Re: Labs are back - forgot ? about FT3

[Guest guest]

Also forgot ask this - (see, still have that brain fog!)

Do you suppose it's OK that the doc isn't checking FT3 if everything else is

normal? I think it's just laziness that he doesn't because there's no box on

the lab sheet, so it would have to be written in. But if there's a

compelling reason for checking it, I'll call and have it added next time.

What's the collective opinion? Thanks again!

Re: hypo help

>

>

> > Hi Amy's Pam'

> >

> > So you have now entered the next phase... figuring out where 'Amy's'

> normal

> > is. Yes, we are all different. And this is the reason we always stress

> > taking good notes with specific symptoms on the day of our labs.

> >

> > I can only tell you what my own experience was. Any time my FT4 was

under

> > 1.25 I was hypo... for ME.

> > Yes, it took three years to figure that out. But the first few years, I

> had

> > no information, and blind faith in my endo.

> > It was my notes that finally helped me figure the exact number for ME.

> >

> > A drop from 10 mg. to 5mg. while they are saying to stay where you are

for

> > only two weeks might be too much.

> >

> > BUT>>> If it were me, and I have a lot more experience, I would take 1

1/2

> > pills. Total of 7 1/2 mg.

> >

> > OR>>> First try taking 5mg. in the morning, and 5 mg. in the evening.

Come

> > to think of it, this seems like a logical next step. Then see how things

> go.

> > This might be the only change you need for right now.

> >

> > -Pam-

> >

> >

> >

> >

> > -------------------------------------

> > The Graves' list is intended for informational purposes only and is not

> intended to replace expert medical care.

> > Please consult your doctor before changing or trying new treatments.

> > ----------------------------------------

> > DISCLAIMER

> >

> > Advertisments placed on this yahoo groups list does not have the

> endorsement of

> > the listowner. I have no input as to what ads are attached to emails.

>

> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

> ------------

> >

> >

[Guest guest]

Also forgot ask this - (see, still have that brain fog!)

Do you suppose it's OK that the doc isn't checking FT3 if everything else is

normal? I think it's just laziness that he doesn't because there's no box on

the lab sheet, so it would have to be written in. But if there's a

compelling reason for checking it, I'll call and have it added next time.

What's the collective opinion? Thanks again!

Re: hypo help

>

>

> > Hi Amy's Pam'

> >

> > So you have now entered the next phase... figuring out where 'Amy's'

> normal

> > is. Yes, we are all different. And this is the reason we always stress

> > taking good notes with specific symptoms on the day of our labs.

> >

> > I can only tell you what my own experience was. Any time my FT4 was

under

> > 1.25 I was hypo... for ME.

> > Yes, it took three years to figure that out. But the first few years, I

> had

> > no information, and blind faith in my endo.

> > It was my notes that finally helped me figure the exact number for ME.

> >

> > A drop from 10 mg. to 5mg. while they are saying to stay where you are

for

> > only two weeks might be too much.

> >

> > BUT>>> If it were me, and I have a lot more experience, I would take 1

1/2

> > pills. Total of 7 1/2 mg.

> >

> > OR>>> First try taking 5mg. in the morning, and 5 mg. in the evening.

Come

> > to think of it, this seems like a logical next step. Then see how things

> go.

> > This might be the only change you need for right now.

> >

> > -Pam-

> >

> >

> >

> >

> > -------------------------------------

> > The Graves' list is intended for informational purposes only and is not

> intended to replace expert medical care.

> > Please consult your doctor before changing or trying new treatments.

> > ----------------------------------------

> > DISCLAIMER

> >

> > Advertisments placed on this yahoo groups list does not have the

> endorsement of

> > the listowner. I have no input as to what ads are attached to emails.

>

> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

> ------------

> >

> >

[Guest guest]

Also forgot ask this - (see, still have that brain fog!)

Do you suppose it's OK that the doc isn't checking FT3 if everything else is

normal? I think it's just laziness that he doesn't because there's no box on

the lab sheet, so it would have to be written in. But if there's a

compelling reason for checking it, I'll call and have it added next time.

What's the collective opinion? Thanks again!

Re: hypo help

>

>

> > Hi Amy's Pam'

> >

> > So you have now entered the next phase... figuring out where 'Amy's'

> normal

> > is. Yes, we are all different. And this is the reason we always stress

> > taking good notes with specific symptoms on the day of our labs.

> >

> > I can only tell you what my own experience was. Any time my FT4 was

under

> > 1.25 I was hypo... for ME.

> > Yes, it took three years to figure that out. But the first few years, I

> had

> > no information, and blind faith in my endo.

> > It was my notes that finally helped me figure the exact number for ME.

> >

> > A drop from 10 mg. to 5mg. while they are saying to stay where you are

for

> > only two weeks might be too much.

> >

> > BUT>>> If it were me, and I have a lot more experience, I would take 1

1/2

> > pills. Total of 7 1/2 mg.

> >

> > OR>>> First try taking 5mg. in the morning, and 5 mg. in the evening.

Come

> > to think of it, this seems like a logical next step. Then see how things

> go.

> > This might be the only change you need for right now.

> >

> > -Pam-

> >

> >

> >

> >

> > -------------------------------------

> > The Graves' list is intended for informational purposes only and is not

> intended to replace expert medical care.

> > Please consult your doctor before changing or trying new treatments.

> > ----------------------------------------

> > DISCLAIMER

> >

> > Advertisments placed on this yahoo groups list does not have the

> endorsement of

> > the listowner. I have no input as to what ads are attached to emails.

>

> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

> ------------

> >

> >

[Guest guest]

Hi -

I don't think it's because of laziness that your doctor isn't checking FT3.

I think it's because you haven't had any complaints and it costs a lot of

money to run each of these tests.

Since you still have a thyroid, if your FT4 is high, your FT3 is probably

high. If FT4 isn't there's the possibility that FT3 is but it's not going

to change your treatment unless you're having hyperthyroid symptoms.

There's the possibility that your FT3 is low even though your FT4 is high or

normal but you would be having hypothyroid symptoms. My guess is, under

these circumstances, you could easily talk him into running FT3. If you're

not having hyper or hypothyroid problems with a normal FT4, this test

doesn't really add anything.

For me, it's the opposite. FT4 can be high for me and it doesn't tell the

endo anything about how I'm doing because I can't effectively convert T4 to

T3. So, it's a tremendous waste of money for the endo to run an FT4 on me

every time I see him.

What I'm saying is, if you're not having any problems and haven't shown any

evidence of problems, then it's a waste of money to run FT3 every time.

Once in a while, it's fine to run the FT3 on you to make sure your

conversion rate is constant.

Take care,

> Also forgot ask this - (see, still have that brain fog!)

>

> Do you suppose it's OK that the doc isn't checking FT3 if everything else

is

> normal? I think it's just laziness that he doesn't because there's no box

on

> the lab sheet, so it would have to be written in. But if there's a

> compelling reason for checking it, I'll call and have it added next time.

> What's the collective opinion? Thanks again!

>

>

[Guest guest]

Hi -

I don't think it's because of laziness that your doctor isn't checking FT3.

I think it's because you haven't had any complaints and it costs a lot of

money to run each of these tests.

Since you still have a thyroid, if your FT4 is high, your FT3 is probably

high. If FT4 isn't there's the possibility that FT3 is but it's not going

to change your treatment unless you're having hyperthyroid symptoms.

There's the possibility that your FT3 is low even though your FT4 is high or

normal but you would be having hypothyroid symptoms. My guess is, under

these circumstances, you could easily talk him into running FT3. If you're

not having hyper or hypothyroid problems with a normal FT4, this test

doesn't really add anything.

For me, it's the opposite. FT4 can be high for me and it doesn't tell the

endo anything about how I'm doing because I can't effectively convert T4 to

T3. So, it's a tremendous waste of money for the endo to run an FT4 on me

every time I see him.

What I'm saying is, if you're not having any problems and haven't shown any

evidence of problems, then it's a waste of money to run FT3 every time.

Once in a while, it's fine to run the FT3 on you to make sure your

conversion rate is constant.

Take care,

> Also forgot ask this - (see, still have that brain fog!)

>

> Do you suppose it's OK that the doc isn't checking FT3 if everything else

is

> normal? I think it's just laziness that he doesn't because there's no box

on

> the lab sheet, so it would have to be written in. But if there's a

> compelling reason for checking it, I'll call and have it added next time.

> What's the collective opinion? Thanks again!

>

>

[Guest guest]

Hi -

I don't think it's because of laziness that your doctor isn't checking FT3.

I think it's because you haven't had any complaints and it costs a lot of

money to run each of these tests.

Since you still have a thyroid, if your FT4 is high, your FT3 is probably

high. If FT4 isn't there's the possibility that FT3 is but it's not going

to change your treatment unless you're having hyperthyroid symptoms.

There's the possibility that your FT3 is low even though your FT4 is high or

normal but you would be having hypothyroid symptoms. My guess is, under

these circumstances, you could easily talk him into running FT3. If you're

not having hyper or hypothyroid problems with a normal FT4, this test

doesn't really add anything.

For me, it's the opposite. FT4 can be high for me and it doesn't tell the

endo anything about how I'm doing because I can't effectively convert T4 to

T3. So, it's a tremendous waste of money for the endo to run an FT4 on me

every time I see him.

What I'm saying is, if you're not having any problems and haven't shown any

evidence of problems, then it's a waste of money to run FT3 every time.

Once in a while, it's fine to run the FT3 on you to make sure your

conversion rate is constant.

Take care,

> Also forgot ask this - (see, still have that brain fog!)

>

> Do you suppose it's OK that the doc isn't checking FT3 if everything else

is

> normal? I think it's just laziness that he doesn't because there's no box

on

> the lab sheet, so it would have to be written in. But if there's a

> compelling reason for checking it, I'll call and have it added next time.

> What's the collective opinion? Thanks again!

>

>

[Guest guest]

Hi ,

The reason for not checking FT3 is probably that it costs $155 for one

stinking test ! Not a good value in my book.

I did it this last one and only time, because I wanted an exact picture of

where I was after no medications of any kind for only two weeks. I had taken

some herbs and that teeny tiny 3/4 of a PTU the two weeks previous to the

test, because of the infamous poisoning incident. So I figured since I had

the three months into remission, with this small exception, it was better to

spend the money this one time, because the Free T3 would reflect CURRENT

status.

In the past, I have only done T3 because of cost, and it always has been

fine. Just seems to fit nicely with the other numbers, so I can see no

reason to spend the money.

The interesting thing was that my endo said I had to be drug free for a

solid 4 weeks, to get a true reading on the FREE T 4.

I say this because he had told me in the past, a change in meds would be OK

to test, after 2 weeks. Go figure !

Does fit into my experience of only REALLY feeling a change in meds at 3

weeks. Hummm ?

I know I always scheduled my life on things like this. I knew if I needed a

dose change, I looked at my calendar... set date for labs... then knew I

would need two or three days for results... then in about 3 1/2 weeks I

would be able to take on a BIG job. Funny the things that became a knowing

pattern. I even had a few really big jobs, and worked this in reverse. Made

sure to set lab time so that I could be at my best for a new , important

client.

And the poor woman that had to set my appointment for labs. She always

seemed to think it made no difference WHAT week I came in. Over and over, I

found myself telling her NOW! Because once we do this, I then have to wait a

month to feel better. So , NO another week or more, is NOT acceptable.

I'm thinking of Amy on this one Pam. You would want to also use this

information, in judging when her last reduction was, and when her last labs

were done.

Back to FT3....

Now if anyone has some kind of problem with FT3 being weird, then I am sure

they would be more likely to test for it. Keeping in mind, the more stuff

'everyone ' orders, the higher the premiums for the health insurance have to

be.

Any way , sorry I went off on a tangent, but I am not sure how to

edit this down, and still get my point across, about why they do not do FT3

all the time. I don't remember if you had a problem with the FT3, which

would make a big difference here. Then they should do it.

-Pam-

P.S. If there is anyone else without insurance here, the good news is that

if you call Quest diagnosis, and ask to make payments, they are very nice,

easily set up a very small amount for you to pay every month, and send you a

thank you letter, saying they are happy you want to meet your obligations. I

only asked for the cost of the FT3 to be made in 3 mo. , but they set it up

at 8 mo. to pay. Yes folks, that is $20 a month for 8 months, to pay for ONE

FT3 test. Humph...I have the Friday night grumbles :-(

[Guest guest]

Hi ,

The reason for not checking FT3 is probably that it costs $155 for one

stinking test ! Not a good value in my book.

I did it this last one and only time, because I wanted an exact picture of

where I was after no medications of any kind for only two weeks. I had taken

some herbs and that teeny tiny 3/4 of a PTU the two weeks previous to the

test, because of the infamous poisoning incident. So I figured since I had

the three months into remission, with this small exception, it was better to

spend the money this one time, because the Free T3 would reflect CURRENT

status.

In the past, I have only done T3 because of cost, and it always has been

fine. Just seems to fit nicely with the other numbers, so I can see no

reason to spend the money.

The interesting thing was that my endo said I had to be drug free for a

solid 4 weeks, to get a true reading on the FREE T 4.

I say this because he had told me in the past, a change in meds would be OK

to test, after 2 weeks. Go figure !

Does fit into my experience of only REALLY feeling a change in meds at 3

weeks. Hummm ?

I know I always scheduled my life on things like this. I knew if I needed a

dose change, I looked at my calendar... set date for labs... then knew I

would need two or three days for results... then in about 3 1/2 weeks I

would be able to take on a BIG job. Funny the things that became a knowing

pattern. I even had a few really big jobs, and worked this in reverse. Made

sure to set lab time so that I could be at my best for a new , important

client.

And the poor woman that had to set my appointment for labs. She always

seemed to think it made no difference WHAT week I came in. Over and over, I

found myself telling her NOW! Because once we do this, I then have to wait a

month to feel better. So , NO another week or more, is NOT acceptable.

I'm thinking of Amy on this one Pam. You would want to also use this

information, in judging when her last reduction was, and when her last labs

were done.

Back to FT3....

Now if anyone has some kind of problem with FT3 being weird, then I am sure

they would be more likely to test for it. Keeping in mind, the more stuff

'everyone ' orders, the higher the premiums for the health insurance have to

be.

Any way , sorry I went off on a tangent, but I am not sure how to

edit this down, and still get my point across, about why they do not do FT3

all the time. I don't remember if you had a problem with the FT3, which

would make a big difference here. Then they should do it.

-Pam-

P.S. If there is anyone else without insurance here, the good news is that

if you call Quest diagnosis, and ask to make payments, they are very nice,

easily set up a very small amount for you to pay every month, and send you a

thank you letter, saying they are happy you want to meet your obligations. I

only asked for the cost of the FT3 to be made in 3 mo. , but they set it up

at 8 mo. to pay. Yes folks, that is $20 a month for 8 months, to pay for ONE

FT3 test. Humph...I have the Friday night grumbles :-(

[Guest guest]

Pam, -

Thanks, that was really the type of info I was looking for! The last time I

had the FT3 checked was in Jan. and it had been checked also in Oct. and

July. It's pretty much been following right along with the FT4 and was well

within normal in Jan. so I wasn't too concerned about it. Funny about the

cost, though Pam - I looked up mine and the FT3 and FT4 are the same price -

$35. The TSH is actually more expensive - $39! Now when I get the TSI done,

that's a whopper at $99. And it says right on the results that FT3 and TSI

are done by Quest Diagnostics.

Oh, Pam, I hope I didn't add to your Friday night grumbling now! :-(

Re: Labs are back - forgot ? about FT3

>Hi ,

>

>The reason for not checking FT3 is probably that it costs $155 for one

>stinking test ! Not a good value in my book.

>

>I did it this last one and only time, because I wanted an exact picture of

>where I was after no medications of any kind for only two weeks. I had

taken

>some herbs and that teeny tiny 3/4 of a PTU the two weeks previous to the

>test, because of the infamous poisoning incident. So I figured since I had

>the three months into remission, with this small exception, it was better

to

>spend the money this one time, because the Free T3 would reflect CURRENT

>status.

>

>In the past, I have only done T3 because of cost, and it always has been

>fine. Just seems to fit nicely with the other numbers, so I can see no

>reason to spend the money.

>

>The interesting thing was that my endo said I had to be drug free for a

>solid 4 weeks, to get a true reading on the FREE T 4.

>

>I say this because he had told me in the past, a change in meds would be OK

>to test, after 2 weeks. Go figure !

>Does fit into my experience of only REALLY feeling a change in meds at 3

>weeks. Hummm ?

>

>I know I always scheduled my life on things like this. I knew if I needed a

>dose change, I looked at my calendar... set date for labs... then knew I

>would need two or three days for results... then in about 3 1/2 weeks I

>would be able to take on a BIG job. Funny the things that became a knowing

>pattern. I even had a few really big jobs, and worked this in reverse. Made

>sure to set lab time so that I could be at my best for a new , important

>client.

>

>And the poor woman that had to set my appointment for labs. She always

>seemed to think it made no difference WHAT week I came in. Over and over, I

>found myself telling her NOW! Because once we do this, I then have to wait

a

>month to feel better. So , NO another week or more, is NOT acceptable.

>

>I'm thinking of Amy on this one Pam. You would want to also use this

>information, in judging when her last reduction was, and when her last labs

>were done.

>

>Back to FT3....

>

>

>Now if anyone has some kind of problem with FT3 being weird, then I am

sure

>they would be more likely to test for it. Keeping in mind, the more stuff

>'everyone ' orders, the higher the premiums for the health insurance have

to

>be.

>

>Any way , sorry I went off on a tangent, but I am not sure how to

>edit this down, and still get my point across, about why they do not do FT3

>all the time. I don't remember if you had a problem with the FT3, which

>would make a big difference here. Then they should do it.

>

>-Pam-

>P.S. If there is anyone else without insurance here, the good news is that

>if you call Quest diagnosis, and ask to make payments, they are very nice,

>easily set up a very small amount for you to pay every month, and send you

a

>thank you letter, saying they are happy you want to meet your obligations.

I

>only asked for the cost of the FT3 to be made in 3 mo. , but they set it up

>at 8 mo. to pay. Yes folks, that is $20 a month for 8 months, to pay for

ONE

>FT3 test. Humph...I have the Friday night grumbles :-(

>

>

>

>

>-------------------------------------

>The Graves' list is intended for informational purposes only and is not

intended to replace expert medical care.

>Please consult your doctor before changing or trying new treatments.

>----------------------------------------

> DISCLAIMER

>

>Advertisments placed on this yahoo groups list does not have the

endorsement of

>the listowner. I have no input as to what ads are attached to emails.

>---------------------------------------------------------------------------

-----------

>

>