What is a "normal range" for Thyroid Peroxidase Ab?

[house4mouse]

About 2 months ago, I received a Result Letter for some follow-up blood work I had done. I am concerned, because my Thyroid Peroxidase Ab test came back "flagged" as H. (Reference <60.1). My result was 1033.3 U/mL. Is this something for me to be concerned about? I have also been experiencing the following symptoms: soreness and swelling on the right side of my neck, pain in my neck and shoulder, radiating down my arm (so severe at times I need to take tramadol just to sleep), fatigue, irritability, forgetfulness, stomach pain, nausea, bowel problems, and pain in my joints (especially hands and feet).

Additionally, about 3 years ago, I lost the hearing in my right ear. This was diagnosed as Meniere's Disease. Approximately a year before that, I had a positive ANA. At the time, my treating doctor thought I may have Lupus or RA, and sent me to a specialist for further evaluation, but my results went back to normal before I was able to get an appointment 5-months later. So, no further follow-up or evaluation was ever pursued. My current health conditions are: high blood pressure, runs in my family (which I am currently taking medication for), depression, anxiety, and chronic neck and shoulder pain (I have been in treatment with a physiatrist for 3-years now). Medications used to treat shoulder, neck, and arm pain include: gabapentin, lyrica, Cymbalta, tramadol, Norco 10/325, steroid injections, and physical therapy (with no positive results).

I went in to see my doctor this week for a possible ear/sinus infection, when I complained of a sore neck and swelling, she requested an ultrasound of my neck, she also gave me a prescription for antibiotics and steroids. My ultrasound is scheduled for next week, as it was labeled "routine." She told me not to be too concerned about my test levels, that even if I have an autoimmune thyroid disease, there is little if anything they do to treat it. I just tired of feeling like crap all the time. Seems like no matter what I do, nothing makes me feel better... Exercising, eating balanced diet, getting more sleep (or trying to), setting and meeting short term goals, taking vitamins, etc.

[gimel]

A high test result for Thyroid Peroxidase ab test is indicative of Hashimoto's Thyroiditis.  There is no reason to be alarmed about the result compared to the reference range.   With Hashi's the autoimmune system erroneously identifies the thyroid gland as foreign to the body and produces antibodies to attack and eventually destroy the gland.  As this progresses, the output of thyroid hormone is diminished and the hypothalamus/pituitary system increases the output of Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH) to try and stimulate more output of thyroid hormone.  When the thyroid gland is unable to produce enough hormone to meed the body's needs, the patient will start feeling various hypothyroid symptoms, like the ones you have.  

Your doctor is correct that there is little that can be done to treat it directly; however, she should have tested you further, and started you on thyroid medication.  

So the first thing you should do is to go back and get tested for TSH, Free T4 and Free T3 (not the same as Total T4 and Total T3, so be sure to get the Frees), cortisol, Vitamin D, B12 and ferritin.   When you have test results, please post them here, along with reference ranges shown on the lab report and we will be happy to help interpret and advise further.