Thyroid Labs back and concerned

[marreeves]

I am a 36 year old female and have lost 25 lbs in 2 month. My bp has gone from 110 / 69 to 143 / 92 and pulse from 75 sitting still to 115. I am now on Inderal and they gave me nitroglycerin for chest pains. My thyroid panel came back it showed the following: Thyroxine 16.4 High (limit 4.5 - 12.0); T3 uptake 37% Normal (24 - 39) ; Free Thyroxine Index 6.1 high (limits 1.2 - 4.9) Thyrotropin Receptor Ab, Serum 6.6 High (limits 0.0 - 1.0); TSH 0.013 Low (limits 0.35 - 5.5) The doctor did not see anything wrong and said to continue Inderal and referred me to an Endo. Is this a waste of money and both our times to go to the Endo doctor? Also, why would all the tests be out of wack if nothing is wrong?

[marreeves]

Thank you for the support and thoughtfulness of the responses. I appreciate it immensly. I have a friend at work that has had grave's and she states that she went through RAI treatment with no ill effects 2 years ago. Yes, she is on thyroid medication but she is doing well.

As for me, I am not sure RAI is the best option. I hate taking meds but I would rather do this than opt for the RAI or Surgery. I know surgery is more dangerous to the vocal cords, facial muscles etc, but I would rather have this than have my eyes popping out of my head. I am already having vision problems, spots, blurry, pressure, etc. If this is graves disease, I will be refusing RAI. Also, I am alergic to prednizone. This complicates the treatment for the eye condition.

Primary Dr increased my Inderal meds today,Put me on a dieretic and is scheduling me for a Stress Cardiolyte (sp) test.

Doctor, I think the site and service you are offering is great. Thank you so much for keeping us informed. I appreciate the work that you are doing.

[Mark Lupo, M.D.]

you are right regarding the 3 options for treatment, but very non-scientific about the descriptions.

I-131 is a very safe and effective treatment, if eye disease is a concern, prednisone can prevent an exacerbtation.  If dosed correctly, the long-term outcome is known within 6 months.

Anti-thyroid meds are about 30-45% effective in achieving remission after 12-18 months of therapy -- this is the first line of treatment, but not commonly the "cure" of Graves Disease.  

Surgery is a last resort and has potential complications that usually exceed those of the other options.

[marreeves]

Forgot to add, the count from the uptake after first three hours was 47% and then 24 hours later was 75%. The norm is 30% or lower? I had a scan done but the results haven't come back from this as of yet. I don't understand what they are looking at so heavily and then the doctor tells me nothing is wrong. It doesn't seem to make sense if nothing is wrong and these lab results are coming back all abnormal and he is insisting that I go to the Endo. Do I go? and if so, based on this, Should I be worried? I have had my BP spike up to 173/140 in the past week. He mentioned a possible biopsy as well.

[Mark Lupo, M.D.]

You have hyperthyroidism due to Graves Disease -- see the specialist.