TSH of 6.18, but not diagnosed?

[mscolie]

I just went to the doctor because of heart palpitations so she tested me for thyroid levels and iron. Iron levels are fine, but my TSH is 6.18, which, according to that lab, is only .18 above the normal range. I've been reading that the normal range for labs vary, this is really confusing because according to most labs i am very above normal and hypothyroid for sure. My doctor doesn't seem to think this is an issue and i have to wait until next month to get tested again. I've also been sick with bronchitis, sore throat, ect, lately, so she said that could be the cause of the high level.

I don't know though, my mom is hypothyroid. Other than the palpitations i'm not having any other symptoms, though, so i'm really happy about that. I just want to get diagnosed and treated before i start feeling the awful symptoms i keep hearing about!

[gimel]

What symptoms do you have, if any?  Is TSH the only thyroid test being done for you?

[cherylthomas]

I have no thyroid and take levothroxin at 88mcg and was tested again and my tush was tested at 6.18 is this bad

[gimel]

I agree with 6hashi about the need for additional testing.  You may have to insist on testing for FT3 and FT4, but make sure it happens by confirming that it is on the order form  when they are taking blood for the tests.  I also think you might get some useful info from my recent post to dlstump.  

[mscolie]

Yeah, i think she only checked TSH, but i'm not sure on all the details. She was in a hurry and didn't really give me too much attention. I guess i'll find out when i go in October!

I'm happy to know that i am not the only one who has at this problem, :). My mom won't really speak to me about it, even though she has the disease. It's really weird. I think i need a cousellor! Lol.

I'm lucky because as soon as i started getting the palps i went to the doctor, they were freaking me out too much. I still feel them daily, but i dont get any of the brain fog or low heart rate. It's all very weird.

[Lynn1988]

Your story sounds a bit like mine.  I started having palpitations and ignored them for a long time.  I'm athletic and "poo-poo'd" it off. They actually became much more frequent and some other symptoms started popping up QUICKLY ("brain fog",fatigue, very cold hands/feet, low heart rate)  I went to the ER and the only "abnormal" lab was my TSH of 6.3.  I was put on low dose levothyroxine and feel much better.  The palps are still there...but are less frequent and severe.  I'm going to try a Magnesium liquid supplement of 400mg/day to rid myself of those pesty PVC'S.  My resting heart rate is in the 60's now and it's good to have blood flow.  LOL!  I agree with 6hashi, you need to get a good overall thyroid workup .  My diagnosis was considered "subclinical" because my FT3,FT4 and antibody tests were all in the "normal" range, but if you read the panels discussions.."normal" is eroneous   Looking at the results...I'm actually on the low end of the spectrum, thus, causing my hypo sx's.  I'm glad to here you don't have other sx's, but it would be well worth it to get those other labs just for peace of mind!

Good Luck and God Bless You!

[6hashi]

Hello ,
In order for you to know whether it is hypothyroidism ,ask for the following tests :
TSH
FT4
FT3
Thyroglobulin Ab
TPOab

Which can indicate autoimmune disease and give a clearer image of the thyroid function !
In addition the reference range of the TSH in US is 0.3-3.0,however,I am not sure whether your lab uses the same units .

all the best !