Why would my PCP wait to start treatment?

[Debbie100507]

I have had three blood tests...

December 2007:
TSH: 0.01, total T4: 17.1, total T3: 362

February 2008:
TSH: 0.01, total T4: 15.4, total T3: 322

April 2008:
TSH: 0.01, free T4: 3.1, free T3: 802

I had an ultrasound and uptake scan done in February as well.  No nodules were found and entire thyroid seems effected.  Saw an endo in March and he thinks it could be thyroiditis or Graves.  My mother has Graves that is in remission.  My sister has underactive thyroid problems.  

My symptoms have been...weight loss, hair loss, hand trembling, trouble swallowing, restlessness, anxiety, memory issues, sweating.  I had my second baby in October 2006.  

My question is that my doctor wants me to come back in 4 weeks for another blood test.  I don't understand why he is not starting medication now (I would do medication instead of RAI).  Why do you think he wants me to wait another 4 weeks for another blood test when this has been going on since December?   I thought after my last blood test that if it showed my levels still abnormal I would start medication.  What do you think?  

[AR-10]

This is one of those questions you need to ask the doctor directly.

It makes no sense, from what you posted, for the doctor to wait. Call him/her and ask what the delay is all about.

Why didn't the Endo run antibody tests to confirm or rule out Grave's Disease? He THINKS it could be Grave's or Thyroiditis? He could know in a day which one it is, and which one it isn't, if he drew your blood and tested it.

Your PCP could run the same tests.

I think you're on a bus with no driver.
Is it moving? Anyone up at the front?

[skymax2000]

I have Graves so I know how you are feeling. That really sucks. Unfortunately, you'll have to push for treatment. I had a fit in my docs office as he wasn't going to treat either. I've been on antithyroid med since and it's changed my life.

You could also take copies of your tests to another doc for second opinion.

[momto3girls]

Geez, that's a long time to feel so yucky with hyper symptoms.  I know how you feel...about 5 months after my 3rd baby was born I went hyperthyroid.  They told me it was a post-partum issue and would correct itself.  Well, I apparently went back and forth between hyper-hypo and am now permanently hypo, Hashimoto's.  So not fun!  Anyhow, if I were you, I'd call my dr. and say that I'd like to start a trial of medicine.  Why wait more when it's not changed in 5 months?  Must my 2 cents worth.  Man, I can't imagine being that low TSH and not climbing the walls!  Good luck!