Aa
Aa
A
A
A
Close
Avatar universal

My first "real" Thyroid test...???

Hi everyone! So I have had my first real test, I say that because I had one previously which was read wrong by the doctor ( I have since changed doctors)
So if anyone can help me out...
My Free T4 is 1.00   (0.77- 1.69) ng/dl
TSH-Ultrasensit     0.56     (0.4- 5.5) uIU/ml
T3 Free    2.7      ref.range  2.3 to 4.2 Unit pg/ml
Thyroid Peroxidase Antibody   1,000

I have no idea what all that means, but the doctor did do an ultra sound on my thyroid and he found that I had 3 nodules that he said were cystic? Not solid. He said they would be concerned if they were solid, but that he would just keep an eye on them.
My symptoms? I have a raspy voice sometimes, I feel the nodules, swallowing, laying down etc. I cannot loose weight no matter what I do. I have a huge belly, even bigger than normal, my sight is bad, I cry easily, my scalp burns. I'm not loosing hair right now, but lost a ton in the past. I do have high blood pressure and am on medication for that because I had a brain aneurysm last year. I do believe that with all of the radiation that I received from the radiology surgery I received that somehow set off my thyroid problems. I probably had them previously, I think I was hyperthyroid years ago I lost a lot of weight and think now by what my doctor says I am probably Hypo with hashimotos.
He says we are taking a wait and watch attitude before he starts me on any medication. Meanwhile, my muscles ache so bad I cannot do my walking, and I cannot get ANY weight off. I know my body and usually when I juice it and watch my calories my stomach goes down, this time it is not budging.....any insight from anyone would be so awesome! I think this forum is so great that everyone helps each other! It gives a persson hope, and a helping hand to make your mind feel a little easier about things....Thanks to everyone!
3 Responses
Sort by: Helpful Oldest Newest
Avatar universal
I think that if you look through this very comprehensive listing of hypothyroid symptoms, you will find that you have numerous symptoms.  With that in mind your levels of thyroid hormone is on the low side.  Even though within the so-called "normal" ranges, that does not mean that it is adequate for you.  Many of our members report that symptom relief for them required that FT3 was adjusted into the upper part of the range, and FT4 adjusted to at least midpoint of its range.  

http://thyroid.about.com/cs/basics_starthere/a/hypochecklist.htm

That is why it is best to be treated clinically, rather than just by "Reference range Endocrinology".  The ranges are far too broad.  They should be used as guidelines within which to adjust as necessary to relieve symptoms, not as pass/fail limits.

So I think you are going to have to consider another doctor.   I am dubious that your doctor will be willing to treat you clinically and also prescribe meds other than T4 types, even though you may well need both T4 and T3 in your meds.

If you will tell us where you are located, perhaps a member may be able to recommend a good thyroid doctor, based on personal experience.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
well, I don't want to name names here as far as my dr. goes BUT I will say he is one of the US's leading (top) 10 Endocronologists and Thyroid experts, so I have a certain amount of trust for him. He said I am in a waxing and waning period, it is dormant currently. He also said I was probably yrs. ago hyper and am now hypo. The first dr. I went to at a free clinic actually gave me the wrong medication, thank goodness I didn't take it and had another doctor look at it....yikes!
As far as my particular readings go do you have any insight? Thanks so much for your answer this is all so new and confusing to me. I'm trying to learn but it is so complex!
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
When a patient has Hashimoto's, usually a doctor will either start the patient on meds early to try and prevent the worst of possible symptoms, or will wait until the patient's test results fall outside the range, causing overt hypo symptoms.  Apparently your doctor is in the latter group.  

In view of your symptoms, I don't know why the doctor wants to wait longer.  A good thyroid doctor will treat a hypo patient clinically by testing and adjusting Free T3 and Free T4 as necessary to relieve symptoms, without being constrained by resultant TSH levels.  symptom relief should be all important, not just test results.  You can read about clinical treatment in this link.  It is a letter written by a good thyroid doctor for patients that he consults with from a distance.  The letter is sent to the PCP of the patient to help guide treatment.

http://hormonerestoration.com/files/ThyroidPMD.pdf
Helpful - 0
Have an Answer?

You are reading content posted in the Thyroid Disorders Community

Top Thyroid Answerers
649848 tn?1534633700
FL
Avatar universal
MI
1756321 tn?1547095325
Queensland, Australia
Learn About Top Answerers
Didn't find the answer you were looking for?
Ask a question
Popular Resources
We tapped the CDC for information on what you need to know about radiation exposure
Endocrinologist Mark Lupo, MD, answers 10 questions about thyroid disorders and how to treat them
A list of national and international resources and hotlines to help connect you to needed health and medical services.
Herpes sores blister, then burst, scab and heal.
Herpes spreads by oral, vaginal and anal sex.
STIs are the most common cause of genital sores.