Elevated TPO, what can I expect?

[dlprn]

My mother has Hashimoto's thyroiditis.  Her endocrinologist suggested that I should have my antibodies tested.  I just received results of mylab work and have been referred to an endocrinologist.  While I am waiting to see him, I have so many questions and am trying to find something positive about this.  My labs, as follows:
T3-Uptake 34.4(29.4)norm 24.0-35.0
T4-5.46 (6.61) norm 5.2-12.5
TSH-2.15 (5.25)norm 0.40-4.00
TPO-5,828.1, norm 0.0-60.0
The numbers in parenthesis were from one year ago.  
My question is, over the last year I have had chronic problems with muscle tightness and cramps, joint pain and swelling and tendonitis. The symptoms seem to have worsened quite a bit over the last two months.  I also have a MVP and occasional arrhythmia related to that.  I have been having more tachycardia and feelings that my heart is beating forcefully.  Some of that comes with the hot flashes of menopause, but it sometimes occurs without the hot flashes, too.  With my TSH being within normal limits, is it still possible that the muscle and joint pain and/or the arrhythmia are related to the thyroid disorder?  If so, how much improvement can I expect with treatment and over how much time?
Can you also give me an idea on what treatment would be reasonable?

[csp375]

A related discussion, hashimoto's link to gluten intolerance/celiac was started.

[d.hall]

many thanks will give them a try.

[lazydog]

Hi.  Same antibodies as me!!  Had a quick look and doesn't look like anyone's spoken to you.  If you want to speak to people in same boat there are other very active sites...have a look at Yahoo Health Groups' - Natural Thyroid Hormone site.  People are very helpful and understanding.  Best.
...J

[d.hall]

Sorry to hijack the post,but i am sat in tears writing this as i feel so awful,all the usual,depression,coldness,no sex drive ,inability to lose weight,hair lose,tingling in hands and feet,i could go on.
Blood test have come back saying "tests suggests unlying autoimmune inflammatory process eg Graves and Hashimotos."
TSH is 3.2 so dr says all ok but has said to do t3 and t4 tests in a months time.
But my Anti throglobulin ab is 190,normal is under 60
My Anti throyiod peroxidase ab is 3500,normal is under 60.
Ive also had a scan that has found cysts and lesions up to 4cm on my liver and kidney and im a real mess waiting appointments to come through.Any help appreciated.
Tired to post a new questions but todays quota has been answered.

[Heather P]

So I am going through the whole Thyroid testing process because I found a lump in my neck 4 months ago. I had a biopsy and it showed lymph cells and said possible Hashimotos. At this time my TSH was 1.34. My endo als did my TPO and it was 75.5. I also had an u/s and it did indeed show a lump on my thyroid. I am suffering from fatigue, cant loose weight, always cold and have very heavy menstrual flow. Any ideas?

[momofboyz]

Hi all. I am new here and have a few question.
Lots of problems over the last six months. A swollen lymph node that they thought was lymphoma. Benign. Night sweats, low grade fevers, fatigue, pain in muscles and joints, depression, fingers and toes tingling and numb...the list really does go on.
My primary doc ran a cbc for sugery and tsh was 3.76 and checked for ra or lupus and tpo is 70.8 Doc refused to even refer me to endo or try a trial dose of synthroid.
Saw OBGYN yesterday for annual and talked them into blood work up. Although they didn't run all of them here goes.
TSh 3.00
T3  23.
t4  10.5
free t4 0.99
They didn't rereun the TPO or free t3
But said the doc would call me tomorrow
What do you think
My tsh moved from 3.76 to 3.00 which certainly doesn't help my case!
But the t3 is low
Tpo 70.8
what does this all mean?????
I am sorry for the long message. Just so tired! I feel bad. Don't know where to turn next.
Thank you in advance for your comments
God bless
Deena

[zaffo]

I'm wondering if I might have a thyroid problem.  My blood test (TSH)last November was 2.3.  One big annoying problem I have is a feeling of something in my throat.  I'm emotional, tired, and down-right don't feel like myself.  I'm on medication for acid reflex (doctors think that's the throat problem). I also have had a cough for over two years since I had an infection (sinus). I'm just wondering what is the correct number for TSH?  I'm going to my GYN in two weeks.  Also, would progesterone cream help?  I'm ready to try anything.  I'm 46 years old, but feel like I'm already falling apart.

[snake lady]

You really need to have your Free T3 and Free T4 done.  Be sure they do the "free".  Also they need to do both tests to get a correct reference. The TSH is such a poor diagnostic tool, it just cannot give a true picture.  Listen to your own body and yell and scream if the doctor doesn`t.  I don`t know how long it will take to get the doctors to acknowledge this.  The problem with diagnosing clinically is it is time consuming and they also like to be able to point at a number and say "see that`s normal" whether or not you are still miserable.  Dr. Broda Barnes said in his book Hypothyroidism the Unsuspected Illness that carpel tunnel and fibermialga would grow to epidemic proportions without Armour thyroid and he is RIGHT.  Sometimes you have to look out for yourself.  Good Luck.

[Mark Lupo, M.D.]

You have Hashimotos -- chronic inflammation of the thyroid which yields a 5%/year probability of developing overt hypothyroidism.  The TSH looks okay now but you may have mild (subclinical) thyroid failure given the TSH last year that is borderline at 5.25.  In these cases, it may be worth considering a trial of thyroid hormone to get the TSH to around 1.0.  However with the tachycardia, would need to be careful with adding thyroid hormone which may aggravate tachycardia (so if you start thyroid hormone, start low and slowly titrate upwards).