What blood work do l need?

[Sunshinemel]

59 yr, thyroid removed, dr.. took off meds, heart issues

[gimel]

I just sent you a PM with info.  To access just click on your name and then from your personal page click on messages.  

[gimel]

I will be really interested to see the results of all the tests.  Where are you located?

[Sunshinemel]

North Ga., USA

[gimel]

I think it would help put things into perspective if I first explain that the average thyroid gland produces the equivalent of 100 mcg of T4 and 10 mcg of T3 daily.    This is the equivalent of 130 mcg of T4 or about two grains (120 mg) of Armour.  And to take into account the losses from less than total absorption while taking  thyroid med, the average dose would need to be higher than 120 mg of Armour.    So after your thyroidectomy,  how does the doctor explain how you should be able to get by on so much less thyroid hormone? I can't imagine how you were able to get by on so little thyroid med for so long.  Did the doctor think some thyroid tissue had grown back and was producing hormone?  Otherwise you were being terribly under medicated for a long while.  And the doctor constantly changing your dose  makes me think she was adjusting your dosage based on TSH, which is totally incorrect.  What were your test results when taking only the low doses of Armour?  

Since heart related issues like palps/fibrillation/arrhythmia /flutters/skipped beats, etc.   are a common result of hypothyroidism, and you mentioned also weight gain and lack of energy I suspect that you are very hypothyroid now.   You need to test for  Free T4, Free T3,  TSH,  cortisol, Vitamin D, B12 and ferritin.    Do you think you can get those done any time soon?    You also will likely need to find a good thyroid doctor.  By that I mean one that will diagnose and treat clinically (for symptoms) rather than just based on a TSH test.    Depending on where you are located we might be able to suggest a doctor that has been recommended by other thyroid patients.  

If you want to confirm what I have said, click on my name and then scroll down to my Journal and read at least the one page overview of a full paper on Diagnosis and  Treatment of Hypothyroidism:  A Patient's Perspective.

[Sunshinemel]

Thank you, I will request the additional test as suggested. I will request the additional test Monday. I will also read your recommendation. There is a group of endocrinologist locally that I am very weary of as I had a very bad experience with them when initially diagnosed about 20 years ago. Long painful story and I wish I could have faith in that direction but any recommendations in my area that would not be with them would be greatly appreciated.  The results were only ths based and most all in the 0.02 range. I am an avid sun bather on the healthy side, laying in the buff for no more than 15 minutes on each side when weather permits. I also garden throughout the year so I receive some in the winter months as well. I live in the southern region and sun is plentiful. I use to give myself b12 shots daily before the thyroid was diagnosed 20 years ago and stopped as I was not informed enough to continue during my post surgery. I have no problem continuing if the protocol helps. I am or was until about 6 months ago an avid daily walker but the lethargy has taken my drive down to 0 as of late. I will push myself to resume as I know first hand the benefits.  I can not stress enough the importance is of this community and am beyond grateful !!!!!

[gimel]

How could the doctor take you off thyroid med after your thyroid gland was removed?  When was the thyroidectomy?  What meds were you on afterward?  When did you stop the med?   What heart issues do you have?

[Sunshinemel]

Thank you for your quick response. I'm 18 years post full thyroidectomy. Started on synthriod w/ horrible side effects and found armour after about two years and it was life changing for the better on all levels. I would experience rapid heart beat once or maybe twice a year but it would correct by taking a second beta. I started on 90 mcg, then gradually reduced to 60 then 30. I remained on the 30 for almost 12 years, occasionally changing to every other day and then back as blood work indicated. Dr retired, new dr started reducing dose over a the last year and half down to 15 mcg every other day. I started experiencing rapid heart rate more frequently and she then took me off sighting a slightly raised tsh. Blood work on 5/30/18 was free t4 1.4, tsh w/ reflex to ft4 0.02. I saw a cardiologist and cardiogram was preformed and he said I was in atrail fib and that my heart was giving out. He said I needed to get my meds corrected or I would need a pacemaker at some point. I am otherwise very healthy w/ no cholesterol, blood pressure or the diseases. I am now gaining weight and very lethargic. What blood work should I request ?

[Sunshinemel]

I have been off the armor for about 7 months now

[Sunshinemel]

My t3's had never been tested before and today I requested a full thyroid profile including all t3 test. Results may take a few more days as there may not be an in state lab to preform these specific test. I'l post as they become available. Also some clarification on my new dr"s interpretation. She sighted that my tsh was low and that indicated slightly high function. Not sure how that translates as I am still learning. She is of the mind that maybe a trace of thyroid gland may still be present and producing these results. My new dr and I are dedicated to learning as much as possible moving forward.
I am very grateful for this forum as I have hope and I am as my husband reminded me, a fighter. I grow and eat organically and stay as positive as my journey allows.