for me last week and advised me to continue taking it. Granted, some of my symptoms are better. I don't feel as aggravated as I did before taking it and I am able to sleep a little better. Since my doctor refuses to give me the antibodies test I am going to take one online. What test do I need to identify if this is Graves? and how accurate is it? This may sound odd but my greatest fear is that the test will be normal. I can't go back to thinking that there is no cause (other than I'm crazy) for these awful symptoms. Thanks
I did get a copy but I don't know what is low normal or not
Levels 6/24/2005
T4 7.7 (4.5-12.5 range)
free T4 1.30 (0.8-1.8)
TSH is 0.72 (.40-5.50)
8/08/2005
T4 7.8 (4.5-12.5)
T3 uptake 31.4 (27-37)
TSH 1.28 (.40-5.50)
Now that I'm really looking at the test I see several items in the out of range field.
co2 18 (19-31)
WBC 3.6 (4.1-11.3)
absolute neutrophils 1134 (1500-7800)
Levels 6/24/2005
T4 7.7 (4.5-12.5 range)
free T4 1.30 (0.8-1.8)
TSH is 0.72 (.40-5.50)
8/08/2005
T4 7.8 (4.5-12.5)
T3 uptake 31.4 (27-37)
TSH 1.28 (.40-5.50)
Now that I'm really looking at the test I see several items in the out of range field.
co2 18 (19-31)
WBC 3.6 (4.1-11.3)
absolute neutrophils 1134 (1500-7800)
sorry posted same-twice
ElginX, you might also consider the fact that your labs may have been just on the inside-edge of normal, I would ask for a copy of those because it might reveal more than was indicated.
I was not provided a lab result once and was told "you don't need a copy, everything was normal". I said "I want one anyway". When I got it, I had an elevated TSH, a T-3 Uptake flagged low, T-3 & T-4 were in low-normal, my cholesterol was highly elevated, my liver enzymes were flagged high, I was borderline high on my glucose, and my eosinophils were flagged high.
I was appalled that they said there was nothing of concern on my tests. That's why I now get a copy of every lab I ever get!
Good Luck, I hope you are able to get your testing soon!
I was not provided a lab result once and was told "you don't need a copy, everything was normal". I said "I want one anyway". When I got it, I had an elevated TSH, a T-3 Uptake flagged low, T-3 & T-4 were in low-normal, my cholesterol was highly elevated, my liver enzymes were flagged high, I was borderline high on my glucose, and my eosinophils were flagged high.
I was appalled that they said there was nothing of concern on my tests. That's why I now get a copy of every lab I ever get!
Good Luck, I hope you are able to get your testing soon!
ElginX, you might also consider the fact that your labs may have been just on the inside-edge of normal, I would ask for a copy of those because it might reveal more than was indicated.
I was not provided a lab result once and was told "you don't need a copy, everything was normal". I said "I want one anyway". When I got it, I had an elevated TSH, a T-3 Uptake flagged low, T-3 & T-4 were in low-normal, my cholesterol was highly elevated, my liver enzymes were flagged high, I was borderline high on my glucose, and my eosinophils were flagged high.
I was appalled that they said there was nothing of concern on my tests. That's why I now get a copy of every lab I ever get!
Good Luck, I hope you are able to get your testing soon!
I was not provided a lab result once and was told "you don't need a copy, everything was normal". I said "I want one anyway". When I got it, I had an elevated TSH, a T-3 Uptake flagged low, T-3 & T-4 were in low-normal, my cholesterol was highly elevated, my liver enzymes were flagged high, I was borderline high on my glucose, and my eosinophils were flagged high.
I was appalled that they said there was nothing of concern on my tests. That's why I now get a copy of every lab I ever get!
Good Luck, I hope you are able to get your testing soon!
I went back to my dr and asked him to please refer me to an endo. He reluctantly agreed and I am waiting for the authorization. I had a really hard time asking him but I'm so glad I did it. I have a question though. If all of the T3, T4 and TSH levels are normal, what is causing me to feel sick? I thought the antibodies caused your thyroid to produce more or less TSH which causes the symptoms.
Hi, The TG and TPO (Anti-thyroidperoxidase) that Healthcheck offers, might be a good place to start because these are elevated in at least 70% of Grave's Disease patients.
You might call HealthCheck's toll free phone and get a real person, to ask about the different Grave's antibodies tests they have. They may have different combos of these but as I say, the TPO can also indicate Grave's and many Grave's people also have elevated TG ABs (Anti-Thyroglobulin). At 60-bucks, you don't lose much starting with those and maybe adding the others if these come out negative.
You might call HealthCheck's toll free phone and get a real person, to ask about the different Grave's antibodies tests they have. They may have different combos of these but as I say, the TPO can also indicate Grave's and many Grave's people also have elevated TG ABs (Anti-Thyroglobulin). At 60-bucks, you don't lose much starting with those and maybe adding the others if these come out negative.
HI ELGIGINX YOU REALLY NEED TO GET THE THYROID STIMULATING TRAB AND TSI COMBINATION PANEL.THEY WILL DIAGNOSE GRAVES DISEASE BETTER.THE ANTI-THYROID ANTIBODIES IS THE ONE THEY USE TO DIAGNOSE HYPOTHYROIDISM(HASHIMOTTOS DIEASE).I KNOW THE TESTS ARE HIGHER FOR THE GRAVES DISEASE BUT THEY WILL BE WORTH IT.IF YOU CAN'T AFFORD BOTH GET THE CHEAPEST ONE FIRST IN YOUR CASE.I REALLY HOPE YOU CAN GET YOUR TEST,IT WOULD BE THE BEST MONEY YOU EVER SPENT TO FIND OUT WHAT IS GOING ON WITH YOUR BODY.I HAD MY BLOOD DRAWN TODAY,IT WAS FOR MY ANTIBODIES.I AM TRYING TO FIND OUT IF I AM HYPO.I WILL FIND OUT IN A FEW DAYS.I AM HOPING THAT I'M NOT CRAZY ALL SO.I HOPE A MIRACLE HAPPENS FOR YOU SO THAT YOU CAN ORDER THE TEST.TAKE CARE OF YOUR SELF.TNT406
OK-I searched graves and came up with these tests but they are cost prohibitive for me :(
Thyroid Screenings
Thyroid Stimulating Immunoglobulin (TSI)
TRAb and TSI Combination Panel
Are these necessary or can I get enough info to take to my dr. with the Thyroglobulin Antibodies and Thyroid Peroxidase Antibodies test?
Thyroid Screenings
Thyroid Stimulating Immunoglobulin (TSI)
TRAb and TSI Combination Panel
Are these necessary or can I get enough info to take to my dr. with the Thyroglobulin Antibodies and Thyroid Peroxidase Antibodies test?
So if I take the Thyroglobulin Antibodies and Thyroid Peroxidase Antibodies test through Healthcheck that will detect any problems? I couldn't find the other tests you were talking about.
Thanks so much
Thanks so much
Elginx, Graves Disease people can be positive for Anti-Thyroglobulin ABs and Anti-ThroidPeroxidase ABs, but ones that are a little more specific to Grave's is the "Autoimmune Disease Virus Essay"(ADVA) and the "HIAP Antibodies". I may not have named these precisely but they would know EXACTLY what you are talking about if you request these in fact the company you go through will probably simply have them listed as "Graves Disease Antibodies Tests".
The above two tests, are to detect antibodies against certain viruses that cause Graves. The other two I first mentioned, might not be a bad idea either!
Good Luck.
The above two tests, are to detect antibodies against certain viruses that cause Graves. The other two I first mentioned, might not be a bad idea either!
Good Luck.
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