TPO antibodies results worrisome

[2tired2bactive]

I was diagnosed 3 months ago with Thyroiditis (goiter). My TPO is 503 and TSH is 3.7.  I've been to the doctor again and I'm feeling worse instead of better.  I feel my immune system is really out of sorts.  As my glands in my neck remain swollen, there is pressure in my head from what appears to be sinus related, and my ears feel like I'm flying at high altitude continuously.  These things have got me concerned as my doctor didn't seem interested.  I'm contacting an ENT and taking the test results with me.  Can someone help me with  understanding the TPO and TSH results?  Has anyone experienced the problems I'm having?  I'm on 125 synthroid - how long does it take to feel a difference?  Thanks for any responses.  I feel kind of alone in this.

[GravesLady]

TSH of 3.7 I assume is within your Labs reference range. However if you are not feeling well I would ask doctor to up meds to the next dose and see if you feel better or worse.  Also would suggest to have the FT-4 and FT-3 done along with the TSH because they might be the problem and not your TSH.

.
TPOs are mainly associated with thyroid autoimmune disorders and with thyroid cancers. However, TPO Antibodies assay may occur in organ-specific autoimmune diseases, including pernicious anemia, Addison's disease, type I diabetes mellitus , polyglandular endocrine failure syndromes etc.  There is a tendency for individuals with higher autoantibody levels to be more susceptible to autoimmune hypothyroidism (Hashi), but low concentrations are also found in a significant percentage of the normal population.

TPOs will rise if you've had vaccines or are being exposed to something you're allergic to, such as eating gluten when you have gluten sensitivity

There are not really any lifestyle changes or therapies that can prevent or eliminate thyroid antibodies.  That is, nothing can be done about the antibodies for they are not curable nor treatable. Its the thyroid that is treated from the damages done by the TPOs.  So don't be too concerned with Antibodies, its the thyroid and levels to be concerned about.

GL
GRAVESDISEASEANDRAI/home.msnw

[KimberlyB]

I wonder if you might be able to help me to better understand what can be done about all of my symptoms. I believe I have (undiagnosed) Hashimoto's but have many symptoms of hyperthyroidism as well. If my thyroid and energy levels are going back and fourth, what kind of treatment can be given?
I alternate with hyper and hypo symptoms every few days...and it worsens with my menstrual cycle. Not to mention, I have had a tightness in my neck (thyroid region) for years, a feeling of pressure there, a feeling of mucous build-up in the left thyroid area, my voice is always hoarse, and I feel a strange pressure under my left collarbone, too.
Those symptoms are on top of the alternating high and low energy levels, muscle pain, mood changes, body temperature changes, insomnia alternating with exhaustion, muscle weakness, and more...
Thank you for explaining any tests I should ask for, and explaining any treatment that can be given to get me well. Are the Dr's just going to wait until my thyroid burns itself out or is there something that can be given to BALANCE me out??

Thank u so much for any help and advice u can offer to me!
Kimberly:)