New Labs

[Guest guest]

Hi Kristi,

I agree with Terry. I'm not sure if you saw the recent recommendations

published by the American Association of Clinical Chemists regarding TSH.

They've recommended that we drop the TSH reference range to 0.5-2.5.

Certified labs have to wait approval from another governing board to do this,

but it's likely that the range will be lowered within the next year. The

guidelines are based on studies showing that normal people do not have TSH

levels higher than 2.0, and when thyroid antibodies are present, levels .2.0

are associated with hypothyroidism.

Most people on ATDs do best with TSH levels between 0.4-1.0 and the

guidelines recommend this range for people undergoing treament for

hyperthyroidism. Take care, Elaine

[Guest guest]

Hi Kristi,

I agree with Terry. I'm not sure if you saw the recent recommendations

published by the American Association of Clinical Chemists regarding TSH.

They've recommended that we drop the TSH reference range to 0.5-2.5.

Certified labs have to wait approval from another governing board to do this,

but it's likely that the range will be lowered within the next year. The

guidelines are based on studies showing that normal people do not have TSH

levels higher than 2.0, and when thyroid antibodies are present, levels .2.0

are associated with hypothyroidism.

Most people on ATDs do best with TSH levels between 0.4-1.0 and the

guidelines recommend this range for people undergoing treament for

hyperthyroidism. Take care, Elaine

[Guest guest]

Hi Kristi,

After a dose reduction it takes about 5-6 weeks for your levels to really

stabilize. The new guidelines, and 90 pages of related info can be found

linked to www.nacb.org/ Pg. 40 has the pertinent info if you want to just

print that and show it to your endo if he doubts you could have hypo

symptoms. Take care, Elaine

[Guest guest]

Hi Kristi,

After a dose reduction it takes about 5-6 weeks for your levels to really

stabilize. The new guidelines, and 90 pages of related info can be found

linked to www.nacb.org/ Pg. 40 has the pertinent info if you want to just

print that and show it to your endo if he doubts you could have hypo

symptoms. Take care, Elaine

[Guest guest]

Elaine,

Thanks so much for the info. I did not know about the reference ranges. I

have been feeling hypo but my endo was telling me I'm " normal " . I reduced

by 2.5 mg. I'm afraid to reduce any more than that because I've been on

that hypo/hyper rollercoaster and don't want to swing hyper again. How long

do you think I should wait before I have labs again?

Kristi

Re: New Labs

> Hi Kristi,

> I agree with Terry. I'm not sure if you saw the recent recommendations

> published by the American Association of Clinical Chemists regarding TSH.

> They've recommended that we drop the TSH reference range to 0.5-2.5.

> Certified labs have to wait approval from another governing board to do

this,

> but it's likely that the range will be lowered within the next year. The

> guidelines are based on studies showing that normal people do not have TSH

> levels higher than 2.0, and when thyroid antibodies are present, levels

..2.0

> are associated with hypothyroidism.

> Most people on ATDs do best with TSH levels between 0.4-1.0 and the

> guidelines recommend this range for people undergoing treament for

> hyperthyroidism. Take care, Elaine

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Elaine,

Thanks so much for the info. I did not know about the reference ranges. I

have been feeling hypo but my endo was telling me I'm " normal " . I reduced

by 2.5 mg. I'm afraid to reduce any more than that because I've been on

that hypo/hyper rollercoaster and don't want to swing hyper again. How long

do you think I should wait before I have labs again?

Kristi

Re: New Labs

> Hi Kristi,

> I agree with Terry. I'm not sure if you saw the recent recommendations

> published by the American Association of Clinical Chemists regarding TSH.

> They've recommended that we drop the TSH reference range to 0.5-2.5.

> Certified labs have to wait approval from another governing board to do

this,

> but it's likely that the range will be lowered within the next year. The

> guidelines are based on studies showing that normal people do not have TSH

> levels higher than 2.0, and when thyroid antibodies are present, levels

..2.0

> are associated with hypothyroidism.

> Most people on ATDs do best with TSH levels between 0.4-1.0 and the

> guidelines recommend this range for people undergoing treament for

> hyperthyroidism. Take care, Elaine

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Elaine,

Thank you so much for the link!! I already printed it out. You are

awesome!!

Kristi

Re: New Labs

> Hi Kristi,

> After a dose reduction it takes about 5-6 weeks for your levels to really

> stabilize. The new guidelines, and 90 pages of related info can be found

> linked to www.nacb.org/ Pg. 40 has the pertinent info if you want to

just

> print that and show it to your endo if he doubts you could have hypo

> symptoms. Take care, Elaine

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Elaine,

Thank you so much for the link!! I already printed it out. You are

awesome!!

Kristi

Re: New Labs

> Hi Kristi,

> After a dose reduction it takes about 5-6 weeks for your levels to really

> stabilize. The new guidelines, and 90 pages of related info can be found

> linked to www.nacb.org/ Pg. 40 has the pertinent info if you want to

just

> print that and show it to your endo if he doubts you could have hypo

> symptoms. Take care, Elaine

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

You have every right to feel hypo. Your T4 and T3 are low and your TSH is

high. The new normal range upper limit for TSH, which labs obviously

haven't adopted yet, is 2.5. So, yes, at these levels, you should feel

hypo. I'd probably reduce by about 2.5 mg. right now. The timing should be

pretty good since you'll be seeing your doctor again on the 18th, and can

get new labs to see how the change has affected you.

Holly

Dx. 8/2001; 5 mg. MMI

New Labs

Hi Everyone,

I just hit some key and the message I was writing disappeared...it's

late and I must be too tired to type. Anyway, I'll start over...I

got my new labs yesterday and I could use some help interpreting

where to go from here.

TSH 3.8 Ranges 0.30-4.50

T4 free 0.77 Ranges 0.8-2.0

T3 uptake 25.3 Ranges no idea

Total T3 95.6 Ranges 86-187

so, this is the first time that I have ever had the TSH in " normal "

range. Is that good? Also, I feel hypo. Not horribly hypo like

before, but still very tired and some muscle pain. Would these

numbers make anyone hypo? I'm currently on 7.5 mg of tapazole a day,

divided into three doses. (Thank you Granny Jody and Terry

for your help with dividing doses!!) Should I reduce? I feel like I

should, but by how much? My doctor is no help at all with this

stuff. She doesn't see the need to slowly reduce...thinks you should

be able to just quite the meds and be done with it. Anyway, I feel a

bit confused about what to do now. My next endo appointment is Dec.

18th.

The good news is that everything came back " normal " , which like I

said, is a first for me since being diagnosed. Even my liver levels

have returned to normal, so I must be getting healthier in some

respects.

Hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving. I totally cheated

today...even drank a small glass of wine...to celebrate the day.

Back to spinach and broccoli tomorrow.

Kristi

[Guest guest]

You have every right to feel hypo. Your T4 and T3 are low and your TSH is

high. The new normal range upper limit for TSH, which labs obviously

haven't adopted yet, is 2.5. So, yes, at these levels, you should feel

hypo. I'd probably reduce by about 2.5 mg. right now. The timing should be

pretty good since you'll be seeing your doctor again on the 18th, and can

get new labs to see how the change has affected you.

Holly

Dx. 8/2001; 5 mg. MMI

New Labs

Hi Everyone,

I just hit some key and the message I was writing disappeared...it's

late and I must be too tired to type. Anyway, I'll start over...I

got my new labs yesterday and I could use some help interpreting

where to go from here.

TSH 3.8 Ranges 0.30-4.50

T4 free 0.77 Ranges 0.8-2.0

T3 uptake 25.3 Ranges no idea

Total T3 95.6 Ranges 86-187

so, this is the first time that I have ever had the TSH in " normal "

range. Is that good? Also, I feel hypo. Not horribly hypo like

before, but still very tired and some muscle pain. Would these

numbers make anyone hypo? I'm currently on 7.5 mg of tapazole a day,

divided into three doses. (Thank you Granny Jody and Terry

for your help with dividing doses!!) Should I reduce? I feel like I

should, but by how much? My doctor is no help at all with this

stuff. She doesn't see the need to slowly reduce...thinks you should

be able to just quite the meds and be done with it. Anyway, I feel a

bit confused about what to do now. My next endo appointment is Dec.

18th.

The good news is that everything came back " normal " , which like I

said, is a first for me since being diagnosed. Even my liver levels

have returned to normal, so I must be getting healthier in some

respects.

Hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving. I totally cheated

today...even drank a small glass of wine...to celebrate the day.

Back to spinach and broccoli tomorrow.

Kristi

[Guest guest]

Holly,

Here's one by Shomon:

http://www.thyroid-info.com/articles/aacereversal.htm

God bless,

Hashi's, Graves, TED worsened by RAI Sept. 2001

http://www.mediboard.com/ubb/ultimatebb.php?ubb=get_topic;f=1;t=001091;p=1

[Guest guest]

Holly,

Here's one by Shomon:

http://www.thyroid-info.com/articles/aacereversal.htm

God bless,

Hashi's, Graves, TED worsened by RAI Sept. 2001

http://www.mediboard.com/ubb/ultimatebb.php?ubb=get_topic;f=1;t=001091;p=1

[Guest guest]

Hi Holly,

the range for TSH hasn't been changed yet and it probably won't be for a year

or so and only if certain governing groups agree with this.

however, the biology division of the American Association of Clinical

Chemists has recently published guidelines recommending that we lower the

range. This has been going on for about 6 months now based on a large diet

and nutrition study showing that normal people have TSH levels generally

between 1.0 and 2.0.

Also, there's research supporting the fact that a TSH greater than 2.5 in the

presence of thyroid antibodies can eventually lead to overt hypothyroidism.

The resource can be found as a link called recommended guidelines or

something like that on the web site www.nacb.org/ This is a 90 page report

which I have, and the info you want is on pg. 40. However, the AACC says when

sharing this info you must also include a copy of page 1 which explains the

purpose of the recommendations. Take care, Elaine

[Guest guest]

Hi Holly,

the range for TSH hasn't been changed yet and it probably won't be for a year

or so and only if certain governing groups agree with this.

however, the biology division of the American Association of Clinical

Chemists has recently published guidelines recommending that we lower the

range. This has been going on for about 6 months now based on a large diet

and nutrition study showing that normal people have TSH levels generally

between 1.0 and 2.0.

Also, there's research supporting the fact that a TSH greater than 2.5 in the

presence of thyroid antibodies can eventually lead to overt hypothyroidism.

The resource can be found as a link called recommended guidelines or

something like that on the web site www.nacb.org/ This is a 90 page report

which I have, and the info you want is on pg. 40. However, the AACC says when

sharing this info you must also include a copy of page 1 which explains the

purpose of the recommendations. Take care, Elaine

[Guest guest]

Thanks, . And my doc is a member of AACE, who did the press release, so

that should lend some credibility to this as well.

Re: New labs

Holly,

Here's one by Shomon:

http://www.thyroid-info.com/articles/aacereversal.htm

http://www.thyroid-info.com/articles/aacereversal.htm>

God bless,

Hashi's, Graves, TED worsened by RAI Sept. 2001

http://www.mediboard.com/ubb/ultimatebb.php?ubb=get_topic;f=1;t=001091;p=1

http://www.mediboard.com/ubb/ultimatebb.php?ubb=get_topic;f=1;t=001091;p=1>

[Guest guest]

" Sutherland, Holly " wrote:

>

> Should I drop to 2.5, or

> is that going to be enough of a change? It obviously wasn't enough in

> September. I've hit a weird period. I'm almost to the point now where I

> don't need anything, but I'm also not convinced that I'm in remission.

5mg Tap to 2.5mg Tap is plenty enough of a change. I found I

could not judge from how I feel whether I was close to the right

dose, only when I was clearly on too much or too little could I

tell anything.

I had a period like that, now I don't have a clue what is

happening :-( Dry elbows, sleep pattern to pot, but I'm still

getting stuff done, and not depressed, I guess this will have to

substitute for normal for a bit.

Take care, but I don't think you can judge remission from how

you feel when on Tapazole, just enjoy feeling normal(ish) while

it lasts, and I'll cross my fingers for you and hope it lasts a

long time.

[Guest guest]

" Sutherland, Holly " wrote:

>

> Should I drop to 2.5, or

> is that going to be enough of a change? It obviously wasn't enough in

> September. I've hit a weird period. I'm almost to the point now where I

> don't need anything, but I'm also not convinced that I'm in remission.

5mg Tap to 2.5mg Tap is plenty enough of a change. I found I

could not judge from how I feel whether I was close to the right

dose, only when I was clearly on too much or too little could I

tell anything.

I had a period like that, now I don't have a clue what is

happening :-( Dry elbows, sleep pattern to pot, but I'm still

getting stuff done, and not depressed, I guess this will have to

substitute for normal for a bit.

Take care, but I don't think you can judge remission from how

you feel when on Tapazole, just enjoy feeling normal(ish) while

it lasts, and I'll cross my fingers for you and hope it lasts a

long time.

[Guest guest]

Thanks Simon. I'm going to go ahead and reduce to 2.5 tonight. Then I'll

insist that my doc does labs again in four to six weeks. I haven't seen him

since May, and he only ordered labs every three months -- September and

December. I've been taking care of myself for the last 6 months. I never

even heard from him on my September labs. I got my results from my GP and

reduced on my own. I actually prefer it that way, though, as I've done a

lot better than he did. I was on a rollercoaster when I was seeing him

every month! He still thinks I'm taking 10 mg.! I reduced in July, too,

based on how I felt. So far, I've been right. I'm kind of dreading Friday,

when I have to go through all the BS again about RAI, whether I'm hypo or

not, etc.

Holly

Re: New labs

" Sutherland, Holly " wrote:

>

> Should I drop to 2.5, or

> is that going to be enough of a change? It obviously wasn't enough in

> September. I've hit a weird period. I'm almost to the point now where I

> don't need anything, but I'm also not convinced that I'm in remission.

5mg Tap to 2.5mg Tap is plenty enough of a change. I found I

could not judge from how I feel whether I was close to the right

dose, only when I was clearly on too much or too little could I

tell anything.

I had a period like that, now I don't have a clue what is

happening :-( Dry elbows, sleep pattern to pot, but I'm still

getting stuff done, and not depressed, I guess this will have to

substitute for normal for a bit.

Take care, but I don't think you can judge remission from how

you feel when on Tapazole, just enjoy feeling normal(ish) while

it lasts, and I'll cross my fingers for you and hope it lasts a

long time.

-------------------------------------

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 do not have the endorsement

of

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

----------------------------------------------------------------------------

----------

[Guest guest]

Thanks Simon. I'm going to go ahead and reduce to 2.5 tonight. Then I'll

insist that my doc does labs again in four to six weeks. I haven't seen him

since May, and he only ordered labs every three months -- September and

December. I've been taking care of myself for the last 6 months. I never

even heard from him on my September labs. I got my results from my GP and

reduced on my own. I actually prefer it that way, though, as I've done a

lot better than he did. I was on a rollercoaster when I was seeing him

every month! He still thinks I'm taking 10 mg.! I reduced in July, too,

based on how I felt. So far, I've been right. I'm kind of dreading Friday,

when I have to go through all the BS again about RAI, whether I'm hypo or

not, etc.

Holly

Re: New labs

" Sutherland, Holly " wrote:

>

> Should I drop to 2.5, or

> is that going to be enough of a change? It obviously wasn't enough in

> September. I've hit a weird period. I'm almost to the point now where I

> don't need anything, but I'm also not convinced that I'm in remission.

5mg Tap to 2.5mg Tap is plenty enough of a change. I found I

could not judge from how I feel whether I was close to the right

dose, only when I was clearly on too much or too little could I

tell anything.

I had a period like that, now I don't have a clue what is

happening :-( Dry elbows, sleep pattern to pot, but I'm still

getting stuff done, and not depressed, I guess this will have to

substitute for normal for a bit.

Take care, but I don't think you can judge remission from how

you feel when on Tapazole, just enjoy feeling normal(ish) while

it lasts, and I'll cross my fingers for you and hope it lasts a

long time.

-------------------------------------

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 do not have the endorsement

of

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

----------------------------------------------------------------------------

----------

[Guest guest]

Holly,

How funny! I'm doing exactly the same thing....treating myself! Thought I was

the only one!

Kristi

Re: New labs

" Sutherland, Holly " wrote:

>

> Should I drop to 2.5, or

> is that going to be enough of a change? It obviously wasn't enough in

> September. I've hit a weird period. I'm almost to the point now where I

> don't need anything, but I'm also not convinced that I'm in remission.

5mg Tap to 2.5mg Tap is plenty enough of a change. I found I

could not judge from how I feel whether I was close to the right

dose, only when I was clearly on too much or too little could I

tell anything.

I had a period like that, now I don't have a clue what is

happening :-( Dry elbows, sleep pattern to pot, but I'm still

getting stuff done, and not depressed, I guess this will have to

substitute for normal for a bit.

Take care, but I don't think you can judge remission from how

you feel when on Tapazole, just enjoy feeling normal(ish) while

it lasts, and I'll cross my fingers for you and hope it lasts a

long time.

-------------------------------------

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 do not have the endorsement

of

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

----------------------------------------------------------------------------

----------

[Guest guest]

Oh yeah. Puffy eyes and dark circles. That's a definate hypo symptom for

me. I'm 38, and I look about 60 something right now. I have fine lines

around my eyes, but they're not really noticeable until I go hypo, then they

really stand out. I guess it's the dry skin that goes along with it.

Sounds like we're in the same boat! Good luck with your appt.

Holly

Re: New labs

Holly,

I agree with Simon that a drop to 2.5mg will be a good start. I think I " m

in a similar place...My last TSH was 3.98 and I'm on 5mg, still feeling

hypO. I have an appointment tomorrow but probably won't get blood test

results until after xmas.

Are your eyes puffy? Because I seem to have these dark circles under my

eyes and I look in the mirror and wonder who that old lady is...is that a

hypo symptom? I'm only 34 and feel more like 74! I'm doing the same thing

with weight gain and have been down in the dumps despite xmas. boo-hoo...I

know.

Anyway, this is a weird period, but I hope remission is the end result for

both of us!

Kristi

New labs

So everything is cool with my latest labs. Had blood drawn on Friday and

got the results this morning. I called to get the results, and they tell

me

they're normal. I say, OK, but what are the actual lab values:

TSH -- 4.6

FT4 -- 1.1

First of all, I'm thrilled that my birth control thing didn't end up being

a

problem. I was scared to death that my results were going to show hyper.

Secondly, I KNEW before this temporary hyper bout I had that I was going

hypo, and the results show it. I've been battling with my weight, and

it's

good to know that I can now reduce my dose and get some relief in that

area,

as well as the puffy eyes and mental freakiness.

Now, I need something to print out and show my doc on Friday that the new

TSH range is .5 to 2.5 so he won't argue with me that I'm normal. Any

ideas

on a good professional article that I can take to him?

Also, as far as dosing, I need suggestions. Back in September my labs

showed a TSH of 4.36 and a FT4 2.4. At that time I dropped from 7.5 mg.

to

5 mg. Well, I'm more hypo now than I was then. Should I drop to 2.5, or

is that going to be enough of a change? It obviously wasn't enough in

September. I've hit a weird period. I'm almost to the point now where I

don't need anything, but I'm also not convinced that I'm in remission. I

guess it's time to coerce my doc into running TSI? I'm thinking go ahead

and start taking 2.5. It should make a little bit of a difference anyway,

and ease the transition if I do need to go off them altogether. Ideas?

Holly

Dx. 8/2001; 5 mg. MMI

[Guest guest]

Oh yeah. Puffy eyes and dark circles. That's a definate hypo symptom for

me. I'm 38, and I look about 60 something right now. I have fine lines

around my eyes, but they're not really noticeable until I go hypo, then they

really stand out. I guess it's the dry skin that goes along with it.

Sounds like we're in the same boat! Good luck with your appt.

Holly

Re: New labs

Holly,

I agree with Simon that a drop to 2.5mg will be a good start. I think I " m

in a similar place...My last TSH was 3.98 and I'm on 5mg, still feeling

hypO. I have an appointment tomorrow but probably won't get blood test

results until after xmas.

Are your eyes puffy? Because I seem to have these dark circles under my

eyes and I look in the mirror and wonder who that old lady is...is that a

hypo symptom? I'm only 34 and feel more like 74! I'm doing the same thing

with weight gain and have been down in the dumps despite xmas. boo-hoo...I

know.

Anyway, this is a weird period, but I hope remission is the end result for

both of us!

Kristi

New labs

So everything is cool with my latest labs. Had blood drawn on Friday and

got the results this morning. I called to get the results, and they tell

me

they're normal. I say, OK, but what are the actual lab values:

TSH -- 4.6

FT4 -- 1.1

First of all, I'm thrilled that my birth control thing didn't end up being

a

problem. I was scared to death that my results were going to show hyper.

Secondly, I KNEW before this temporary hyper bout I had that I was going

hypo, and the results show it. I've been battling with my weight, and

it's

good to know that I can now reduce my dose and get some relief in that

area,

as well as the puffy eyes and mental freakiness.

Now, I need something to print out and show my doc on Friday that the new

TSH range is .5 to 2.5 so he won't argue with me that I'm normal. Any

ideas

on a good professional article that I can take to him?

Also, as far as dosing, I need suggestions. Back in September my labs

showed a TSH of 4.36 and a FT4 2.4. At that time I dropped from 7.5 mg.

to

5 mg. Well, I'm more hypo now than I was then. Should I drop to 2.5, or

is that going to be enough of a change? It obviously wasn't enough in

September. I've hit a weird period. I'm almost to the point now where I

don't need anything, but I'm also not convinced that I'm in remission. I

guess it's time to coerce my doc into running TSI? I'm thinking go ahead

and start taking 2.5. It should make a little bit of a difference anyway,

and ease the transition if I do need to go off them altogether. Ideas?

Holly

Dx. 8/2001; 5 mg. MMI

[Guest guest]

Holly,

Thanks for writing back! I have been really down about my face...couldn't

understand why I looked so awful all the time! It's a relief to know I'm not

aging beyond my years. I'm eager to see what the doctor says tomorrow, although

so far she hasn't been much help. I mostly want to see if my TSH has improved.

I'm glad you're feeling better. I know those horrible days when you're

convinced your either hyper or hypo and you don't know what to do. Good luck!

Kristi

New labs

So everything is cool with my latest labs. Had blood drawn on Friday and

got the results this morning. I called to get the results, and they tell

me

they're normal. I say, OK, but what are the actual lab values:

TSH -- 4.6

FT4 -- 1.1

First of all, I'm thrilled that my birth control thing didn't end up being

a

problem. I was scared to death that my results were going to show hyper.

Secondly, I KNEW before this temporary hyper bout I had that I was going

hypo, and the results show it. I've been battling with my weight, and

it's

good to know that I can now reduce my dose and get some relief in that

area,

as well as the puffy eyes and mental freakiness.

Now, I need something to print out and show my doc on Friday that the new

TSH range is .5 to 2.5 so he won't argue with me that I'm normal. Any

ideas

on a good professional article that I can take to him?

Also, as far as dosing, I need suggestions. Back in September my labs

showed a TSH of 4.36 and a FT4 2.4. At that time I dropped from 7.5 mg.

to

5 mg. Well, I'm more hypo now than I was then. Should I drop to 2.5, or

is that going to be enough of a change? It obviously wasn't enough in

September. I've hit a weird period. I'm almost to the point now where I

don't need anything, but I'm also not convinced that I'm in remission. I

guess it's time to coerce my doc into running TSI? I'm thinking go ahead

and start taking 2.5. It should make a little bit of a difference anyway,

and ease the transition if I do need to go off them altogether. Ideas?

Holly

Dx. 8/2001; 5 mg. MMI

[Guest guest]

Holly,

Thanks for writing back! I have been really down about my face...couldn't

understand why I looked so awful all the time! It's a relief to know I'm not

aging beyond my years. I'm eager to see what the doctor says tomorrow, although

so far she hasn't been much help. I mostly want to see if my TSH has improved.

I'm glad you're feeling better. I know those horrible days when you're

convinced your either hyper or hypo and you don't know what to do. Good luck!

Kristi

New labs

So everything is cool with my latest labs. Had blood drawn on Friday and

got the results this morning. I called to get the results, and they tell

me

they're normal. I say, OK, but what are the actual lab values:

TSH -- 4.6

FT4 -- 1.1

First of all, I'm thrilled that my birth control thing didn't end up being

a

problem. I was scared to death that my results were going to show hyper.

Secondly, I KNEW before this temporary hyper bout I had that I was going

hypo, and the results show it. I've been battling with my weight, and

it's

good to know that I can now reduce my dose and get some relief in that

area,

as well as the puffy eyes and mental freakiness.

Now, I need something to print out and show my doc on Friday that the new

TSH range is .5 to 2.5 so he won't argue with me that I'm normal. Any

ideas

on a good professional article that I can take to him?

Also, as far as dosing, I need suggestions. Back in September my labs

showed a TSH of 4.36 and a FT4 2.4. At that time I dropped from 7.5 mg.

to

5 mg. Well, I'm more hypo now than I was then. Should I drop to 2.5, or

is that going to be enough of a change? It obviously wasn't enough in

September. I've hit a weird period. I'm almost to the point now where I

don't need anything, but I'm also not convinced that I'm in remission. I

guess it's time to coerce my doc into running TSI? I'm thinking go ahead

and start taking 2.5. It should make a little bit of a difference anyway,

and ease the transition if I do need to go off them altogether. Ideas?

Holly

Dx. 8/2001; 5 mg. MMI

[Guest guest]

Hi ,

I agree with you especially if you're going to watch your dietary iodine

carefully and have time for stress reduction techniques. If you call your

doctor's office and ask if this would be OK and explain why, they'll probably

agree with you. Take care, Elaine