Pls help???

[Kadge]

Hi, I have been feeling ill for years, severe tiredness (can sleep for 15-16 hours a day) weightgain, muscle aches n pain, hair loss, neck pain, etc etc my blood results were TSH 1.14 T4 9.8 are these normal? If so why do I feel so ill all the time? I want my life back and a nights sleep where I feel refreshed? Help xx

[Kadge]

Hey, been on Levothyroxine now since october 10 and I am a little better, can still sleep lots, still gaining weight but my main problem is my upset tummy??!?? Is this the levo that's causing it? Will it settle?? Am on 100mcg now and seems at night in bed my hips and legs really badly ache to the point that it wakes me?!? Advice needed pls????

[stella5349]

another thing I was looking at while reading these comments was wondering if you had an RBC magnesium test.

I think knowing that would be helpful for you.

[stella5349]

It looks like the total T3 was tested.

Here would be how to define a free T3 if it was done

Triiodothyronine (free)
FT3
Free T3

That "F" or "free" would be on the lab report if it was done.

Its nice to hear you are feeling better but not tracking the best labs at each visit could be hard for you.

Its always good to have a patient feeling better but if it changes back to not feeling well then not knowing the free labs is hard to know how to make you well again.

[Kadge]

Have contacted the surgery again and all they can tell me is .......

Triiodothyronine 5.5 pmol/L (3.3-5.3)

What ever is happening with me I am starting to feel myself again??!!!?? The only thing I have to complain about is feeling the cold more than sweating now and my weight... But that should now start to come off??

Are they treating me correctly? And what does it mean that my T3 is above range???

[gimel]

Do you have a copy of the lab report, or how did you get the range numbers?   Does it say TT3 or FT3?  Something just doesn't seem right.

[Kadge]

I checked the range twice to confirm it being correct!! :)

[Kadge]

I checked the range twice to confirm it being correct!! :)

[gimel]

I sure that on the lab report it specifies if it is free T3 (FT30) or total T3 (TT3), but from the range info given it only seems to fit with being FT3.

[izatu]

I THINK that Triiodothyronine  is total T3, and not Free T3. But, I am not absolutely sure which it is. I also only ever get the Triiodothyronine test with my doc (if that. the PCP will take it, the endo thinks its pointless) and have not been able to figure out if its total or free t3.

[gimel]

Yes that looks like FT3 and FT4 test results; however, the range for the FT3 is significantly different than ones I have seen published, which are more like 3.5 - 7.7 Pmol/L.  If so,  this would be more consistent with the FT4 result, which is slightly below midpoint.  Assuming all this is correct, then your dosage increase is the right direction for symptom relief.

[Kadge]

Aha??? Is that triio my T3?? Those were results after 4 weeks of 50mcg Levo.......now increased to 75 to treat symptoms

[Kadge]

Gimel, my most recent results are as follows -

Triiodothyronine 5.5 (3.3-5.3)
TSH.                   1.45 (0.35-5)
T4.                      11.9 (7-20)

Unsure as to where my T3 results are he my GP requested this on the blood form!!!!!

What do these results tell you!???? X

[gimel]

Was it your current doctor that prescribed the dexamethasone?   Regarding the effect on the blood test, I can't imagine that it would not have affected the result.  Do you have any previous test results for cortisone?  Please check and confirm that the test result you listed was for FT3 and that the range is correct.  It looks strange to me.

[Kadge]

Recently had bloods done results for T3 were 5.5(3.3-5.5) ???? How should I feel, I'm still gaining weight - rapidly!! Help??

[Kadge]

When I had bloods taken I also had 10mg dexamethasone the previous night to suppress my cortisone level - as a result my cortisone has come out at 28???? Can anyone interpret this or if this is good or bad? Thanks in advance

[gimel]

When you go back, if they did not test for FT3, then insist that be done.  FT3 is the most important test because FT3 is the most active thyroid hormone and it largely regulates metabolism and many other body functions.  

Seems to me that your symptoms are consistent with having low FT4, and I expect low FT3 as well, if they will ever test for it.  

[Kadge]

He has done more tests but these are the only results I have so far! He seemed to think my symptoms were of cushings so testing me in case! Due to see him on mon 4th with all results, can't wait

[gimel]

Glad to hear that the doctor recognized that your FT4 was low, and plans to put you on meds.  Why did they not test for FT3 as well?  Also, why do you think Cushing's could be involved?  

[Kadge]

Result results are FT4 8.2 (7-20) TSH 0.90 (0.35-5) still waiting in results for cushings

[Kadge]

Hi again gimel, tell me? Should I be worried about cushings? Am losing sleep thinking it would be just my luck to have a tumour on my pituitary gland? I'm scared? And its making me even more ill.......???? Help x

[gimel]

So glad to hear that you are making progress.  When available, please do post test results and reference ranges so that members can help interpret and advise further.  

[Kadge]

Gimel, my appointment went well! He is testing me for a whole load of things but mainly cushings ! If this comes back negative he is gonna issue me with thyroxine to get my levels up as he says they are borderline! Rey!!! There is light at the end of my long dark ten year tunnel! Thank you so much for your help as without you I would not of understood it! I read that link lots and lots of times so I was familiar! I am due to see him again on 4th oct for blood results, will keep you posted x

[gimel]

Glad to hear that you have an appointment with a different doctor.  Now let's hope the new doctor is a good thyroid doctor.  

Just as a suggestion, rather than walking in cold, I think you should read carefully the article in the above link I gave your and go in prepared to request that you be treated for your symptoms, by testing and adjusting the biologically active thyroid hormones, free T3 and free T4 (not total T3 and total T4).  Maybe even give the doctor a copy of the article.  If the doctor has a problem with this approach, then you should explain that you are aware there are studies that show that FT3 correlates best with hypo symptoms, and that just being in the low end of the ranges for FT3 and FT4 frequently does not relieve symptoms.  Suggest that these ranges should be guidelines within which to adjust levels as necessary to relieve symptoms.  Symptom relief should be all important.  

If the doctor says that based on your TSH, that you are "normal", then suggest that in view of your symptoms, perhaps your TSH result is indicative of also having pituitary problems, rather than an indication that everything is okay.

[Kadge]

Hi all I have an app with the Endo on the 6th sept wish me luck xx