Understanding your Thyriod test

[jessie166]

Over the last 6 months I have experienced 5kg weight gain, sensitive to the cold, extreme fatigue, consitipation, lack of concentration. I then developed a lump and had my thyriod removed (papillary cancer) 8 weeks ago with no further treatment required. I have been on synthyriod medication since. My latest tests show FT4 15.8 pmol/l, TSH 0.14 mU/L, Free T3 4.4 pmol/L. I am still experienceing the following systems: Extreme fatigue, can not sleep at night, nausea, digestive problems with bloating, brittle nails, sensitivity to cold, constipation, lost 3kg in the 8 weeks. I have never felt so unwell in my life. My Doctor has suggested that I decrease my medication to from 1.mg to .5mg on alternate days and says that my TSH level is ok although showing low. My question is are my systems as a result of the side affects of the medication or as I have read what is normal for one person may not be normal for another and you have to find your normal within the normal range.


This discussion is related to Understanding Test Results.

[LittleEd]

Gosh! Am I just ignorant, or is that T4 pretty high? I don't understand how they're all done, though... (like what is pmol/l?) Maybe you need to do like me and find a different doctor. My third one has made all the difference in the world.

[jessie166]

Yes your right. The lab result says that the range for FT4 is 9 to 19, so it it getting to the higher end. I think I might get a second opinion. Thanks

[AR-10]

It's hard to comment on the Free T4 and Free T3 test results without seeing what the lab ranges are. Different labs use different ranges.

Don't you need to have a suppressed TSH for protection from future cancer? I would think your doctor would want your TSH right where it is now. Maybe it depends on the type of cancer...

If your doctor wants you to alternate between 110mcg and 50mcg, why doesn't he/she just write you a scrip for 75mcg?

I think part of your problem is that you have had a traumatic thing happen to your body and it is trying to heal itself, but that takes a little time.

If you could post the lab ranges for the T tests, that would help.

Sorry you're feeling so unwell.

[AR-10]

LOL!

I didn't see you had posted while I was typing up a reply.

Your Free T4 is getting up there. It's not overly high, but it's higher than it needs to be. It doesn't point to overmedication. It may in another month though.

Now, cough up the range for your Free T3. LOL!!

:o)

[Smilerdeb]

lol AR-10
If the Ft4 range is 10.0-19.0 then the FT3 range would be 0.5- 5.5...they are the ranges I have with my labs.
Actually my ranges are a fraction higher than Jessie's and yet I am classified as HYPO as my TSH is going UP and not down and I am on 75mcg Thyroxin.
As per usual the Doc will tell you Jessie that your Free's are within range.lol

[beva32]

I understand how you feel the same thing is happening to me! I am so tired always and cranky my hair is falling out and I am gaining tons of weight and I hardly eat! I developed a failry large nodule and am having a biopsy soon but all this is happening so fast and I am scared. This is not helping my sleeping I am so tired and sleepy yet I cannot get to sleep!!!!