Second Test in.

[spudmonkey]

Hi,

I'm a little confused about the ranges, since my blood test copy, never comes with any. Of course I feel like ****, and sleep the days away, I'm worried that my FT4 may be considered borderline, and based on that alone I wont get a dose increase, which I desperately need.

The Doc requested my FT3 to be tested, this time round, but the labs seemed to not have bothered. Docs asked to see me in a couple of days, and I'm not sure what to expect.

My two test are 3 months apart, I've been on 25 micrograms Levothyroxine and taking Ferrous Sulphate Tabs 200mg twice a day, for those 3 months. Based on the test below, do you think the Doc will think I'm borderline and just dismiss me for another 3 months, and keep me on the same low dose?

First Test:

TSH level = 13.8 mu/L
Serum Free T4 level = 11.8 pmol/L  
Serum Ferritin = 9 ug/L
Free T3 was not tested.

Second Test:

TSH level = 12.5 mu/L
Serum Free T4 level = 15.0 pmol/L
Serum Ferritin = 11 ug/L
Dr Requested FT3, did not recieve.

Thanks in advance

[spudmonkey]

Had my Doc appointment earlier, managed to get my levothyroxine doubled. I have to go back in 2 months for further blood test. I've also been told to take my Ferrous Sulphate 3 times a day instead of twice, Doc was a little concerned that my iron hasn't increased, could it be I'm not absorbing the iron? Is there a way to find out if it's an absorption problem?

[gimel]

Well, it used to be only TSH that was tested.  Now some doctors will also test for TT4 (a useless test),  Some also include directions to the lab to test FT4 if the TSH is high.  Very few test FT3 unless the patient requests, or sometimes insists.  They assume that T4 is being converted to T3 adequately.  Most times this is true, but why not check and make sure since it is so important.  Maybe it is a cost issue with the insurance companies; however, we've heard of some doctors that obstinately refuse to check it, even when the patient insists and is willing to pay.  It's very puzzling and worrisome how many patients are improperly diagnosed and  inadequately treated.

Our only ray of sunshine was a report from a member that an internist from Emory Univ. related to her that they were teaching the importance of FT3 and FT4, and that TSH was old hat.  We can only hope that this spreads quickly.  But it is not too encouraging when you consider that the AACE recommended that the reference range for TSH should be changed over 6 years ago and most labs and doctors seem to still be using the old range.  Go figure!!!!

[spudmonkey]

I should of had my FT3 result in today with the rest of my blood work, the Doc requested it, rang up the path lab to find out why it wasn't with the rest of my results , turns out they need the Doc to ask over the phone for FT3. So thats 3 months of waiting to finally get my FT3 tested down the drain.

Why does the Doc have to request over the phone for FT3?

Thanks for the link gimel.

[gimel]

You really need to know both FT4 and FT3, so make sure they do that.  Just because your FT4 is within the very broad range does not preclude the need for more meds.  The ranges should be considered as limits within which to adjust as necessary to alleviate symptoms.  Symptoms are all important.  Ou might get some benefit by reading this link.

http://www.hormonerestoration.com/Thyroid.html

[spudmonkey]

So my pharmacist keeps telling me, I'm worried my Doc has no intention of increasing my dose. Doc was reluctant to give me 25mcg in the first place, now that my FT4 has climb a little...

Just a tad worried.

[thelma201]

TSH is still way too high, you need an increase....25mcg is a very low dose!!!