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...........    

[Barb135]

Carla, *I* sent you a PM  with the web address.  Don't know about you, but it's easier for me if I can read the tests/prices off my screen......

[Smilerdeb]

Carla..I dont remember reading a message from you .......
Or maybe I got brain fog lol.

[carla559]

I got the 800# of ZRT, thanks anyhow will call up and see what I can get for
thyroid tests,
thanks,
Carla

[carla559]

Yes I would like it if you can, not to sound stupid direct me on how to PM
you so I can get the address,
thanks,
Carla

[Barb135]

I think you should most certainly push for a small dose of T3 med - it's fast acting and I'd guess would have you feeling better in a very short period of time - I know I sure got better in a hurry.  You do have to be careful with it though - I was on 10 mcg/day for a while, but started having very rapid heart beat and palps, so had to back off........

I don't know why doctors are so reluctant to give a script for T3 med, when it can help so many people.  And what puzzles me even more is that they are so reluctant to order the lab work that could make the difference between staying sick and getting well.  I had the same problem with my pcp, so was very fortunate when my ENT referred me to an endo, who pretty much gives me free rein with my meds, as long as I have a solid, valid reason for what I want.  

There is a lab called ZRT, who does all types of tests, including blood spot and saliva tests.  I just ordered a kit from them to test for vitamin D, DHEA, insulin and hemoglobin A1c, because my pcp refused to give me a lab order.  I am deficient in both vitamin D and DHEA.  I will be going to a new pcp soon and am hoping that he will be willing to follow up with more hormone testing, etc......

Anyway, the tests that I ordered cost about $200.  They do have a thyroid panel, which includes TSH, Free T3 and Free T4.  I also believe I remember seeing a test for RT3 as well.  I don't think I'm allowed to post the web address, but I think you can figure it out or you can PM me and I'll give it to you.  

Good luck and I hope you get the tests you need...

[carla559]

You bet I will...........It's no big deal for him to order the RT3, the cytomel well that
might be hard - I will wheedle and whine the right way just a little I feel like this might
be one of the fights of my life ha!!  My divorce was bad enough- that's probably why
my T3 is down.  Thanks for you moral support-I'll keep up with you,
Carla

[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.

[carla559]

Hey again - I know I ask a lot of questions but you are very nice and informative
about everything.  The endo that was recommended to me supposedly recognizes
subclinical readings I assume this means not "recipe" type text book ones.?
I had to get one in Richmond, VA about 50 miles from me that accepts my medicare ins.
ppo.  This has been tough year and I had no idea this would be so difficult to treat.
I mean my first FT3 came back stated on lab sheet "out of range" 200   230-420 limits
The 2nd one came back FT3 2.1    2.3-4.2 limits stated Low on lab sheet what is wrong
with the MD's?  I am walking around like a zombie sometimes and have the wierdest
aches and pains the come and go with fatigue.  thanks,
Carla

[carla559]

thanks!  Maybe you can tell me a little about yourself.......right now I am
battling the med profession.  

[ChitChatNine]

WELCOME!!!

[carla559]

Well I did it, yesterday I ran around alot in the car and did some errands and I am
paying for it today,  It is amazing one day you can feel ok and the next day ache
and be fatigued.  Wish me luck with my appt . Tuesday and I made another for next
month with an recommended endo in Richmond for a consultation.  I am really
frustrated and want to get some help soon.  thanks for being suppportive,

Carla

[gakat61]

Keep us informed on how your test turns out. I'll be letting you know how the med helps me out as time goes by.

By the way, I use to live in Hampton ...... took some classes at TNCC, and I took one class at the College of William and Mary. Lots to do there in that area! I do miss it.

Kathy

[carla559]

Thanks this is extremely helpful and I appreciate your support - It's difficult and time
consuming to find someone to try and help out in the Medical field.  I'm glad I
discovered this site.  You girls are great!  Thanks for all your help !
Carla

[carla559]

Appreciate your help will definitely tell him about the RT3 test.  The next step is
getting refferred to an endocrinologist.  The one we have here in Williamsburg is
high but she is supposed to be very good.  I can't imagine why a MD would not take
helpful suggestions, but I will find out.  Thanks for being good moral support I want
us all to feel better,
txs,
Carla

[gakat61]

I would have them give the test first. Your T3 is definitely low and adding a T3 med will more than likely be beneficial. Yes, you are on the lower end of normal for T4. T3 meds should be considered.

But I would insist that they perform the RT3 before you take any meds.

[goolarra]

Usually, T4 is given in a ratio of about four or five to one of T3.  However, that is not a hard and fast rule, and, you're right, everyone has to experiment for herself.

I agree that a reverse T3 test would be a good idea.  Often, if FT4 is high, FT3 is low, and RT3 is high, patients will be put on Cytomel only.  This usually gets the RT3 back into line.  I think this is what your doctor was alluding to when he said he wanted to "see if we can get your T4 to trick the T3 into making more
hormone".  However, he was a bit mixed up in how to go about that...he should have been using T3 meds and not T4.

I think gakat61's idea of RT3 test is excellent.

[carla559]

thanks so much for the info - you have been very helpful......went over to my MD's
office this am and made appt with him for next Tues. and wrote him a note about
a supplement for my T3.  I will be calling around for endocrinoligists also. Keep me
posted on your progress please  my goal is to get better and I need all the help I can
get.  The best to you,
Carla

[gakat61]

T4 Free            1.4                  0.8 - 1.8
TSH                 0.89                0.40 - 4.50
T3 Free            362                  230-420

T3, Reverse       36 (high)          11-32

All my other tests came back normal, but my doctor gave me the test based upon my symptoms.

I'm taking Liothyronine (generic for cytomel) .......
Thanks,
Kathy

[carla559]

What were your values and what is the name of your T3 supplement?
I would like to relate this to the MD for his FYI
txs,
Carla