Re: Tests

[Guest guest]

> The first was done on 7-16-03

>

> free T4 1.19ng/dl normal ranges between 0.89-1.80

> TSH 7.988 miu/ml Normal ranges between 0.350-5.500

>

> The second test was done on 8-15-03

>

> TSH3G 7.32uIU/ml normal ranges between 0.5 and 6.0.

Hi there Kim. Not sure what you are talking about when you say

differences. Both have a TSH which says you are QUITE hypo. And both

tests are from docs who are not too informed because you didn't get

the more informative free T3 test.

Perhaps you are talking about the fact that the first was 7.9 and

the second was a bit lower at 7.3?? Doesn't matter since it can

fluctuate. Bottom line is that you are quite hypo and need Armour!!

And from now on, INSIST on getting a free T3 with the free T4. Your

goal is to get that free T3 to the upper part of the range, and to

ignore where the TSH gets when you get that free T3 up there.

Janie

[Guest guest]

Janie,

Why the two different ranges if the TSH and TSH3G are the same test?

in AZ

> > The first was done on 7-16-03

> >

> > free T4 1.19ng/dl normal ranges between 0.89-1.80

> > TSH 7.988 miu/ml Normal ranges between 0.350-5.500

> >

> > The second test was done on 8-15-03

> >

> > TSH3G 7.32uIU/ml normal ranges between 0.5 and 6.0.

>

> Hi there Kim. Not sure what you are talking about when you say

> differences. Both have a TSH which says you are QUITE hypo. And both

> tests are from docs who are not too informed because you didn't get

> the more informative free T3 test.

> Janie

[Guest guest]

Hi Janie,

Thank you so much for the info.

I didn't realize they are essentially the same test. The 3G threw me

off. I thought the Three in it meant it measured the free t3!

I wonder why the doctors don't test the free T3 initially.

I knew I was hypo. The weight gain was a big indicator. I gained 20

pounds in less than Two years. My cholesteral is high and I am eat

very healthy. ( minus the cake I've been having every day since my

birthday) . Everyone including my boyfriend kept on telling me to

exercise more and eat less, your getting older, etc etc. I just knew

something was wrong. I'm dizzy almost every day. I have trouble

thinking at times too. Who would have thought your Thyroid can cause

so many imbalances. Mine tested normal for years before it finally

showed a problem.

One doctor even told me after seeing my recent blood work that I

didn't need treatment. I'm glad I went to my primary and got a second

test! She wrote the prescription for Armour for me. Now I am

gathering facts so that I will know what to questions to ask and what

tests I should have when I go back for my next Thryoid Test.

If only we could write our own prescriptions and order our own tests.

Take Care,

Kim

> Janie,

>

> Why the two different ranges if the TSH and TSH3G are the same test?

>

> in AZ

>

>

> > > The first was done on 7-16-03

> > >

> > > free T4 1.19ng/dl normal ranges between 0.89-1.80

> > > TSH 7.988 miu/ml Normal ranges between 0.350-5.500

> > >

> > > The second test was done on 8-15-03

> > >

> > > TSH3G 7.32uIU/ml normal ranges between 0.5 and 6.0.

> >

> > Hi there Kim. Not sure what you are talking about when you say

> > differences. Both have a TSH which says you are QUITE hypo. And

both

> > tests are from docs who are not too informed because you didn't

get

> > the more informative free T3 test.

> > Janie

[Guest guest]

> Janie,

>

> Why the two different ranges if the TSH and TSH3G are the same

test?

>

> in AZ

The TSH3G means 3rd generation, and is it my understanding that is

it a more sensitive test. And ranges can vary according to the lab

and location and their own assessment of averages.

Janie

[Guest guest]

> I wonder why the doctors don't test the free T3 initially.

Because they have wrongly assumed for years that measuring the T4

and TSH was plenty of information, ESPECIALLY since T4-only meds

came into favor!! They have WRONGLY made the assumption that if a

patient has a normal range T4, then they certainly must have an

adequate T3. Also, they fail to take into account the binding agents

of the thyroid hormones--estrogen, iron, etc. Bad habits, years in

the making, and perpetuated by old-school-of-thought medical schools.

When you say that your thyroid tested normal for years--I bet your

thyroid wasn't normal at all. You just had docs who only paid

attention to ranges, didn't look at your free T3, and didn't look at

your symptoms!!

With Armour, you are on your way to FEELING normal again!! Hooray!!!!

Janie )

[Guest guest]

Hi Janie,

Thank you again for the info and support.

I took my first Armour ( 30mg) about an hour and a half ago. It is a

bit tricky taking it with my other meds as I have to take my Ultram

first thing in the morning as I am in alot of pain when I first get

up. It has to be taken with some food or it makes me sick. I usually

take it with some Applesauce or a bit of cereal and milk.

I read that Armour works best without food and can speed up the Heart

if taken with Ultram so I waited about an hour after I took my Ultram

and took the Armour.

I was starting to have palpitations with the Thyroid Support from the

health food store and was glad to stop it. I have a premature beat in

my Heart that at times is very noticible. If it gets bad I have a bit

of trouble breathing. They doctors cannot find any explanation for it

and are not very concerned, but it bothers me when it gets bad. I

read Thyroid problems can effect the Heart, so I bet my Thyroid has

been bad for years.

I have noticed some palpitations with the Armour and I feel warm, but

hopefully it won't be that bad and will taper off as my body gets

used to it.

I didn't know that your free T4 can be normal, but your free T3 can

be off. I'm going to ask to have that tested when I go back for my

blood test.

Thank you again Janie,

Kim

> > I wonder why the doctors don't test the free T3 initially.

>

> Because they have wrongly assumed for years that measuring the T4

> and TSH was plenty of information, ESPECIALLY since T4-only meds

> came into favor!! They have WRONGLY made the assumption that if a

> patient has a normal range T4, then they certainly must have an

> adequate T3. Also, they fail to take into account the binding

agents

> of the thyroid hormones--estrogen, iron, etc. Bad habits, years in

> the making, and perpetuated by old-school-of-thought medical

schools.

>

> When you say that your thyroid tested normal for years--I bet your

> thyroid wasn't normal at all. You just had docs who only paid

> attention to ranges, didn't look at your free T3, and didn't look

at

> your symptoms!!

>

> With Armour, you are on your way to FEELING normal again!!

Hooray!!!!

>

> Janie )

[Guest guest]

> I was starting to have palpitations with the Thyroid Support from

>the health food store and was glad to stop it. I have a premature

>beat in my Heart that at times is very noticible.

Kim, I have MVP. And Armour did aggravate my normal palps. But after

a week on each dose, they subsided. It's good that you are starting

low. But also note that you don't want to stay on 30 mg. for much

longer than a few weeks. It is probably much less than you need, and

if so, your hypo symptoms will return somewhat. If it was me, I'd

increase to 3/4 grain (45 mgs.) after a few weeks, and stay on that

for a few weeks until any heart reactions subsided. Then I'd go to

one grain, and five weeks later, do labs to see where it is getting

me.

But that is me, and you might want to work out your own plan with a

doc.

Also, be sure and do the Armour sublingually. Let it dissolve

between your gums and inner cheek---on under the tongue. It is more

effective that way, and direct. And as you increase, divide it into

at least 2 doses so that you are distributing that T3 more.

Janie

[Guest guest]

Thanks Janie,

I felt good today, but I'm really fatigued now.

I'm glad that you warned me about not staying on the low dose to

long. I would hate to get more hypo. I'm already so tired and the

mood swings and depression are terrible to deal with. I can't wait to

feel better.

I'll bet that's what happened to my friend. She started a low dose of

Synthroid and gained alot of weight until her proper dose was found.

She may switch to Armour.

Thanks Again,

kim

> > I was starting to have palpitations with the Thyroid Support from

> >the health food store and was glad to stop it. I have a premature

> >beat in my Heart that at times is very noticible.

>

> Kim, I have MVP. And Armour did aggravate my normal palps. But

after

> a week on each dose, they subsided. It's good that you are starting

> low. But also note that you don't want to stay on 30 mg. for much

> longer than a few weeks. It is probably much less than you need,

and

> if so, your hypo symptoms will return somewhat. If it was me, I'd

> increase to 3/4 grain (45 mgs.) after a few weeks, and stay on that

> for a few weeks until any heart reactions subsided. Then I'd go to

> one grain, and five weeks later, do labs to see where it is getting

> me.

>

> But that is me, and you might want to work out your own plan with a

> doc.

>

> Also, be sure and do the Armour sublingually. Let it dissolve

> between your gums and inner cheek---on under the tongue. It is more

> effective that way, and direct. And as you increase, divide it into

> at least 2 doses so that you are distributing that T3 more.

>

> Janie