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thiroid advice
Please can anyone help me, I have had a thyroid test dune 23/08/2013 and my results are as follows, TSH 3.62 (0.27-4.20) mU/L, Free T4 14.0 (12.0-22.0) pmol/L, Free T3 4.6 (3.9-6.8)pmol/L, Can anyone tell me what these results mean as I am very worried,
I have trouble breathing all the time lately, my chest feels tight all the time. Just the last few days my bra seems to be strangling me, and my tummy is so bloated. I have an inhaler , but it makes me cough. As for doctors, I have had enough of them so I will plod on and hope for the best. Once again barb135, THANK YOU
COMMUNITY LEADER
You're not bothering me.
Do you have trouble breathing all the time, or just when you exert yourself? I, too, was diagnosed with COPD back in 2009, because I had shortness of breath; I was prescribed Spireva inhaler to take daily. It helped at first, but then did nothing. Once my thyroid levels began to come up and get where I needed them, I stopped having the breathing trouble and because insurance didn't pay for the Spireva and it was very expensive, I stopped taking it and never looked back; because I had stopped smoking a full 2 yrs prior to the COPD dx. I rarely have trouble breathing, now and when I do, it's because I haven't buckled down and lost my excess weight.
Joint pain is also a common symptom of hypothyroidism. It never ceases to amaze me that doctors are all too willing to dole out prescriptions for pain pills, etc, but are so reluctant to prescribe even a trial dose of thyroid medication. How crazy is that?
If at all possible, I think you should try to look around and find a doctor that might listen to you.
Do you have trouble breathing all the time, or just when you exert yourself? I, too, was diagnosed with COPD back in 2009, because I had shortness of breath; I was prescribed Spireva inhaler to take daily. It helped at first, but then did nothing. Once my thyroid levels began to come up and get where I needed them, I stopped having the breathing trouble and because insurance didn't pay for the Spireva and it was very expensive, I stopped taking it and never looked back; because I had stopped smoking a full 2 yrs prior to the COPD dx. I rarely have trouble breathing, now and when I do, it's because I haven't buckled down and lost my excess weight.
Joint pain is also a common symptom of hypothyroidism. It never ceases to amaze me that doctors are all too willing to dole out prescriptions for pain pills, etc, but are so reluctant to prescribe even a trial dose of thyroid medication. How crazy is that?
If at all possible, I think you should try to look around and find a doctor that might listen to you.
Hi barb 135, My chest feels tight, and my breathing is very slow. Three years ago I was told six months to late that I had c.o.p.d, then I was told I did not have it, then I did, then I did not. If I lift anything a little to heavy, I feel like my body is inflamed, my knees joints, elbow joints and every other joint hurts unless I take pain killers and rub cream on, could this be due to my tummy bug?. When I go to doctors they wont even see me, and that's why I ask you. I have dune nothing but worry for three years and no one wants to know. I am sorry to have to bother you as you will have your own problems, but it dose help when you email me ,You talk more sence then my doctor. THANKYOU BARB135 ONCE AGAIN FOR LISTENING, GOD BLESS YOU AND YOUR FAMILY
COMMUNITY LEADER
You can go back and read my first post, but I'll tell you again, anyway.
I'm not really positive that you have a thyroid condition because your levels are, technically, all within the ranges; however, they are either too high (TSH) or too low (FT3/FT4)
According to new (10 yrs old) guidelines, your TSH is higher than it should be.
Your FT4 is too low in the range. Rule of thumb for FT4 is about mid range (50%); yours is only at 20%...
Also, your FT3 is only at 24% of its range, when it should really be in the upper half to upper third (50% - 67%) of its range... in other words it's too low.
In my opinion, you quite likely would be a candidate for thyroid replacement hormones, due to the low levels of FT3/FT4.
You really need to get tested for the thyroid antibodies I mentioned above.
I'm not sure if your "breathing problem" is thyroid related or not. Can you describe it?
I'm not really positive that you have a thyroid condition because your levels are, technically, all within the ranges; however, they are either too high (TSH) or too low (FT3/FT4)
According to new (10 yrs old) guidelines, your TSH is higher than it should be.
Your FT4 is too low in the range. Rule of thumb for FT4 is about mid range (50%); yours is only at 20%...
Also, your FT3 is only at 24% of its range, when it should really be in the upper half to upper third (50% - 67%) of its range... in other words it's too low.
In my opinion, you quite likely would be a candidate for thyroid replacement hormones, due to the low levels of FT3/FT4.
You really need to get tested for the thyroid antibodies I mentioned above.
I'm not sure if your "breathing problem" is thyroid related or not. Can you describe it?
Hi barb135, Could you tell me once again about my thyroid condition, that its not to high, or not to low. Its just to stop me worrying, as for three years my doctor just wont talk about it. I have gained lots of weight, and been on weight watchers diet for three years and still gained weight. Sorry for bothering you, but my mind thinks of nothing else. I went all the way to London for private test and feel that some things not wright, I have breathing problems, would that be part of my thyroid..Thanks barb135
Just want to thank you for your help, you are the only person who has listened and helped me. This has been going on for 3 years, and it has come to the point were I am worn out and sick of trying to get throw to the doctors. I will try once more for the tests (TPOab) and (TgAB) but know I am wasting my time. THANK YOU BARB135, you have been a great help x
COMMUNITY LEADER
Why were you taken off the thyroid med after only 1 month? It takes longer than that for them to stabilize in your body.
Weight gain, breathing issues and muscle/joint pain are definitely hypo symptoms, as is acid reflux, which I assume you have, since you take Lansoprazole, which is an acid reducer.
The breast tenderness could be caused by several things. I know, mine used to swell and be very sore, if I drank to much caffeine. I started mixing my coffee grounds with 1/2 defcaff and 1/2 regular; as soon as I did that, the breast tenderness went away.
If, at all possible, you should try to get the antibody tests done. You need Thyroid Peroxidase Antibodies (TPOab) and Thyroglobulin Antibodies (TgAB)... both are markers for Hashimoto's, so you need them both in order to get an accurate diagnosis. Some doctors will pay more attention if you can show them that you have Hashimoto's.
We do find that members in UK have a harder time getting adequate thyroid treatment, because of the NHS guidelines. Many have had to go private in order to get proper treatment.
Weight gain, breathing issues and muscle/joint pain are definitely hypo symptoms, as is acid reflux, which I assume you have, since you take Lansoprazole, which is an acid reducer.
The breast tenderness could be caused by several things. I know, mine used to swell and be very sore, if I drank to much caffeine. I started mixing my coffee grounds with 1/2 defcaff and 1/2 regular; as soon as I did that, the breast tenderness went away.
If, at all possible, you should try to get the antibody tests done. You need Thyroid Peroxidase Antibodies (TPOab) and Thyroglobulin Antibodies (TgAB)... both are markers for Hashimoto's, so you need them both in order to get an accurate diagnosis. Some doctors will pay more attention if you can show them that you have Hashimoto's.
We do find that members in UK have a harder time getting adequate thyroid treatment, because of the NHS guidelines. Many have had to go private in order to get proper treatment.
I have been tested 3 times for under active thyroid and told I am fine, not on any medication, I did get thyroid tablets for 1 month, then they took them off me. Never been tested for thyroid antibodies. I have gained lots of weight, my breasts are very sore and big, I have breathing problems and my legs hurt all the time. Can not get doctors to listen. The thyroid test I have just had dune was at a private hospital in London which I payed for myself, and I am unemployed. I do take a tablet for my tummy, which I have been on for 3 years,(lanzoporol), sorry for my spelling.
COMMUNITY LEADER
Not sure why you're so worried; your levels are all, actually, within the ranges. Have you been diagnosed with a thyroid condition? If so, which one?
Your TSH is high - your lab is using an old range; new (10 yrs ago) range is 0.3 - 3.0, so yours is over that range; however, your doctor will go by the lab range and may say you're fine, even if you don't feel fine.
Your FT4 is only at 20% of the range and your FT3 is only 24% of its range. Both may be too low in the ranges for you.
Are you on a thyroid replacement medication? If so, which one, what dosage, and for how long have you been on it?
Have you been tested for thyroid antibodies?
What, if any, symptoms do you have? Based on your labs, it looks like you might be a bit hypothyroid.
Your TSH is high - your lab is using an old range; new (10 yrs ago) range is 0.3 - 3.0, so yours is over that range; however, your doctor will go by the lab range and may say you're fine, even if you don't feel fine.
Your FT4 is only at 20% of the range and your FT3 is only 24% of its range. Both may be too low in the ranges for you.
Are you on a thyroid replacement medication? If so, which one, what dosage, and for how long have you been on it?
Have you been tested for thyroid antibodies?
What, if any, symptoms do you have? Based on your labs, it looks like you might be a bit hypothyroid.
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If you have Hashimoto's, you can rest assured that eventually, your TSH is going to get high enough and your FT levels will get low enough to get attention.
Do keep us posted on your progress.