new labs

[courtney48]

December 2012-
TSH w/reflex to T4                                 5.78
T4                                                        1.0                  (.8-1.8)
started levothyroxine 100mcg

March 2013
TSH 3rd generation                                 .17                 (.40-4.5)
T-3 uptake                                           36                     (22-35)
T4 (thyroxine), total                              8.0                    (4.5-12)
Free T4 indext (T&)                              2.9                    (1.4-3.8)
Thyroglobulin antibodies                       less than 20       (less than 20)
Thyroid peroxidase AB                         203                    (less than 35)
SED                                                    2                       (less than 20)
still waiting on results of CRP test
still waiting on vit-D results
have a DEXA scheduled
have a U/S of thyroid scheduled

no medicine change at this time until results of U/S.  doctor said it could be lowered to 88mcg, but doesn't want to up/down the dose until she has more info.

Thanks for comments :)

[Barb135]

"My main GI complaint is the other end"  I guess you're referring to the constipation?  If so, that's a typical hypo issue.  I had it for several years before being diagnosed hypo.  Once my FT3 levels got to where I need them to be, it's only an issue if I eat too much bread or other heavy carbs.

Allergies can cause GI type symptoms and hypo can also cause the allergy like symptoms. Sometimes it ends up being a double edged sword.

I do take a daily enzyme capsule that helps a lot.  Not sure about you, but  too much dairy causes issues as well; not that I'm intolerant, just that it sort of binds things up.......lol   The enzyme capsule seems to take care of that.

Being happy with your testing treatment is a good share of getting well.  Since FT3 correlates best with symptoms, you'll probably want to get that at some point, but it's up to you to decide when to push it.

Best of luck and hope you'll keep us posted on your progress.

[courtney48]

Thank you for replying.  My main GI complaint is the other end, but what I've thought have been worsening allergies may actually be GERD.  I had a prescription for Zantac when first dx'd with hypo, but didn't take it since I was already adding levothyroxine.  I didn't want to start two new meds on the same day.  I think I may give it a try though to see if that helps my cough/throat clearing that is driving me batty!  

So far I'm satisfied with my treatment.  This is a new doctor to me.  Mine relocated several states away so when I got my annual labs back, it indicated hypo and recommended I see a partner in the practice.  I went into all this with a new dx, new doc.  So for now, I'm going to coast a little, but will keep the FT3 in mind.  

[Barb135]

GI issues are very common with Hashimoto's/hypothyroidism.  I had horrible issues until my FT3/FT4 levels got to the right point for me.  I was even able to get off a very strong medication that I'd been on for years, for acid reflux. I haven't needed anything other than the occasional Gaviscon for a little tummy upset, in several years.

I commend your doctor for not cutting med based on the TSH, because actually, your FT4 is just about perfect.  Would be nice to see an FT3 to verify that you are converting adequately.

[courtney48]

Thank you again.  I believe how I feel factored into the decision to not adjust for now.  My doctor asked how I felt.  I said the same as I've been feeling except that my GI issues are healing. She didn't want to upset that apple cart for now.  I don't have a recheck scheduled just yet, but will after the U/S and I am going to try to move up the GI recheck to get a little more input on how thyroid issues may have caused my problem to begin with and if there is any other consideration from that end (no pun intended).  

[flyingfool]

The progression of Hashi's is different yes in every person.  But it seems that in all cases it is progressive and will if given enough time will render your thyroid gland unable to produce hormone.

So what that means is that over time you will most likely need ever increasing dosages of thyroid to make up for the glands lessening production of hormone.

If you are not feeling Hyper and otherwise feel fine.  I would absolutely NOT change a dang thing.  That's about as good as it can get.  I was thinking you may be a bit over medicated but again if you do not have hyper symptoms and feel good.  Don't change a thing.  In fact you know how you feel better than anyone. And if someone suggests a change you may want to fight it.

Even if a bit over medicated, over time as Hashi's takes its toll on the thyroid that would progressively get less and less of a situation.

[courtney48]

Thanks for commenting.  I understood that the hypo is due to hashi.  My doc didn't freak out, but commented that I may be a bit overmedicated.  Is that what you're talking about? She doesn't want to adjust just yet, reason explained at end of this reply.  I actually feel fine.  I am new to hypothyroidism and haven't really had the symptoms often discussed here.  My hair has thinned over the past 10 or so months, but since being levothyroxine, that has slowed.  My nails were very brittle and broke off/did not grow for about 6 months and they are now well beyond my fingertips if I don't file them often.  My biggest symptom was GI related.  The reason my doctor doesn't want to alter meds just yet is because of that.  I pooped daily, but over time became subtly constipated which caused some other issues.  I'll spare the details. I go to the GI in a few more weeks, will reeval after that appt.  

A question about Hashi-the rate at which a person's thyroid loses its ability to produce necessary hormones is not predictable, is that right?  It varies from person to person?  

Thank you again.  Appreciate the feedback.

[flyingfool]

Your test for
Thyroid peroxidase AB                         203                    (less than 35)

Indicates you have Hashimoto's

I see they did a T3 uptake but NOT the most important test which is Free T3.

Did your Dr  freak out with the low TSH value?

how are you feeling?  Are you still symptomatic?

Free T4 was 62.5% of the range which is pretty good if not a bit high for most people. But without the Free T3 it is hard to tell exactly what is going on.

[courtney48]

correction on the SED-should read 2  (less OR = 20)