Aa
Typing Through My Tears...?? Thyroid ??
Just had a series of tests and results (only to have to do another soon) but here are some of the ones I've had...I'm so lost (and scared) and feel like crap...still can't figure out if I'm hyper or hypo...doctor thinks hyper, but i'm over weight, fatigued...and I think fit more the hypo...it's confusing to say the least as you all know....here's the scoop!!
TSH (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone)- LOW (1st one was 0.20, 2nd one was 0.33)
H. Pylori AB - Negative
Lymph % - Low
EOS % - High
Calcium, Albumin, Magnesium (All) - Low
Cholesterol - High 223
FREE T3 - 2.9 Range (2.0-4.4) appears to be normal
FREE T4 1.07 Range (0.89-1.76) appears to be normal
Thyroid Peroxidase (TPO) Ab 14 Range 0-34 ?? guess is 14 normal??
My next test is a radio active iodine scan of the thyroid (tumors/cancer) etc?
Any comments, feedback, suggestions, greatly appreciated....Thank you.
TSH (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone)- LOW (1st one was 0.20, 2nd one was 0.33)
H. Pylori AB - Negative
Lymph % - Low
EOS % - High
Calcium, Albumin, Magnesium (All) - Low
Cholesterol - High 223
FREE T3 - 2.9 Range (2.0-4.4) appears to be normal
FREE T4 1.07 Range (0.89-1.76) appears to be normal
Thyroid Peroxidase (TPO) Ab 14 Range 0-34 ?? guess is 14 normal??
My next test is a radio active iodine scan of the thyroid (tumors/cancer) etc?
Any comments, feedback, suggestions, greatly appreciated....Thank you.
Sorry if I'm late to the party on this, but I read your post and couldn't help but question the diagnosis of hyper, in view of your symptoms and your FT3 and FT4 levels. If I had to guess I'd say that the doctor is diagnosing you primarily on TSH, which just doesn't work.
A second possibility for a diagnosis, in view of your symptoms and FT3 and FT4, is that the low TSH is signaling the possibility of pituitary issues, and that you are truly hypothyroid.
After writing this I went back and read through prior posts and I see that Barb and Stella have covered this possibility already, and better than I can, so I'll just leave it with that.
A second possibility for a diagnosis, in view of your symptoms and FT3 and FT4, is that the low TSH is signaling the possibility of pituitary issues, and that you are truly hypothyroid.
After writing this I went back and read through prior posts and I see that Barb and Stella have covered this possibility already, and better than I can, so I'll just leave it with that.
Well I did go to follow-up appt with Physician Assistant...this evening. I was told that my "abnormal" RAI scan results stated I have multinodular thyroid disease with equivocal hyperthyroidism. I so don't beleive I have "hyperthyroidism" as I do not have hyperactivity or weight loss, I'm lethargic and have weight gain!!!! :(
Also, Low TSH and High T3 & T4 or indicative...you can see my blood work (lab results above)....FREE T3 - 2.9 Range (2.0-4.4) appears to be normal
FREE T4 1.07 Range (0.89-1.76) appears to be normal
TSH (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone)- LOW (1st one was 0.20, 2nd one was 0.33)
His treatment recommendations were for PTU (propylthiouracil) 50g tid and then for my high cholesterol Lovastatin 20g at bedtime daily. That's it!! And follow-up in 4-5 weeks with more lab work to check levels again after taking meds. I'm like "what about the nodules", the fatigue, the depression, weight gain, the swallowing problems?? Oh....apparently they are small and non-cancerous (which is good) if this is TRUE! I asked for a 2nd opinion with an endocronologist, he said well "they probably won't even see you"....and just advise same treatment I am! ?? So.....do I still get 2nd opinion ? No idea, really... Oh and be sure to diet and exercise! Ya....ok.
Not sure .....I thought I'd feel more informed, have a sense of this is what you have, this is what to do....but I don't feel confident for some reason in the diagnosis...
Maybe I should just go with the hyperthyroidism and treatment recommendations. All I've read on hyperthyroidism doesn't really seem to fit.....
I really want to feel better, be able to swallow, quit clearing my throat and coughing (feels like something is lodged in my throat), have energy, loose weight.....
thanks for listening....sorry for rambling or if it's not making sense....my thoughts are scattered..
Anne
Also, Low TSH and High T3 & T4 or indicative...you can see my blood work (lab results above)....FREE T3 - 2.9 Range (2.0-4.4) appears to be normal
FREE T4 1.07 Range (0.89-1.76) appears to be normal
TSH (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone)- LOW (1st one was 0.20, 2nd one was 0.33)
His treatment recommendations were for PTU (propylthiouracil) 50g tid and then for my high cholesterol Lovastatin 20g at bedtime daily. That's it!! And follow-up in 4-5 weeks with more lab work to check levels again after taking meds. I'm like "what about the nodules", the fatigue, the depression, weight gain, the swallowing problems?? Oh....apparently they are small and non-cancerous (which is good) if this is TRUE! I asked for a 2nd opinion with an endocronologist, he said well "they probably won't even see you"....and just advise same treatment I am! ?? So.....do I still get 2nd opinion ? No idea, really... Oh and be sure to diet and exercise! Ya....ok.
Not sure .....I thought I'd feel more informed, have a sense of this is what you have, this is what to do....but I don't feel confident for some reason in the diagnosis...
Maybe I should just go with the hyperthyroidism and treatment recommendations. All I've read on hyperthyroidism doesn't really seem to fit.....
I really want to feel better, be able to swallow, quit clearing my throat and coughing (feels like something is lodged in my throat), have energy, loose weight.....
thanks for listening....sorry for rambling or if it's not making sense....my thoughts are scattered..
Anne
You can go to the place where you got the test done and ask for a copy of your results, stating you've been informed of the abnormal results by your Doctor and want a copy for you files.
Is that a possibility?
C~
Is that a possibility?
C~
I am loving that Spirit!! You must be a Inspiration to your friends. Even if they do not say so, with that attitude, believe me people will see you as a driving force with a smily face!!
You have a Wond-errrr-ful weekend as well.
Sass = > )
You have a Wond-errrr-ful weekend as well.
Sass = > )
COMMUNITY LEADER
Did they give you any more info than just "your scan was abnormal"? Waiting for results can be a nightmare, for sure.
Hang in there.
Hang in there.
Hi Sass...
It's like the thyroid disease tries to stiffle or steal "your voice"...I won't let it!! I'm going to keep talking, keep speaking, keep saying what I need to say....until someone like you listens!! :))
I'm learning to LOVE MYSELF through it all...and realize, it's good to have a support system of caring people, but hey I ALWAYS HAVE ME....and I'm a pretty good person to have!! Over the years with several different ailments, i've become a little detached from me....and starting not liking "sick" me....I was kind of a drag to be with and around, cuz i didn't feel good. But .....I'm starting to see it all different....I don't have to be sick to relax, but I can relax....sick or not. I'm OK...I'm LOVEABLE, ...I'm capable of HEALING too!!
So, I'll get off my little high horse or soap box....but, this whole thing is giving me a chance to fall in love with ME. How bout that!!??
Thank you for your continued concern and support...it's very much appreciated! Have a bee-utiful weekend! xo
Anne
It's like the thyroid disease tries to stiffle or steal "your voice"...I won't let it!! I'm going to keep talking, keep speaking, keep saying what I need to say....until someone like you listens!! :))
I'm learning to LOVE MYSELF through it all...and realize, it's good to have a support system of caring people, but hey I ALWAYS HAVE ME....and I'm a pretty good person to have!! Over the years with several different ailments, i've become a little detached from me....and starting not liking "sick" me....I was kind of a drag to be with and around, cuz i didn't feel good. But .....I'm starting to see it all different....I don't have to be sick to relax, but I can relax....sick or not. I'm OK...I'm LOVEABLE, ...I'm capable of HEALING too!!
So, I'll get off my little high horse or soap box....but, this whole thing is giving me a chance to fall in love with ME. How bout that!!??
Thank you for your continued concern and support...it's very much appreciated! Have a bee-utiful weekend! xo
Anne
Hey Anne!! You betch lady!! I will be glad to hold your cyberhand thru this!! Yes, the thyroid system is very complex and most people just don't "Get It". And that is a shame, cuz it's not "just thyroid" ! the worse ones are some of the docs. I have an excellent MD, but she was never overly concerned with my numbers and she only ran TSH..but she did refer me to endo when I asked her to. The first one denied to see me, just wasn't interested! I am not sure about this endo. I wish I could see the one that my mother-in-law had in Houston. Mine seems kinda non-chalant. Only seemed him twice so far. So I know how frustrating this experience can be!!
I am hoping that you are feeling better soon. That some of my friends here can help you figure some of it out. I am beginning to see into that vast "World of Thyroid". It is like looking thru a peep hole and seeing this huge universe that you just feel lost in. Sometimes you feel like not opening the door, but you know you gotta get out there and learn.
We can try to get you out there and help!! Just remember to keep your chin up and Smile every chance you get!
Looking forward to the rest of the story!! Good thing you are not faint of heart!!!
And you never have to go it alone girl!!!!
<3 Sass <3
I am hoping that you are feeling better soon. That some of my friends here can help you figure some of it out. I am beginning to see into that vast "World of Thyroid". It is like looking thru a peep hole and seeing this huge universe that you just feel lost in. Sometimes you feel like not opening the door, but you know you gotta get out there and learn.
We can try to get you out there and help!! Just remember to keep your chin up and Smile every chance you get!
Looking forward to the rest of the story!! Good thing you are not faint of heart!!!
And you never have to go it alone girl!!!!
<3 Sass <3
Thank you sassy. ....that's Sassy! Well I can tell right off you are also classy! LOL
Thayou you for your warmth and encouragement I sure need both!! I will try to keep my patience and humor throughout the duration of this saga....I can tell this is not going to be for the faint of heart!! Ho hum....I'm exhausted as usual....so I'm calling it a night....til next time when we get "the rest of the story" :) .....
I'm glad we don't Have to go it alone it would be too much to bear!
Much thanks!!!
Xoxo
Thayou you for your warmth and encouragement I sure need both!! I will try to keep my patience and humor throughout the duration of this saga....I can tell this is not going to be for the faint of heart!! Ho hum....I'm exhausted as usual....so I'm calling it a night....til next time when we get "the rest of the story" :) .....
I'm glad we don't Have to go it alone it would be too much to bear!
Much thanks!!!
Xoxo
I am so sorry that you have been feeling badly. Ha, that is an understatement, isn't it? I have none of the knowledge that barb and stella have, but they like many others here are wonderful and wise people. They take the time to explain this issues. And you are right it is a complex world.
I hate that you are having to wait so long to talk to your doctor! That just seems so unfair. You would think they would jump you right in there for a chat! I have the same issue with the throat so I know where you are coming from there. I go for an ultrasound on the 18th. Seems like eons!
I know that you are suffering but I admire your perky attitude of pulling yourself up and trying to get on. Believe me I know how hard that is and how rare!! You have a sense of humor and that with the great attitude will get you thru some tough times. I appauld you!! It is hard to keep that going in the light of your pain and fear. But I have to say, "You Go Girl"!
If you have any more down times you can call on me and will be glad to help you find out whatever info you need if I can. Now get some rest and take care of yourself. Try not to stress too much...... (okay you can snicker on that one)....
Godspeed and Blessings,
Sass
I hate that you are having to wait so long to talk to your doctor! That just seems so unfair. You would think they would jump you right in there for a chat! I have the same issue with the throat so I know where you are coming from there. I go for an ultrasound on the 18th. Seems like eons!
I know that you are suffering but I admire your perky attitude of pulling yourself up and trying to get on. Believe me I know how hard that is and how rare!! You have a sense of humor and that with the great attitude will get you thru some tough times. I appauld you!! It is hard to keep that going in the light of your pain and fear. But I have to say, "You Go Girl"!
If you have any more down times you can call on me and will be glad to help you find out whatever info you need if I can. Now get some rest and take care of yourself. Try not to stress too much...... (okay you can snicker on that one)....
Godspeed and Blessings,
Sass
Well the clinic called me this evening after I got home from work to tell me "your diagnostic results are abnormal"....which means the radio active iodine scan results RAI scan....? So I made an appointment to talk to doctor to see what that exactly means? Appt isn't until next thursday, 3/10/11 5:15pm. My throat is constantly scratchy, feels like a ball is in my throat, have to clear my throat all the time...and have trouble swallowing. Any way, just an update...
Thanks... :)
Thanks... :)
Well unfortuntaly it does seem that i'm never quite well, every day it seems it's something that keeps me feeling under the weather and run down. The antibiotics help with infection, but then turn around and tear up my intestinal tract....so now diarrhea and yeast infection to follow! I do take pro-biotics to try and counteract....and did take immodium so not to get dehydrated. Most days I feel like I'm trying to push a car uphill....you know the feeling??!!
Yes it is hard to bee happy and bee positive...but I do try despite it all as most people do...
I'm not sure what to look forward to....naps, baths, sleep, usually!!!
I feel so deficient i'm not sure i ever was efficient at this point. It's like hard to figure out where it all went down hill and if it can be stopped...it feels like the "ball" has got so big and picked up so much speed I can't stop it!!
Ok i'll quit panicking and try to remain calm despite all my woes....i'm not alone, its going to be okay, it will get better....right?
thank you.....for helping me fight the fight.
xo
Yes it is hard to bee happy and bee positive...but I do try despite it all as most people do...
I'm not sure what to look forward to....naps, baths, sleep, usually!!!
I feel so deficient i'm not sure i ever was efficient at this point. It's like hard to figure out where it all went down hill and if it can be stopped...it feels like the "ball" has got so big and picked up so much speed I can't stop it!!
Ok i'll quit panicking and try to remain calm despite all my woes....i'm not alone, its going to be okay, it will get better....right?
thank you.....for helping me fight the fight.
xo
COMMUNITY LEADER
I'm sorry to hear that you've been sick, on top of having RAI....... I just got through an acute throat infection, myself, so can certainly sympathize with you.
Stella is right, that what she and I (and others) had to go through to get where we are was a nightmare, to put it mildly. Keep researching, so you know what you're talking about whenever you see the doctor. Some doctors don't like when patients are knowledgeable about their condition, but others almost seem to appreciate it.
My own endo, for example, lets me pretty much decide how I want to be treated, and so long as I have a valid medical reason, he's agreeable.
It is hard to be positive when you feel like dog doo, but you have to keep moving forward - one foot in front of the other, one step at a time.
Will look forward to seeing your next results, and symptoms.
Stella is right, that what she and I (and others) had to go through to get where we are was a nightmare, to put it mildly. Keep researching, so you know what you're talking about whenever you see the doctor. Some doctors don't like when patients are knowledgeable about their condition, but others almost seem to appreciate it.
My own endo, for example, lets me pretty much decide how I want to be treated, and so long as I have a valid medical reason, he's agreeable.
It is hard to be positive when you feel like dog doo, but you have to keep moving forward - one foot in front of the other, one step at a time.
Will look forward to seeing your next results, and symptoms.
I finally had my RAI scan on 2/16 and 2/17...and I don't know the results yet, but I will soon. In the meantime I've come time with a vicious case of bronchitis....and no I don't smoke. Been sick since Thursday so bad I finally went to ER and got on antibiotic...so I'm spending my 3-day holiday weekend cough cough, sneeze sneeze, etc. etc. resting and recuperating from that! It seems my system is a bit compromised and that I rarely have a "good" day where I'm not experiencing some kind of symptom of some kind. It's so hard to be happy when you feel terrible...at least i'm finding it to be the case...i try to be positive, but i feel knocked down, and sometimes i just really dont want to get back up dont have the strength...but then, i'll feel better...and get up and try again...get a little fight back in me...keep on keep'n on...
Thank you...
i'll keep you posted on results and keep learning.
Thank you...
i'll keep you posted on results and keep learning.
Sadly we had no choice but to get educated about our health needs. I think between Barb and me in our lengthy online relationship, we can agree that learning what we had to saved our lives.
Trust me when I say this to you, that I was in your shoes myself over 8 years ago and was miserable. Funny who you said you feel 74 right now. You're actually a "Spring Chicken" compared to what I use to say about how I felt. I said I was half shy of being a corpse. :) Now I feel like I am 30 again and I am near your real age now, also.
You may not really need the uptake test at this time. I wouldn't get excited about not getting it. Maybe fate in my opinion.
I know we all are so busy in life - but I strongly suggest to you to take this time prior to getting that appointment for the scan, to read about immune support health, thyroid disease, hard mineral deficiencies and low Vit D and see if you can put some connections together.
We can offer you links and suggestions but that requires alot of digging into medical history on your for information, what meds you take, supplements and a few other things to pin point a vlearer picture on where to send you.
Forums of patients can offer you a vast amount of information but it will require you to almost devote yourself to your health to learn how to beat the disease so you can get your life back together. We certainly will offer you any information. Just let us know.
Trust me when I say this to you, that I was in your shoes myself over 8 years ago and was miserable. Funny who you said you feel 74 right now. You're actually a "Spring Chicken" compared to what I use to say about how I felt. I said I was half shy of being a corpse. :) Now I feel like I am 30 again and I am near your real age now, also.
You may not really need the uptake test at this time. I wouldn't get excited about not getting it. Maybe fate in my opinion.
I know we all are so busy in life - but I strongly suggest to you to take this time prior to getting that appointment for the scan, to read about immune support health, thyroid disease, hard mineral deficiencies and low Vit D and see if you can put some connections together.
We can offer you links and suggestions but that requires alot of digging into medical history on your for information, what meds you take, supplements and a few other things to pin point a vlearer picture on where to send you.
Forums of patients can offer you a vast amount of information but it will require you to almost devote yourself to your health to learn how to beat the disease so you can get your life back together. We certainly will offer you any information. Just let us know.
stella.....
my goodness i'm in awe of the vast wealth of knowledge and medical expertise you all seem to have....i feel overwhelmed and under educated about all this....good grief...do i need a medical degree to understand all this and participate in my own health care?? ok i'm being a bit fecitious....sorry....i'm sincerely very greatly for your time and assistance in getting me on the right path and helping me understand this. I guess i'm just surprised and it's complicated-ness....? I thought, get a lab test, it's either, over or under, abnormal or normal.....and i'd take a medication or not......whoa la, that's it! NO NOT AT ALL apparently!!!
I still haven't dont the radio active iodine test the ridiculous local hospital here "doesn't have the staff" to do that on the weekends........so i need to schedule it apparently....can i just start taking supplements, i.e. calcium, magnesium D3...etc....to help my system??
I'm also on a medication topamax to prevent migraines which i get quite severely and frequently which may or may not even be related to the "thyroid" issue....
I'm so dang exhausted i can't see straight,.....feel like i'm draggin through life, half alive and half dead...it's an awful feeling....my 47th birthday i this thursday....and somedays i feel more like 74....
Last night i couldn't get to sleep until 1 am....finally relented and took a "lunesta"....to get some sleep at all.....
ho hum....good night (i hope)....and again, thank you ladies.....please do keep me informed, educated and inspired....i truly need it.
my goodness i'm in awe of the vast wealth of knowledge and medical expertise you all seem to have....i feel overwhelmed and under educated about all this....good grief...do i need a medical degree to understand all this and participate in my own health care?? ok i'm being a bit fecitious....sorry....i'm sincerely very greatly for your time and assistance in getting me on the right path and helping me understand this. I guess i'm just surprised and it's complicated-ness....? I thought, get a lab test, it's either, over or under, abnormal or normal.....and i'd take a medication or not......whoa la, that's it! NO NOT AT ALL apparently!!!
I still haven't dont the radio active iodine test the ridiculous local hospital here "doesn't have the staff" to do that on the weekends........so i need to schedule it apparently....can i just start taking supplements, i.e. calcium, magnesium D3...etc....to help my system??
I'm also on a medication topamax to prevent migraines which i get quite severely and frequently which may or may not even be related to the "thyroid" issue....
I'm so dang exhausted i can't see straight,.....feel like i'm draggin through life, half alive and half dead...it's an awful feeling....my 47th birthday i this thursday....and somedays i feel more like 74....
Last night i couldn't get to sleep until 1 am....finally relented and took a "lunesta"....to get some sleep at all.....
ho hum....good night (i hope)....and again, thank you ladies.....please do keep me informed, educated and inspired....i truly need it.
I was afraid my comment was going to be too long so here is the end... lol
Call the doctor. Make sure this doctor understands how the immune system works and has to be strong to fend off endocrine issues from forming. This doctor will also need to understand thyroid hormone and conversion issues with strong knowledge of treating Reverse T3 properly. If that checks out then talk about this...
Address the low levels with them and see if they would consider adding in proper supplements. Not cheap OTC brands but good citrate formulas of magnesium, zinc, copper and selenium product. Also adding in a Vit B and Biotin good quality. AND for sure... discuss the Vit D thoughts. Run the lab is necessary to really point the numbers to a dosage you may benefit from. Anything lower than a 60 on Vit D can cause autoimmune flares and also lower the thyroid from functioning correctly. Consider also talking to the doctor about T3 meds and see if they would allow you to try a small dosage of .5mcg Cytomel med ( maybe taken 2 times a day) to balance out the Free tests better to also see, if that eliminates some of the symptoms you are having. You would have to retest in 4-6 weeks if this can be done and both FREE labs would need to be ran.
For YOU to do before you call the doctor. ....
Read about Vit D and looking directly at D-3 not just a straight D. You should be amazed at how your symptoms here mock a low D issue also and how profound a low D-3 level can cause a low calcium problem too. Also strengthen your knowlege on reverse T3 problems and conversion thyroid issues with your hormones T3 and T4. That also will help you communicate better with your doctor on how these 2 things are probably the reason why you feel so icky.
Good Luck
Call the doctor. Make sure this doctor understands how the immune system works and has to be strong to fend off endocrine issues from forming. This doctor will also need to understand thyroid hormone and conversion issues with strong knowledge of treating Reverse T3 properly. If that checks out then talk about this...
Address the low levels with them and see if they would consider adding in proper supplements. Not cheap OTC brands but good citrate formulas of magnesium, zinc, copper and selenium product. Also adding in a Vit B and Biotin good quality. AND for sure... discuss the Vit D thoughts. Run the lab is necessary to really point the numbers to a dosage you may benefit from. Anything lower than a 60 on Vit D can cause autoimmune flares and also lower the thyroid from functioning correctly. Consider also talking to the doctor about T3 meds and see if they would allow you to try a small dosage of .5mcg Cytomel med ( maybe taken 2 times a day) to balance out the Free tests better to also see, if that eliminates some of the symptoms you are having. You would have to retest in 4-6 weeks if this can be done and both FREE labs would need to be ran.
For YOU to do before you call the doctor. ....
Read about Vit D and looking directly at D-3 not just a straight D. You should be amazed at how your symptoms here mock a low D issue also and how profound a low D-3 level can cause a low calcium problem too. Also strengthen your knowlege on reverse T3 problems and conversion thyroid issues with your hormones T3 and T4. That also will help you communicate better with your doctor on how these 2 things are probably the reason why you feel so icky.
Good Luck
I'm going to reference your labs on my post here to define things. I'll type below with * sign * so you can see each suggestion I may make.
TSH (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone)- LOW (1st one was 0.20, 2nd one was 0.33) ** This isn't a bad level to be at if you factor in the free tests, if they are optimal**
H. Pylori AB - Negative ** Great! - no issues here - however oddly it was done in the first place??**
Lymph % - Low ** Connect this one with the TPOab test below and see that comment**
EOS % - High ** really no comment here**
Calcium, Albumin, Magnesium (All) - Low ** This is concerning and we may want to look at this more than thyroid - I copied this at the bottom of your labs - See that below. Sadly no Vit D test here to work with also**
Cholesterol - High 223 ** Cholestrol is high in hypothyroidism most of the time. Really a base of LDL and HDL has to be looked at to see if your GOOD cholestrol is high also and ranges over the BAD level. Right now in my opinion this isn't something to be too concerned about**
FREE T3 - 2.9 Range (2.0-4.4) appears to be normal
FREE T4 1.07 Range (0.89-1.76) appears to be normal
** I have to comment on these free tests together. In most cases of hypothyroidism these 2 tests need to balance out to end the symptoms of the disease and each patient can be different on numbers. Here you are certainly off balance looking at them. The free T3 is low on the reference and the Free T4 is high. This is backwards so in theory 2 things could be happening: Your not converting correctly the Free T4 into the direct Free T3 that you need to feel good. Or, you could be storing the T4 and it could be reversing into RT3 creating an issue of needing to release the RT3. Here's where so much goes into pin pointing how to manage things. Meds like T3 could release the RT3 helping you recover from RT3 issues. Also looking at the possiblilty of converting off kilter only your calcium issues could factor in here on why this isn't converting right. I'll comment more on the calcium test about this**
Thyroid Peroxidase (TPO) Ab 14 Range 0-34 ?? guess is 14 normal?? In perfect medical world a 0 reading of antibodies would truly make you not autoimmune. However this isn't the case for the human body. We all have antibodies and have to look at flaring situations to really determine if the autoimmune antibodies are attacking. I don't feel yours are and again the low calcium thought here could also be connected to why you may have some numbers forming on the TPOab readings.
Calcium, Albumin, Magnesium (All) - Low ** TA DAA - finally the culprut in my patient thinking.. Here is where your issues may be stemming from. ( based on all your labs) First lets take magnesium:
Magnesium is the "anti-flaring" hard mineral that our bodies need to keep illness down. When we get sick - our bodies flare or swell making all sort of problems for us. Also when the madnesium is low its directly related to the immune system not functioning right creating havoc all over the place. Magnesium works with iron, copper and zinc levels too. Unfortunately you don't have those levels drawn here but they would be off too with a bad magnesium level ran. So your low on hard minerals for sure.
Now calcium: My question would be more am I REALLY low on Vit D and causing this low calcium? I say yes you are most likely too low on Vit D - more than worrying about calcium and taking the hard mineral deficiencies in here too. You certainly are low D than anything that could be directly effecting your thyroid levels now and causing all these RT3 and non-conversion thyroid hormone problems.
TSH (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone)- LOW (1st one was 0.20, 2nd one was 0.33) ** This isn't a bad level to be at if you factor in the free tests, if they are optimal**
H. Pylori AB - Negative ** Great! - no issues here - however oddly it was done in the first place??**
Lymph % - Low ** Connect this one with the TPOab test below and see that comment**
EOS % - High ** really no comment here**
Calcium, Albumin, Magnesium (All) - Low ** This is concerning and we may want to look at this more than thyroid - I copied this at the bottom of your labs - See that below. Sadly no Vit D test here to work with also**
Cholesterol - High 223 ** Cholestrol is high in hypothyroidism most of the time. Really a base of LDL and HDL has to be looked at to see if your GOOD cholestrol is high also and ranges over the BAD level. Right now in my opinion this isn't something to be too concerned about**
FREE T3 - 2.9 Range (2.0-4.4) appears to be normal
FREE T4 1.07 Range (0.89-1.76) appears to be normal
** I have to comment on these free tests together. In most cases of hypothyroidism these 2 tests need to balance out to end the symptoms of the disease and each patient can be different on numbers. Here you are certainly off balance looking at them. The free T3 is low on the reference and the Free T4 is high. This is backwards so in theory 2 things could be happening: Your not converting correctly the Free T4 into the direct Free T3 that you need to feel good. Or, you could be storing the T4 and it could be reversing into RT3 creating an issue of needing to release the RT3. Here's where so much goes into pin pointing how to manage things. Meds like T3 could release the RT3 helping you recover from RT3 issues. Also looking at the possiblilty of converting off kilter only your calcium issues could factor in here on why this isn't converting right. I'll comment more on the calcium test about this**
Thyroid Peroxidase (TPO) Ab 14 Range 0-34 ?? guess is 14 normal?? In perfect medical world a 0 reading of antibodies would truly make you not autoimmune. However this isn't the case for the human body. We all have antibodies and have to look at flaring situations to really determine if the autoimmune antibodies are attacking. I don't feel yours are and again the low calcium thought here could also be connected to why you may have some numbers forming on the TPOab readings.
Calcium, Albumin, Magnesium (All) - Low ** TA DAA - finally the culprut in my patient thinking.. Here is where your issues may be stemming from. ( based on all your labs) First lets take magnesium:
Magnesium is the "anti-flaring" hard mineral that our bodies need to keep illness down. When we get sick - our bodies flare or swell making all sort of problems for us. Also when the madnesium is low its directly related to the immune system not functioning right creating havoc all over the place. Magnesium works with iron, copper and zinc levels too. Unfortunately you don't have those levels drawn here but they would be off too with a bad magnesium level ran. So your low on hard minerals for sure.
Now calcium: My question would be more am I REALLY low on Vit D and causing this low calcium? I say yes you are most likely too low on Vit D - more than worrying about calcium and taking the hard mineral deficiencies in here too. You certainly are low D than anything that could be directly effecting your thyroid levels now and causing all these RT3 and non-conversion thyroid hormone problems.
Barb....
you have a very good knowledge base it sounds like...i feel a sense of calm reassurance from you and sense of direction. i knew ( and know) very little if anything about the thyroid. this is all extrememly new to me and i'm just starting with all of this "crap"...:(
but, okay, i'll try to remain calm and stay with the barage of tests...i'm overweight and lethargic have been for quite some time. 3 yrs ago was told i had fibromyalgia...which is kind of like saying we don't know whats wrong to me any way...chronic pain and fatique, live with it....
my frustration at this point is, that i have a radio active iodine scan in test (order) in hand, and dont have a follow up appt for another 6 weeks!!! so not sure if i should do that or as you say question it and ask for an ultra sound...this can get expensive, not to mention time consuming when you work...? another thing i suffer from is chronic and severe migraines, the reason i'm mentioning it, is not to whine, complain or gain sympathy...but wondering if any of this is inter-connected or correlated in any way....
thank you so much for your response, i sincerely appreciate it.
blessings
you have a very good knowledge base it sounds like...i feel a sense of calm reassurance from you and sense of direction. i knew ( and know) very little if anything about the thyroid. this is all extrememly new to me and i'm just starting with all of this "crap"...:(
but, okay, i'll try to remain calm and stay with the barage of tests...i'm overweight and lethargic have been for quite some time. 3 yrs ago was told i had fibromyalgia...which is kind of like saying we don't know whats wrong to me any way...chronic pain and fatique, live with it....
my frustration at this point is, that i have a radio active iodine scan in test (order) in hand, and dont have a follow up appt for another 6 weeks!!! so not sure if i should do that or as you say question it and ask for an ultra sound...this can get expensive, not to mention time consuming when you work...? another thing i suffer from is chronic and severe migraines, the reason i'm mentioning it, is not to whine, complain or gain sympathy...but wondering if any of this is inter-connected or correlated in any way....
thank you so much for your response, i sincerely appreciate it.
blessings
COMMUNITY LEADER
Okay, just try to be calm -- no more tears, for now, okay?? We need to think this through clearly, because often our doctors don't do that for us, like we think they should.......
Yes, your TSH is low; let's forget about that for a few minutes...........
Your FT3, at 2.9 is "in range", but very low in the range; if my FT3 were that low in the range, I'd feel like crap too; FT3 coordinates best with symptoms...... then look at your FT4, which is also low in its range; FT4 must be converted to FT3 in order to be utilized by the body; if you don't have enough FT4, you won't have enough FT3........ these 2 are the ones we usually look at the closest and from those plus your symptoms, I'd say you are hypo, *but* TPOab is not the ONLY test for Hashimoto's -- you also need to get the TGab (Thyroglobulin Antibodies) to be sure; some of us have TPOab, some have TGab, others have both, so the absence of TPOab, is not conclusive.... insist on TGab.
Since your TSH is so low, along with your low thyroid hormone levels, I'd suggest that you ask your doctor to take a look at your pituitary gland to make sure it's functioning properly.
Have you had a thyroid ultra sound to check for nodules? I would insist on that before a radioactive iodine scan...........
I'm sure other members will have more suggestions......... be calm, and take it one step at a time.
Yes, your TSH is low; let's forget about that for a few minutes...........
Your FT3, at 2.9 is "in range", but very low in the range; if my FT3 were that low in the range, I'd feel like crap too; FT3 coordinates best with symptoms...... then look at your FT4, which is also low in its range; FT4 must be converted to FT3 in order to be utilized by the body; if you don't have enough FT4, you won't have enough FT3........ these 2 are the ones we usually look at the closest and from those plus your symptoms, I'd say you are hypo, *but* TPOab is not the ONLY test for Hashimoto's -- you also need to get the TGab (Thyroglobulin Antibodies) to be sure; some of us have TPOab, some have TGab, others have both, so the absence of TPOab, is not conclusive.... insist on TGab.
Since your TSH is so low, along with your low thyroid hormone levels, I'd suggest that you ask your doctor to take a look at your pituitary gland to make sure it's functioning properly.
Have you had a thyroid ultra sound to check for nodules? I would insist on that before a radioactive iodine scan...........
I'm sure other members will have more suggestions......... be calm, and take it one step at a time.
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