Rising thyroglobulin antibodies

[vaujany]

I have just been retested after diagnosis of Hashimoto's four months ago.  Doctor at that time said no treatment necessary as I was not yet Hypo.  My  numbers ( which are from an Australian Lab) are :

January 2011
*   Antithyroid peroxidase (TPO)…………….139   IU/mL (<61)
*   Antithyroglobulin…………………………    77   IU/mL  (<61)

April 2011
*   Antithyroid peroxidase (TPO)…………….113   IU/mL (<61)
*   Antithyroglobulin…………………………   135  IU/mL  (<61)

CUMULATIVE THYROID FUNCTION TEST
             TSH (mU/L)     FT4 (pmol/L)   FT3 (pmol/L)  
             (0.40 - 4.00)     (10 - 20)     (3.5 - 6.5)

09/09/08         1.59                                      
22/04/09       1.37                                      
29/06/10         1.92                                      
05/07/10       2.10             12           4.4        
10/01/11         2.61             11            3.9
21/04/11          2.30                   12            4.8

I am still strongly symptomatic, fatigue, dry skin, loss of body hair, eyelashes etc.  Doctor says treatment not necessary until the TSH is out of range.

Can someone please tell me what the rising Thyroglobulin antibodies might mean? Do these numbers mean I am improving?

Thanks for your help

[goolarra]

You may well find that the symptoms you list in your second paragraph are all thyroid-related.  Most of us were amazed how many symptoms went away once thyroid levels were properly adjusted.

Some claim that selenium helps calm the autoimmune response.  That's never been proven in a large scale study of a heterogeneous population.  However, the enzyme that is responsible for the conversion of T4 to T3 is a selenium-based enzyme, so it is a very important element.  Just be sure to follow label directions since selenium can be toxic in high doses.

If they haven't already been run, you might ask your doctor to check your B12, D, iron, ferritin, and magnesium also since deficiencies of these are often a problem with hypothyroidism.

Best of luck with your new doctor...sounds like a winner.

  

[vaujany]

Thanks goolarra.  Yes, that is how I see it too. I am having to fly across the country to see her, but I think it will be worth it.

I also have problems with gluten, and have severe apnea ( treated with CPAP but not properly controlled)., and am treated for depression and anxiety.   From what I am reading it seems likely that I might have adrenal issues too. I sound like a bit of a basket case don't I?  I am not really, or I don't think that I am, but I am pretty tired all the time.

Also my family history includes late-onset insulin dependent brittle diabetic mother with gut issues, and also gut issues and Parkinson's  in my father.

From what I am reading my problems probably all coming down to auto-immune issues ( as it would appear my parents did too) and they are probably all connected.  

So I reckon I am lucky to have found a doctor who has a chance of understanding the interrelationship between all these issues, and who is not closed minded about adrenal fatigue.  In fact she says in her bio she never would have ended up with Addison's if someone had agreed to treat her when she first she had adrenal fatigue........... but her specialist then said it didn't exist. At least she has been there!

Meanwhile, whilst I wait for my appointment I have been scouring these pages and others for ideas, and have now started taking some supplements like fish oil and selenium.  It seems that might help, so I might as well get started.

Thanks for your interest.  I shall let you know how I go.

[goolarra]

That's great.  I'd take a doctor who has the same disease as me over an endo any day of the week.  How perfect can it get...it's like having a personal mechanic.  Best of luck.

[vaujany]

Thanks Lori.  I have now organised to see a new doctor.  She is a GP, but also has hashis and adrenal problems herself and seems up to date with research.  She is highly regarded by a number of her patients according to some reports on the internet.  Wish the appointment could be tomorrow!  Only a month to wait though, so there is light at the end of the tunnel, and she does prescribe armour etc.  So I just have to be patient a little longer.Thanks for taking an interest.

[Lori707]

I would say that's it's time to see a new Endocronologist!

[vaujany]

Thank you so much for such a quick response.  Yes, I agree.  It is a bit like Waiting for Godot. I have been really under par for a long time now.  I will start the hunt for a more up to date doctor. This board is fantastic. Thanks again.