Aa
hypo/hashi's
how does a person know weather its just hypo they have or if its hashi's when the Dr only uses the TSH range?
Yes, your TPO is elevated, Hashi's is confirmed, no need for any further testing.
I still think your problem is that you need to start out at a very low dose of levo and increase in baby steps. You can still be as hypo as hell, but start having hyper symptoms, if you start too high or increase too fast. Your body needs time to get used to the increased hormones. And some of us need lots and lots of time!
It took me over a year to go from 25 mcg to 75 mcg.
I still think your problem is that you need to start out at a very low dose of levo and increase in baby steps. You can still be as hypo as hell, but start having hyper symptoms, if you start too high or increase too fast. Your body needs time to get used to the increased hormones. And some of us need lots and lots of time!
It took me over a year to go from 25 mcg to 75 mcg.
Ok so if my TPO is elevated that confirms Hashi's right? My TPO is greater than 1000 with normal under 35. No need for any further tests? I also had my endo check my TSI which was 104 with normal under 120 because of all my hyper symptoms. I thought I could possibly have graves too.
No, if you know you have Hashi's (because your TPOab is elevated), knowing you have TGab also is moot. It's thyroglobulin antibody. However, if you haven't been diagnosed, I think it's worthwhile, since if your TPOab icomes back NOT elevated, you still don't know if you have Hashi's unless you also have TGab done. Why have to go back for a second test?
When you're ready to up your dose again, ask your doctor about going to 37.5, then 44, and then 50 (if you need that much, of course.) Just increase very slowly.
With all your symptoms continuing, you are going to have to increse. The time spent to do it slowly makes the hypo symptoms drag on a little longer, but it pays off in the end because it eliminates a lot of the side-effects.
You should have TGab done also...some people with Hashi's just have TPOab, some TGab, and us lucky ones, both!
I agree that FT3 and FT4 should also be tested. If your doctor refuses to order the free's and/or treat according to them, not TSH, you may need to find a new doctor.
With all your symptoms continuing, you are going to have to increse. The time spent to do it slowly makes the hypo symptoms drag on a little longer, but it pays off in the end because it eliminates a lot of the side-effects.
You should have TGab done also...some people with Hashi's just have TPOab, some TGab, and us lucky ones, both!
I agree that FT3 and FT4 should also be tested. If your doctor refuses to order the free's and/or treat according to them, not TSH, you may need to find a new doctor.
I can totally sympathasize with you. I do have Hashi's (my antibodies were over 1000) and my life is a living ****! I have 4 children and I work full time. There are days I cannot take care of my kids or even go to work. I am having probelms with the meds so my endocronologist stopped them temporarily and I am to see him again Monday. You really need to get all the labs I mentioned above done to get the whole story. Unfortunaltey most doctors won't so you will have to make them. I too had problems at 50mcg with my heart. I hope you feel better soon. This is no way to live life fully or happily!
I was diagnosed with hypo several weeks ago. tsh 8.1. I was put on levo. 50 mcg. Thought I was going to die due to heart beating out of my chest. Cut the pill in half and all is well with that. Im afraid to up my dose again. I have serious pain in all my joints, especially after I get home from work, almost feel like im in need of a cane. My body hurts so badly and does not want to move. I have to take a nap as soon as I get home. I feel I have exhausted all my energy at work. I was loosing my eyebrows but since levo they are growing back. My throat feels like i have a noose around my neck at times and my voice turns hoarse when I try to read a story to my son. I am unable to speak loudly as my voice just cracks and then feels sore. I also have needle ***** feelings in my throat. I have only a short term memory and I do mean short. Feel im in a fog most days. I am 46 years old, weigh 87lbs on a good day as I forget to eat. and 5ft tall. I really do not see how anyone can continue a normal life like this. Im so tired of feeling this way. I love my job, im afraid that I will loose in one day due to inability to perform. Thank you for responding.
The only way to know if you have Hashi's is to have the TPO antibiodies tested. Also with hashi's (at least for awhile) you tend to swing between hyper and hypo until your thyroid is completely destroyed. TSH alone will not tell you ANYTHING! You need to have the antibodies levels checked as well as a Free T4 and Free T3. Are you having symptoms? Are you on any medication for thyroid?
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