Need help with test results

[babeismydog]

I have been working with a nutritionist due to weight gain.  I have a subnormal temperature, dry skin, hair, joint pain, dead tired most of the time, depressed.  She suggested a TSH.  The first one had a value of 11.7, so I made an appointment with my health care provider.  She ran another test which came back at 14.95.  My thyroxine (T4) was 8.9;  my T3 Uptake was 28% and my free thyroxine index was 2.5.  She said call me in six months, meanwhile follow a diabetic diet (already do!) and see if you can lose that 30 pounds you gained in the last two years.  

I am just at a loss!

[stella5349]

Before you leave and find a doctor that really knows thyroid disease and actually helps people.

Tell that doctor to learn about the right thyroid tests and how testing the free T3 and Free T4 is the best way to really help people.

That doctor - as for treating thyroid disease - needs to lose it's license.

[Super_sally888]

That doc knows nothing.  I'll add to the yelling above.  Find another doctor,  your current one is not competent to manage this.

[Galsal59]

Yes...run.  That Dr isn't helping you on this.

[Barb135]

I third the posts above me.  Run just as fast as you can.  Your doctor is going to keep you sick for a long time, with her attitude.  

Also agree with goolarra on the weight loss issue.  I gained about 30 lbs in 3-4 months and am still struggling with it.  

[goolarra]

I'll second jtlmom1577's comment...run, don't walk to a new doctor.  Your TSH is high, indicating hypo (reference range is 0.3-3.0).  Total T4, T3 uptake and FTI are all considered obsolete tests and basically a waste of money.  Get the tests jtlmom suggests.  The 30 lbs is probably going to be just about impossible to lose until your thyroid hormones are back under control...hypo slows your metabolism.  Don't wait six months, feeling awful, for this doctor to decide to treat you (maybe).  

[jtlmom1577]

GET A NEW DOCTOR!  Run the following blood tests:  Free T4, Free T3, TSH, TPOab and Thyroglobulin AB.  When you get your results, post them here with the lab references ranges.  The people on this forum are wonderful and have loads of knowledge.  You are probably hypothyroid and should be treated.