Hashimoto's

[dalen42]

I was diagnosed with Hashimoto's in 1984 & given radiation to finish my thyroid off. I have been doing well until about two years ago when all of the symptoms returned. I have gained 30 pounds & no weight loss programs I tried have helped. I do well for three days & then my body figures out that something is going on & shuts it down.
My endocrinologist had my antithyroglobulin AB done. The reference range is 0-40. Mine was 867. He didn't seem concerned about it at all & didn't even address it. I had to ask him about it then he said it was of no concern.
It is a concern to me because I am having difficulties I have never had before besides the weight issue. I don't know what to do. Any suggestions?

[goolarra]

If I were you, I'd try taking my T3 in the morning or half in the early morning and half late morning to early afternoon.  T3 has such a short half life that when you take it at night, you really waste the potential benefits.

I think it would be a good idea for you to write a list of your symptoms to take to your doctor so that you can really emphasize that you need an increase.

Good luck with your appointment, and please let us know how it goes.

[dalen42]

I'm seeing my doctor on Aug 27th & I'll see what he says. I have not been to a doctor who takes any suggestions from me seriously but I'll certainly try.
I take the FT3 at night along with my levo.
The endo I'm going to on the 27th is the one who diagnosed me & did the radiation. I haven't seen him for approx. 12 years as I moved out of state for a while.
Here's hoping!

[goolarra]

Both your FT3 and FT4 need work.  However, if you increase both at the same time, it's impossible to isolate the effects of one from the other.  

My suggestion would be to ask your doctor for an increase in levo to try to get your FT4 closer to 50% of range.  Once that's close to 50%, you can tweak your T3 meds if you need to to eliminate all symptoms.

Do you split your T3 dose into two half doses, one taken in the morning with your levo, the other late morning to early afternoon?  

[dalen42]

Levothyroxine  88 mcg

Liothyroxine sod 5 mcg

I gave the wrong range for tsh. It should have been 0.358 - 3.740

[goolarra]

Many of us find that FT4 has to be around 50% of range before symptoms are relieved.  Yours is at 32%, so you have plenty of room for improvement and for an increase.  

The rule of thumb for FT3 is upper half of range (50+%), and yours is 29%.

Both are much too low, as evidenced by the fact that you still have symptoms.  What thyroid meds are you currently taking?

[dalen42]

FT3 is 2.7   The range is 2.0 - 4.4

FT4 is 0.92   Range is 0.58 - 1.64

TSH is 3.202   Range is  0.358 - 1.740

[goolarra]

Please post your actual results, and we can help you interpret them.  Just being "in range" on tests is often not enough to relieve symptoms.  We have to be able to see where in the ranges you are.  Also, please post ranges with results.  They vary lab to lab and have to come from your own lab report.

I agree that the antibodies are irrelevant once your thyroid id dead.  I also agree that it sounds like you are undermedicated, but we can't say for sure without seeing actual numbers.

[dalen42]

My T3,T4 & TSH are all normal.

[Super_sally888]

What are your latest blood test results (and particularly FT3 and FT4) and the reference ranges?  

Seeing your thyroid is dead I don't think the antibodies are of any consequence.

But your symptoms could mean that you're under medicated and need an increase in thyroid meds.