Blood test results

[Irene59]

My blood tests are:
Thyroglobulin antibodies 454 (<60)
Thyroid Peroxidase antibodies 11385 (<60)

My doctor has a very stong accent and I found it difficult to understand what he was saying - I just know that 454 and 11385 are very high numbers in comparison to <60

Please can some one explain in idiot proof terms that this means

Thanks

[Irene59]

Hye guys
Thanks for your prompt replies :)
I was diagnosed with SLE about 10 years ago when living in Mt Isa. (which made sense after quite a few medical issues, paralysed at 17 - possible stroke, meningitis at 19 hospitalised and isolated - treated with high doses of antibiotics. Lots and lots of menstral problems - possible endo.  Pre eclampsia with my first child - emergency caesarian, miscarriage of second child, very low blood pressure with third child, had operations to remove appendics, gall bladder - which was attached to bowel and hysterectomy. To mention just a few of my medical problems over the years.) I constantly had blood tests and was put on Plaquenil and steroids
Moved back to Melbourne 5 years ago, I had been monitored by my local GP until 2 years ago when the SLE went a little crazy and had to start seeing specialist at Royal Melbourne

Thats when I was told that I  have thryoud issues as well as SLE and Vitamin D deficiency. And was put on Tyroxine. They took me off the steroids as my weight was balooning out of control (136 kg and I am only 5'4")  I missed my last appointment before Christmas - bad memory I forgot and when I realised and rand to re book I was told that I needed another referral as my last one had expired. It has taken me sinse then to organise the refferal (me and my memory) now I am waiting again for the appointment.

I think I am my own worst enemy I ahd been on the Thyroxine and Plaquinel but I was so ill that I wasnt sure if it was the meds or the actual illness. The hospital and doctors just kept increasing the dose's of everything.

my symptons:
Weight gain, bloating, headaches, sore joints, insomnia, constantly tired even when I have slept, hair loss, bad memory - can be walking across the room and forget where I am going, dry skin, internal aches and pains, confusion, panic attacks, feeling of something stuck in my throat, will choke on small crumbs (avoid anything crumbed or seeded). red eye and pain in eye - feels like I have something in my eye and it will go bright red. Teeth cracking, nails are all ridged. Pins and needles in hands and feet. Sinus. And then there is the mood swings. Sores and ulcers in my mouth and sores on my scalp. Depression

Everything got worse and worse and the cost of the meds got higher and higher I stopped taking them  as I couldnt afford them still taking the vitamin D - now I have some of the above syptoms.

headaches - not as bad as they were or as often
Joint pain, insomnia - not as bad I just wake a couple of times during the night and then can generally get back to sleep. Internal aches and pains still there. memory loss - not as bad I can walk across a room :)
Still have mood swings but not as bad. Occasional sores on my scalp
I have even lost 8 kilos in weight

The blood test results that I have listed is the only ones that were done and is written up as it says on the paperwork

Yes the doctor is Indian, but I find it frustrating talking to doctors anyway as I dont understand half of what they are saying and then they dont like giving straight answers. It took 6 months for the specialist to confirm that I had to say that I had SLE - he kept telling me I had an autoimmune disease.  Then when I came to Melbourne, everytime I went to a doctor they either said that I did or didnt have and auto immune disease - i even had a doctor tell my that needed to see a dentist and that there was nothing else wronge with me that a good psyciatrist couldnt fix!!!

I am just so confused and dont know what to do, I dont want to go bac on the merry go round of doctors and constant blood tests and pills but I am guessing that I dont have much choice about it.

Sorry for the big whinge -

[redheadaussie]

Hi I am an Aussie too, and also live in Melbourne (Healesville), and I suspect you have an Indian/Sri Lankan doctor?
Your levels are indicative of Hashimoto's Disease. I have it too.
The numbers are not an indication of how 'bad' you are just that you have the disease. If it were under 60 you wouldn't have it.

Now, the thing is; you can have high numbers and feel ok. OR you can feel like crud. It is a highly individual thing.

I suggest you ask the receptionist for a copy of the results. By law here in the Land of Oz they have to give it to you.

  Did you have any reason to be tested in the first place?
Cheers

[Menchi]

Sounds like you have Hashimotos thyroiditis. Google it.

[Barb135]

Forgot to ask if you've had a thyroid ultrasound to check for nodules.

[Barb135]

Those tests are used to diagnose Hashimoto's Thyroiditis, and I'd say you have it.  Hashimoto's Thyroiditis is an autoimmune disease, in which the sees the thyroid as "foreign" and produces antibodies to destroy it.  At some point, your thyroid will no longer produce adequate hormones, and you will have to placed on thyroid replacement medication, if you aren't already on med.  

Have there been any other tests, to see what your actual thyroid hormone levels are?  These would be Free T3 and Free T4, along with TSH.  If you have results for these tests, please post them, along with the reference ranges from you lab report (ranges vary from lab to lab, so must come from your own report).  

In addition to the lab results, if you have them, also please let us know your current symptoms, as well as thyroid medication, if any.