New to forum

[rockies_girl]

Hello Everyone, I just had a new test done - TPO - and the results were off the charts...4091. Range is 0-34. If I am reading this correctly, it means I have Hashimoto's disease.  Does this test tell me anything else?

I've been hypo for 5 years now and am now on 325 mcg's of Synthroid (although have been taking the generic brand). TSH = 5.9, which is about the lowest if has been in years.

My symptoms are dry skin and nails, cold feet, racing heart at times, night sweats, head sweats (BAD!) and lots of weight gain 20 lbs in last 6 months but 50 lbs overweight in total.

Doc says next step is to bioposy the gland as she didn't like the nodule size.

[ifupleze]

Yeah, GravesLady!!!

[GravesLady]

These antibodies are present in a high proportion (70% to 90%) of people with chronic thyroiditis,  are also present in lesser numbers of people with other thyroid diseases Graves' and/or Hashi), other autoimmune disorders such as Sjögren syndrome, lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, and pernicious anemia. Also are seen in  people that show no evidence of thyroid disease. They do not provide an indication of whether a person has normal or abnormal thyroid function. Furthermore, some patients with Hashimoto's disease may have negative levels of circulating antibodies, and conversely, patients with positive levels of thyroid antibodies may never develop thyroid disease during their lifetime.

Antibodies are not curable nor treatable, nothing can be done about them. Its the damaged thyroid from the antibodies that are treatable, per TSH and both FTs.
Thyroid levels (TSH, FT-4 and FT-3) with Labs reference range would indicate more of what is going on with the thyroid.  Although the presence of antibodies predicts a slightly higher rate of progression to hypothyroidism, some studies suggest that a slightly higher TSH in the mid upper normal range of 10, might convey the same prognostic information.

There are specific antibodies to Graves' and/or Hashi that is a better indicator and should be used to verify autoimmune thyroid from what the TSH and FTs already relate.

Nodules do not present typical thyroid symptoms. I would look at trying to get your TSH more into Labs range between 1 and 2, and see if it corrects the symptom. If it doesn't, you might have to look at other health conditions as a possible culprit(s).

Good luck with the bioposy!

Happy New Year!  Good Luck and Best Wishes for 2008.

[ifupleze]

There is nothing that can be done about the Hashimoto's.  If I were you, I would get on the real synthroid as many  people will tell you that the fillers in the generics may not be consistent and could be why you are not getting good results for 5 years on 325mcgs.  It sounds like the doctor is right in getting biopsy on nodules.  I can't say since I do not have them.  Maybe someone else like GravesLady can help.  Try sending message to her.  Good luck