Trauma & stress effects of FT3 levels

[carla559]

After a very traumatic and hostile divorce and a surgery I crashed out with a nervous breakdown.
I am just wondering reading about T3 levels how that affects them?  It might add up that I got
wacked after a year of hostililty, money and fighting a marital battle.   Thanks for any input
on this.  

[Super_sally888]

Hi,

what are you T3 levels?

Actually should test FT3.  Low levels could contribute to lack of coping and poor ability to handle stress.

What are your TSH, FT3, FT4 and antibodies?  Any symptoms?

[remar]

From what I know, yes, a stressful event like divorce can effect your levels.
You need to have them checked and if they're off you may need a med adjustment.
I'm sorry to hear you've had such a bad year. Take care. Remar

[carla559]

FT3 levels were 2.1  L on test   range 2.3-4.2
First one in July was 200 came back out of range   230-420
THS 1.28 TF4 1.6
Muscle pain, in hips, TFL tendons and weak legs with burning, some pain
in arm especially left bicep area and wierd parathesias numbness especially
in right hand.  Fatigue especially during afternoon, memory problems.
Got MRI today for brain to rule out MS - nobody has tested any antibodies,
or RT3 test.  I had been on 50 MCGS of levo from first MD, 2nd MD took me off
of it after 2/1/2 weeks my hands were shaking.  He was trying to stimulate the
T4 to get my T3 level up.  I am now awaiting a endo appt. in Richmond, VA
who was recommended by a medical assistant I know that she takes her
daughter too.  It has been very frustrating   Feel like dragged out h------ at times.
Trying to get cancellation date for endo he is really booked.  thanks, Carla

[carla559]

Hi - had them checked out and the scores above are what I got back.
Thanks for reading my message,
Hopefully I can get this endo in Richmond, VA to help me out.
Have not had any extensive testing done at all.
These doctors still go by TSH & TF4 levels,
thanks,
Carla

[remar]

Your Frees are in the low range. I'm not surprised your having these symptoms because from your labs you are hypo. Starting you on 50 mcgs can make your hands shake and cause heart palps and anxiety for some people. He should have started you at 25 mcgs and checked your labs again in about six weeks. If your hands were shaking he could have backed your dose down to 25 mcgs but not just taken you off of them.
I hope this new Dr can help you too and listens to your symptoms. Demand that he check your FT3 and antibodies also. The antibodies test will tell if you have Hashi's.
I hope they have a cancellation and you can see the Dr soon. Take care. Remar

[Smilerdeb]

Why cant your local Doctor run the antibodies tests?
Mine did.
I never waited for the Endo to do it.
My antibodies were the first thing that was checked...even before my FT3 and FT4 levels.
All my Endo did was arrange the FNA< the RAIU and RAI.
My Doctor has treated me all along for everything else.
My Endo was fired after the 2nd visit.

[Barb135]

Deb - you are one of the lucky ones, to have gotten your doctor to do all these things for you.  I had a lot of trouble with my pcp also refusing to do testing that would have helped with the dx, so I, too had to wait until I got in to see an endo.  Fortunately, he listens and lets me do pretty much what I want, so long as I have a solid basis for what I'm asking.  

Carla has been having problems with her doctor not being willing to listen and go by her symptoms.  It's not that he CAN'T do the testing -- if I remember correctly, the problem is that he WON'T do it because he doesn't think there's anything wrong.  Right Carla??

[carla559]

you got that right, I am on my way out the door to see my pscyh. and ask him to
run RT3 and antibodies for me - he is my counselor also  and if I have to pay for it
so be it till I get to Richmond endo,
thanks,
Barb

[carla559]

Well just wanted to let you know that my psychiatrist ordered the antibodies and another
FT3 level.  He advised to wait for the endo to a RT3 , but at least he was cooperative
and listened he has been very good to work with.  I explained that I could not get any
cooperation from the other MD's and he went over my FT3 levels since he has copies
of my tests.  He wants to know things about the lab, because he agrees that some
MD's tend to catergorize women as all psychiatric, He suspects that I have something
other than just the anxiety and depression, and the thyroid levels maybe messing me
around.  The way they think in my clinic is medical/psychiartric - it's okay if you need
the psych meds but they want to know if you any other metabolic problem also.
A star for today and some cooperation......hope you had a good day, I'm looking
forward to feeling better.  It has been raining and moldy and my mold allergy is driving
me crazy. Virginia is a d------ humid and moldy place for sure.  Take care,
Carla