Guest guest Posted February 9, 2006 Report Share Posted February 9, 2006 Chrissie, Have you had adrenal labs done? Natural or synthetics that offer all thyroid hormones are better than just one or none at all. Make sure your doc checks your free t3 & free t4 levels to make sure you are converting your hormones properly. Tell your doc you still feel bad and that you want to try Armour (or other meds) and that you will keep him updated as to your progress and come back in 6 weeks for blood work again. Also start supplementing your nutrition with multi vitamins, b complex and selenium. They will help your body to thrive and heal. Make sure you don't take them with your thyroid pill and that you get lots of sleep, avoid allergens or possible allergens and irritants. They slow down your immune system no matter how healthy you try to eat it's part of why people still can't lose weight. And just because your labs are in the normal range doesn't mean that is what is normal for you. Docs, bless them, try but sometimes they're not so bright about things. You'll have to work with your doc and figure out what is best for you. good luck, Newbie : question Hi. I'm new here. I have read in the past that thyroid labs can be normal when there is still a problem.Anyway, for those who understand thyroid labs....My latest labs...TSH......3.163 (0.350-5.500) NormalThyroxine (T4) ...4.7 (4.5-12.0) Very low normal on this one.T3 Uptake....33% (24-39) NormalFree Thyroxine Index...1.6 (1.2-4.9) Very low normalSo, if the T3s are fine, but the T4s are very low normal, and I do have the symptoms of low thyroid......how should I explain this to the doctor so I get put on something for low thyroid? And what...Synthroid or something natural like Armour thyroid, or something else (and which one would be best). My doc usually listens to what I have researched and goes with what I tell him. I have an appointment next week. I was on Synthroid when I about 30 years ago. Supposedly my thyroid was low then, but in subsequent years with subsequent doctors, I have been told my thyroid labs were fine, so no Synthroid for many many years. My mother did have thyroid problems, as did my sister in the past. My mother was hypothyroid, on Synthroid up until her death. My sister was hyperthyroid and had the radioactive treatments, then nothing else since. That was many many years ago also.My symptoms...fatigue, loss of energy weight gain, difficulty losing weight depressionjoint pain (could just be arthritis)itching (arms mainly, but whole body itches too. Arms itch at times that wake me up and I want to itch them to the bone. Sometimes I have to put ice on them so I don't dig them raw, especially at night.)irregular periods, PMS symptoms (could be perimenopause though)difficulty tolerating cold and lower body temperature sleeping more than average memory loss, fuzzy thinking, By the way, my other labs were actually very good, better than previous ones.My Ferritin and iron have gone up (were low normal before). Only other things "off" were Neutrophils 79 (40-74)Lymphs 13 (14-46)Glucose 100 (65-99) No big dealCreatinine 0.6 (0.5-1.5) low normalA/G ratio 1.2 (1.1-2.5) Albumin 4.0 (3.5-5.5)Normal Globulin 3.3 (1.5-4.5) NormalHomocysteine 9.9 (3.3-10.2) High normalFerritin 27 (10-291) low normalIron 52 (35-155) low normal TIBC 314 (250-450) normal UIBC 262 (150-375) normal Iron Sat 17% (15-55) low normal Had loads of other labs done too, 17 vials in all. I get these every 6 months to a year because of malabsorption issues post gastric bypass. Posted the rest( in addition to the thyroid results) in case there is some connection which I can't see. My question is really about the thyroid, and how to approach the doctor about it, since it actually "is" in normal range, though may still be a problem.Any help will be appreciated. Chrissie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 9, 2006 Report Share Posted February 9, 2006 Your dr sounds quite willing to listen to you and go with your requests. Your thyroid labs do show there is space to add a med and see how you do. My endo said at first that my labs were good, then I went on about being tired, and when describing that to him, he agreed to increase meds and see how I do. Do you think if you told your doc you would like to try thyroid meds to see if they help your symptoms, that he would be willing to ? Most docs want to start with the traditional synthetic T4 meds. If you decide you want to go with Armour, do you think your doc would be willing to try that with you? Since it takes 6 to 8 weeks for the synthetic med to kick in, you might ask for Cytomel in the mean time, it might give a kick to your energy, it's a T3 med. jane > > Hi. I'm new here. I have read in the past that thyroid labs can be normal when there is still a problem. > Anyway, for those who understand thyroid labs.... > > My latest labs... > > TSH......3.163 (0.350-5.500) > Normal > Thyroxine (T4) ...4.7 (4.5-12.0) > Very low normal on this one. > T3 Uptake....33% (24-39) > Normal > Free Thyroxine Index...1.6 (1.2-4.9) > Very low normal > > So, if the T3s are fine, but the T4s are very low normal, and I do have the symptoms of low thyroid......how should I explain this to the doctor so I get put on something for low thyroid? And what...Synthroid or something natural like Armour thyroid, or something else (and which one would be best). My doc usually listens to what I have researched and goes with what I tell him. I have an appointment next week. I was on Synthroid when I about 30 years ago. Supposedly my thyroid was low then, but in subsequent years with subsequent doctors, I have been told my thyroid labs were fine, so no Synthroid for many many years. My mother did have thyroid problems, as did my sister in the past. My mother was hypothyroid, on Synthroid up until her death. My sister was hyperthyroid and had the radioactive treatments, then nothing else since. That was many many years ago also. > > My symptoms... > > fatigue, loss of energy > weight gain, difficulty losing weight > depression > joint pain (could just be arthritis) > itching (arms mainly, but whole body itches too. Arms itch at times that wake me up and I want to itch them to the bone. Sometimes I have to put ice on them so I don't dig them raw, especially at night.) > irregular periods, PMS symptoms (could be perimenopause though) > difficulty tolerating cold and lower body temperature > sleeping more than average > memory loss, fuzzy thinking, > > By the way, my other labs were actually very good, better than previous ones.My Ferritin and iron have gone up (were low normal before). Only other things " off " were > Neutrophils 79 (40-74) > Lymphs 13 (14-46) > Glucose 100 (65-99) No big deal > Creatinine 0.6 (0.5-1.5) low normal > A/G ratio 1.2 (1.1-2.5) > Albumin 4.0 (3.5-5.5)Normal > Globulin 3.3 (1.5-4.5) Normal > Homocysteine 9.9 (3.3-10.2) High normal > Ferritin 27 (10-291) low normal > Iron 52 (35-155) low normal > TIBC 314 (250-450) normal > UIBC 262 (150-375) normal > Iron Sat 17% (15-55) low normal > > Had loads of other labs done too, 17 vials in all. I get these every 6 months to a year because of malabsorption issues post gastric bypass. > > Posted the rest( in addition to the thyroid results) in case there is some connection which I can't see. My question is really about the thyroid, and how to approach the doctor about it, since it actually " is " in normal range, though may still be a problem. > > Any help will be appreciated. > > Chrissie > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 9, 2006 Report Share Posted February 9, 2006 Your dr sounds quite willing to listen to you and go with your requests. Your thyroid labs do show there is space to add a med and see how you do. My endo said at first that my labs were good, then I went on about being tired, and when describing that to him, he agreed to increase meds and see how I do. Do you think if you told your doc you would like to try thyroid meds to see if they help your symptoms, that he would be willing to ? Most docs want to start with the traditional synthetic T4 meds. If you decide you want to go with Armour, do you think your doc would be willing to try that with you? Since it takes 6 to 8 weeks for the synthetic med to kick in, you might ask for Cytomel in the mean time, it might give a kick to your energy, it's a T3 med. jane > > Hi. I'm new here. I have read in the past that thyroid labs can be normal when there is still a problem. > Anyway, for those who understand thyroid labs.... > > My latest labs... > > TSH......3.163 (0.350-5.500) > Normal > Thyroxine (T4) ...4.7 (4.5-12.0) > Very low normal on this one. > T3 Uptake....33% (24-39) > Normal > Free Thyroxine Index...1.6 (1.2-4.9) > Very low normal > > So, if the T3s are fine, but the T4s are very low normal, and I do have the symptoms of low thyroid......how should I explain this to the doctor so I get put on something for low thyroid? And what...Synthroid or something natural like Armour thyroid, or something else (and which one would be best). My doc usually listens to what I have researched and goes with what I tell him. I have an appointment next week. I was on Synthroid when I about 30 years ago. Supposedly my thyroid was low then, but in subsequent years with subsequent doctors, I have been told my thyroid labs were fine, so no Synthroid for many many years. My mother did have thyroid problems, as did my sister in the past. My mother was hypothyroid, on Synthroid up until her death. My sister was hyperthyroid and had the radioactive treatments, then nothing else since. That was many many years ago also. > > My symptoms... > > fatigue, loss of energy > weight gain, difficulty losing weight > depression > joint pain (could just be arthritis) > itching (arms mainly, but whole body itches too. Arms itch at times that wake me up and I want to itch them to the bone. Sometimes I have to put ice on them so I don't dig them raw, especially at night.) > irregular periods, PMS symptoms (could be perimenopause though) > difficulty tolerating cold and lower body temperature > sleeping more than average > memory loss, fuzzy thinking, > > By the way, my other labs were actually very good, better than previous ones.My Ferritin and iron have gone up (were low normal before). Only other things " off " were > Neutrophils 79 (40-74) > Lymphs 13 (14-46) > Glucose 100 (65-99) No big deal > Creatinine 0.6 (0.5-1.5) low normal > A/G ratio 1.2 (1.1-2.5) > Albumin 4.0 (3.5-5.5)Normal > Globulin 3.3 (1.5-4.5) Normal > Homocysteine 9.9 (3.3-10.2) High normal > Ferritin 27 (10-291) low normal > Iron 52 (35-155) low normal > TIBC 314 (250-450) normal > UIBC 262 (150-375) normal > Iron Sat 17% (15-55) low normal > > Had loads of other labs done too, 17 vials in all. I get these every 6 months to a year because of malabsorption issues post gastric bypass. > > Posted the rest( in addition to the thyroid results) in case there is some connection which I can't see. My question is really about the thyroid, and how to approach the doctor about it, since it actually " is " in normal range, though may still be a problem. > > Any help will be appreciated. > > Chrissie > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 9, 2006 Report Share Posted February 9, 2006 Your dr sounds quite willing to listen to you and go with your requests. Your thyroid labs do show there is space to add a med and see how you do. My endo said at first that my labs were good, then I went on about being tired, and when describing that to him, he agreed to increase meds and see how I do. Do you think if you told your doc you would like to try thyroid meds to see if they help your symptoms, that he would be willing to ? Most docs want to start with the traditional synthetic T4 meds. If you decide you want to go with Armour, do you think your doc would be willing to try that with you? Since it takes 6 to 8 weeks for the synthetic med to kick in, you might ask for Cytomel in the mean time, it might give a kick to your energy, it's a T3 med. jane > > Hi. I'm new here. I have read in the past that thyroid labs can be normal when there is still a problem. > Anyway, for those who understand thyroid labs.... > > My latest labs... > > TSH......3.163 (0.350-5.500) > Normal > Thyroxine (T4) ...4.7 (4.5-12.0) > Very low normal on this one. > T3 Uptake....33% (24-39) > Normal > Free Thyroxine Index...1.6 (1.2-4.9) > Very low normal > > So, if the T3s are fine, but the T4s are very low normal, and I do have the symptoms of low thyroid......how should I explain this to the doctor so I get put on something for low thyroid? And what...Synthroid or something natural like Armour thyroid, or something else (and which one would be best). My doc usually listens to what I have researched and goes with what I tell him. I have an appointment next week. I was on Synthroid when I about 30 years ago. Supposedly my thyroid was low then, but in subsequent years with subsequent doctors, I have been told my thyroid labs were fine, so no Synthroid for many many years. My mother did have thyroid problems, as did my sister in the past. My mother was hypothyroid, on Synthroid up until her death. My sister was hyperthyroid and had the radioactive treatments, then nothing else since. That was many many years ago also. > > My symptoms... > > fatigue, loss of energy > weight gain, difficulty losing weight > depression > joint pain (could just be arthritis) > itching (arms mainly, but whole body itches too. Arms itch at times that wake me up and I want to itch them to the bone. Sometimes I have to put ice on them so I don't dig them raw, especially at night.) > irregular periods, PMS symptoms (could be perimenopause though) > difficulty tolerating cold and lower body temperature > sleeping more than average > memory loss, fuzzy thinking, > > By the way, my other labs were actually very good, better than previous ones.My Ferritin and iron have gone up (were low normal before). Only other things " off " were > Neutrophils 79 (40-74) > Lymphs 13 (14-46) > Glucose 100 (65-99) No big deal > Creatinine 0.6 (0.5-1.5) low normal > A/G ratio 1.2 (1.1-2.5) > Albumin 4.0 (3.5-5.5)Normal > Globulin 3.3 (1.5-4.5) Normal > Homocysteine 9.9 (3.3-10.2) High normal > Ferritin 27 (10-291) low normal > Iron 52 (35-155) low normal > TIBC 314 (250-450) normal > UIBC 262 (150-375) normal > Iron Sat 17% (15-55) low normal > > Had loads of other labs done too, 17 vials in all. I get these every 6 months to a year because of malabsorption issues post gastric bypass. > > Posted the rest( in addition to the thyroid results) in case there is some connection which I can't see. My question is really about the thyroid, and how to approach the doctor about it, since it actually " is " in normal range, though may still be a problem. > > Any help will be appreciated. > > Chrissie > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 9, 2006 Report Share Posted February 9, 2006 What are the adrenal labs called? I already take multi vits w/ minerals, Vit A,D,E,B complex, Calcium Citrate, Magnesium, and Zinc. Newbie : question Hi. I'm new here. I have read in the past that thyroid labs can be normal when there is still a problem.Anyway, for those who understand thyroid labs....My latest labs...TSH......3.163 (0.350-5.500) NormalThyroxine (T4) ...4.7 (4.5-12.0) Very low normal on this one.T3 Uptake....33% (24-39) NormalFree Thyroxine Index...1.6 (1.2-4.9) Very low normalSo, if the T3s are fine, but the T4s are very low normal, and I do have the symptoms of low thyroid......how should I explain this to the doctor so I get put on something for low thyroid? And what...Synthroid or something natural like Armour thyroid, or something else (and which one would be best). My doc usually listens to what I have researched and goes with what I tell him. I have an appointment next week. I was on Synthroid when I about 30 years ago. Supposedly my thyroid was low then, but in subsequent years with subsequent doctors, I have been told my thyroid labs were fine, so no Synthroid for many many years. My mother did have thyroid problems, as did my sister in the past. My mother was hypothyroid, on Synthroid up until her death. My sister was hyperthyroid and had the radioactive treatments, then nothing else since. That was many many years ago also.My symptoms...fatigue, loss of energy weight gain, difficulty losing weight depressionjoint pain (could just be arthritis)itching (arms mainly, but whole body itches too. Arms itch at times that wake me up and I want to itch them to the bone. Sometimes I have to put ice on them so I don't dig them raw, especially at night.)irregular periods, PMS symptoms (could be perimenopause though)difficulty tolerating cold and lower body temperature sleeping more than average memory loss, fuzzy thinking, By the way, my other labs were actually very good, better than previous ones.My Ferritin and iron have gone up (were low normal before). Only other things "off" were Neutrophils 79 (40-74)Lymphs 13 (14-46)Glucose 100 (65-99) No big dealCreatinine 0.6 (0.5-1.5) low normalA/G ratio 1.2 (1.1-2.5) Albumin 4.0 (3.5-5.5)Normal Globulin 3.3 (1.5-4.5) NormalHomocysteine 9.9 (3.3-10.2) High normalFerritin 27 (10-291) low normalIron 52 (35-155) low normal TIBC 314 (250-450) normal UIBC 262 (150-375) normal Iron Sat 17% (15-55) low normal Had loads of other labs done too, 17 vials in all. I get these every 6 months to a year because of malabsorption issues post gastric bypass. Posted the rest( in addition to the thyroid results) in case there is some connection which I can't see. My question is really about the thyroid, and how to approach the doctor about it, since it actually "is" in normal range, though may still be a problem.Any help will be appreciated. Chrissie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 9, 2006 Report Share Posted February 9, 2006 What are the adrenal labs called? I already take multi vits w/ minerals, Vit A,D,E,B complex, Calcium Citrate, Magnesium, and Zinc. Newbie : question Hi. I'm new here. I have read in the past that thyroid labs can be normal when there is still a problem.Anyway, for those who understand thyroid labs....My latest labs...TSH......3.163 (0.350-5.500) NormalThyroxine (T4) ...4.7 (4.5-12.0) Very low normal on this one.T3 Uptake....33% (24-39) NormalFree Thyroxine Index...1.6 (1.2-4.9) Very low normalSo, if the T3s are fine, but the T4s are very low normal, and I do have the symptoms of low thyroid......how should I explain this to the doctor so I get put on something for low thyroid? And what...Synthroid or something natural like Armour thyroid, or something else (and which one would be best). My doc usually listens to what I have researched and goes with what I tell him. I have an appointment next week. I was on Synthroid when I about 30 years ago. Supposedly my thyroid was low then, but in subsequent years with subsequent doctors, I have been told my thyroid labs were fine, so no Synthroid for many many years. My mother did have thyroid problems, as did my sister in the past. My mother was hypothyroid, on Synthroid up until her death. My sister was hyperthyroid and had the radioactive treatments, then nothing else since. That was many many years ago also.My symptoms...fatigue, loss of energy weight gain, difficulty losing weight depressionjoint pain (could just be arthritis)itching (arms mainly, but whole body itches too. Arms itch at times that wake me up and I want to itch them to the bone. Sometimes I have to put ice on them so I don't dig them raw, especially at night.)irregular periods, PMS symptoms (could be perimenopause though)difficulty tolerating cold and lower body temperature sleeping more than average memory loss, fuzzy thinking, By the way, my other labs were actually very good, better than previous ones.My Ferritin and iron have gone up (were low normal before). Only other things "off" were Neutrophils 79 (40-74)Lymphs 13 (14-46)Glucose 100 (65-99) No big dealCreatinine 0.6 (0.5-1.5) low normalA/G ratio 1.2 (1.1-2.5) Albumin 4.0 (3.5-5.5)Normal Globulin 3.3 (1.5-4.5) NormalHomocysteine 9.9 (3.3-10.2) High normalFerritin 27 (10-291) low normalIron 52 (35-155) low normal TIBC 314 (250-450) normal UIBC 262 (150-375) normal Iron Sat 17% (15-55) low normal Had loads of other labs done too, 17 vials in all. I get these every 6 months to a year because of malabsorption issues post gastric bypass. Posted the rest( in addition to the thyroid results) in case there is some connection which I can't see. My question is really about the thyroid, and how to approach the doctor about it, since it actually "is" in normal range, though may still be a problem.Any help will be appreciated. Chrissie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 9, 2006 Report Share Posted February 9, 2006 What are the adrenal labs called? I already take multi vits w/ minerals, Vit A,D,E,B complex, Calcium Citrate, Magnesium, and Zinc. Newbie : question Hi. I'm new here. I have read in the past that thyroid labs can be normal when there is still a problem.Anyway, for those who understand thyroid labs....My latest labs...TSH......3.163 (0.350-5.500) NormalThyroxine (T4) ...4.7 (4.5-12.0) Very low normal on this one.T3 Uptake....33% (24-39) NormalFree Thyroxine Index...1.6 (1.2-4.9) Very low normalSo, if the T3s are fine, but the T4s are very low normal, and I do have the symptoms of low thyroid......how should I explain this to the doctor so I get put on something for low thyroid? And what...Synthroid or something natural like Armour thyroid, or something else (and which one would be best). My doc usually listens to what I have researched and goes with what I tell him. I have an appointment next week. I was on Synthroid when I about 30 years ago. Supposedly my thyroid was low then, but in subsequent years with subsequent doctors, I have been told my thyroid labs were fine, so no Synthroid for many many years. My mother did have thyroid problems, as did my sister in the past. My mother was hypothyroid, on Synthroid up until her death. My sister was hyperthyroid and had the radioactive treatments, then nothing else since. That was many many years ago also.My symptoms...fatigue, loss of energy weight gain, difficulty losing weight depressionjoint pain (could just be arthritis)itching (arms mainly, but whole body itches too. Arms itch at times that wake me up and I want to itch them to the bone. Sometimes I have to put ice on them so I don't dig them raw, especially at night.)irregular periods, PMS symptoms (could be perimenopause though)difficulty tolerating cold and lower body temperature sleeping more than average memory loss, fuzzy thinking, By the way, my other labs were actually very good, better than previous ones.My Ferritin and iron have gone up (were low normal before). Only other things "off" were Neutrophils 79 (40-74)Lymphs 13 (14-46)Glucose 100 (65-99) No big dealCreatinine 0.6 (0.5-1.5) low normalA/G ratio 1.2 (1.1-2.5) Albumin 4.0 (3.5-5.5)Normal Globulin 3.3 (1.5-4.5) NormalHomocysteine 9.9 (3.3-10.2) High normalFerritin 27 (10-291) low normalIron 52 (35-155) low normal TIBC 314 (250-450) normal UIBC 262 (150-375) normal Iron Sat 17% (15-55) low normal Had loads of other labs done too, 17 vials in all. I get these every 6 months to a year because of malabsorption issues post gastric bypass. Posted the rest( in addition to the thyroid results) in case there is some connection which I can't see. My question is really about the thyroid, and how to approach the doctor about it, since it actually "is" in normal range, though may still be a problem.Any help will be appreciated. Chrissie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 9, 2006 Report Share Posted February 9, 2006 Hi Chrissie, The labs that were taken... some of them are obsolete.... What I see is a TSH that is slightly over the current range, which is .3 to 3.0. A TSH over 2.0 is cause for further testing to determine what the problem is. They did Total T4.... that is at the low end of it's range, that doesn't look promising. T3 uptake is obsolete. Free T4 is slightly above the bottom of it's range.. but too low.... They didn't check Free T3, to see how your active thyroid hormone level is... judging by the high TSH and the low Total T4 and Free T4 I'd venture to say that the Free T3 is also low. So, to me, these labs are showing that you probably aren't feeling too hot. Did they happen to run antibody tests to see if there was anything going on there? I'll bet he doesn't want to do a thing with these numbers... if he's a TSH doc or thinks that numbers 'in normal range' mean that you're just fine.... he's gonna let you get sicker. One thing that I'd say is that with the T4s both so low and still feeling so bad... I'd want to try to get the Free T4 up with a small dose of replacement hormone and then come back in six weeks to have the Free T4 and Free T3 checked to see how my body is responding and if conversion is good and see if my symptoms improve. With both your ferritin and iron low, that makes your body less able to properly utilize the hormone that is in your body.... Since you've had gastric bypass... I'd suggest going with natural thyroid, like Armour. That will allow you to dose your thyroid sublingually. Taking a synthetic T4 medication, like Synthroid.. then you have to try to time your dose around meals, since it has to be taken on an empty stomach, that means four hours after a meal and one hour before, that's harder to do with having to do the small meals throughout the day that your modified digestive system requires, and then the problems with getting dosages to be consistent with the absorption challenges that you face. At least that's what I'm thinking right now... Topper () On Thu, 09 Feb 2006 16:22:27 -0500 "shihtzumom" writes: Hi. I'm new here. I have read in the past that thyroid labs can be normal when there is still a problem.Anyway, for those who understand thyroid labs....My latest labs...TSH......3.163 (0.350-5.500) NormalThyroxine (T4) ...4.7 (4.5-12.0) Very low normal on this one.T3 Uptake....33% (24-39) NormalFree Thyroxine Index...1.6 (1.2-4.9) Very low normalSo, if the T3s are fine, but the T4s are very low normal, and I do have the symptoms of low thyroid......how should I explain this to the doctor so I get put on something for low thyroid? And what...Synthroid or something natural like Armour thyroid, or something else (and which one would be best). My doc usually listens to what I have researched and goes with what I tell him. I have an appointment next week. I was on Synthroid when I about 30 years ago. Supposedly my thyroid was low then, but in subsequent years with subsequent doctors, I have been told my thyroid labs were fine, so no Synthroid for many many years. My mother did have thyroid problems, as did my sister in the past. My mother was hypothyroid, on Synthroid up until her death. My sister was hyperthyroid and had the radioactive treatments, then nothing else since. That was many many years ago also.My symptoms...fatigue, loss of energy weight gain, difficulty losing weight depressionjoint pain (could just be arthritis)itching (arms mainly, but whole body itches too. Arms itch at times that wake me up and I want to itch them to the bone. Sometimes I have to put ice on them so I don't dig them raw, especially at night.)irregular periods, PMS symptoms (could be perimenopause though)difficulty tolerating cold and lower body temperature sleeping more than average memory loss, fuzzy thinking, By the way, my other labs were actually very good, better than previous ones.My Ferritin and iron have gone up (were low normal before). Only other things "off" were Neutrophils 79 (40-74)Lymphs 13 (14-46)Glucose 100 (65-99) No big dealCreatinine 0.6 (0.5-1.5) low normalA/G ratio 1.2 (1.1-2.5) Albumin 4.0 (3.5-5.5)Normal Globulin 3.3 (1.5-4.5) NormalHomocysteine 9.9 (3.3-10.2) High normalFerritin 27 (10-291) low normalIron 52 (35-155) low normal TIBC 314 (250-450) normal UIBC 262 (150-375) normal Iron Sat 17% (15-55) low normal Had loads of other labs done too, 17 vials in all. I get these every 6 months to a year because of malabsorption issues post gastric bypass. Posted the rest( in addition to the thyroid results) in case there is some connection which I can't see. My question is really about the thyroid, and how to approach the doctor about it, since it actually "is" in normal range, though may still be a problem.Any help will be appreciated. Chrissie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 9, 2006 Report Share Posted February 9, 2006 Hi Chrissie, The labs that were taken... some of them are obsolete.... What I see is a TSH that is slightly over the current range, which is .3 to 3.0. A TSH over 2.0 is cause for further testing to determine what the problem is. They did Total T4.... that is at the low end of it's range, that doesn't look promising. T3 uptake is obsolete. Free T4 is slightly above the bottom of it's range.. but too low.... They didn't check Free T3, to see how your active thyroid hormone level is... judging by the high TSH and the low Total T4 and Free T4 I'd venture to say that the Free T3 is also low. So, to me, these labs are showing that you probably aren't feeling too hot. Did they happen to run antibody tests to see if there was anything going on there? I'll bet he doesn't want to do a thing with these numbers... if he's a TSH doc or thinks that numbers 'in normal range' mean that you're just fine.... he's gonna let you get sicker. One thing that I'd say is that with the T4s both so low and still feeling so bad... I'd want to try to get the Free T4 up with a small dose of replacement hormone and then come back in six weeks to have the Free T4 and Free T3 checked to see how my body is responding and if conversion is good and see if my symptoms improve. With both your ferritin and iron low, that makes your body less able to properly utilize the hormone that is in your body.... Since you've had gastric bypass... I'd suggest going with natural thyroid, like Armour. That will allow you to dose your thyroid sublingually. Taking a synthetic T4 medication, like Synthroid.. then you have to try to time your dose around meals, since it has to be taken on an empty stomach, that means four hours after a meal and one hour before, that's harder to do with having to do the small meals throughout the day that your modified digestive system requires, and then the problems with getting dosages to be consistent with the absorption challenges that you face. At least that's what I'm thinking right now... Topper () On Thu, 09 Feb 2006 16:22:27 -0500 "shihtzumom" writes: Hi. I'm new here. I have read in the past that thyroid labs can be normal when there is still a problem.Anyway, for those who understand thyroid labs....My latest labs...TSH......3.163 (0.350-5.500) NormalThyroxine (T4) ...4.7 (4.5-12.0) Very low normal on this one.T3 Uptake....33% (24-39) NormalFree Thyroxine Index...1.6 (1.2-4.9) Very low normalSo, if the T3s are fine, but the T4s are very low normal, and I do have the symptoms of low thyroid......how should I explain this to the doctor so I get put on something for low thyroid? And what...Synthroid or something natural like Armour thyroid, or something else (and which one would be best). My doc usually listens to what I have researched and goes with what I tell him. I have an appointment next week. I was on Synthroid when I about 30 years ago. Supposedly my thyroid was low then, but in subsequent years with subsequent doctors, I have been told my thyroid labs were fine, so no Synthroid for many many years. My mother did have thyroid problems, as did my sister in the past. My mother was hypothyroid, on Synthroid up until her death. My sister was hyperthyroid and had the radioactive treatments, then nothing else since. That was many many years ago also.My symptoms...fatigue, loss of energy weight gain, difficulty losing weight depressionjoint pain (could just be arthritis)itching (arms mainly, but whole body itches too. Arms itch at times that wake me up and I want to itch them to the bone. Sometimes I have to put ice on them so I don't dig them raw, especially at night.)irregular periods, PMS symptoms (could be perimenopause though)difficulty tolerating cold and lower body temperature sleeping more than average memory loss, fuzzy thinking, By the way, my other labs were actually very good, better than previous ones.My Ferritin and iron have gone up (were low normal before). Only other things "off" were Neutrophils 79 (40-74)Lymphs 13 (14-46)Glucose 100 (65-99) No big dealCreatinine 0.6 (0.5-1.5) low normalA/G ratio 1.2 (1.1-2.5) Albumin 4.0 (3.5-5.5)Normal Globulin 3.3 (1.5-4.5) NormalHomocysteine 9.9 (3.3-10.2) High normalFerritin 27 (10-291) low normalIron 52 (35-155) low normal TIBC 314 (250-450) normal UIBC 262 (150-375) normal Iron Sat 17% (15-55) low normal Had loads of other labs done too, 17 vials in all. I get these every 6 months to a year because of malabsorption issues post gastric bypass. Posted the rest( in addition to the thyroid results) in case there is some connection which I can't see. My question is really about the thyroid, and how to approach the doctor about it, since it actually "is" in normal range, though may still be a problem.Any help will be appreciated. Chrissie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 9, 2006 Report Share Posted February 9, 2006 Hi Chrissie, The labs that were taken... some of them are obsolete.... What I see is a TSH that is slightly over the current range, which is .3 to 3.0. A TSH over 2.0 is cause for further testing to determine what the problem is. They did Total T4.... that is at the low end of it's range, that doesn't look promising. T3 uptake is obsolete. Free T4 is slightly above the bottom of it's range.. but too low.... They didn't check Free T3, to see how your active thyroid hormone level is... judging by the high TSH and the low Total T4 and Free T4 I'd venture to say that the Free T3 is also low. So, to me, these labs are showing that you probably aren't feeling too hot. Did they happen to run antibody tests to see if there was anything going on there? I'll bet he doesn't want to do a thing with these numbers... if he's a TSH doc or thinks that numbers 'in normal range' mean that you're just fine.... he's gonna let you get sicker. One thing that I'd say is that with the T4s both so low and still feeling so bad... I'd want to try to get the Free T4 up with a small dose of replacement hormone and then come back in six weeks to have the Free T4 and Free T3 checked to see how my body is responding and if conversion is good and see if my symptoms improve. With both your ferritin and iron low, that makes your body less able to properly utilize the hormone that is in your body.... Since you've had gastric bypass... I'd suggest going with natural thyroid, like Armour. That will allow you to dose your thyroid sublingually. Taking a synthetic T4 medication, like Synthroid.. then you have to try to time your dose around meals, since it has to be taken on an empty stomach, that means four hours after a meal and one hour before, that's harder to do with having to do the small meals throughout the day that your modified digestive system requires, and then the problems with getting dosages to be consistent with the absorption challenges that you face. At least that's what I'm thinking right now... Topper () On Thu, 09 Feb 2006 16:22:27 -0500 "shihtzumom" writes: Hi. I'm new here. I have read in the past that thyroid labs can be normal when there is still a problem.Anyway, for those who understand thyroid labs....My latest labs...TSH......3.163 (0.350-5.500) NormalThyroxine (T4) ...4.7 (4.5-12.0) Very low normal on this one.T3 Uptake....33% (24-39) NormalFree Thyroxine Index...1.6 (1.2-4.9) Very low normalSo, if the T3s are fine, but the T4s are very low normal, and I do have the symptoms of low thyroid......how should I explain this to the doctor so I get put on something for low thyroid? And what...Synthroid or something natural like Armour thyroid, or something else (and which one would be best). My doc usually listens to what I have researched and goes with what I tell him. I have an appointment next week. I was on Synthroid when I about 30 years ago. Supposedly my thyroid was low then, but in subsequent years with subsequent doctors, I have been told my thyroid labs were fine, so no Synthroid for many many years. My mother did have thyroid problems, as did my sister in the past. My mother was hypothyroid, on Synthroid up until her death. My sister was hyperthyroid and had the radioactive treatments, then nothing else since. That was many many years ago also.My symptoms...fatigue, loss of energy weight gain, difficulty losing weight depressionjoint pain (could just be arthritis)itching (arms mainly, but whole body itches too. Arms itch at times that wake me up and I want to itch them to the bone. Sometimes I have to put ice on them so I don't dig them raw, especially at night.)irregular periods, PMS symptoms (could be perimenopause though)difficulty tolerating cold and lower body temperature sleeping more than average memory loss, fuzzy thinking, By the way, my other labs were actually very good, better than previous ones.My Ferritin and iron have gone up (were low normal before). Only other things "off" were Neutrophils 79 (40-74)Lymphs 13 (14-46)Glucose 100 (65-99) No big dealCreatinine 0.6 (0.5-1.5) low normalA/G ratio 1.2 (1.1-2.5) Albumin 4.0 (3.5-5.5)Normal Globulin 3.3 (1.5-4.5) NormalHomocysteine 9.9 (3.3-10.2) High normalFerritin 27 (10-291) low normalIron 52 (35-155) low normal TIBC 314 (250-450) normal UIBC 262 (150-375) normal Iron Sat 17% (15-55) low normal Had loads of other labs done too, 17 vials in all. I get these every 6 months to a year because of malabsorption issues post gastric bypass. Posted the rest( in addition to the thyroid results) in case there is some connection which I can't see. My question is really about the thyroid, and how to approach the doctor about it, since it actually "is" in normal range, though may still be a problem.Any help will be appreciated. Chrissie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 9, 2006 Report Share Posted February 9, 2006 Chrissie, My doc recently ran the following on me: Comprehensive Metabolic Panel Cortisol DHEA-S CBCD I'm sure there are more tests out there that can be ran, but this will give you a good start. Adding Selenium to your diet will help with the absorption of thyroid hormone as well as conversion. Taking it under your tongue will help also. Good luck, Newbie : question Hi. I'm new here. I have read in the past that thyroid labs can be normal when there is still a problem.Anyway, for those who understand thyroid labs....My latest labs...TSH......3.163 (0.350-5.500) NormalThyroxine (T4) ...4.7 (4.5-12.0) Very low normal on this one.T3 Uptake....33% (24-39) NormalFree Thyroxine Index...1.6 (1.2-4.9) Very low normalSo, if the T3s are fine, but the T4s are very low normal, and I do have the symptoms of low thyroid......how should I explain this to the doctor so I get put on something for low thyroid? And what...Synthroid or something natural like Armour thyroid, or something else (and which one would be best). My doc usually listens to what I have researched and goes with what I tell him. I have an appointment next week. I was on Synthroid when I about 30 years ago. Supposedly my thyroid was low then, but in subsequent years with subsequent doctors, I have been told my thyroid labs were fine, so no Synthroid for many many years. My mother did have thyroid problems, as did my sister in the past. My mother was hypothyroid, on Synthroid up until her death. My sister was hyperthyroid and had the radioactive treatments, then nothing else since. That was many many years ago also.My symptoms...fatigue, loss of energy weight gain, difficulty losing weight depressionjoint pain (could just be arthritis)itching (arms mainly, but whole body itches too. Arms itch at times that wake me up and I want to itch them to the bone. Sometimes I have to put ice on them so I don't dig them raw, especially at night.)irregular periods, PMS symptoms (could be perimenopause though)difficulty tolerating cold and lower body temperature sleeping more than average memory loss, fuzzy thinking, By the way, my other labs were actually very good, better than previous ones.My Ferritin and iron have gone up (were low normal before). Only other things "off" were Neutrophils 79 (40-74)Lymphs 13 (14-46)Glucose 100 (65-99) No big dealCreatinine 0.6 (0.5-1.5) low normalA/G ratio 1.2 (1.1-2.5) Albumin 4.0 (3.5-5.5)Normal Globulin 3.3 (1.5-4.5) NormalHomocysteine 9.9 (3.3-10.2) High normalFerritin 27 (10-291) low normalIron 52 (35-155) low normal TIBC 314 (250-450) normal UIBC 262 (150-375) normal Iron Sat 17% (15-55) low normal Had loads of other labs done too, 17 vials in all. I get these every 6 months to a year because of malabsorption issues post gastric bypass. Posted the rest( in addition to the thyroid results) in case there is some connection which I can't see. My question is really about the thyroid, and how to approach the doctor about it, since it actually "is" in normal range, though may still be a problem.Any help will be appreciated. Chrissie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 9, 2006 Report Share Posted February 9, 2006 Chrissie, My doc recently ran the following on me: Comprehensive Metabolic Panel Cortisol DHEA-S CBCD I'm sure there are more tests out there that can be ran, but this will give you a good start. Adding Selenium to your diet will help with the absorption of thyroid hormone as well as conversion. Taking it under your tongue will help also. Good luck, Newbie : question Hi. I'm new here. I have read in the past that thyroid labs can be normal when there is still a problem.Anyway, for those who understand thyroid labs....My latest labs...TSH......3.163 (0.350-5.500) NormalThyroxine (T4) ...4.7 (4.5-12.0) Very low normal on this one.T3 Uptake....33% (24-39) NormalFree Thyroxine Index...1.6 (1.2-4.9) Very low normalSo, if the T3s are fine, but the T4s are very low normal, and I do have the symptoms of low thyroid......how should I explain this to the doctor so I get put on something for low thyroid? And what...Synthroid or something natural like Armour thyroid, or something else (and which one would be best). My doc usually listens to what I have researched and goes with what I tell him. I have an appointment next week. I was on Synthroid when I about 30 years ago. Supposedly my thyroid was low then, but in subsequent years with subsequent doctors, I have been told my thyroid labs were fine, so no Synthroid for many many years. My mother did have thyroid problems, as did my sister in the past. My mother was hypothyroid, on Synthroid up until her death. My sister was hyperthyroid and had the radioactive treatments, then nothing else since. That was many many years ago also.My symptoms...fatigue, loss of energy weight gain, difficulty losing weight depressionjoint pain (could just be arthritis)itching (arms mainly, but whole body itches too. Arms itch at times that wake me up and I want to itch them to the bone. Sometimes I have to put ice on them so I don't dig them raw, especially at night.)irregular periods, PMS symptoms (could be perimenopause though)difficulty tolerating cold and lower body temperature sleeping more than average memory loss, fuzzy thinking, By the way, my other labs were actually very good, better than previous ones.My Ferritin and iron have gone up (were low normal before). Only other things "off" were Neutrophils 79 (40-74)Lymphs 13 (14-46)Glucose 100 (65-99) No big dealCreatinine 0.6 (0.5-1.5) low normalA/G ratio 1.2 (1.1-2.5) Albumin 4.0 (3.5-5.5)Normal Globulin 3.3 (1.5-4.5) NormalHomocysteine 9.9 (3.3-10.2) High normalFerritin 27 (10-291) low normalIron 52 (35-155) low normal TIBC 314 (250-450) normal UIBC 262 (150-375) normal Iron Sat 17% (15-55) low normal Had loads of other labs done too, 17 vials in all. I get these every 6 months to a year because of malabsorption issues post gastric bypass. Posted the rest( in addition to the thyroid results) in case there is some connection which I can't see. My question is really about the thyroid, and how to approach the doctor about it, since it actually "is" in normal range, though may still be a problem.Any help will be appreciated. Chrissie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 9, 2006 Report Share Posted February 9, 2006 Chrissie, My doc recently ran the following on me: Comprehensive Metabolic Panel Cortisol DHEA-S CBCD I'm sure there are more tests out there that can be ran, but this will give you a good start. Adding Selenium to your diet will help with the absorption of thyroid hormone as well as conversion. Taking it under your tongue will help also. Good luck, Newbie : question Hi. I'm new here. I have read in the past that thyroid labs can be normal when there is still a problem.Anyway, for those who understand thyroid labs....My latest labs...TSH......3.163 (0.350-5.500) NormalThyroxine (T4) ...4.7 (4.5-12.0) Very low normal on this one.T3 Uptake....33% (24-39) NormalFree Thyroxine Index...1.6 (1.2-4.9) Very low normalSo, if the T3s are fine, but the T4s are very low normal, and I do have the symptoms of low thyroid......how should I explain this to the doctor so I get put on something for low thyroid? And what...Synthroid or something natural like Armour thyroid, or something else (and which one would be best). My doc usually listens to what I have researched and goes with what I tell him. I have an appointment next week. I was on Synthroid when I about 30 years ago. Supposedly my thyroid was low then, but in subsequent years with subsequent doctors, I have been told my thyroid labs were fine, so no Synthroid for many many years. My mother did have thyroid problems, as did my sister in the past. My mother was hypothyroid, on Synthroid up until her death. My sister was hyperthyroid and had the radioactive treatments, then nothing else since. That was many many years ago also.My symptoms...fatigue, loss of energy weight gain, difficulty losing weight depressionjoint pain (could just be arthritis)itching (arms mainly, but whole body itches too. Arms itch at times that wake me up and I want to itch them to the bone. Sometimes I have to put ice on them so I don't dig them raw, especially at night.)irregular periods, PMS symptoms (could be perimenopause though)difficulty tolerating cold and lower body temperature sleeping more than average memory loss, fuzzy thinking, By the way, my other labs were actually very good, better than previous ones.My Ferritin and iron have gone up (were low normal before). Only other things "off" were Neutrophils 79 (40-74)Lymphs 13 (14-46)Glucose 100 (65-99) No big dealCreatinine 0.6 (0.5-1.5) low normalA/G ratio 1.2 (1.1-2.5) Albumin 4.0 (3.5-5.5)Normal Globulin 3.3 (1.5-4.5) NormalHomocysteine 9.9 (3.3-10.2) High normalFerritin 27 (10-291) low normalIron 52 (35-155) low normal TIBC 314 (250-450) normal UIBC 262 (150-375) normal Iron Sat 17% (15-55) low normal Had loads of other labs done too, 17 vials in all. I get these every 6 months to a year because of malabsorption issues post gastric bypass. Posted the rest( in addition to the thyroid results) in case there is some connection which I can't see. My question is really about the thyroid, and how to approach the doctor about it, since it actually "is" in normal range, though may still be a problem.Any help will be appreciated. Chrissie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 9, 2006 Report Share Posted February 9, 2006 Thanks. Do I just ask for "antibodies tests" or do they have a particular name? what kind of antibodies? I think the doc will do whatever I ask for. That's why I want to know what I "should" ask for. So far....I think I should be asking for....Free T3 (now) Armour Thyroid (sublingual) perscription Free T3 and Free T4 perscrip for 6 weeks Antibodies testing???? Right, so far???? Chrissie Re: Newbie : question Hi Chrissie, The labs that were taken... some of them are obsolete.... What I see is a TSH that is slightly over the current range, which is .3 to 3.0. A TSH over 2.0 is cause for further testing to determine what the problem is. They did Total T4.... that is at the low end of it's range, that doesn't look promising. T3 uptake is obsolete. Free T4 is slightly above the bottom of it's range.. but too low.... They didn't check Free T3, to see how your active thyroid hormone level is... judging by the high TSH and the low Total T4 and Free T4 I'd venture to say that the Free T3 is also low. So, to me, these labs are showing that you probably aren't feeling too hot. Did they happen to run antibody tests to see if there was anything going on there? I'll bet he doesn't want to do a thing with these numbers... if he's a TSH doc or thinks that numbers 'in normal range' mean that you're just fine.... he's gonna let you get sicker. One thing that I'd say is that with the T4s both so low and still feeling so bad... I'd want to try to get the Free T4 up with a small dose of replacement hormone and then come back in six weeks to have the Free T4 and Free T3 checked to see how my body is responding and if conversion is good and see if my symptoms improve. With both your ferritin and iron low, that makes your body less able to properly utilize the hormone that is in your body.... Since you've had gastric bypass... I'd suggest going with natural thyroid, like Armour. That will allow you to dose your thyroid sublingually. Taking a synthetic T4 medication, like Synthroid.. then you have to try to time your dose around meals, since it has to be taken on an empty stomach, that means four hours after a meal and one hour before, that's harder to do with having to do the small meals throughout the day that your modified digestive system requires, and then the problems with getting dosages to be consistent with the absorption challenges that you face. At least that's what I'm thinking right now... Topper () On Thu, 09 Feb 2006 16:22:27 -0500 "shihtzumom" writes: Hi. I'm new here. I have read in the past that thyroid labs can be normal when there is still a problem.Anyway, for those who understand thyroid labs....My latest labs...TSH......3.163 (0.350-5.500) NormalThyroxine (T4) ...4.7 (4.5-12.0) Very low normal on this one.T3 Uptake....33% (24-39) NormalFree Thyroxine Index...1.6 (1.2-4.9) Very low normalSo, if the T3s are fine, but the T4s are very low normal, and I do have the symptoms of low thyroid......how should I explain this to the doctor so I get put on something for low thyroid? And what...Synthroid or something natural like Armour thyroid, or something else (and which one would be best). My doc usually listens to what I have researched and goes with what I tell him. I have an appointment next week. I was on Synthroid when I about 30 years ago. Supposedly my thyroid was low then, but in subsequent years with subsequent doctors, I have been told my thyroid labs were fine, so no Synthroid for many many years. My mother did have thyroid problems, as did my sister in the past. My mother was hypothyroid, on Synthroid up until her death. My sister was hyperthyroid and had the radioactive treatments, then nothing else since. That was many many years ago also.My symptoms...fatigue, loss of energy weight gain, difficulty losing weight depressionjoint pain (could just be arthritis)itching (arms mainly, but whole body itches too. Arms itch at times that wake me up and I want to itch them to the bone. Sometimes I have to put ice on them so I don't dig them raw, especially at night.)irregular periods, PMS symptoms (could be perimenopause though)difficulty tolerating cold and lower body temperature sleeping more than average memory loss, fuzzy thinking, By the way, my other labs were actually very good, better than previous ones.My Ferritin and iron have gone up (were low normal before). Only other things "off" were Neutrophils 79 (40-74)Lymphs 13 (14-46)Glucose 100 (65-99) No big dealCreatinine 0.6 (0.5-1.5) low normalA/G ratio 1.2 (1.1-2.5) Albumin 4.0 (3.5-5.5)Normal Globulin 3.3 (1.5-4.5) NormalHomocysteine 9.9 (3.3-10.2) High normalFerritin 27 (10-291) low normalIron 52 (35-155) low normal TIBC 314 (250-450) normal UIBC 262 (150-375) normal Iron Sat 17% (15-55) low normal Had loads of other labs done too, 17 vials in all. I get these every 6 months to a year because of malabsorption issues post gastric bypass. Posted the rest( in addition to the thyroid results) in case there is some connection which I can't see. My question is really about the thyroid, and how to approach the doctor about it, since it actually "is" in normal range, though may still be a problem.Any help will be appreciated. Chrissie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 9, 2006 Report Share Posted February 9, 2006 The antibodies are: antithyroglobulin and antithyroidperoxidase or just simply say thyroid antibodies.... As for sublingual thyroid, leave out the sublingual.. they'll think you're dumb and say it can't be done that way... I've been doing it for 3 1/2 years... it works.. and better than swallowing.. and the evidence exists as to why it's better... So just say Armour tablets. You'll want to be tested in six weeks, after starting or changing a dose... but get a prescription for longer than six weeks... There is always a potential for a variation in dose between one batch and another, granted.. that variance is FAR less with Armour than it is with the synthetics, but it still exists... Getting more tabs at a time mean that you will have a longer period of time using tablets from the same batch... it will make the adjustments easier..... It's very easy to split an tablet of natural thyroid to be able to adjust dosages... so you needed worry about getting stuck with extra pills that you can't use.... For example if you start on 1/2 grain and get 1/2 grain tabs..... and then get changed to 1 grain, you take two tabs.. then you might get increased to 1 1/4 grain.... you'll just split a tab in half... You'd take two whole tabs and a half tab.... so you'll be able to use them up... and spend less money in the long run..... Don't worry if the idea of the math and splitting get you confused.... enough of us do it around here to be pretty expert in helping you to figure it out.... So... Free T4, Free T3, and the antibodies... if he's in a good mood ask for Ferritin, too.. that's storage iron.... and then set up your next labs for six weeks later.... ... and now that I've totally confused you.... I'm gonna be quiet!!! hehehehe Topper () On Thu, 09 Feb 2006 21:26:19 -0500 "shihtzumom" writes: Thanks. Do I just ask for "antibodies tests" or do they have a particular name? what kind of antibodies? I think the doc will do whatever I ask for. That's why I want to know what I "should" ask for. So far....I think I should be asking for....Free T3 (now) Armour Thyroid (sublingual) perscription Free T3 and Free T4 perscrip for 6 weeks Antibodies testing???? Right, so far???? Chrissie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 9, 2006 Report Share Posted February 9, 2006 The antibodies are: antithyroglobulin and antithyroidperoxidase or just simply say thyroid antibodies.... As for sublingual thyroid, leave out the sublingual.. they'll think you're dumb and say it can't be done that way... I've been doing it for 3 1/2 years... it works.. and better than swallowing.. and the evidence exists as to why it's better... So just say Armour tablets. You'll want to be tested in six weeks, after starting or changing a dose... but get a prescription for longer than six weeks... There is always a potential for a variation in dose between one batch and another, granted.. that variance is FAR less with Armour than it is with the synthetics, but it still exists... Getting more tabs at a time mean that you will have a longer period of time using tablets from the same batch... it will make the adjustments easier..... It's very easy to split an tablet of natural thyroid to be able to adjust dosages... so you needed worry about getting stuck with extra pills that you can't use.... For example if you start on 1/2 grain and get 1/2 grain tabs..... and then get changed to 1 grain, you take two tabs.. then you might get increased to 1 1/4 grain.... you'll just split a tab in half... You'd take two whole tabs and a half tab.... so you'll be able to use them up... and spend less money in the long run..... Don't worry if the idea of the math and splitting get you confused.... enough of us do it around here to be pretty expert in helping you to figure it out.... So... Free T4, Free T3, and the antibodies... if he's in a good mood ask for Ferritin, too.. that's storage iron.... and then set up your next labs for six weeks later.... ... and now that I've totally confused you.... I'm gonna be quiet!!! hehehehe Topper () On Thu, 09 Feb 2006 21:26:19 -0500 "shihtzumom" writes: Thanks. Do I just ask for "antibodies tests" or do they have a particular name? what kind of antibodies? I think the doc will do whatever I ask for. That's why I want to know what I "should" ask for. So far....I think I should be asking for....Free T3 (now) Armour Thyroid (sublingual) perscription Free T3 and Free T4 perscrip for 6 weeks Antibodies testing???? Right, so far???? Chrissie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 9, 2006 Report Share Posted February 9, 2006 The antibodies are: antithyroglobulin and antithyroidperoxidase or just simply say thyroid antibodies.... As for sublingual thyroid, leave out the sublingual.. they'll think you're dumb and say it can't be done that way... I've been doing it for 3 1/2 years... it works.. and better than swallowing.. and the evidence exists as to why it's better... So just say Armour tablets. You'll want to be tested in six weeks, after starting or changing a dose... but get a prescription for longer than six weeks... There is always a potential for a variation in dose between one batch and another, granted.. that variance is FAR less with Armour than it is with the synthetics, but it still exists... Getting more tabs at a time mean that you will have a longer period of time using tablets from the same batch... it will make the adjustments easier..... It's very easy to split an tablet of natural thyroid to be able to adjust dosages... so you needed worry about getting stuck with extra pills that you can't use.... For example if you start on 1/2 grain and get 1/2 grain tabs..... and then get changed to 1 grain, you take two tabs.. then you might get increased to 1 1/4 grain.... you'll just split a tab in half... You'd take two whole tabs and a half tab.... so you'll be able to use them up... and spend less money in the long run..... Don't worry if the idea of the math and splitting get you confused.... enough of us do it around here to be pretty expert in helping you to figure it out.... So... Free T4, Free T3, and the antibodies... if he's in a good mood ask for Ferritin, too.. that's storage iron.... and then set up your next labs for six weeks later.... ... and now that I've totally confused you.... I'm gonna be quiet!!! hehehehe Topper () On Thu, 09 Feb 2006 21:26:19 -0500 "shihtzumom" writes: Thanks. Do I just ask for "antibodies tests" or do they have a particular name? what kind of antibodies? I think the doc will do whatever I ask for. That's why I want to know what I "should" ask for. So far....I think I should be asking for....Free T3 (now) Armour Thyroid (sublingual) perscription Free T3 and Free T4 perscrip for 6 weeks Antibodies testing???? Right, so far???? Chrissie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 9, 2006 Report Share Posted February 9, 2006 The only one of these I didn't get was the DHEA-S. What is that for? Newbie : question Hi. I'm new here. I have read in the past that thyroid labs can be normal when there is still a problem.Anyway, for those who understand thyroid labs....My latest labs...TSH......3.163 (0.350-5.500) NormalThyroxine (T4) ...4.7 (4.5-12.0) Very low normal on this one.T3 Uptake....33% (24-39) NormalFree Thyroxine Index...1.6 (1.2-4.9) Very low normalSo, if the T3s are fine, but the T4s are very low normal, and I do have the symptoms of low thyroid......how should I explain this to the doctor so I get put on something for low thyroid? And what...Synthroid or something natural like Armour thyroid, or something else (and which one would be best). My doc usually listens to what I have researched and goes with what I tell him. I have an appointment next week. I was on Synthroid when I about 30 years ago. Supposedly my thyroid was low then, but in subsequent years with subsequent doctors, I have been told my thyroid labs were fine, so no Synthroid for many many years. My mother did have thyroid problems, as did my sister in the past. My mother was hypothyroid, on Synthroid up until her death. My sister was hyperthyroid and had the radioactive treatments, then nothing else since. That was many many years ago also.My symptoms...fatigue, loss of energy weight gain, difficulty losing weight depressionjoint pain (could just be arthritis)itching (arms mainly, but whole body itches too. Arms itch at times that wake me up and I want to itch them to the bone. Sometimes I have to put ice on them so I don't dig them raw, especially at night.)irregular periods, PMS symptoms (could be perimenopause though)difficulty tolerating cold and lower body temperature sleeping more than average memory loss, fuzzy thinking, By the way, my other labs were actually very good, better than previous ones.My Ferritin and iron have gone up (were low normal before). Only other things "off" were Neutrophils 79 (40-74)Lymphs 13 (14-46)Glucose 100 (65-99) No big dealCreatinine 0.6 (0.5-1.5) low normalA/G ratio 1.2 (1.1-2.5) Albumin 4.0 (3.5-5.5)Normal Globulin 3.3 (1.5-4.5) NormalHomocysteine 9.9 (3.3-10.2) High normalFerritin 27 (10-291) low normalIron 52 (35-155) low normal TIBC 314 (250-450) normal UIBC 262 (150-375) normal Iron Sat 17% (15-55) low normal Had loads of other labs done too, 17 vials in all. I get these every 6 months to a year because of malabsorption issues post gastric bypass. Posted the rest( in addition to the thyroid results) in case there is some connection which I can't see. My question is really about the thyroid, and how to approach the doctor about it, since it actually "is" in normal range, though may still be a problem.Any help will be appreciated. Chrissie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 9, 2006 Report Share Posted February 9, 2006 The only one of these I didn't get was the DHEA-S. What is that for? Newbie : question Hi. I'm new here. I have read in the past that thyroid labs can be normal when there is still a problem.Anyway, for those who understand thyroid labs....My latest labs...TSH......3.163 (0.350-5.500) NormalThyroxine (T4) ...4.7 (4.5-12.0) Very low normal on this one.T3 Uptake....33% (24-39) NormalFree Thyroxine Index...1.6 (1.2-4.9) Very low normalSo, if the T3s are fine, but the T4s are very low normal, and I do have the symptoms of low thyroid......how should I explain this to the doctor so I get put on something for low thyroid? And what...Synthroid or something natural like Armour thyroid, or something else (and which one would be best). My doc usually listens to what I have researched and goes with what I tell him. I have an appointment next week. I was on Synthroid when I about 30 years ago. Supposedly my thyroid was low then, but in subsequent years with subsequent doctors, I have been told my thyroid labs were fine, so no Synthroid for many many years. My mother did have thyroid problems, as did my sister in the past. My mother was hypothyroid, on Synthroid up until her death. My sister was hyperthyroid and had the radioactive treatments, then nothing else since. That was many many years ago also.My symptoms...fatigue, loss of energy weight gain, difficulty losing weight depressionjoint pain (could just be arthritis)itching (arms mainly, but whole body itches too. Arms itch at times that wake me up and I want to itch them to the bone. Sometimes I have to put ice on them so I don't dig them raw, especially at night.)irregular periods, PMS symptoms (could be perimenopause though)difficulty tolerating cold and lower body temperature sleeping more than average memory loss, fuzzy thinking, By the way, my other labs were actually very good, better than previous ones.My Ferritin and iron have gone up (were low normal before). Only other things "off" were Neutrophils 79 (40-74)Lymphs 13 (14-46)Glucose 100 (65-99) No big dealCreatinine 0.6 (0.5-1.5) low normalA/G ratio 1.2 (1.1-2.5) Albumin 4.0 (3.5-5.5)Normal Globulin 3.3 (1.5-4.5) NormalHomocysteine 9.9 (3.3-10.2) High normalFerritin 27 (10-291) low normalIron 52 (35-155) low normal TIBC 314 (250-450) normal UIBC 262 (150-375) normal Iron Sat 17% (15-55) low normal Had loads of other labs done too, 17 vials in all. I get these every 6 months to a year because of malabsorption issues post gastric bypass. Posted the rest( in addition to the thyroid results) in case there is some connection which I can't see. My question is really about the thyroid, and how to approach the doctor about it, since it actually "is" in normal range, though may still be a problem.Any help will be appreciated. Chrissie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 9, 2006 Report Share Posted February 9, 2006 The only one of these I didn't get was the DHEA-S. What is that for? Newbie : question Hi. I'm new here. I have read in the past that thyroid labs can be normal when there is still a problem.Anyway, for those who understand thyroid labs....My latest labs...TSH......3.163 (0.350-5.500) NormalThyroxine (T4) ...4.7 (4.5-12.0) Very low normal on this one.T3 Uptake....33% (24-39) NormalFree Thyroxine Index...1.6 (1.2-4.9) Very low normalSo, if the T3s are fine, but the T4s are very low normal, and I do have the symptoms of low thyroid......how should I explain this to the doctor so I get put on something for low thyroid? And what...Synthroid or something natural like Armour thyroid, or something else (and which one would be best). My doc usually listens to what I have researched and goes with what I tell him. I have an appointment next week. I was on Synthroid when I about 30 years ago. Supposedly my thyroid was low then, but in subsequent years with subsequent doctors, I have been told my thyroid labs were fine, so no Synthroid for many many years. My mother did have thyroid problems, as did my sister in the past. My mother was hypothyroid, on Synthroid up until her death. My sister was hyperthyroid and had the radioactive treatments, then nothing else since. That was many many years ago also.My symptoms...fatigue, loss of energy weight gain, difficulty losing weight depressionjoint pain (could just be arthritis)itching (arms mainly, but whole body itches too. Arms itch at times that wake me up and I want to itch them to the bone. Sometimes I have to put ice on them so I don't dig them raw, especially at night.)irregular periods, PMS symptoms (could be perimenopause though)difficulty tolerating cold and lower body temperature sleeping more than average memory loss, fuzzy thinking, By the way, my other labs were actually very good, better than previous ones.My Ferritin and iron have gone up (were low normal before). Only other things "off" were Neutrophils 79 (40-74)Lymphs 13 (14-46)Glucose 100 (65-99) No big dealCreatinine 0.6 (0.5-1.5) low normalA/G ratio 1.2 (1.1-2.5) Albumin 4.0 (3.5-5.5)Normal Globulin 3.3 (1.5-4.5) NormalHomocysteine 9.9 (3.3-10.2) High normalFerritin 27 (10-291) low normalIron 52 (35-155) low normal TIBC 314 (250-450) normal UIBC 262 (150-375) normal Iron Sat 17% (15-55) low normal Had loads of other labs done too, 17 vials in all. I get these every 6 months to a year because of malabsorption issues post gastric bypass. Posted the rest( in addition to the thyroid results) in case there is some connection which I can't see. My question is really about the thyroid, and how to approach the doctor about it, since it actually "is" in normal range, though may still be a problem.Any help will be appreciated. Chrissie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 9, 2006 Report Share Posted February 9, 2006 Actually, that was very clear. I got it. And my ferritin was just done. it was 27 (10-291) My serum iron was 52 (35-155) TIBC 314 (250-450) UIBC 262 (150-375) Iron Saturation 17 (15-55) The other test I heard mentioned was Cortisol. Mine was 7.1 (3.1-22.4) So that one looks good, at least. I get lots of tests because of the gastric bypass. I had 17 vials taken this last time. Everything else I had done was really good, except for high Neutrophils 79 (40-74), and low Lymphs 13 (14-46). Re: Newbie : question The antibodies are: antithyroglobulin and antithyroidperoxidase or just simply say thyroid antibodies.... As for sublingual thyroid, leave out the sublingual.. they'll think you're dumb and say it can't be done that way... I've been doing it for 3 1/2 years... it works.. and better than swallowing.. and the evidence exists as to why it's better... So just say Armour tablets. You'll want to be tested in six weeks, after starting or changing a dose... but get a prescription for longer than six weeks... There is always a potential for a variation in dose between one batch and another, granted.. that variance is FAR less with Armour than it is with the synthetics, but it still exists... Getting more tabs at a time mean that you will have a longer period of time using tablets from the same batch... it will make the adjustments easier..... It's very easy to split an tablet of natural thyroid to be able to adjust dosages... so you needed worry about getting stuck with extra pills that you can't use.... For example if you start on 1/2 grain and get 1/2 grain tabs..... and then get changed to 1 grain, you take two tabs.. then you might get increased to 1 1/4 grain.... you'll just split a tab in half... You'd take two whole tabs and a half tab.... so you'll be able to use them up... and spend less money in the long run..... Don't worry if the idea of the math and splitting get you confused.... enough of us do it around here to be pretty expert in helping you to figure it out.... So... Free T4, Free T3, and the antibodies... if he's in a good mood ask for Ferritin, too.. that's storage iron.... and then set up your next labs for six weeks later.... ... and now that I've totally confused you.... I'm gonna be quiet!!! hehehehe Topper () On Thu, 09 Feb 2006 21:26:19 -0500 "shihtzumom" writes: Thanks. Do I just ask for "antibodies tests" or do they have a particular name? what kind of antibodies? I think the doc will do whatever I ask for. That's why I want to know what I "should" ask for. So far....I think I should be asking for....Free T3 (now) Armour Thyroid (sublingual) perscription Free T3 and Free T4 perscrip for 6 weeks Antibodies testing???? Right, so far???? Chrissie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 10, 2006 Report Share Posted February 10, 2006 Your ferritin and iron is real low too.... it's common with hypos to have trouble with that... as well as B-12. What time of day was the blood drawn? I'm wondering about the time of day for the cortisol... it makes a difference - what level at what time of day.. Your screen name.... are you a shihtzu lover? Topper () On Thu, 09 Feb 2006 22:07:36 -0500 "shihtzumom" writes: Actually, that was very clear. I got it. And my ferritin was just done. it was 27 (10-291) My serum iron was 52 (35-155) TIBC 314 (250-450) UIBC 262 (150-375) Iron Saturation 17 (15-55) The other test I heard mentioned was Cortisol. Mine was 7.1 (3.1-22.4) So that one looks good, at least. I get lots of tests because of the gastric bypass. I had 17 vials taken this last time. Everything else I had done was really good, except for high Neutrophils 79 (40-74), and low Lymphs 13 (14-46). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 10, 2006 Report Share Posted February 10, 2006 Your ferritin and iron is real low too.... it's common with hypos to have trouble with that... as well as B-12. What time of day was the blood drawn? I'm wondering about the time of day for the cortisol... it makes a difference - what level at what time of day.. Your screen name.... are you a shihtzu lover? Topper () On Thu, 09 Feb 2006 22:07:36 -0500 "shihtzumom" writes: Actually, that was very clear. I got it. And my ferritin was just done. it was 27 (10-291) My serum iron was 52 (35-155) TIBC 314 (250-450) UIBC 262 (150-375) Iron Saturation 17 (15-55) The other test I heard mentioned was Cortisol. Mine was 7.1 (3.1-22.4) So that one looks good, at least. I get lots of tests because of the gastric bypass. I had 17 vials taken this last time. Everything else I had done was really good, except for high Neutrophils 79 (40-74), and low Lymphs 13 (14-46). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 10, 2006 Report Share Posted February 10, 2006 Hi Chrissie - glad to see that you joined us here. You will find much excellent advice with this wonderful group of people. For the antibodies test I specified: Anti-thyroglobulin and Anti-Micosomal T.P.O. Antibody. My first doctor only ordered the second test when I asked for the antibodies tests, so I was VERY specific with the second doctor. For me these have tested negative and my issue is iodine deficiency. I have just been prescribed 1/2 grain of Armour to start with. My new doctor wrote the RX for 100 1 grain tablets so that there is room to adjust according to my needs as we go. The Armour is very inexpensive as I paid about $16 for 100 tablets at Fry's Grocery (pharmacy). The Armour is in tablet form (they don't call it sublingual), but I know that I will be taking my dose as a sublingual since Topper does hers that way and it will eliminate the timing issues with our other supplements. My new doctor told me that as a post-menopausal woman I need to keep my ferritin level around 40-60, definitely under 100. This is because of the oxidation factor and heart disease. I am currently at 67 so pretty much where she wants me. I am taking Vitalady's Tender Iron (iron carbonyl). Sandy ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ slkscb@... ~ Open RNY 12/8/03, 150 cm, Barix Clinics, 303/290 day of surgery/195 current/ goal is to be HEALTHY. Emergency appendectomy 11/1/04, Gallbladder 1/12/05. "Know your labs and track your trends." Check out my gastric bypass journal at www.acdlady.com/WLS_1 for many educational links. My OH profile is at http://www.obesityhelp.com/morbidobesity/profile.phtml?N=M1062876220 I am not affiliated with the medical profession except as a proactive WLS post-op. "Trust your own instinct. Your mistakes might as well be your own, instead of someone else’s." – Wilder -- Re: Newbie : question Thanks. Do I just ask for "antibodies tests" or do they have a particular name? what kind of antibodies? I think the doc will do whatever I ask for. That's why I want to know what I "should" ask for. So far....I think I should be asking for....Free T3 (now) Armour Thyroid (sublingual) perscription Free T3 and Free T4 perscrip for 6 weeks Antibodies testing???? Right, so far???? Chrissie Re: Newbie : question Hi Chrissie, The labs that were taken... some of them are obsolete.... What I see is a TSH that is slightly over the current range, which is .3 to 3.0. A TSH over 2.0 is cause for further testing to determine what the problem is. They did Total T4.... that is at the low end of it's range, that doesn't look promising. T3 uptake is obsolete. Free T4 is slightly above the bottom of it's range.. but too low.... They didn't check Free T3, to see how your active thyroid hormone level is... judging by the high TSH and the low Total T4 and Free T4 I'd venture to say that the Free T3 is also low. So, to me, these labs are showing that you probably aren't feeling too hot. Did they happen to run antibody tests to see if there was anything going on there? I'll bet he doesn't want to do a thing with these numbers... if he's a TSH doc or thinks that numbers 'in normal range' mean that you're just fine.... he's gonna let you get sicker. One thing that I'd say is that with the T4s both so low and still feeling so bad... I'd want to try to get the Free T4 up with a small dose of replacement hormone and then come back in six weeks to have the Free T4 and Free T3 checked to see how my body is responding and if conversion is good and see if my symptoms improve. With both your ferritin and iron low, that makes your body less able to properly utilize the hormone that is in your body.... Since you've had gastric bypass... I'd suggest going with natural thyroid, like Armour. That will allow you to dose your thyroid sublingually. Taking a synthetic T4 medication, like Synthroid.. then you have to try to time your dose around meals, since it has to be taken on an empty stomach, that means four hours after a meal and one hour before, that's harder to do with having to do the small meals throughout the day that your modified digestive system requires, and then the problems with getting dosages to be consistent with the absorption challenges that you face. At least that's what I'm thinking right now... Topper () On Thu, 09 Feb 2006 16:22:27 -0500 "shihtzumom" writes: Hi. I'm new here. I have read in the past that thyroid labs can be normal when there is still a problem.Anyway, for those who understand thyroid labs....My latest labs...TSH......3.163 (0.350-5.500) NormalThyroxine (T4) ...4.7 (4.5-12.0) Very low normal on this one.T3 Uptake....33% (24-39) NormalFree Thyroxine Index...1.6 (1.2-4.9) Very low normalSo, if the T3s are fine, but the T4s are very low normal, and I do have the symptoms of low thyroid......how should I explain this to the doctor so I get put on something for low thyroid? And what...Synthroid or something natural like Armour thyroid, or something else (and which one would be best). My doc usually listens to what I have researched and goes with what I tell him. I have an appointment next week. I was on Synthroid when I about 30 years ago. Supposedly my thyroid was low then, but in subsequent years with subsequent doctors, I have been told my thyroid labs were fine, so no Synthroid for many many years. My mother did have thyroid problems, as did my sister in the past. My mother was hypothyroid, on Synthroid up until her death. My sister was hyperthyroid and had the radioactive treatments, then nothing else since. That was many many years ago also.My symptoms...fatigue, loss of energy weight gain, difficulty losing weight depressionjoint pain (could just be arthritis)itching (arms mainly, but whole body itches too. Arms itch at times that wake me up and I want to itch them to the bone. Sometimes I have to put ice on them so I don't dig them raw, especially at night.)irregular periods, PMS symptoms (could be perimenopause though)difficulty tolerating cold and lower body temperature sleeping more than average memory loss, fuzzy thinking, By the way, my other labs were actually very good, better than previous ones.My Ferritin and iron have gone up (were low normal before). Only other things "off" were Neutrophils 79 (40-74)Lymphs 13 (14-46)Glucose 100 (65-99) No big dealCreatinine 0.6 (0.5-1.5) low normalA/G ratio 1.2 (1.1-2.5) Albumin 4.0 (3.5-5.5)Normal Globulin 3.3 (1.5-4.5) NormalHomocysteine 9.9 (3.3-10.2) High normalFerritin 27 (10-291) low normalIron 52 (35-155) low normal TIBC 314 (250-450) normal UIBC 262 (150-375) normal Iron Sat 17% (15-55) low normal Had loads of other labs done too, 17 vials in all. I get these every 6 months to a year because of malabsorption issues post gastric bypass. Posted the rest( in addition to the thyroid results) in case there is some connection which I can't see. My question is really about the thyroid, and how to approach the doctor about it, since it actually "is" in normal range, though may still be a problem.Any help will be appreciated. Chrissie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 10, 2006 Report Share Posted February 10, 2006 Hi Chrissie - glad to see that you joined us here. You will find much excellent advice with this wonderful group of people. For the antibodies test I specified: Anti-thyroglobulin and Anti-Micosomal T.P.O. Antibody. My first doctor only ordered the second test when I asked for the antibodies tests, so I was VERY specific with the second doctor. For me these have tested negative and my issue is iodine deficiency. I have just been prescribed 1/2 grain of Armour to start with. My new doctor wrote the RX for 100 1 grain tablets so that there is room to adjust according to my needs as we go. The Armour is very inexpensive as I paid about $16 for 100 tablets at Fry's Grocery (pharmacy). The Armour is in tablet form (they don't call it sublingual), but I know that I will be taking my dose as a sublingual since Topper does hers that way and it will eliminate the timing issues with our other supplements. My new doctor told me that as a post-menopausal woman I need to keep my ferritin level around 40-60, definitely under 100. This is because of the oxidation factor and heart disease. I am currently at 67 so pretty much where she wants me. I am taking Vitalady's Tender Iron (iron carbonyl). Sandy ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ slkscb@... ~ Open RNY 12/8/03, 150 cm, Barix Clinics, 303/290 day of surgery/195 current/ goal is to be HEALTHY. Emergency appendectomy 11/1/04, Gallbladder 1/12/05. "Know your labs and track your trends." Check out my gastric bypass journal at www.acdlady.com/WLS_1 for many educational links. My OH profile is at http://www.obesityhelp.com/morbidobesity/profile.phtml?N=M1062876220 I am not affiliated with the medical profession except as a proactive WLS post-op. "Trust your own instinct. Your mistakes might as well be your own, instead of someone else’s." – Wilder -- Re: Newbie : question Thanks. Do I just ask for "antibodies tests" or do they have a particular name? what kind of antibodies? I think the doc will do whatever I ask for. That's why I want to know what I "should" ask for. So far....I think I should be asking for....Free T3 (now) Armour Thyroid (sublingual) perscription Free T3 and Free T4 perscrip for 6 weeks Antibodies testing???? Right, so far???? Chrissie Re: Newbie : question Hi Chrissie, The labs that were taken... some of them are obsolete.... What I see is a TSH that is slightly over the current range, which is .3 to 3.0. A TSH over 2.0 is cause for further testing to determine what the problem is. They did Total T4.... that is at the low end of it's range, that doesn't look promising. T3 uptake is obsolete. Free T4 is slightly above the bottom of it's range.. but too low.... They didn't check Free T3, to see how your active thyroid hormone level is... judging by the high TSH and the low Total T4 and Free T4 I'd venture to say that the Free T3 is also low. So, to me, these labs are showing that you probably aren't feeling too hot. Did they happen to run antibody tests to see if there was anything going on there? I'll bet he doesn't want to do a thing with these numbers... if he's a TSH doc or thinks that numbers 'in normal range' mean that you're just fine.... he's gonna let you get sicker. One thing that I'd say is that with the T4s both so low and still feeling so bad... I'd want to try to get the Free T4 up with a small dose of replacement hormone and then come back in six weeks to have the Free T4 and Free T3 checked to see how my body is responding and if conversion is good and see if my symptoms improve. With both your ferritin and iron low, that makes your body less able to properly utilize the hormone that is in your body.... Since you've had gastric bypass... I'd suggest going with natural thyroid, like Armour. That will allow you to dose your thyroid sublingually. Taking a synthetic T4 medication, like Synthroid.. then you have to try to time your dose around meals, since it has to be taken on an empty stomach, that means four hours after a meal and one hour before, that's harder to do with having to do the small meals throughout the day that your modified digestive system requires, and then the problems with getting dosages to be consistent with the absorption challenges that you face. At least that's what I'm thinking right now... Topper () On Thu, 09 Feb 2006 16:22:27 -0500 "shihtzumom" writes: Hi. I'm new here. I have read in the past that thyroid labs can be normal when there is still a problem.Anyway, for those who understand thyroid labs....My latest labs...TSH......3.163 (0.350-5.500) NormalThyroxine (T4) ...4.7 (4.5-12.0) Very low normal on this one.T3 Uptake....33% (24-39) NormalFree Thyroxine Index...1.6 (1.2-4.9) Very low normalSo, if the T3s are fine, but the T4s are very low normal, and I do have the symptoms of low thyroid......how should I explain this to the doctor so I get put on something for low thyroid? And what...Synthroid or something natural like Armour thyroid, or something else (and which one would be best). My doc usually listens to what I have researched and goes with what I tell him. I have an appointment next week. I was on Synthroid when I about 30 years ago. Supposedly my thyroid was low then, but in subsequent years with subsequent doctors, I have been told my thyroid labs were fine, so no Synthroid for many many years. My mother did have thyroid problems, as did my sister in the past. My mother was hypothyroid, on Synthroid up until her death. My sister was hyperthyroid and had the radioactive treatments, then nothing else since. That was many many years ago also.My symptoms...fatigue, loss of energy weight gain, difficulty losing weight depressionjoint pain (could just be arthritis)itching (arms mainly, but whole body itches too. Arms itch at times that wake me up and I want to itch them to the bone. Sometimes I have to put ice on them so I don't dig them raw, especially at night.)irregular periods, PMS symptoms (could be perimenopause though)difficulty tolerating cold and lower body temperature sleeping more than average memory loss, fuzzy thinking, By the way, my other labs were actually very good, better than previous ones.My Ferritin and iron have gone up (were low normal before). Only other things "off" were Neutrophils 79 (40-74)Lymphs 13 (14-46)Glucose 100 (65-99) No big dealCreatinine 0.6 (0.5-1.5) low normalA/G ratio 1.2 (1.1-2.5) Albumin 4.0 (3.5-5.5)Normal Globulin 3.3 (1.5-4.5) NormalHomocysteine 9.9 (3.3-10.2) High normalFerritin 27 (10-291) low normalIron 52 (35-155) low normal TIBC 314 (250-450) normal UIBC 262 (150-375) normal Iron Sat 17% (15-55) low normal Had loads of other labs done too, 17 vials in all. I get these every 6 months to a year because of malabsorption issues post gastric bypass. Posted the rest( in addition to the thyroid results) in case there is some connection which I can't see. My question is really about the thyroid, and how to approach the doctor about it, since it actually "is" in normal range, though may still be a problem.Any help will be appreciated. Chrissie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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