How far out of norm are these results?

[heelsdown]

Just found out I was Hypothyroid. Most days can't even raise my arms. I feel paralyzed. Started 50 mg, Synthroid 10 days ago. Dr. says deal with it for a total of 6 weeks, then retest for thyroid levels.

1. Can anyone tell me how far out of norm these test results (below) are?
2. Are they about the same as other people with Hashimotos?
3. I have been out of work now for 5 weeks, can't drive, and going CRAZY sitting at home. How do others cope? 4 .Anyone with tips on how to lessen exhaustion and muscle weakness?
5.  Also, NOT hungry at all. Same with everyone else?


TSH ** High at 9.24
Free T4 ** Normal at .78
Thyroid Peroxidase Antibodies ** High at 801

Oh, Also Vitamin D was low  ***  Total 25-OH  was 19
Potassium on low side at 3.4 (My dr says mine has always run about this, however)

Thank God I found this forum a few days ago. Have been absolutely terrified. Thanks for your help.

[Smilerdeb]

Well put .... Goolarra !
I couldnt agree more. I went hyepr from meds and had to decrease because of it and start from scratch (so tedious).
Baby steps  are the secret as Goolarra has said.

I am also glad you brought up the 'posting ranges issue' as here in Australia ...my FT4 levels are: (10.0 - 19.0 ) so as you can see, its often hard for someone to comment without the ranges put in the posting too.
If I had a FT4 of 0.78, I would most definately be in hospital lol.

Thats why I refuse to comment unless levels are posted or I request them ......in case I give incorrect advice.

[goolarra]

Just to give you some perspective on how far out of "normal" some of us have gotten...when I was diagnosed, my TSH was 67.2 (I've seen postings here of people with 600 or 800 - yikes!), and my FT4 was 0.4.  So, yes, I know where you're coming from!  For about a year before I was diagnosed, I had suffered with my lower back.  There were times when I didn't think the muscles were going to hold me up any longer (I had to stop between bed and coffee pot every morning).  A few weeks on levo, and the old back had improved tremendously.  I actually couldn't believe it...never thought it could help that much.

Normal TSH is 0.3-3.0 (many labs and doctors use old ranges...we ignore them).  FT4 normal range is specific to your lab. That's why it's best to request printed lab reports from your doctor - the reference range will be on the printed report. My lab uses 0.6-2.0 for FT4.  Next time you have labs drawn, ask for FT3, also.  FT3 is the best indicator of thyroid status and correlates best with symptoms.

Lessening exhaustion and muscle weakness until the meds kick in is a tough one.  Be kind to yourself, if you can.  Sleep when you're sleepy, avoid stress. the usual.

It's good that your doctor has started you out at a relatively low dose.  He's absolutely right that you have to wait five to six weeks before the meds reach a stable level in your system and level out.  If you start making adjustments before the six weeks, you're just chasing a moving target.  Speaking as someone who was started on way too high a dose, I have to emphasized that starting low and increasing slowly is invaluable.  It takes a while longer to get rid of your hypo symptoms, but that's better than dealing with the side effects and going hyper.

There's just no way to rush it.

[Smilerdeb]

Sorry...forgot to mention...
antibodies are high and they are attacking your thyroid but I have seen higher so please dont panic..take the T4 med as your Doctor prescribed and you should start seeing some results as soon as the TSH starts to drop.

[Smilerdeb]

Tsh is high and also antibodies which shows that you are suffering from an Autoimmune Disease or have 'Thyroiditis' which is an inflammation of the thyroid.
You havent shown your FREE T3 levels...were they done?
To get a better picture of what is going on, always ask for the Free T3 to be done at the same time as Free T4 and TSH.
From your levels you are showing Hypothyroid and 50mcg daily of thyroxin is a standard 'starting dose'.
You will start to feel some difference within 2 weeks and should start to at least feel a little better until your next labs are due and the Doc may then increase/decrease the thyroxin depending on your labs.

Muscle aches and pains, weakness, constipation, fluid retention, course hair, lethargy, anxiety, no appetite, slow pulse....they are all symptoms of hypo as Eliza has said in her posting.

Any change of symptoms and go back to your Doctor as he may want to reassess your condition.
Hashi's is an autoimmune disease that does not go away, it is with you for life I am afraid (sorry) but treating the hashi's , researching everything on this condition, and learning all you can will help you in your journey to wellness.
All the best :)

[Eliza150]

Hi, Yes your TSH is high for sure. I am glad you got the diagnosis before you got worse.

I know it is hard to cope with. Try not to stress too much cause that will make you feel worse. It does take awhile to start feeling better, and that is the hard part.

Weakness sure does go along with hypothyroidism. So does depression, constipation, fluid retention.