What's the reference range on your FT4? Ranges vary lab to lab, so both have to be posted together.
They should be testing FT3. It's the test that correlates best with symptoms. Obviously, if the nurse didn't know what thyroglobulin was, she has no business seeing people who potentially have thyroid issues.
I should also have asked if they ever tested TSI (thyroid stimulating immunoglobulin). Sorry, I misread that as "thyroglobulin", but my comment about the nurse still stands.
Oh gosh, I can't quite rememeber, I know for certain the TSH started from 0.35 and the T4 was something like 9 to 19.
Also no, they assumed the lab had screwed up the results so made me have another blood test, these results came out:
TSH: <0.03
T4: 17
Now they are saying I'm fine but that they want me to have another blood test, this will be the third in the space of 2 weeks.
If the FT4 range is 9-19, then your result of 18.2 in your original post is quite high, and the current 17 is still on the high side. TSH is very low, indicating that your pituitary thinks your thyroid hormone levels are too high as well. Many of us would be feeling hyper. Do you have other symptoms besides fatigue?
I'm wondering if the "immunoglobulin" test to refer to is "thyroid stimulating immunoglobulin" (TSI). TSI is the antibody associated with Graves', and Graves' is typically diagnosed on a TSI result. You might try getting your records from the doctor who diagnosed you. TSI can be very useful. It can indicate remission and coming out of remission. If you monitor it regularly, you will have a better idea of what's going on. I'd insist on a TSI test and an FT3 test with this next set of blood work they want you to have.
Yeah I have very trembly hands, I'm full of energy I feel like I can't use because I'm knackered, I have itchy feet ALL the time (but very ticklish feet) it's awful lol and I go from feeling fine to ravenous so quickly I feel sick, I also get really annoying persistent twitches in my muscles and palpitations I think? It feels like fluttering in your chest or a sudden jolt sometimes.
I've been trying to get doctors to do my T3 for a year now and I've got to the point where I have had enough :/
I will persist though and update you on how it goes but I don't have high hopes. Thank you for the help it's much appreciated, it's nice to have someone agreeing with me.
All the best,
Lelah
Doctors can be stubborn about ordering FT3, but they usually are more willing to order it when people are hyper than hypo. Your symptoms sound hyper to be sure, so you really should know what FT3 is doing. If the doctor balks, you might try saying something like "Even if you don't want to see it, *I* do." I see you're in the UK...you might have to go private.
There's no excuse for not ordering TSI. It's the easiest way to monitor the progression of the disease.
Best of luck. I'll look forward to seeing your results.