Re: need help for my mother-in-law

[Guest guest]

People are so different in their TSH standing. I would be more interested in knowing whether or not the Free T3 is low or high, since that's the one that isn't present. I think that would give a clearer picture.

Tx

Re: need help for my mother-in-law

Hi ,Wow, how interesting. I am going to share your info. with my MIL even if you don't have a complete explanation. I just get so annoyed with doctors who refuse to run the test that we ask for. As I told my MIL, what difference should it make to them to have those tests run? It's our blood and our money so who are they to argue with us. Boy...you guys have taught me to be a bit on the fiesty side. -) Just based on her TSH, wouldn't you agree that she more than likely needs thyroid treatment? I told her I thought that was the case, but we needed the others tests run to know more clearly what was going on. Thanks for your comments, .

[Guest guest]

If she's taking coumadin to keep her blood thin, please remember that if she does end up taking thyroid hormone, that would probably need to be decreased. Also, if she's taking an SSRI antidepressant, namely Prozac, Zoloft, Celexa, Lexapro, or Paxil, beware. We've been talking lately about those particular ones possibly blocking thyroid hormone in the body.

Tx

Re: need help for my mother-in-law

Let me find out on the meds. I know she takes something for depression and some form of blood thinner for a blood clot that she had. I will ask and let you know.Thanks Jan. BTW, my MIL's name is Jan, too. -)At 11:03 AM 2/17/2004, you wrote:

The docs don't like to order Free T3 because some of the insurance companies don't pay dog-dukey on it. Is your mother on any medication for blood pressure or cholesterol? Some BP meds inhibit conversion of T4 to T3, giving a high Free T4 and a low Free T3, and the appearance of-pardon my language-"normal."

[Guest guest]

Lexapro can block thyroid hormones in the body? I take Lexapro and would

love to know more about this, .

At 04:25 PM 2/17/2004, you wrote:

If she's

taking coumadin to keep her blood thin, please remember that if she does

end up taking thyroid hormone, that would probably need to be

decreased. Also, if she's taking an SSRI antidepressant, namely

Prozac, Zoloft, Celexa, Lexapro, or Paxil, beware. We've been

talking lately about those particular ones possibly blocking thyroid

hormone in the body.

Tx

Re: need help for my mother-in-law

Let me find out on the meds. I know she takes something for depression and some form of blood thinner for a blood clot that she had. I will ask and let you know.

Thanks Jan. BTW, my MIL's name is Jan, too. -)

At 11:03 AM 2/17/2004, you wrote:

The docs don't like to order Free T3 because some of the insurance companies don't pay dog-dukey on it.

Is your mother on any medication for blood pressure or cholesterol? Some BP meds inhibit conversion of T4 to T3, giving a high Free T4 and a low Free T3, and the appearance of-pardon my language- " normal. "

[Guest guest]

I'm gonna stick my 2 cents in--it is very common for someone who is

hypothyroid to be treated with antidepressants while neglectling the

possibility that the low thyroid is at fault for depression!

> My mother-in-law has been suffering for years with a disorder that

causes

> her to tremor or shake. She has had all types of tests and cat

scans/MRI's

> and still, nothing has been detected. Just a couple of months ago,

she

> informed me that her two sisters also suffered with tremors, but

their

> doctors treated them for thyroid disorders (I believe hypothyroid)

with

> meds and their tremors improved tremendously. So, I asked my MIL

to request

> the following tests on her next doc's visit:

>

> Free T3, Free T4, TSH & Antibodies test

>

> Unfortunately, her doc only ran the Free T4 and TSH. Here are her

results:

>

> Free T4 1.59 (range - 0.80-1.90)

> TSH 2.210 (range - 0.400-4.000)

>

> Her doc told her that she was normal and would not consider

treating her

> for thyroid problems despite her info. about her sisters'

treatment. What I

> would like to know is this, is there other tests that I should

have her

> request? Also, is there anyone else out there that has suffered

with

> tremors/shaking that was helped through treating their thyroid?

Also, I

> have not paid much attention to the docs in her area, as I live in

the

> Houston area, but now, I would like to know of any docs in the

> Dallas/Ft.Worth area that are recommended. She is not good as

speaking up

> for herself, as I have told her she must do when it comes to

thyroid

> issues, so she would need a doc who isn't difficult to deal with.

If anyone

> can offer up suggestions, please let me know. In the mean time, I

would

> like to send her any info. (doc lists, thyroid articles, etc) that

will

> educate her and any info. that she can carry with her to her next

doc's appt.

>

> Thank you all for being a great group. I have praised this group

to many

> doctors, friends and anyone with whom I over hear as having

thyroid issues.

> I believe in my heart that if it weren't for all of you, I'd be

living in a

> comatose state instead of moving, breathing and feeling alive.

Jan,

> and everyone....ya'll are a god send!

>

>