another lab values ?

[webcrystal]

I posted earlier about my son's test - this is about mine.... I am always cold (to the point of shivering sometimes), goosebumps, etc. (and other typical thyroid symptoms)...

My labs appear to be normal (other than vit-d which is pretty much always low).
TSH - has been. 1.88 and 2.55 (latest) ref: .45 to 4.5
t4 free - 1.3 and 1.1 ref: .8 - 1.8
t3 free 2.1 ref 2.3 - 4.2

[goolarra]

Don't give up...find another doctor.  You can interview them over the phone (most likely through a nurse) before making an appointment.  My endo is well aware that 5.5 is a ridiculous TSH limit, and my lab tests the same day as well (I always have results first thing next morning after the draw).  Don't let this doctor keep you and your son sick.

[webcrystal]

Thanks for the reply .. i saw my son's endo and asked about it.  He said he was all normal etc.  and I said his TSH has kept going up, etc. and how about the fact that some labs say 3.0 for the upper end (son's was 3.85) and he said that theirs was 5.50 because they always test the blood same day so it was ok their value was higher.

ugh.  I swear I give up! @#$@#

[goolarra]

If your current doctor won't do any testing, you might have to find a more enlightened one.  Don't let your doctor ignore your symptoms.  

Another alternative would be to order your own thyroid panel and antibody test online.  Online labs will send you to a local lab for the blood draw and then send the results to you directly with no doctor involved.  They are self pay.  FT3, FT4 and TSH were around $85 (altogether) last I looked, and I think they offer a panel that includes TPOab as well.  At least then, YOU would know what your thyroid is doing and with labs in hand could confront your doctor for treatment if necessary.

Healthcheckusa is one that has been recommended by other forum members, but there are lots of online labs to choose from.  If you need any help choosing a panel, I'll be happy to take a look at what you choose before you order it.  

[webcrystal]

Well I can ask them - as we all know it's hard to get them to test sometimes.  and I was told that he didn't think the "borderline" free T3 was any issue since the TSH and T4 were normal (although TSH is climbing). sigh.

As for my son - I'm not sure he's been tested for Hashi's - right now I'm just trying to get him re-assessed since his lethargy has continued and isn't normal - especially for an ADHD kid.

It's really frustrating as I think many of them think I'm there because I'm looking for an "out" on weight issues. argh! (no I'm tired, freezing and losing my hair! I know the weight is multifactorial sigh. - bangs head on desk).

[goolarra]

In the first set of labs, your FT4 was right where it should be at 50% of range.  By the second set, FT4 had dropped to 30% of range.  

FT3 was below range.

If that trend has continued, your FT4 could be very low by now.  I think it's time to retest FT3, FT4 and TSH (be sure they order all 3).

Does your son have Hashi's?  

[webcrystal]

The first ones were 11/2012 and the second 3/2014.  The free T3 was from the first ones in 2012.

My vit-d in 2012 was 18 not sure if it was checked again or not (it's not on my list).  I supplement but rather sporadically (I'm not really a regimented type person except for my BP meds).

Other symptoms: cold, dry skin, losing eyebrows (and lashes), dry and thinning hair  (no fam history of hair loss in anyone in family), obesity,  leg muscle cramps, consistently low body temp, fatigue (not relieved by CPAP either), irritable (although I have teens so it could be that ;) , family history boths sides of hypo's. I also have hyperinsulinemia.

[goolarra]

What are your other symptoms?

Are you supplementing D?  What is your level?  Vitamin D is necessary both for the synthesis of thyroid hormones in the thyroid and for the proper metabolism of thyroid hormones at the cellular level.

How long ago were the prior labs you posted?  If the FT3 from the prior set of labs or the current?