I lied to my dr to get an antibody test -but please help me to interpret it!

[Damask]

I went to a doctor a couple of months ago in another town and he said I needed further thyroid testing as I had a borderline TSH of 5.17. When home I asked my normal doctor for a further test, she told me it was unnecessary as I was in the normal range and refused further testing.As I was having symptoms I  was desperate, so I pretended my sister had a thyroid problems, and because I had read on this forum re the importance of antibody tests I asked for that too- which changed her mind!

Weirdly, as only about six weeks had passed this time my TSH was 3.4 (different laboratory)??? Now, my doctor says everything is all ok. Please could someone look at my test results and help me interpret it all? Why would my TSH change? I am not on any medication.

TSH         3.4
Free T4    12
Thyroid Peroxidase (TPO) Antibodies            509 IU/mL         (<50)
(Thyroid Microsmal)


It's such double dutch - and I could possibly be wrong re thyroid problems, but have a lot of the symptoms. Thank you so much for taking the time to have a look at the results!

[estrelinha]

Your TPO antibodies are positive, that means you have an autoimmune thyroid disease, probably Hashimoto. I have Hashi too, in April my TSH was 3.5 (I felt sick, tired couldn't do exercise), in June my TSH was 2.5 (felt OK), 1 week later I felt tired  and my TSH was 2.9. Now I feel normal and I don't know what is my TSH (missed the appointment), my thyroid is multinodular, heterogenous,  with a normal size (means thyroiditis), so my TSH didn't get higher (not hypo) and I don't have symptoms anymore, so no medication. I Need to do analyses every 4 weeks and ultrasound every 6 months (in my case). So you need to check your TSH levels periodicaly, they only medicate you if you have symptoms and/or  if your TSH gets higher..... That's Hashi...

[stella5349]

Too bad you had to lie and find out you do have an issue with your thyroid and is it autoimmune Hashimoto disease.

Well in my experience with this disease I must say a TSH is never stable until all the distruction of the gland is over - if it really ever is.

From what I read you never get over the autoimmune side of any illness only remission with medication.

I believe that is why your TSH test was up and down - the antibodies were kicking in and out and causing TSH instability.

So no medication for you per the doc right? At 3.5 he could of gave you a trial of thyroid medication to see if it would help you.

It sounds to me that if you had to lie to begin with - then it's time to move on and get someone you trust. Take the labs in and start over with someone else.

[Damask]

Thank you both so much for your replies! The doctor practice here only takes a TSH test  - and if it's in the range, despite symptoms no further testing is granted. I feel awful that I lied to get the antibody test done, but at least now know that I have a problem. I suppose now I just wait until more symtoms arise to get listened to. I get funny episodes in my life of hyperactivity and weight loss and other times of being fat, fatigued and tearful. I have always suspected a thyroid problem. Thank you very much for reading my report. I might need to find a doctor in another town!

[stella5349]

YOU DO NEED TO FIND ANOTHER DOCTOR. (PERIOD)