Thyroid swelling again and feeling hyper? Question with labs

[Tiredme]

For the last month or so my thyroid has been swelling on and off (mostly on).  This is not new to me and happens about 5-6 time a year.  Here is a refresher of my latest labs


Last 2 tests (one year ago)  - no meds

TSH 0.5 (same values)
Free t4 0.77 (0.57-1.25) - 29%

One month ago

TSH 1.2 (same values)  - no meds
Free t4 0.8 (0.6- 1.2) - 33%

begin taking 0.25mcg generic synthroid (after 4 weeks on this dose)

Labs 06/20/12

TSH - 0.7 (I am usually hanging around there with no meds)
Free T4 - 0.83 (0.57-1.25) 38%
TOTAL T3 - 109.60 (87-178) 25%
Ferritin - 30 (on supplements and barely moved but I am working on it)
  
I upped it to 37.5 a month ago and felt better except for the thyroid swelling.  Now I am feeling a little shakey but sleeping like 12 hours a day.  My dr. will not treat me further so I made an appt with a ND for next week.  I have been tested for antibodies numerous times and it has always been negative (both types).  I have had thyroid problems for about 10 years - never on any meds.  Went really hyper for about 9 months after first child and have not been the same since.  They always said I was borderline Hyper because of my lowish TSH but when I started on levo my shaking went away and I felt my anxiety lessen about 90%.  Any suggestions or input?  Never tested for free t3.  That is why I am going to a ND.  My doctor now is sort of useless....Most recent ultrasound showed no nodules but has shown before that it is swollen.

[gimel]

After starting on thyroid meds, TSH is even less useful as an indicator of thyroid status.  The most important indicators are symptoms and also levels of the biologically active thyroid hormones, Free T3 and Free T4.   Free T3 is the most important because it largely regulates metabolism and many other body functions.   Scientific studies have shown it to correlate best with hypo symptoms, while Free T4 and TSH did not correlate at all.  

You really do need to test for Free T3, along with Free T4, in order to see if you are converting the T4 to T3 adequately.  I would also suggest that if not done previously, you should test for Vitamin A, D, B12, and ferritin.  

When you talk to the ND keep in mind that a good thyroid doctor will treat a hypo patient clinically by testing and adjusting Free T3 and Free T4 as necessary to relieve symptoms, without being constrained by resultant TSH levels.  Symptom relief should be all important, not just test results.

[Tiredme]

Anyone?