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New here, question about antibodies
Hi, I found this site and was wondering if someone could help me out. I have hypothyroidism, but i stopped taking my medication for the last 2 years, because I thought i felt better on them. I just had a blood test and they called today to tell me my T3 and T4 were normal but my antibodies were 1700 and they should be less than 40. What could this mean? She wouldn't tell me, just said they were sending me to an endocrinologist. My appointment is not for a couple of weeks and now im worried. What are the antibodies. Is this really high? Thanks for any help...
hi CallyAnn - how do you feel? you didn't say! if you feel fairly well then - 2 weeks isn't long to wait for your Endo appointment and nothing dramatic is going to happen in that time I wouldn't think. If you feel particularly poorly and are worried ou can always go back and chat to your doctor. in the meantime
hypothyroidism can either be caused by antibodies or iodine deficiency. In the western world antibodies is the most common cause. Hashimotos disease is just the name of hypothyroidism caused by antibodies. it's very common. can affect some people more than others and some people are easier to treat than others / can take longer to find the right treatment and lifestyle regime for them.
I'm surprised you were on meds before and were able to come off, your doctor was probably surprised as well. As Deb says, once you're on replacement thyroid hormone medication it's typically for life. However, as with everything in life, there may be rare exceptions. I know two people who no longer take meds - go figure. Everyone is unique and sometimes unexpected things happen.
Really don't worry - I hope your specialist appointment goes well. You can always get second opinions if you dont agree with anything your told or given, It's your body.
I can certainly reassure you that lots of people have thyroid antibodies and it' needn't be a big problem, mine were about 2500 when measured and I went crazy trying to find out what that meant, in the end what I learned is that any antibody reading is "significant" in medical terms but it doesn't neccessarily mean you need any different treatment from what you were on before, it's great you're being referred and will probablby have other tests etc done. not everyone gets referred to a specialist, often they're just given thyroxine and can find it difficult to get further specialist help even though they might feel they need it.
another thing I've noticed with my hypothyroidism is it can make me get very upset about things, you might find the same, if so, be nice to yourself and try and get a bit of perspective on your worries.. it can all feel really scary I know (I've been there) but hopefully you will find all will be well. do talk to your docs about your questions and concerns when you see them. and there are lots of people on here happy to share our experiences.
sending a hug.
hypothyroidism can either be caused by antibodies or iodine deficiency. In the western world antibodies is the most common cause. Hashimotos disease is just the name of hypothyroidism caused by antibodies. it's very common. can affect some people more than others and some people are easier to treat than others / can take longer to find the right treatment and lifestyle regime for them.
I'm surprised you were on meds before and were able to come off, your doctor was probably surprised as well. As Deb says, once you're on replacement thyroid hormone medication it's typically for life. However, as with everything in life, there may be rare exceptions. I know two people who no longer take meds - go figure. Everyone is unique and sometimes unexpected things happen.
Really don't worry - I hope your specialist appointment goes well. You can always get second opinions if you dont agree with anything your told or given, It's your body.
I can certainly reassure you that lots of people have thyroid antibodies and it' needn't be a big problem, mine were about 2500 when measured and I went crazy trying to find out what that meant, in the end what I learned is that any antibody reading is "significant" in medical terms but it doesn't neccessarily mean you need any different treatment from what you were on before, it's great you're being referred and will probablby have other tests etc done. not everyone gets referred to a specialist, often they're just given thyroxine and can find it difficult to get further specialist help even though they might feel they need it.
another thing I've noticed with my hypothyroidism is it can make me get very upset about things, you might find the same, if so, be nice to yourself and try and get a bit of perspective on your worries.. it can all feel really scary I know (I've been there) but hopefully you will find all will be well. do talk to your docs about your questions and concerns when you see them. and there are lots of people on here happy to share our experiences.
sending a hug.
It means you have tested positive for Hashimotos Disease.
You will have this for life so most definately need medication to give your thyroid the thyroxin hormone it needs to allow the organs in your body to function.
You cannot die from this...it just means that you have antibodies that are/will attack your thyroid and will stop if from functioning normally.
A replacement hormone will do the trick to regulate your hormones of your thyrpid properly.
Your Doc was right in refferring you to an Endo.
You will have this for life so most definately need medication to give your thyroid the thyroxin hormone it needs to allow the organs in your body to function.
You cannot die from this...it just means that you have antibodies that are/will attack your thyroid and will stop if from functioning normally.
A replacement hormone will do the trick to regulate your hormones of your thyrpid properly.
Your Doc was right in refferring you to an Endo.
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