understanding test results (friend's), please help

[kidsnchicks]

I'm trying to help a friend understand her results.  Can you give me some insight to share with her.  This is the link to the original post I posted for her - http://www.medhelp.org/posts/Thyroid-Disorders/Friend-is-new-to-hyperthyroidism--need-help/show/1193219?personal_page_id=862284#post_5459450

This is her entire lab work history:

February 17th: (GP office)
TSH - 0.03 (0.34-5.60)
T4, Total - 16.39 (4.50-12.00)
T3 Uptake - 43.6 (25.0-40.0)
FTI, Calculated - 17.9 (5.9-13.1)

March 10: (Endo office)
T3 Uptake - 41 (22-35%)
T4 (Thyroxine), Total - 17.4 (4.5-12.5)
Free T4 Index (T7) - 7.1 (1.4-3.8)
TSH, 3rd Generation - 0.01 (0.40-4.50)
T4, Free - 3.3 (0.8-1.8)
T3, Total - 385 (76-181)
TSI - 221 (<=125)
She was started on MMI 10mg 3x/day and a beta blocker after these results came in.

March 22:
T3 Uptake - 37 (22-35%)
T4 (Thyroxine), Total - 15.8 (4.5-12.5)
Free T4 Index (T7) - 5.8 (1.4-3.8)
TSH, 3rd Generation - 0.01 (0.40-4.50)
T4, Free - 2.2 (0.8-1.8)
T3, Total - 276 (76-181)

April 12:
T3 Uptake - 29 (22-35%)
T4 (Thyroxine), Total - 10.3 (4.5-12.5)
Free T4 Index (T7) - 3.0 (1.4-3.8)
TSH, 3rd Generation - <0.01 (0.40-4.50)
T4, Free - 1.0 (0.8-1.8)
T3, Total - 134 (76-181)
Her MMI was reduced to twice a day after these results.

We attend the same church and the same Endo.  Any help you give to understand these results or let her know how she is progressing would be appreciated.

[Smilerdeb]

Thats fantastic news for you!
Not many achieve remission with Graves.
Hugs xxx

[kidsnchicks]

I'm sorry your situation was so rough.  I guess I have been one of the fortunate ones.  On my last visit, I was told that I was in remission and I don't go back for another follow-up until some time in July.  I may still be a little on the hypo side with my results but it liveable.  

Thanks for all of your help.

[Smilerdeb]

Mine only levelled out once I had RAI and TT ..sorry to say.
But I have never regretted it as Graves is a debilitating disease that made even ME...want to die.
Now I am back on tarck and doing great!
Hugs xx

[kidsnchicks]

Hi Deb,
Yes, she tested positive for Graves - TSI - 221 (<=125).  I thought the MMI might be doing the trick but I wanted to check my understanding.  Thanks for the input.  She has stated that she had a couple of bad days and now she is feeling a little tired.  This thyroid sure can put us on a roller coaster ride.  Does it ever truly level off?

[Smilerdeb]

Looks like the MMi is doing the trick and the Doc was right to decrease.
She would be getting 'crossover' symptoms at present....both hyepr and hypo.
Just watch the MMI doesnt take her levels 'lower'.

Has she has antibody testing for Graves? The TSI test (thyroid stimulating immuniglobulins).

Tell her to retest in 2-3 weeks as it is so easy to go hypo on MMI and then catapult back to hyper once meds are decreased.

[kidsnchicks]

Bumping this up in hopes of a reply.  Thanks!