Please give me your input :)

[DAL46]

Hi everyone:
If you have a high TSH of 6.33 and T4 and T3 are all within normal range would you expect a doctor to treat me for that?
I did start having symptoms a couple of months ago and it's gradually getting worse.
Also I am positive for thyroid peroxidase ab with  level of 190.
Also prolactin serum is slightly high.
Any thoughts?
Thank you. :)

[busymom29154]

I too had a high TSH level and what was considered by the lab to have other numbers in the "normal" range.  However, my doctor tested for the antibodies and found out I have Hashimoto's Disease.  She did not want to treat me right away as my TSH had dipped just below the "normal" range but I insisted medication based on the new ranges of 0.3-3.0 and she listened to me.  I have to go back in September for more blood work but the fatigue is the worst....that and the body aches.  If your doctor won't listen to you after you have done some more research, get a second opinion.  You are probably going to have to fight for what you need...sounds like most of us on this forum have to do that.  Good Luck.

[yallolorry]

with a high TSH but "normal" FT3 and FT4 you would be termed subclinical hypothyroid and most doctors would be inclined to offer you a trial of thyroxine to see if it brings your TSH down (as it's high it looks like the other two are not normal for you though they may be in range for the population as a whole) As Totie says the upper TSH range is now 3 so you are pretty high at 6. If you're doctor doesn't know that, show them the guidelines (ref below)

I started on 50mcg when I was first diagnosed sub clinical hypothyroid a year ago. I needed a higher dose before it made much difference, I'm on 125mcg now and starting to trial cytomel alongside it, (T3 meds).

If you're doctor doesn't appreciate you are symptomatic and with a high TSH should be given the chance to trial thyroxine do get another opinion, you don't need a specialist to make that judgement call, it's standard practice. Not all doctors are up to speed, shop around and find one who will listen and help you - or do a bit of research and take some info along to show your usual doctor, hopefully he/she will listen and act.

Look up the American Endocrinology Association treatment guidelines and take those to your doc. (they probably won't be very receptive to any info source that isn't "approved", particularly when you first start dealing with being hypothryroid.

Good luck!  

[hln001]

I've been told i have to wait months too for an appointment ...dont think they realise the extra stress this puts on patients plus the uncertainty that by waitin, maybe the patients health is deteriorating.  what gets me is that the doctor cant stress enough how dangerous the condition is yet doesnt chase up appt!

[DAL46]

This is what the blood test results are:
Thyroxine (T4)  6.3  normal range- 4.5-12.0
T3Thyronine, total 130 normal range 80-200
T3, Free (FT#) 3.1  normal range 2.57-4.43

I had a blood test 2 years ago and I was positive for Thyroid Stimulating Imunoglobulin.
This time I had it the test was 104 and it says that 125 or less.

I am going to see an endo but it's vey hard to get an appt.  One doc said they could see me in October.  Ahhh!!!
If I didn't feel lousy I woud wait but I really feel lousy.

Thanks so much for your input!

[Totie]

My opinion is that you do need to be put on a small dose of medication like .25mcg & recheck levels after six weeks & see where your levels are then. You may or may not need an increase in medication.

The new TSH levels are .3-3.0.

[boedica]

do you know where your t3/t4 where in that "normal" range?  a tsh of 6.33 is way too high, and having ab's is pretty indicative of disease.

i don't know anything about nodules.

are you saying your doc decided not to treat you? if so, fire him/her.

[DAL46]

Also, do you normally have nodules with high TSI (mine was high in the past but is normal now) or can you have nodules anytime your thyroid is not functioning?