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Hashimoto Disease
Forgive me if this sounds like a stupid question, but I haven't been able to find an answer on my own. I have recently been diagnosed with Hashimoto's Thyroiditis. Last August my antibody count was at 669. So I was referred to a Endocrinologist who I saw in January. My recent lab work says that it is now at 939. My T3, T4, and TSH levels are all within the normal range (though my TSH level of 2.87 is close to exceeding the range of 0.3 - 3.0). My doctor doesn't seem too concerned, says treatment is unnecessary and asks that I follow-up in a year. My question is there a limit to how high the antibody count has to be before it is cause for concern or is it all based on the TSH level. A secondary question is that I have also been dx with MS within the last couple of years as well. Since it appears that there are more than a few symptoms that could be connected to both conditions, how am I supposed to know if my symptoms are MS related or thyroid related so I know which doctor I should call?
Thank you for your response! This is the most information I've received about my concerns than I've been able to find on this wonderful world wide web...and trust me, I've searched a GREAT deal.
I know that eventually my immune system will destroy my thyroid (just like it's slowly detroying my CNS). Forturnately I guess, there is a treatment that can replace the function of the thyroid even if there isn't anything to stop it from happening in the first place.
Though I would love it if my Neuro would treat this as well, it's highly unlikely. It is very good to know that I can ask my GP to test the TSH levels. It's a lot easier getting in to see him and he is a lot easier to communicate with.
Again.....thank you!!
I know that eventually my immune system will destroy my thyroid (just like it's slowly detroying my CNS). Forturnately I guess, there is a treatment that can replace the function of the thyroid even if there isn't anything to stop it from happening in the first place.
Though I would love it if my Neuro would treat this as well, it's highly unlikely. It is very good to know that I can ask my GP to test the TSH levels. It's a lot easier getting in to see him and he is a lot easier to communicate with.
Again.....thank you!!
There is not a threshold or upper limit as far as when antibodies suddenly become a concern. It is subjective.
939 is officially high enough to be concerned about, but there is no treatment for the antibodies. You cannot affect the numbers significantly, other than to try not to stir up your immune system.
The higher the number is, the more antibodies there are attacking your thyroid. You can probably see where that thought is going.
A TSH of 2.87 is considered "sub-clinical", which means it should not warrant treatment. It is high enough to bring on symptoms, though. Many doctors do not really want to aknowledge the fact that this is true.
It is a bit of a contradiction to say that a patient who is being treated with thyroid meds should strive for a TSH of 1.0 or so, but your TSH of 2.87 is just fine.
Having MS really complicates your situation. As you say, how do you know where a particular symptom is coming from?
I think waiting a year for follow-up is too long. I would look at every three or four months, and try to get on thyroid meds the minute your TSH goes high enough to motivate your physician.
You do not need to involve the Endo in regular visits if the Endo does not feel it is required. You can have any treating physician check your TSH from time to time.
In fact, unless your thyroid problem becomes complicated, most General Practitioners are willing to and capable of treating your thyroid.
Perhaps the Dr. treating your MS would be able to treat your thyroid as well. That would be the ideal situation. Then there is no conflicting opinions and the diseases could be addressed jointly by one physician. I know very little about MS, so that may be an ignorant thought on my part.
Best of luck to you.
939 is officially high enough to be concerned about, but there is no treatment for the antibodies. You cannot affect the numbers significantly, other than to try not to stir up your immune system.
The higher the number is, the more antibodies there are attacking your thyroid. You can probably see where that thought is going.
A TSH of 2.87 is considered "sub-clinical", which means it should not warrant treatment. It is high enough to bring on symptoms, though. Many doctors do not really want to aknowledge the fact that this is true.
It is a bit of a contradiction to say that a patient who is being treated with thyroid meds should strive for a TSH of 1.0 or so, but your TSH of 2.87 is just fine.
Having MS really complicates your situation. As you say, how do you know where a particular symptom is coming from?
I think waiting a year for follow-up is too long. I would look at every three or four months, and try to get on thyroid meds the minute your TSH goes high enough to motivate your physician.
You do not need to involve the Endo in regular visits if the Endo does not feel it is required. You can have any treating physician check your TSH from time to time.
In fact, unless your thyroid problem becomes complicated, most General Practitioners are willing to and capable of treating your thyroid.
Perhaps the Dr. treating your MS would be able to treat your thyroid as well. That would be the ideal situation. Then there is no conflicting opinions and the diseases could be addressed jointly by one physician. I know very little about MS, so that may be an ignorant thought on my part.
Best of luck to you.
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