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I have Lab Results does anyone understand them?
I am totally new here. I'm Canadian. For the first time ever I actually have actual Lab results to share. Usually our healthcare providers do not share this info with us. They will tell us what is wrong, prescribe meds but we never get actual results or see them. I was at my wits end with my health so at my own expense I recently hired a Naturopath and asked her to run a bunch of tests so we could get to the bottom of what was wrong with me. I knew my meds were not working. Well, we did not get off to a very good start. They did my bloodwork Jan 23rd. I have been getting sicker and sicker and trying to be patient, 2wks went by and I phoned and they said they had nothing and that I should be patient and they would call me. Then 4wks went by and I still hadn't heard anything so I sent an email. Course, my new Dr is away on holidays now. But my email prompted her office to look for my results and they found that they were indeed there and had been since Feb 4. I have all over muscle cramping so bad I can barely get dressed and its so painful. So I was not a very happy camper. Anyways the test results were then emailed to my Dr and then to me. They were quite apologetic.
Here they are: TSH 66.00 Free T3 1.50 FreeT4 <0.4 RT3 <9.0
Can anyone tell me what this means? I don't see new DR until Mar 2. She did phone me and said you need need to see a medical DR right away and get on a Combo T3/T4 Med. In my brain fog I did not instruct the clinic properly. I went to a walk in clinic and show them my test results and they say, why don't we give you some Synthroid. And I said No. I have been on that and Eltroxin and on NaturThroid and nothing works I want Cytomel isn't that a T3/T4 med? and they say yup and prescribe it to me. So I have this prescription filled and get home and I look it up and find out its only a T3 medication. But I'm thinking well, I've never done this one before ...so maybe it'll work. .25 mcg 2 times a day - I guess we will fix everything up when my Dr gets back but in the interim can anyone tell me how to read these test results? Do you think T3 alone can do something or do I need to add T4? Thanx so much! Connie
Here they are: TSH 66.00 Free T3 1.50 FreeT4 <0.4 RT3 <9.0
Can anyone tell me what this means? I don't see new DR until Mar 2. She did phone me and said you need need to see a medical DR right away and get on a Combo T3/T4 Med. In my brain fog I did not instruct the clinic properly. I went to a walk in clinic and show them my test results and they say, why don't we give you some Synthroid. And I said No. I have been on that and Eltroxin and on NaturThroid and nothing works I want Cytomel isn't that a T3/T4 med? and they say yup and prescribe it to me. So I have this prescription filled and get home and I look it up and find out its only a T3 medication. But I'm thinking well, I've never done this one before ...so maybe it'll work. .25 mcg 2 times a day - I guess we will fix everything up when my Dr gets back but in the interim can anyone tell me how to read these test results? Do you think T3 alone can do something or do I need to add T4? Thanx so much! Connie
Did they give you the ranges on your FT3, FT4 and RT3? These are specific to your lab and have to come from your lab report.
Yes - it said my TSH range should be 0.4 to 2.50 Mine 66.00
my Free T3 1.8 to 4.20 1.50
my Free T4 0.9 to 1.80 and <0.4
my RT3 9.0 to 35.0 <9.0
What do you think? Connie
my Free T3 1.8 to 4.20 1.50
my Free T4 0.9 to 1.80 and <0.4
my RT3 9.0 to 35.0 <9.0
What do you think? Connie
The high TSH and low Free's say that you are extremely Hypothyroid
You are not supposed to be on T3 medicine only
The T4 medicine didn't work for you because you were undertreated
This is a process that can take years to reach the exact dose you need
And you will not feel well untill you reach that dose exactly
That means 50mcg/week more or less and you remain symptomatic
You might also want to ask for anti TGab and anti TPOab to see if the cause is hashimoto
feel well,
You are not supposed to be on T3 medicine only
The T4 medicine didn't work for you because you were undertreated
This is a process that can take years to reach the exact dose you need
And you will not feel well untill you reach that dose exactly
That means 50mcg/week more or less and you remain symptomatic
You might also want to ask for anti TGab and anti TPOab to see if the cause is hashimoto
feel well,
You are less than two weeks away from seeing your doctor.
You are very hypothryoid. No wonder you're feeling so bad.
The dose of 25 mcg of T4 only med / day is ok to start with and you need to be taking it straight away. Your doctor can adjust meds / prescribe a different combo when she sees you.
Hang in there, it can take some time to get to feeling better but at least you will be on the way now.
You are very hypothryoid. No wonder you're feeling so bad.
The dose of 25 mcg of T4 only med / day is ok to start with and you need to be taking it straight away. Your doctor can adjust meds / prescribe a different combo when she sees you.
Hang in there, it can take some time to get to feeling better but at least you will be on the way now.
I think Conitchewa was saying that she's on .25 mcg of t3 (Cytomel) twice a day now and no t4 (Synthroid). ( Is that correct, Coni.?)
I would think that she she should be on both meds, Synthroid with the addition of Cytomel twice per day. Looking at her labs, both levels are extremly low and that TSH is way to high. NO wonder she hurts all over! Maybe she didn't do well before on Synthroid alone due to being under dosed? Maybe Synthroid alone at a higher dose would do the trick and get that t3 and t4 higher in their ranges? If not, I would add the cytomel to it, but I would not take the cytomel t3 alone without t4. (my daughters doctor thought about giving her a try with this "Wilson's Temp. Syndrome." approach, (time released t3) and I said no.) I think the body is suppose to utilize that deodinization process, so we shouldn't side step it- it's there for a reason! However, if we need to assist the body with the conversion process, then by all means, adding a little t3 to the t4 can help get that t3 level up if the body cannot do it with t4 alone. Of course, she will need to discuss these options with her doctor!
What is everyone elses thoughts on this?
I would think that she she should be on both meds, Synthroid with the addition of Cytomel twice per day. Looking at her labs, both levels are extremly low and that TSH is way to high. NO wonder she hurts all over! Maybe she didn't do well before on Synthroid alone due to being under dosed? Maybe Synthroid alone at a higher dose would do the trick and get that t3 and t4 higher in their ranges? If not, I would add the cytomel to it, but I would not take the cytomel t3 alone without t4. (my daughters doctor thought about giving her a try with this "Wilson's Temp. Syndrome." approach, (time released t3) and I said no.) I think the body is suppose to utilize that deodinization process, so we shouldn't side step it- it's there for a reason! However, if we need to assist the body with the conversion process, then by all means, adding a little t3 to the t4 can help get that t3 level up if the body cannot do it with t4 alone. Of course, she will need to discuss these options with her doctor!
What is everyone elses thoughts on this?
Yes Magpieannie, that is exactly what I meant. I have been on just T4 for many years. My last T4 med only I was on was 200. mcgs Eltroxin for several years and I felt like it was doing nothing at all, so about 8months ago I got my Dr, to switch me to Naturthroid 125. mcg apparently the uptake is different so the doseage was lowered and again, I felt like nothing was working. My body just started shutting down and I started putting on weight again, freezing, muscle cramping, hair & nails brittle, dry skin, insomnia . Now I have these lab results. Maybe I had a bad batch of meds of something. Oh I wish I had instructed the clinic properly and got a T4 and T3 combo. Luckily this is a short month, so its less than a week until I get into see my Dr who is on holidays. Our city is hosting the 2010 Winter Olympics right now so alot of locals that could afford to, have left.... I really appreciate everyone's input. Thank you so much.
You're right, Annie, she did say she's on 25 mcg Cytomel twice a day (I believe it's 25, not 0.25). If nothing else, starting someone initially on a T3-only meds is very unusual. However, it seems that her doctor ordered a combo T3/T4, but the clinic messed up and gave her Cytomel, telling her it was a T3/T4 combo, which we all know it is not.
I agree that she should be on both meds or T4 only. Her FT4 is so low that it's impossible to know at this point if she needs T3 meds or not. However, a little T3 at this point will help her to feel better if taken with T4 meds until the T4 has time to build to a reasonable level. I also agree with Annie that she probably was always undertreated, and that's why she thought the Synthroid, etc. didn't work. A higher dose of Synthroid (perhaps starting out low and building, depending on other health issues, etc.) should get both FT3 and FT4 higher in their ranges (if there's no conversion issue).
T3-only is the treatment for RT3 dominance, or Wilson's syndrome. The idea here is to shut down conversion completely, which also shuts down the production of RT3. This allows the RT3 to be purged from the body. It's a "temporary" treatment until the RT3/FT3 balance is restored.
Yes, there's always some merit in keeping things as close to "natural" as possible, including maintaining the deiodination process. However, with Wilson's that process has been corrupted...too much RT3 is being converted compared to FT3. Wilson's syndrome is actually not a thyroid condition (although it aften accompanies thyroid conditions); it's a failure to metabolize T4.
Anyway, after all that discussion of Wilson's, her FT3/RT3 balance looks "good", so I don't think that's a factor.
I agree that T3-only meds is not the way to go right now. That FT4 needs to come up, and Cytomel isn't going to do anything for it.
I agree that she should be on both meds or T4 only. Her FT4 is so low that it's impossible to know at this point if she needs T3 meds or not. However, a little T3 at this point will help her to feel better if taken with T4 meds until the T4 has time to build to a reasonable level. I also agree with Annie that she probably was always undertreated, and that's why she thought the Synthroid, etc. didn't work. A higher dose of Synthroid (perhaps starting out low and building, depending on other health issues, etc.) should get both FT3 and FT4 higher in their ranges (if there's no conversion issue).
T3-only is the treatment for RT3 dominance, or Wilson's syndrome. The idea here is to shut down conversion completely, which also shuts down the production of RT3. This allows the RT3 to be purged from the body. It's a "temporary" treatment until the RT3/FT3 balance is restored.
Yes, there's always some merit in keeping things as close to "natural" as possible, including maintaining the deiodination process. However, with Wilson's that process has been corrupted...too much RT3 is being converted compared to FT3. Wilson's syndrome is actually not a thyroid condition (although it aften accompanies thyroid conditions); it's a failure to metabolize T4.
Anyway, after all that discussion of Wilson's, her FT3/RT3 balance looks "good", so I don't think that's a factor.
I agree that T3-only meds is not the way to go right now. That FT4 needs to come up, and Cytomel isn't going to do anything for it.
My daughter was on 100 mcg. of Synthroid last year. At that time she weighed about 105 lbs. Her t4 was higher at this dose, however, her t3 was low (conversion issue). I switched her to Armour using the conversion table (2 grains) This was good for her blood wise and symptom wise for 3 or 4 months. Then we refilled and got the new reformulated Armour with more cellulose and less dexstrose. She did not do well with this, and within two weeks severe joint pain and fatigue set in with a drastic drop in t4 and a lower t3. So I then switchwed her to Nature-Throid also 2 grains, and she just diddnt come out of it well on that dose , so 3 weeks later I upped her to 2 &1/2 grains, waited a few weeks and ran labs. Better, but still not feeling the best and labs had room for improvement. I knew how good she was feeling, and where her labs needed to be to get there once again, based on her results on the "good" (before reformulation) Armour. So, we raised her another 1/2 a grain (3 grains total) and divide it by 3 doses spaced by 4 hour intervals. (1 grain at 7:00 am, 1 grain at 11:00 am and 1 grain at 3:00 pm) It took several months, but the joint and muscle pain went away and the fatigue vanished and her labs got back to high normal on T3 with her freet4 slightly above mid range (a little below freet4) and her TSH supressed to well under 1. She is not hyper in anyway, and her hypo. symptoms are a thing of the past! Keep in mind, if you have no gland or little or no thyroid function,that it does not take long for these severe hypo. symptoms to get a grip on your body that won't let go until you get the adequate amount of throid hormone that is available to the cells of the body. It can effect EVERYTHING! It's like running a car with 1/2 the oil. Not good on the old engine! So, more then likely, it was not the meds that were your issue, it was probably the amount (under- dosed) And since you wer never given copies of your labs before now, and since doctors are netorious for ignoring symptoms as long as you are somewhere in the "NORMAL" range, and since we know that these ranges are far to broad and must be specific for each persons unique needs (Optimal Range for me to be symptom free is the goal ....not Normal) So my guess, is that you needed slightly more Nature-Throid as my daughter did, and that before that, your dose of eltroxin was low, and before that the Synthroid! At least you have a doctor now that will give you copies of youir labs, so that will help. Maybe the t3 alone will help some, but I don't think that is your answer, (but see how you feel?) Since I have no "brain fog" and can think this through, I see your options as either getting back on the Naturethroid which has t3 and t4 in it (plus t2, t1, calcitonan and selinium) at a slightly higher divided dose. OR, get back on a synthetic t4 at a slighlly higher dose and wait and see if you need the t3 added after 6 to 8 weeks judging by the lab work (range of freet3 and freet4 and TSH) and elimination of symptoms. OR, you can take a slightly lower dose of t4 and add in the t3 with cytomel at a lower dose then you are on now divided 2 or 3 times per day. If you decide to keep with the desiccated, and Nature-Throid is not cutting it at a slightly higher dose, then, you can always try ERFA thyroid made there in Canada. Many here in the U.S. are on it now and doing well. They say it is much like the OLD "goood" Armour (Before reformulation). Of course you will need to discuss these options with your doctor and make a new plan. Remember, whatever is decided, results take time. Get a journal, and record your symptoms, basal body temp. etc. and get copies of those labs.You should see that TSH going down down down and the freet4 and freet3 getting higher in the normal range, and symptoms should gradually begin to release their grip. OPTIMAL & Consistency are your key words!
I too noticed that her reverse t3 looked fine, so no need to go with a t3 only drug here. If it was a mistake with the pharmacy thinking that Cytomel was a t3/t4 med, maybe she should call them and get the actual t3/t4 med. that the doctor prescribed. Unless the doctor does not know, and thinks that Cytomel is t3 and t4. Surely this is not the case!
Thanks you guys you are amazing. So knowledgeable. As this is the first time I have seen my lab results I am such a newbie at this but I will get up to speed! For some reason my regular dr. seemed to think that 200 was a super high amount of T4 to be taking and that anything more and I could have a heart attack. So he would not let me have anymore. I had upped my meds a long time ago from 100 to 200 behind his back and I had excellent results but then it all kind of petered out. I had promised not to do that again and to trust him. This is part of the reason I hired a new Dr at my own expense to run tests I could actually see for myself as I know I am not feeling right.
I have a friend who's dog is Hypothyroid and was taking the exact same medication as me. Her Vet keeps on upping her dogs doseage because he says he becomes immune to it and higher levels are needed. The dog also takes it several times a day unlike me who was taking mine once a day. It seems to work great for her dog who lost 60lbs and certainly has had me questioning if I needed a higher doseage myself. The vet was also factoring in the dogs weight when deciding correct doseage necessary. *Her dog is a Bull Mastif so he is really a big animal which is how he had a weight loss of 60lbs...he was well over 200lbs.
I have some Naturthroid left (125) I think it is from ERFA too. Maybe a weeks worth. Perhaps I will add it to the Cytomel I am now taking until I get in to see my new dr next week and get the proper doseages. So you do not think 125 is a high doseage then? Perhaps this was my problem all along.
I can say since I started the Cytomel 4 days ago, I am sleeping better. I still have muscle cramps just not for as long or as often, my body corp temperature seems to be rising I am not freezing all the time and my inner ears that have been so itchy for about 2yrs feel normal.
I have a friend who's dog is Hypothyroid and was taking the exact same medication as me. Her Vet keeps on upping her dogs doseage because he says he becomes immune to it and higher levels are needed. The dog also takes it several times a day unlike me who was taking mine once a day. It seems to work great for her dog who lost 60lbs and certainly has had me questioning if I needed a higher doseage myself. The vet was also factoring in the dogs weight when deciding correct doseage necessary. *Her dog is a Bull Mastif so he is really a big animal which is how he had a weight loss of 60lbs...he was well over 200lbs.
I have some Naturthroid left (125) I think it is from ERFA too. Maybe a weeks worth. Perhaps I will add it to the Cytomel I am now taking until I get in to see my new dr next week and get the proper doseages. So you do not think 125 is a high doseage then? Perhaps this was my problem all along.
I can say since I started the Cytomel 4 days ago, I am sleeping better. I still have muscle cramps just not for as long or as often, my body corp temperature seems to be rising I am not freezing all the time and my inner ears that have been so itchy for about 2yrs feel normal.
Oh and I do keep a Health & Wellness calendar. You're right it is a great thing to have I find it really uselful in monitoring my symptoms. I've also found when it's time to go to the Dr's office I am armed with information that I can't forget to tell them because I can simply show them. Best, Connie
I think I'd wait to see the doctor next week before adding any meds to the mix on my own.. If you are having some improvements with the t3, then maybe this is a sign that this is what you've been lacking, or needing more of. When was the last t4 pill and was it Synthetic. It will stay in your system for a while as it has a longer half life. If Naturethroid was the last med you were on before this, it has a shorter half life as it is also t3 which burns off quicker. Since you will see your doctor in a week, I think I'd hold off adding in any meds on your own. I don't know alot about Cytomel, however, that seems like a pretty hefty dose (what did you say it was?) And since Nature-Throid has t3 in also, that could put you over the limit! T3 is pretty potent stuff, and I do know it is usually added in slowly and the t4 med is usually decreased some when the Cytomel is added. So hang in there and wait on your doctor okay. You could call the pharmacy and talk to them about it and make sure they read the script correctly though. That's great that you already keep a journal. Keep it up and now you can begin adding your lab slips to it. When you can get a good visual of how those labs and symptoms or lack there of, correlate, that is when you will begin to realize what your optimal range and med and dosage should be. It takes time and persistence, but it will pay off.
K...Annie, yes you're right I don't have long to wait...just til Tuesday...and then we can straighten this all out. There is no point playing around with the meds any further at this point....I was just a little worried by the comments that I shouldn't be on a T3 treatment only. I can see how the Naturthroid with the T1, 2, 3, & 4 could put me over the edge with the level Cytomel I'm already taking. And like you said I do seem to feel a bit better, a bit brighter a little more alert, but I was feeling so badly that this could simply be a placebo effect. The pharmacy was actually much more helpful than the Clinic was when I was there. They actually took notice that the new medication had different levels than what I was usualy prescribed and they had the prescription changed from once a day to two times a day so my prescription would last longer and my excess medical insurer would not think I was misuing my medication too. Which was very good of them. Thanks for the great advise. I will continue to build my health portfolio and with each lab done I will have a better picture of where I am. Its just so hard to take baby steps after all these years. lol Connie
I couldn't agree with both of you more...it's not worth self-medicating until next Tuesday. The T3 will help you to feel better...I doubt it's a placebo effect. T3, by itself, is just a bit difficult to manage since you have to split the dose and take it several times a day, and there are still apt to be peaks and valleys due to it's short life in your body. But, it does work much faster than T4 since you don't have to build up levels in your body. It should make you feel much better until your appointment. Baby steps will get you there..sometimes those giant steps just take you right off the end of the earth...and that ain't pretty. Best of luck when you see your doctor.
It's just a process of elimination and tweeking that we must all go through. There is no reason for people with thyroid issues to have to accept feeling poorly for the rest of their lives. Don't forget to get the book on Amazon.com- Overcoming Thyroid Disorders by Dr. David Brownstein. I think it was about $18.00. It was recommended by my pharmacist. He considers him as one of the "top authorities on thyroid". It was an easy read, and right on! I love my pharmacist. Without him, I would still be wandering in the dark while my daughter got sicker and sicker! Having a direction and a plan to get there, makes all the difference. I hope you are enjoying Med Help. The people I have met here on this forum are top notch and never condescending or lecturing. Many here have helped me in the past, so I try to give back as my understanding grows. It's a journey we are all on together. So why not lend a hand when you can. I could sense your frustration on the other forum, and have too felt this when I am rarely on there. Someone else I know was also commenting to me not to long ago about how rude that particular moderater was on that forum site. When we are feeling bad and are in need of help, we don't need to be fed a bunch of politically correct medical BS. Many of us get enough of that with our Endos. already! That's what I love about this site- members just "cut to the chase" and are really concerned about helping you figure out your particular issue so that you can get going in a direction that will lead to better health and understanding. I am waiting on a phone call from my friend Stella. She may chime in later with advice. She is absolutely the greatest!
Holy Cow - I can see why Annie contacted me... and may I say Connie - everyone here that posted on this is dead right... I can only support their thought and say you should not be on T3 Cytomel alone... Here are a few thoughts I have.. Let's repost your labs below.
Yes - it said my TSH range should be 0.4 to 2.50 Mine 66.00
my Free T3 1.8 to 4.20 1.50
my Free T4 0.9 to 1.80 and <0.4
my RT3 9.0 to 35.0 <9.0
I might have missed it but I am not sure exactly what med you were on when these labs were taken with what med? Can I assume this was tested when you were on the 125 Naturethroid?
and that's odd by the way - you are in Canada - so really the proper treatment ( which is GREAT desiccated T3/T4 combo canadian med would be ERFA thyroid!) Why are you on an American desiccated thyroid product ( Naturethroid) when you have superior thyroid in Canada?
goolaara? - that T3 is bottoming out on her on top of the T4 - In my thought she really was on the right track with the combo med - only if the 200mcg T4 was the script the 125 mg NT was WAY low and then to be lowered even yet due to an "uptake" ( whatever that is coming from) regardless dropping her lower in meds would bottom her out more. I don't think she has any RT3 issues at all either. This treatment of T3 meds only on her based off these labs is outrageous!! - I have a thought for you on that too Connie - that will come later here.
Connie - to a degree I have to agree with your doctor on the huge amount of T4 you were on as 200mcg.. that is high and yes in some cases - heart issue could be a worry - BUT and a BID BUT - if you aren't tested with the right labs to determine where your conversion is then it virtually impossible to really now what you need in - and what's coming out of anything. Some people CAN handle that 200mcg and do fine.. and then some can't - most can't even with no thyroid functioning at all ... ( surgery - or ablation or just quit I suppose too.) Weight factors do play roles in dosages here to some degree. I feel you certainly would ahve to be HUGE to even metobolize that amount of T4 and feel well. You say = "I had upped my meds a long time ago from 100 to 200 behind his back and I had excellent results but then it all kind of petered out." and honey - that is WAY common for many when T4 is not enough, but you upping a double dose was not right either and you really put yourself at risk... Don't do that again OK? :) The vet's therapy is good. sorry but the vet knows thyroid better than it seems your T4 doctor did... Right now I would stick to the Naturepath's advice and if you have your combo meds still at hand do this..
Stop that Cytomel. the sooner the better and go back on the Naturethroid as you were prescribed tomorrow with your doctors treatment... Take the 125mgs as you were told - Now you see the doctor next week right?? Tell me that as confirmation first before I go further in thought.
I hate to be a devil's advocant here on you all and on the staying with the T3 until her appointment - BUT HER doctor did NOT prescribe this treatment. A bunch of walk in clinic doctors did ( and said IT was a T3/T4 combo originally when prescribed- which we all know it's NOT) - they didn't pull their own tests to determine anything either - so really NO one knows where she was really at at all since those late January labs she posted with her Naturepath doctor prescribing the T3/T4 combo med...
I believe IF the Naturepath is a GOOD damn doctor and seeing those results based of that prescibed LOW dose of NT - he would immediately of raised that med ( especially with her bottomed out T4 lab) and probably - if a wise doctor - instruct her to increase every 2 weeks with desiccated as it is intended by 1/4 grains - retest in 4 weeks and keep attempting until she stabilized in symptoms and Free T testing.
This Connie - is the most horrific story I have ever heard with abuse and ignorance as those clinic doctors were with you. I am appauld at their tactic and it's damn lucky your heart is able to take 50 ( and READ that AGAIN .50!!! mcg) - DEAR LORD- T3 medication - WITH knowing you were already on a T3/T4 combo natural medication...
STUPID... is the only word for this treatment and I wouldn't pay a dime for what you got at that clinic ever - EVER - forever!
If you "really" really feel you would not be able to just return to the 125mgs as you were told - until Tuesday.. - then I suggest increasing that to 155mgs and no more until you test w/ doctor Tuesday. Logically you could handle that since you were on a huge T3 amount - and you can call that "clinic" to ask them about this... I am SURE they will agree to upping T3/T4 and eliminating the T3 all together . I can only hope!
Who knows where you are at now T3 wise.... you have no labs since starting this... so better safe than sorry.... T3 is very short lived - hopefully you have standard T3 and NOT time release.... so if it's standard then it will expel out within 8 hrs... after its gone your NT will pick up the slack - but seriously with the trend of awful treatment you seem to write about - this will take some work to put you back together right.
Pray for adrenals being strong here all - this could add in even more troubles if they are weak too.
Yes - it said my TSH range should be 0.4 to 2.50 Mine 66.00
my Free T3 1.8 to 4.20 1.50
my Free T4 0.9 to 1.80 and <0.4
my RT3 9.0 to 35.0 <9.0
I might have missed it but I am not sure exactly what med you were on when these labs were taken with what med? Can I assume this was tested when you were on the 125 Naturethroid?
and that's odd by the way - you are in Canada - so really the proper treatment ( which is GREAT desiccated T3/T4 combo canadian med would be ERFA thyroid!) Why are you on an American desiccated thyroid product ( Naturethroid) when you have superior thyroid in Canada?
goolaara? - that T3 is bottoming out on her on top of the T4 - In my thought she really was on the right track with the combo med - only if the 200mcg T4 was the script the 125 mg NT was WAY low and then to be lowered even yet due to an "uptake" ( whatever that is coming from) regardless dropping her lower in meds would bottom her out more. I don't think she has any RT3 issues at all either. This treatment of T3 meds only on her based off these labs is outrageous!! - I have a thought for you on that too Connie - that will come later here.
Connie - to a degree I have to agree with your doctor on the huge amount of T4 you were on as 200mcg.. that is high and yes in some cases - heart issue could be a worry - BUT and a BID BUT - if you aren't tested with the right labs to determine where your conversion is then it virtually impossible to really now what you need in - and what's coming out of anything. Some people CAN handle that 200mcg and do fine.. and then some can't - most can't even with no thyroid functioning at all ... ( surgery - or ablation or just quit I suppose too.) Weight factors do play roles in dosages here to some degree. I feel you certainly would ahve to be HUGE to even metobolize that amount of T4 and feel well. You say = "I had upped my meds a long time ago from 100 to 200 behind his back and I had excellent results but then it all kind of petered out." and honey - that is WAY common for many when T4 is not enough, but you upping a double dose was not right either and you really put yourself at risk... Don't do that again OK? :) The vet's therapy is good. sorry but the vet knows thyroid better than it seems your T4 doctor did... Right now I would stick to the Naturepath's advice and if you have your combo meds still at hand do this..
Stop that Cytomel. the sooner the better and go back on the Naturethroid as you were prescribed tomorrow with your doctors treatment... Take the 125mgs as you were told - Now you see the doctor next week right?? Tell me that as confirmation first before I go further in thought.
I hate to be a devil's advocant here on you all and on the staying with the T3 until her appointment - BUT HER doctor did NOT prescribe this treatment. A bunch of walk in clinic doctors did ( and said IT was a T3/T4 combo originally when prescribed- which we all know it's NOT) - they didn't pull their own tests to determine anything either - so really NO one knows where she was really at at all since those late January labs she posted with her Naturepath doctor prescribing the T3/T4 combo med...
I believe IF the Naturepath is a GOOD damn doctor and seeing those results based of that prescibed LOW dose of NT - he would immediately of raised that med ( especially with her bottomed out T4 lab) and probably - if a wise doctor - instruct her to increase every 2 weeks with desiccated as it is intended by 1/4 grains - retest in 4 weeks and keep attempting until she stabilized in symptoms and Free T testing.
This Connie - is the most horrific story I have ever heard with abuse and ignorance as those clinic doctors were with you. I am appauld at their tactic and it's damn lucky your heart is able to take 50 ( and READ that AGAIN .50!!! mcg) - DEAR LORD- T3 medication - WITH knowing you were already on a T3/T4 combo natural medication...
STUPID... is the only word for this treatment and I wouldn't pay a dime for what you got at that clinic ever - EVER - forever!
If you "really" really feel you would not be able to just return to the 125mgs as you were told - until Tuesday.. - then I suggest increasing that to 155mgs and no more until you test w/ doctor Tuesday. Logically you could handle that since you were on a huge T3 amount - and you can call that "clinic" to ask them about this... I am SURE they will agree to upping T3/T4 and eliminating the T3 all together . I can only hope!
Who knows where you are at now T3 wise.... you have no labs since starting this... so better safe than sorry.... T3 is very short lived - hopefully you have standard T3 and NOT time release.... so if it's standard then it will expel out within 8 hrs... after its gone your NT will pick up the slack - but seriously with the trend of awful treatment you seem to write about - this will take some work to put you back together right.
Pray for adrenals being strong here all - this could add in even more troubles if they are weak too.
...... maybe this as I thought too... staying on the T3/T4 combo med as prescribed... (the 125mgs NT) and getting a T4 med in addition - somewhere around the .25 or .50 mcg would be better to call that clinic on and get ASAP w/ this clinic then just doing the desiccated alone... and upping that....
That sounds better to me to call and suggest with this clinic until the doctor is back on Tuesday right?
either - way - taboo on the T3 ALONE - this is not for you at all.
That sounds better to me to call and suggest with this clinic until the doctor is back on Tuesday right?
either - way - taboo on the T3 ALONE - this is not for you at all.
Hi Stella -
Thanks for looking into my labs for me. You should know that I have been on NO meds at all since December 1st, 2009.
I made it my goal to get well in 2010 and thats why I hired this Naturopath. I just wanted to start fresh again. Unfotunately, It took some time to get in to see her. So when that bloodwork was taken Jan 23 2010 thats all me on NO medication. So right now at this moment, I am only taking Cytomel T3 25mcg 2x a day. So do not worry that I am on alot of meds. By the time I received those lab results on Feb 19th, I could barely move a muscle I was cramping so badly, getting dressed was becoming very difficult and I was just an emotional wreck to boot all I could do was cry from pain and depression. I don't think they are going to hurt me for a few days. I actually feel a little better. I am no longer constipated, cold, foggy or depressed and I am sleeping well for the first time in months. You have no idea how much better that makes me feel!
I stopped the Naturthroid 125 back in Dec because I felt horrid, suddenly I put on 20lbs almost overnight and I hadn't had my period in Oct OR Nov. Since I felt my meds were not working at all and hadn't in some time I didn't think it would hurt to stop. I know this is totally wrong thinking. It had felt like it had been over a year since my meds had worked at all. My Doctor was trying to help by sending me to specialists but they were no help either. As soon as I went off the meds, I got my period. So I have had a normal cycle again ever since which is good news. Like most Thyroid sufferers, I do have some other health issues. For example, last year after an Ultrasound, I was also diagnosed with a polyp on my cervix and fibroid tumours on the outside wall of my uterous. My Dr. sent me to a gyno specialist and his exact words to me were, I was not 20 any more I was probably peri menopausal and to get over myself. This did not please me at all. But what could I do. I was further told my condition was most likely caused by excessive estrogen and because I was so old, my estrogen levels should be dropping on their own so there was no need to do anything further about it. I was having other hormone issues, sugar cravings, bad breakouts on my neck, my attitude was awful I could become very angry at the drop of a button, my periods were sporadic. Which was why I sought help in the first place. But I was told I did not need any hormone therapy. This was in August last year. So you see after 15yrs of battle by December I was simply fed up. Plus I never see any of my test results I have to rely on the Dr. to tell me and I don't feel like I am seeing the whole picture. In fact, I would not even know about the polyp or the fibroid tumours of the Untrasound Technician had not told me herself. I have also been treated for Cervical Cancer about 15yrs ago just before I was diagnosed Hypothyroid. But I still have everything....nothing was ever removed except for the cancer cells. I am 44, married, no kids.
My new naturopath ordered a Saliva Adrenal/Cortisol test on me as well. And she is checking for glucose, gluten, & lactose intolerances too. We will review those results on March 2. I am also presently in the middle of doing a Female Hormone Saliva Test over 28days. Those results will go to the Lab Mar 15th.
I know not to mess with my medications, I did the one time and quite honestly, that was the best thing I ever did, it was the only time I ever felt and looked great thru this whole thing. I was able to maintain a healthy weight for about 4yrs after that. Then last year I totally fell apart again. Many tests were run but nothing was changed.
Unfortunately I have gotten off to a bit of a bad start with the Naturopath with them trying to move appts further ahead on me, then losing my test results, but I have paid for all these tests and I will follow this thru even if I have to take all these results to someone else. I am really trying to get a full picture of my health and get better at my own expense because it is so important to me.
I really appreciate you taking the time to look at my results. Warmest regards, Connie
Thanks for looking into my labs for me. You should know that I have been on NO meds at all since December 1st, 2009.
I made it my goal to get well in 2010 and thats why I hired this Naturopath. I just wanted to start fresh again. Unfotunately, It took some time to get in to see her. So when that bloodwork was taken Jan 23 2010 thats all me on NO medication. So right now at this moment, I am only taking Cytomel T3 25mcg 2x a day. So do not worry that I am on alot of meds. By the time I received those lab results on Feb 19th, I could barely move a muscle I was cramping so badly, getting dressed was becoming very difficult and I was just an emotional wreck to boot all I could do was cry from pain and depression. I don't think they are going to hurt me for a few days. I actually feel a little better. I am no longer constipated, cold, foggy or depressed and I am sleeping well for the first time in months. You have no idea how much better that makes me feel!
I stopped the Naturthroid 125 back in Dec because I felt horrid, suddenly I put on 20lbs almost overnight and I hadn't had my period in Oct OR Nov. Since I felt my meds were not working at all and hadn't in some time I didn't think it would hurt to stop. I know this is totally wrong thinking. It had felt like it had been over a year since my meds had worked at all. My Doctor was trying to help by sending me to specialists but they were no help either. As soon as I went off the meds, I got my period. So I have had a normal cycle again ever since which is good news. Like most Thyroid sufferers, I do have some other health issues. For example, last year after an Ultrasound, I was also diagnosed with a polyp on my cervix and fibroid tumours on the outside wall of my uterous. My Dr. sent me to a gyno specialist and his exact words to me were, I was not 20 any more I was probably peri menopausal and to get over myself. This did not please me at all. But what could I do. I was further told my condition was most likely caused by excessive estrogen and because I was so old, my estrogen levels should be dropping on their own so there was no need to do anything further about it. I was having other hormone issues, sugar cravings, bad breakouts on my neck, my attitude was awful I could become very angry at the drop of a button, my periods were sporadic. Which was why I sought help in the first place. But I was told I did not need any hormone therapy. This was in August last year. So you see after 15yrs of battle by December I was simply fed up. Plus I never see any of my test results I have to rely on the Dr. to tell me and I don't feel like I am seeing the whole picture. In fact, I would not even know about the polyp or the fibroid tumours of the Untrasound Technician had not told me herself. I have also been treated for Cervical Cancer about 15yrs ago just before I was diagnosed Hypothyroid. But I still have everything....nothing was ever removed except for the cancer cells. I am 44, married, no kids.
My new naturopath ordered a Saliva Adrenal/Cortisol test on me as well. And she is checking for glucose, gluten, & lactose intolerances too. We will review those results on March 2. I am also presently in the middle of doing a Female Hormone Saliva Test over 28days. Those results will go to the Lab Mar 15th.
I know not to mess with my medications, I did the one time and quite honestly, that was the best thing I ever did, it was the only time I ever felt and looked great thru this whole thing. I was able to maintain a healthy weight for about 4yrs after that. Then last year I totally fell apart again. Many tests were run but nothing was changed.
Unfortunately I have gotten off to a bit of a bad start with the Naturopath with them trying to move appts further ahead on me, then losing my test results, but I have paid for all these tests and I will follow this thru even if I have to take all these results to someone else. I am really trying to get a full picture of my health and get better at my own expense because it is so important to me.
I really appreciate you taking the time to look at my results. Warmest regards, Connie
Hi Stella - I was just rereading your post...there is so much info in there.
I was on Eltroxin T4 200mcgs for a long time. I felt great on it until early last year. So I finally talked my Dr. into prescribing "Natural Thryoid" My Dr., knowing I knew best how I felt finally gave it to me and I was so happy. So I went to the pharmacist to fill my new script and when the pharamacist saw the prescription he said, we don't have this we will have to order it, plus you can't take the same amount as you were taking, you will have to reduce it, it uptakes differently. He said I am going to call your Dr. and have the amount changed. So I said fine, no rush I am changing to this medication I've waited a long time to take it a few more days won't hurt, call me when you get it. I have never been the same since. So knowing I was on 200 T4 med and not feeling great and then switched to a natural dessicated 125 and didn't feel great, what amount of meds would you recommend I should take? Thanks! C
I was on Eltroxin T4 200mcgs for a long time. I felt great on it until early last year. So I finally talked my Dr. into prescribing "Natural Thryoid" My Dr., knowing I knew best how I felt finally gave it to me and I was so happy. So I went to the pharmacist to fill my new script and when the pharamacist saw the prescription he said, we don't have this we will have to order it, plus you can't take the same amount as you were taking, you will have to reduce it, it uptakes differently. He said I am going to call your Dr. and have the amount changed. So I said fine, no rush I am changing to this medication I've waited a long time to take it a few more days won't hurt, call me when you get it. I have never been the same since. So knowing I was on 200 T4 med and not feeling great and then switched to a natural dessicated 125 and didn't feel great, what amount of meds would you recommend I should take? Thanks! C
My daughter was on 100mcg. of t4 Synthroid / then switched over to Armour slowly until we reached 2 full grains (120 mg) per day divided? Then switched over to Nature-Throid which we started at 2 grains, but increased twice by 1/2 a grain each time until she was at 3 total grains divided by 3 doses at 4 hour intervals. She weighs 120 lbs now, and has no thyroid gland. This is working great for her bloodwise and symptom wise.
Sorry to be so stupid Annie but I dont' understand the whole "grain thing"....Guess I should go google it or something. 2 grains is 120mcg? So that is basically what I was taking and not feeling good so it is possible I was undermediated which is why I felt so awful? And perhaps I should have been splitting my doseages not taking it once a day, same time everyday like I was. I was always very careful to take them same time everyday, empty stomach, and make sure no fluoride or calcium or iron was put in my body for at least 3hrs after I took my meds so nothing could interfere with them working.
I know it would really help if I knew what my labs were before but I just don't have that information. My dr. did not check that often either - only when I felt crummy would he ever do them again. So I just have these new labs that I have paid for to go by, I feel like I am starting from square one all over again! *But Important to note, these new labs are me on no medication at all. I must say since I started the Cytomel I am feeling much better than I was this time last week.
I know it would really help if I knew what my labs were before but I just don't have that information. My dr. did not check that often either - only when I felt crummy would he ever do them again. So I just have these new labs that I have paid for to go by, I feel like I am starting from square one all over again! *But Important to note, these new labs are me on no medication at all. I must say since I started the Cytomel I am feeling much better than I was this time last week.
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