Latest labs? still hyper?

[kidsnchicks]

12-28 (partial labs, ordered by gastro doc for other procedure)
TSH - 0.02 (0.40-4.50)
T4 (Thyroxine), Total - 8.8 (4.5-12.0)
Still taking Methimazole 5mg once a day.  I think I feel ok.  I've felt the same for some time.  I wake feeling tired, and toss & turn waking during the night for brief spells but there are no other real or consistent  signs (except hair loss).  Maybe this is ok for me?  Maybe I am in denial?  In August, doc suggested RAI.  I got him to wait this long.  It hasn't been two years since diagnoses.  Would like to maybe try a different med before something permanent.  What is your opinion? I'm thinking maybe the stress of the holidays aggravated my levels.  I can tell when that happens.  Should I have the anitbody levels re-checked?  Would that make a difference?

12-4-2010 - Methimazole increased to 5 mg/day
TSH - 0.01 (0.40-4.45)
T4 (Thyroxine), Total - 12.7 (4.5-12.5)
Free T4 Index (T7) - 3.7 (1.4-3.8)
T3 Uptake - 29 (22-35)

9-14-2010 - Methimazole increase to 2.5 alternating with 5mg/day
TSH - 0.03 (0.40-4.45)
T4 (Thyroxine), Total - 12.3 (4.5-12.5)
Free T4 Index (T7) - 4.1 (1.4-3.8)
T4, Free - 1.5 (0.8-1.8)
T3 Uptake - 33 (22-35)

8-31-2010 - On Methimazole 2.5 mg/day
TSH - 0.008
Thyroxine (T4) - 9.6 (4.5-12.0)
T3 Uptake - 30 (24-39)
Free Thyroxine Index - 2.9 (1.2-4.9)
T4, Free (Direct) - 1.44 (0.82-1.77)
Triiodothyronine (T3) - 162 (71-180)

[gimel]

Maybe you need to push your doctor a bit.  Insist on testing for FT3, along with FT4 and TSH.  Don't take no for an answer.  You are the customer.  

[kidsnchicks]

Yes, I have heard this many times.  I have even spoken with my doctor about it many times and no change.  

[gimel]

The first thing I would suggest is to get them to stop with the somewhat obsolete and almost useless tests for T3 uptake and total T4 and FT4 Index.  Waste of money.  You do need to be tested for free T3, along with free T4 and TSH.  The FT3 test is most important, because FT3 largely regulates metabolism and many other body functions.  Doctors like to think they don't need the FT3 test because they can estimate it from the FT4; however this assumes that T4 is being converted to T3 adequately, which is not always the case.  so just test and be sure, because it is so important.

Rechecking of the antibodies won't do anything for you really.  Your treatment should be based on how you are feeling (symptoms) and levels of FT3 and FT4.