Test results

[1tiredmom13]

I got my results today and my thyroid showed a level of 9....my doctor says normal range is around .4 and my throid is not functioning. I have to have an ultrasound and thyroid uptake scan...this is like another language I have no idea what any of this means....any info would be awesome from someone that understands this thanks :)

[courtney48]

Thanks :)  That all makes sense.  I'm newly dx'd and wondered if there was something I should/shouldn't be doing.  I like to read your replies so I wanted to understand what you were saying.  

[goolarra]

I thought about that before asking.  No, who pays has no bearing on results, and even if it is covered by insurance, it's not "free"...we're all paying.  However, my husband and I are both self-employed.  We pay close to $800 per month for insurance with a $5k deductible/$13k out of pocket per year.  So, we basically pay for any tests we have.  I asked 1tiredmom13 about insurance based on that.

My feeling is that most thyroid disorders (the easy ones anyway) can be diagnosed without an uptake scan.  I'd certainly want to have FT3, FT4, TGab and TPOab tested before paying for the scan (or anything else for that matter).  I'd want to research the test and question the doctor on whether it was necessary.  Granted, we ALL should be doing that...insured well or not...it's the only way to bring medical costs down.

However, in 1tiredmom13's position, as an obviously very new thyroid patient, if insurance will pay for this, I might advise her to save her battle with her doctor for another issue (or I should say not advise her to fight it).  On the other hand, if she's paying herself, I'd advise her to really question the necessity, especially if it presents any financial hardship for her family.

While "money doesn't count" when it comes to health, I know from personal experience that it's becoming an issue for more and more people all the time.  I was attempting to start a dialogue with 1tiredmom13 and would have expanded on my comments if she'd posted again.  

I hope that clears it up a bit.    

[courtney48]

I am curious why you asked the OP about insurance.  Who pays has no bearing on results.  Will you comment further on this question in case the answer would be helpful to this group?  Thank you.

[goolarra]

Was that your TSH level that was 9.0?  Did your doctor test FREE T3 and FREE T4 as well as TSH?

A thyroid ultrasound will show the physical characteristics of your thyroid...if it's enlarged and/or you have nodules.  Both are really common with hypothyroidism.

An uptake scan will show your "thyroid at work".  It actually shows how much function there is.  Will this be paid for by insurance?  

Do you have hypo symptoms?