Aa
Looking for imput
Well I went to the doctor Endo today and I guess it was ok. I did find out that I have Hypothyroidism do to an autoimmune problem. Which I guess is Hashimoto's? which I did not know about for the past five years. They never explained to me why I had hypothyroidism I just thought it was because of my last pregnancy. But I asked her to test my antibodies and she said that there is no reason to because they will always be elevated. I also asked her to order Free T3 or Free T4 and She said that just doing totals was all she needed. So I was wondering what the Free's tell you? And why would she not test the antibodies again? Also I have been getting headaches and floaters in my eyes does anyone think this is thyroid related?? I'm doing the adrenal test in the morning where they give you Dexamethason at night and draw your blood in the morning. Any imput would be great.
On adrenal fatigue - one of the reasons - especially for hypothyroid patients is when the thyroid is not working at it's individual optimal preformance. Other glands ( and hormones) can over function to compensate the under function.
Adrenal fatigue can be linked to an underactive thyroid, whether is it a natural underactive gland or under medicated. Other hormonal changes can occur also - but adrenal fatigue is usually talked about alot more than the others.
This is how I get the antibody testings. I may be wrong - but this is just how I have summed it up for myself. I was tested for Graves - years ago - I tested positive and made the decision for RAI.
Did RAI kill off the antibodies ??- No.
Recently I pushed for other antibody tests like TPOab for Hashimoto. Did that test come out positive - Yes it did.
Do I have both autoimmune diseases - Well I have been told Yes by my doctor and in reality it may not be so.
As AR and I discussed - Once Graves always Graves no matter what. I really don't know if continuing testing matters at this point.
At least for me I don't think so. I tested positive - so it is positive for antibodies.
Same as you I would assume. the condition is hypothyroid - that's how you will be treated as a patient. Antibody testing is just confirming autoimmunity and there is no other treatment options for Hashimoto hypothyroidism except treating the hypothyroidism.
This is just how I feel - things may be different for you.
Adrenal fatigue can be linked to an underactive thyroid, whether is it a natural underactive gland or under medicated. Other hormonal changes can occur also - but adrenal fatigue is usually talked about alot more than the others.
This is how I get the antibody testings. I may be wrong - but this is just how I have summed it up for myself. I was tested for Graves - years ago - I tested positive and made the decision for RAI.
Did RAI kill off the antibodies ??- No.
Recently I pushed for other antibody tests like TPOab for Hashimoto. Did that test come out positive - Yes it did.
Do I have both autoimmune diseases - Well I have been told Yes by my doctor and in reality it may not be so.
As AR and I discussed - Once Graves always Graves no matter what. I really don't know if continuing testing matters at this point.
At least for me I don't think so. I tested positive - so it is positive for antibodies.
Same as you I would assume. the condition is hypothyroid - that's how you will be treated as a patient. Antibody testing is just confirming autoimmunity and there is no other treatment options for Hashimoto hypothyroidism except treating the hypothyroidism.
This is just how I feel - things may be different for you.
Do you agree not to have the antibodies retested? Also I'm not sure I understand what your saying about the adrenals.
Tell her!
If you go in with the correct explaination of the Free's - vs- the totals than they really can not fight the testing.
Keep in mind also that you have quite a history with hypothyroidism that may have caused some adrenal fatigue for you.
I would discuss this with the doctor too. If a patient DX'd with hypothyroidism is left in a state where the disease is undertreated - the adrenals can deplete in their function due to working harder than they should to compensate thyroid function.
If you go in with the correct explaination of the Free's - vs- the totals than they really can not fight the testing.
Keep in mind also that you have quite a history with hypothyroidism that may have caused some adrenal fatigue for you.
I would discuss this with the doctor too. If a patient DX'd with hypothyroidism is left in a state where the disease is undertreated - the adrenals can deplete in their function due to working harder than they should to compensate thyroid function.
Thanks for the luck. So you think I should get the Free's and not just the totals? How do I get her to do it??
That's what I love about this forum....there is always something more to learn! Good luck on your testing!
I have some of the symptoms of cushings but They are more looking at adrenal fatigue. Well my doctor has known for 3 years that I had positive antibodies but I was never told they just always said you have hypothyroidism and it was not till joining this forum that I started to wonder why I had hypothyroidism so I asked today at the doctors. It was my fault for never asking the right questions. The antibodies test was done in 2006 and I have been hypo sense 2003. So it has been 5 years that I really did'nt know why I was hypo.
The totals are completely outdated tests that should be taken off the lab sheets. The Frees show you the actual active hormone in your body. That is why the Frees are the accurate tests. I myself wouldn't bother to retest the antibody tests if you have already had the done and they were positive. I have hashimotos and wouldn't bother with it. The antibodies are there...no matter how many. Incredible it took you 5 yrs to find out you have hashi's.....here I was flippin mad that it took me 2 yrs to find out. lol Rediculous isn't it? :)
I get headaches and flashes of light a lot....I was told it was a form of a migraine...occular.
I also had the dexamethasone test done....no problem....hope yours comes out normal. Are you having symptoms of cushings?
I get headaches and flashes of light a lot....I was told it was a form of a migraine...occular.
I also had the dexamethasone test done....no problem....hope yours comes out normal. Are you having symptoms of cushings?
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