I got it :)
Ironically enough, one of the endos you sent (Anna Frisch) is the doctor I will be seeing in October. I am checking with them constantly if there's a cancellation to get it sooner.
I just sent a PM with info. To access, click on your name and then from your personal page, click on messages.
Sounds like a visit to ER might be a good idea. You might have to push them to get Free T4 and Free T3 tests done.
Thank you, Gimel. I would appreciate more thyroid doc information. I am not following their recommendation to stop the meds. I am dealing with a whole new set of problems which I get when my levels are low, particularly FT3. I am experiencing a rapid resting heart rate, daily headaches, nausea, increased fatigue, I feel oxygen starved and I am having significant issues with my neck.
I feel as if I'm choking, particularly in the area on on the right side (it's been an area of concern that requires a ct scan w/contrast). I am actually quite frightened by this because I can't function, let alone get sleep and am pondering an ER visit to recheck my labs sooner and get the scans done.
Not taking your NDT for two weeks is a bad suggestion. I would make sure to supplement the ferritin. Will know more when you can get the morning serum cortisol done.
Being an Endo does not guarantee a good thyroid doctor. I am going to look around and see if I can suggest some doctors in your area.
I am retesting in two weeks (TSH, FT3 & FT4). I also asked for serum cortisol, too. I don't trust the high FT3 value as I have not changed medications nor changed anything in my supplement routine. The very high FT3 reading from last week's test could be indicative of a lab error because my symptoms are consistent with low FT3.
My practitioner suggested I not take my NDT meds for the two week interim until the draw, but I was hesitant to do so considering I am barely functioning now and I react to subtle changes quickly, so I don't wish to make my symptoms worse.
After this next test (draw is on Aug 2nd), if my FT3 comes back low [like the June test], then I will ask to either up my dose of WP one more time OR ask for them to compound my NDT meds. My practitioner is aware we need to maintain my levels in the interim until my endo appointment.
I am so disappointed :(
Can't say for sure, but my ferritin was at 40 and I was supplementing 50 mg daily and it went up to 80.
Yes, I would ask to repeat the serum cortisol and ferritin tests. BTW I have read that it is a good idea to not take your iron supplement for a few days before the blood draw for the ferritin test, in order to avoid false high result.
What was the saliva cortisol test result and reference range?
That was an extremely low ferritin test result. Doubtful that the 25 mg is anywhere near enough to adequately raise your ferritin level. It needs to be 70 minimum.
Also, have you tested for B12 and Vitamin D?
With no changes in meds, yet a significant increase in Free T3 level, but not Free T4, the only thing that comes to mind is the possibility of "pooling of T3 in the blood", and not getting into cells. The cause of T-3 pooling can be any one of the following or a combination of the following:
High cortisol
Low cortisol
High iron
Low iron
Medications
beta blockers
Amiodarone
Iodinated contrast media
Lithium
Have you been tested for morning serum cortisol and also ferritin? How about the medications?