Endo Questions...with some history

[tireddeb]

Hi!  I am new to this and only hope that I am posting in the correct forum.  Six months ago I started having hives, finally saw an allergist on Jan 29.  At that point he ran a complete urticaria panel, which included some very in depth thyroid testing.  Yesterday I returned for my follow-up appointment. I have been diagnosed with Autoimmune Urticaria.  While all of my thyroid tests came back "normal" there was one that did not.  The one that is not normal is the last one listed:
T4:  8.8   Range:  5.0 -12.5
T3 Uptake: 29.3  Range: 22.5-37.0
Free Thyroxine Index:  2.6  Range: 0.350-5.500 (3rd Generation)
T3:  132.6   Range: 80.0-204.0
Thyroid Peroxidase (TP0) Ab:  32.5  Range:  0.0-60.0
Complement, Total, CH50:  61 Range: 31-66
Thyroglobulin:  5.7  Range: 1.31-31.8
Thyroglobulin Antibody:  0.6  Range:  0.0-14.4
TSI Quant:  1.2  Range:  <1.3  Not Detected
Thyrotropin Receptor Autoabs:  30 H  Limits: <10
    The thyroid microsomal antigen has been shown to be Thyroid Peroxidase (TPO). This assay detects anti-TPO  
    anti-bodies.

My allergist is referring me to an endocrinologist.  From everything that I have read, I have all the symptoms of Hashimoto's, but my allergist said the endo may not give me any meds for it.  

I would like to know the following:
1.  What type of questions should I ask the endo?
2.  What information do I need to take with me to the endo so that I may help in a definitive diagnosis of something.
3.  What types of tests may he possibly run?
4.  Anything else I need to know or do?  

I appreciate all your help, as I am totally in a state of confusion and depression.  I'm tired of being sick...some of the symptoms have been present for over a year.  

Deb

[tireddeb]

Thanks for responding!

Oh, I have copies...I made darn sure of that!  I've looked them over so many times I'm afraid they'll fall apart.  lol I finally got a response from my sister who is a Nurse Practitioner and she says that with the antibodies being Thyroid Peroxidase that it means Grave's.  Like I said, right now I am just confused.  I will be seeing the endo on March 23.  Does anyone else have any suggestions??

Thanks!
Debi

[laura1967]

Hi Deb- The most important thing to do is get copies of all those labs and have them in a file for yourself. I would also make copies and fax them or take them ahead of time to your new endo. That way they will already be in your new patient file at time of first appt. Some drs will even take time to review your records before you come in for first visit. Make sure that all your records are sent over to new dr ahead of time so you don't have to delay any further treatment time when you go.
He may also order an ultrasound of the thyroid which is a painless procedure and will show if you have any nodules.
Looks like you have a good start on bloodwork done. Good luck!