T3 values

[carla559]

I was taken of levothyroxine by new internist, he was afraid that I would go hyper.
My last studies were.............

TSH 1.28                  0.27-4.20  
T4  Free 1.6               0.9-1.8        
T3 Free 2.1                2.3-4.2
slightly lower
but MD seems
to think that this
is not out of line...........
changed MD's 50 MCGs that he gave me made my hands shake..
another MD noticed and said I was probably being over medicated.......
any ideas - they are close and I sure would not want to go hyperthyroid,
Thanks,
Carla
Derma Mag is okay - but I found it better for the foot soak Tamra...........    

[goolarra]

I'd try like crazy to get your doctor to give you a low dose of T3 on Tuesday.  A month IS a long time to wait to see the endo when you're feeling miserable.  It seems perfectly logical with your labs.  FT4 is high, so increasing that is not the answer.  However, you're either not converting or RT3 is high, and both are treated with T3.  You may have to be prepared to really impress upon him how bad you feel.  I think lots of doctors don't have a clue how to use T3 and know it.  In the meantime, be kind to yourself!  

[carla559]

Will see internist this Tuesday the 8th and ask him.  He might have been right to
pull me off levothyroxine, but he still does not think I am hypo.  
The endo appointment is in Oct 7th. in Richmond, VA  it takes that long to get in.
the last two days have been pretty rough.  The day before was alright then I
bombed out.  My legs are bothering me.  They feel weak again and achy.
That's the reason I asked about getting tests online.  The MDs look at you like
why bother?  There is somewhere I saw online a test for RT3- I plan on getting all the
tests I can.  All I had done was TSH FT4 and FT3.  I called my internest  office Friday
and told the girl I felt awful she asked the MD if I should come in sooner.  He did not
think it was necessary.  Will try and go out grocery shopping (small trip) later.
I wish I could remember the site I saw that profile with the RT3, etc.  It seemed like
a good one.   I would appreciate any help with getting a reference and I'll pay the $
if I have to. Also have trouble with sleeping thru the night.  I take Ativan which relaxes
me but the longer you take it the more you need.  This has been really rough I am divorced and have a challenged son who doesn't have a driver's license yet.   I like to be
in control and have my own tests if I could. thanks, Carla

[goolarra]

I'm not sure a T4 med is what you really need right now.  My guess is that your RT3 is high and that you will have to be on T3-only meds until that resolves itself.  Taking 25 mcg of levo will raise your FT4 and lower your TSH.

I don't know much about online labs.  I did use one once before I was diagnosed (a couple of years ago at this point...don't even know if they're still around).  There's one variety that sends you a kit, you supply the blood, send it back to them, and they send you the results (kind of cumbersome).  The other kind orders the bloodwork, which you get done at your local lab, and, once again, you get the results.  I'd go with the second kind if I had the choice.  I think it might be a bit more expensive, but it's a whole lot easier.

Are you just planning to get RT3?

[carla559]

Going to look online to find labs that you can order and do yourself. Any
suggestions?
Txs,
Carla

[carla559]

Just wrote to Smilerdeb,
wonder what would happen if I split my remaining levothryoxine pills to 25mcgs
The new internist took me off of them after about 2/1/2 weeks I noticed I had
stronger legs and not as much muscle discomfort.  Do you think that it would
hurt the TSH which is now1.28 and the T4 at 1.6?  I hate walking around feeling
this way.  I would not want to push them up too high..............thanks
Carla

[goolarra]

Subclinical is when your labs are within reference range, but you have symptoms of hypothyroidism.  That's good, it probably means he'll listen to your symptoms.  However, there's nothing subclinical about your FT3...it's below range and flat-out hypothyroid.  Best of luck with your new endo, and let us know how you make out.