Newly Diagnosed with Hashi's, concerned about Fertility

[Workaholic]

Hi All,
Thank you in advance for reading my post and offering your advice.

I am 33 years old and was recently diagnosed with Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis in October 2010 right after I got married in Sept. Bad news for a new couple..
I was diagnosed after having a routine physical exam that came back showing my thyroid level was high. My Dr. decided to test me again a few months later and indicated that the thyroid hormone levels were now normal but decided to send me for further testing. She had me go to the lab to have my blood tested for t3/t4 and antibodies. When the results came back, I was told I had antibodies which was how she made her diagnosis.

My Dr. was convinced it was inherited and asked me to inquire with my family. I learned that the Dr. was right as my great aunt too has a thyroid problem. My Dr. indicated that there is no cure for hashi’s and said we would take the “wait and watch” method and that when my thyroid finally failed, I would just be put on replacement therapy. Is this true? Is there nothing they can do until your organ fails?

Being a newlywed, starting a family is my biggest concern so I asked her about fertility and she mentioned that I had nothing to worry about and would be fine. To my surprise, I read online according to several recourses that fertility IS an issue and some women cannot get pregnant, have miscarriages and that babies born to women with uncontrolled thyroid hormones could have birth defects. I also learned my great aunt had to try for 6 years to have a child.
I also read that ranges are just that…ranges. And that you should really be looking to the symptoms of the patient, of which I have many…

Here’s a list of my symptoms:
• Tired (just related this to getting older and working a lot)
• Tingling in my hands and feet
• Eye twitching
• Crazy cramps in my feet that make my toes spread apart and have me dancing around the house
• Digestion problems-constipation followed by diarrhea followed by constipation (I have also been diagnosed with IBD/IBS)
• Low Vit D (am now taking supplements)
• Vision problems (distance at night is an issue)
• Muscle aches in my neck, shoulder, lower back and hips
• Carpal Tunnel (that was diagnosed as a work related injury but now I’m not so sure)
• Yeast Problems (these seemed to have gone away on their own but I really think I was getting thrush at one point. My Dr. tested me for HIV.. NEGATIVE OF COURSE..WHAT’S UP!? Can Hashi’s cause thrush??)
• Heavy periods with lots of blood clots and sometimes a weird pain in my side that doesn’t go away for 2-3 days
• My feet and hands fall asleep a lot
• Lack of Libido
• Brittle hair that has started to fall out
• Brittle nails
• Itchy skin and neck (is it common for your neck to itch?)
• A few times recently I have experienced either a slowing heart rate or it feels as if it skipped a beat
• Anxiety and a racy feeling… like a need to hurry to do everything
• Freezing cold all the time

My biggest concerns are fertility, heart complications, depression and weight gain (because a whole host of other health problems are related to being overweight). I really don’t want any of these symptoms now or ever and want to see if there is way to regulate or maintain this disorder so that I don’t have to go through these things.

I asked my Dr. for a referral to an endo and she said, “Why, they will just tell you the same thing.” I am concerned as I feel she is not paying attention to my symptoms but maybe there really is nothing they can do?
I notice many of you ask for lab results. I do not remember mine off the top of my head but will post later. I do recall that my one of the results had a normal range of up to 39 and mine was in the 1000’s. The dr. said this was evidence that my thyroid was currently under attack by my immune system.
I have been healthy my entire life and this is really upsetting news. My dr. didn’t not offer any advice or refer me to any articles or ways to educate myself on this disorder.

Thank you to all who have read this far and offer advice. I really appreciate some insight.

Thanks!

[Workaholic]

ok, I am back with my lab results.

My first physical had lab results as of 7/8/2010 as follows:
-TSH, 3rd generation w/ reflex to FT4 = 0.11 (ref ranges given are .40 - 4.50)
-T4, Free = 1.1 (ref ranges given are (0.8-1.8)
-Vitamin D 25-hydroxy= 30 (ref ranges given are 30-100)


Second set of labs done on 11/1/2010 are as follows:
-PTH, Intact and calcium = 29 (ref ranges given are 10-65)
-Vitamin D, 25-hydroxy= 29 (ref ranges given are 30-100)
-TSH, 3rd generation = 3.3 (ref ranges given are .40 - 4.50)
-T4, Free=1.1 (ref ranges given are 0.8-1.8)
-T3, Free=3.6 (ref ranges given are 2.3-4.2)
-Thyroglobulin antibodies = 618 (ref ranges given are <20)

-Thyroid Peroxidase=117 (ref ranges given are <35)

I threw in my vitamin D levels because they are slightly low. The first test results showed 30 and I started taking supplements. The second test they actually went down by 1 mark. Not much, but it seems weird to me because I just spent a week in the sun in Hawaii before having my test done and I had been taking supplements since the last test.

Also, the TSH test came back low on the first test but within normal ranges on the second test. Meanwhile, the thyroglobulin antibodies and thyroid peroxidase levels are off the charts.

Can anyone help me understand what all this means?

I have an appointment on Friday to have my labs repeated and will come and post the new results. I am curious to see if my TSH levels changed again and if my Vit D has gone up since I have been taking 1000 UI a day as prescribed by my Dr.

Please let me know your thoughts/comments. They are welcomed and appreciated.

[lavender]

I scratched my head for a moment looking at your labs. This is what I think. Your initial TSH was in the hyperthyroid range, and now it has swung to 3.3, which has many people (including me) feeling hypo. Your T3, which is your active thyroid hormone, is actually in a good place as of your November labs. Your T4 is a bit on the low end of normal and did not change between your labs despite your swinging TSH. And your antibodies are way high.

I think you need to have your TSI tested. TSI is the antibody for graves. I am thinking about it because of your initially low TSH.

Do you have a goitre or any nodules in your thyroid? I think you may need RAIU (radioactive iodine uptake and scan) to look at your thyroid to make sure there is no cancer.

Your Vitamin D is way low, and I think 1000 IU is insufficient. Mine was at 33 in August, and I started taking 5000 IU daily. I just had it re-tested in December, and it was 52. My doctor has told me to keep taking the 5000 IU for now since it's winter and I am rarely in the sun in the summer. Ideally, Vitamin D should be above 50, regardless of what the reference range is.

Not sure if the yeast/thrush is thyroid related or not, but I have had problems with it as well, seems to have something to do with the wacky immune functioning. And I eat a ton of yogurt!

Balancing your thyroid is very important for fertility and maintaining a pregnancy. I'm in a similar boat. 33, want to have kids in the next few years, and I have had maybe 4-6 periods in the last 1.5 years with my thyroid all out of whack. Prior to that, my cycles were long, heavy, painful, with many clots. I am still hoping it comes back now that my thyroid levels are finally getting balanced, but I am scared that it won't. I have seen my family doc for paps in the last 5 years, but will probably follow up with a gyno in the next few months since family docs don't seem terribly concerned about my absent menstrual cycles.

You do not need to see an endo as many have found that they are even less helpful than primary care docs. All you need is a well informed doc who will take your issues seriously. I had to fire my family doc and my endo because I could not function with the treatment they were giving me. 5 years ago, I was also completely blown off by a holistic MD who now claims that thyroid is one of her specialties. I have learned that if a doc won't help me and blows off my concerns that it is time to look elsewhere. I pay too much for medical care and my life is too valuable to let some doc talk down to me and jeopardize my life. I now see an alternative medicine MD and am feeling tons better. Unfortunately, I have a long way to go after years of neglect that resulted in me getting extremely sick from my thyroid.

[Andros]

Hi All,
Thank you in advance for reading my post and offering your advice.

I am 33 years old and was recently diagnosed with Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis in October 2010 right after I got married in Sept. Bad news for a new couple..
I was diagnosed after having a routine physical exam that came back showing my thyroid level was high. My Dr. decided to test me again a few months later and indicated that the thyroid hormone levels were now normal but decided to send me for further testing. She had me go to the lab to have my blood tested for t3/t4 and antibodies. When the results came back, I was told I had antibodies which was how she made her diagnosis.

My Dr. was convinced it was inherited and asked me to inquire with my family. I learned that the Dr. was right as my great aunt too has a thyroid problem. My Dr. indicated that there is no cure for hashi’s and said we would take the “wait and watch” method and that when my thyroid finally failed, I would just be put on replacement therapy. Is this true? Is there nothing they can do until your organ fails?

Being a newlywed, starting a family is my biggest concern so I asked her about fertility and she mentioned that I had nothing to worry about and would be fine. To my surprise, I read online according to several recourses that fertility IS an issue and some women cannot get pregnant, have miscarriages and that babies born to women with uncontrolled thyroid hormones could have birth defects. I also learned my great aunt had to try for 6 years to have a child.
I also read that ranges are just that…ranges. And that you should really be looking to the symptoms of the patient, of which I have many…

Here’s a list of my symptoms:
• Tired (just related this to getting older and working a lot)
• Tingling in my hands and feet
• Eye twitching
• Crazy cramps in my feet that make my toes spread apart and have me dancing around the house
• Digestion problems-constipation followed by diarrhea followed by constipation (I have also been diagnosed with IBD/IBS)
• Low Vit D (am now taking supplements)
• Vision problems (distance at night is an issue)
• Muscle aches in my neck, shoulder, lower back and hips
• Carpal Tunnel (that was diagnosed as a work related injury but now I’m not so sure)
• Yeast Problems (these seemed to have gone away on their own but I really think I was getting thrush at one point. My Dr. tested me for HIV.. NEGATIVE OF COURSE..WHAT’S UP!? Can Hashi’s cause thrush??)
• Heavy periods with lots of blood clots and sometimes a weird pain in my side that doesn’t go away for 2-3 days
• My feet and hands fall asleep a lot
• Lack of Libido
• Brittle hair that has started to fall out
• Brittle nails
• Itchy skin and neck (is it common for your neck to itch?)
• A few times recently I have experienced either a slowing heart rate or it feels as if it skipped a beat
• Anxiety and a racy feeling… like a need to hurry to do everything
• Freezing cold all the time

My biggest concerns are fertility, heart complications, depression and weight gain (because a whole host of other health problems are related to being overweight). I really don’t want any of these symptoms now or ever and want to see if there is way to regulate or maintain this disorder so that I don’t have to go through these things.

I asked my Dr. for a referral to an endo and she said, “Why, they will just tell you the same thing.” I am concerned as I feel she is not paying attention to my symptoms but maybe there really is nothing they can do?
I notice many of you ask for lab results. I do not remember mine off the top of my head but will post later. I do recall that my one of the results had a normal range of up to 39 and mine was in the 1000’s. The dr. said this was evidence that my thyroid was currently under attack by my immune system.
I have been healthy my entire life and this is really upsetting news. My dr. didn’t not offer any advice or refer me to any articles or ways to educate myself on this disorder.

Thank you to all who have read this far and offer advice. I really appreciate some insight.

Thanks!

Oh, dear! Another doctor will not tell you the same thing. This one is putting you on hold and that is not right. You are symptomatic. No doctor should leave you in that state.

We do need lab results with the ranges for your lab. Different labs use different ranges.

I really am not sure you are hypo; I suspect hyper.

Recommending these tests and we would like to see what antibodies' tests you have had done so far w/ the ranges please.

TSI (thyroid stimulating immunoglobulin),TPO (antimicrosomal antibodies) TBII (thyrotropin-binding inhibitory immunoglobulin), Thyroglobulin Ab, ANA (antinuclear antibodies), (thyroid hormone panel) TSH, Free T3, Free T4.

You can look this stuff up here and more.........
http://www.labtestsonline.org/

It is my humble opinion that it might be wise to put the baby on hold until you get this sorted out and do bear in mind that this "is" familial.

Ferritin test would be wise also.

Ferritin http://www.thewayup.com/newsletters/081504.htm

If you have high TPO ( I think that may be the test you had), that is only "suggestive" of Hashimoto's. TPO in high titers is high in other situations as well including cancer.

Also, recommend RAIU (radioactive uptake scan) and "definitely" the TSI lab test.

TSI
Normally, there is no TSI in the blood. If TSI is found in the blood, this indicates that the thyroid stimulating immunoglobulin is the cause of the of a person's hyperthyroidism.
http://www.medicineonline.com/topics/t/2/Thyroid-Stimulating-Immunoglobulin/TSI.html

Okay.................went back to your post and saw your Thyroglobulin Ab. This is highly "suggestive" of cancer.


Graves' and Hashi's cancer
http://www.thyroidmanager.org/Chapter18/18-cancothr.htm

Thyroglobulin Ab and cancer
http://qjmed.oxfordjournals.org/content/59/2/429.full.pdf

Another Thyroglobulin and cancer
http://www.mdlinx.com/endocrinology/newsl-article.cfm/3305021/ZZ5052128790304906121963/?news_id=811&newsdt=092010&subspec_id=419

When I replied, I had only read your PM to me!! LOL!! My bad!

Anyway; you are right to be so concerned. I am with you on this.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v129/LuLu1471/welcome.gif

[Workaholic]

Lavander and Andros,

Thank you so much for your time in replying to me and offering your feedback. You have sufficiently scared me to go back to the Dr. to be proactive. I have an appointment in 30 minutes to see her again and am going to ask for all the labs/tests you mentioned above. CANCER IS NO JOKE and if I’m at risk, I want to do everything possible to NOT BE AT RISK. My friend who is a nurse also told me this but I guess I’ve been acting a little in denial since my symptoms are not yet affecting me to the point that I cannot function.
The suspicion on being hyper vs hypo is also making me curious, especially since I do not seem to have a weight gain problem. I eat pretty healthy but I do splurge here and there that I should have to exercise or eat better to get off and it seems to just fall off in a few days.
Also, on a side note…When I went in last April and found out that I had carpal tunnel, I was actually initially diagnosed with MRSA (yes, that Dr was an idiot) and was put on a vancomycin drip. I always thought the yeast problems were related to that massive dose of antibiotics. I’m now starting to think that it was related, in so much as it cause a huge immune response and if I have autoimmunity..well..seems to add up.
I will be back to post later today after my appointment and after my new tests results come back next week.
Thank you for the time in reading this!

[Andros]

Lavander and Andros,

Thank you so much for your time in replying to me and offering your feedback. You have sufficiently scared me to go back to the Dr. to be proactive. I have an appointment in 30 minutes to see her again and am going to ask for all the labs/tests you mentioned above. CANCER IS NO JOKE and if I’m at risk, I want to do everything possible to NOT BE AT RISK. My friend who is a nurse also told me this but I guess I’ve been acting a little in denial since my symptoms are not yet affecting me to the point that I cannot function.
The suspicion on being hyper vs hypo is also making me curious, especially since I do not seem to have a weight gain problem. I eat pretty healthy but I do splurge here and there that I should have to exercise or eat better to get off and it seems to just fall off in a few days.
Also, on a side note…When I went in last April and found out that I had carpal tunnel, I was actually initially diagnosed with MRSA (yes, that Dr was an idiot) and was put on a vancomycin drip. I always thought the yeast problems were related to that massive dose of antibiotics. I’m now starting to think that it was related, in so much as it cause a huge immune response and if I have autoimmunity..well..seems to add up.
I will be back to post later today after my appointment and after my new tests results come back next week.
Thank you for the time in reading this!

Wow!! You're the bomb! So glad you are going to be proactive w/this. It could save your life. I would love it if cancer is ruled out. Nothing would make me happier and then we can move on.

But to never investigate is of course, foolish!

Now that is scary about that doctor. Sadly, we can all match that one story for story. I had a doc in Florida that wanted to amputate my arm because I had cellulitis from a wasp sting. Boy, did I run outta' there!! Went to the drugstore and the pharmacist helped to get some Benadryl, ice bag and told me to keep my arm elevated. Over 30 years later, I still have my arm!!

Are you taking probiotics to get the "balance" back in your gut? Buttermilk, sour cream and yogurt w/live cultures? Sauerkraut, pickles etc.??? Or by capsule??

Thank you for being here, thank you for the thank you's and God bless!! Will look forward to hearing from you as soon as you are able.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v129/LuLu1471/hugs_cyber_rose_purple.jpg

[Workaholic]

Hi,

I'm back. Went to the Dr. today and afterwards, made the decision to get a new doctor.

When I went in to see her, I brought a folder full of all the articles I was referred to, a list of the labs that were suggested and a list of questions. I could tell she was not happy to see that.

I did preface my conversation with the fact that I may be overreacting but I was concerned about my last set of labs and wanted to do some further testing. I also mentioned that I did some research and some of my advice came from people on a discussion board who do not claim to be doctor's or have medical knowledge, just a bunch of people like me (some with WAY more experience and research into these disorders) and that I thought that perhaps we should look into the suggestions. I also provided her with a copy of the article, "Assured Autoimmune Thyroid Disease is a Risk for Thyroid Cancer" which she did not look at and quickly shoved to the back of my file.

When I showed her the labs that were suggested, I was surprised that she didn't know what some of them were and had never heard of them..specifically the TBII (thyrotropin binding inhibitory imunoglobulin). That right there was enough to convince me that this was probably outside her scope and I need to see someone else. She was kind enough to refer me to an Endo.

Here are the labs I am having run on Friday:
CBC w/ diff (Hgb, Hct, RCB, WBC, Pit
ANA w/Reflex titer
Ferritin
Hemoglobin A1c
Iron (tot), IBC % Sat
Prolactin
TSH
T-4 (thyroxine), Free
Free T3
TSI
TBII (thyrotropin binding inhibitory immunoglobulin)
Vitamin D, 25 hydroxy
In discussing with the Dr., I mentioned to her that it did seem that I have almost every symptom of a thyroid imbalance. She did not ask me what they were (nor ever did in the past) so I decided to rattle off my list for her. I also mentioned that I have been healthy my entire life and that only in the last two years have I had any issues that have have brought me to a Dr-all of which are symptoms related to my thyroid. She didn't comment. Obviously I was thinking to myself..how come she herself didn't notice or make the connection?

I also asked her if the normal protocol for this was to just wait till my thyroid fails and then use replacement therapy. She said, "Yes". Later in the conversation, I asked the question differently. This time I asked her if they could treat the symptoms? It seems sad that I should have to wait until I grow overweight, have to live with symptoms that were only going to get worse over time and may cause damage to my other systems, have my thyroid swell up until a goiter appears and/or nodules that may form cancer. When asked this way, she indicated that in some of her other patent's she has started them on low doses. She seemed to contradict herself here.. In fact, she contradicted herself 3 times in our conversation..not that I was keeping count. :)

When I asked about the cancer risk, she pretty much dismissed it as something I should not worry about. I spoke to my swinging TSH levels which she said were now normal. I mentioned that I read that if you have high Thyroid antibodies (as I do) that these can mask or interfere with the TSH and give false results. She kind of agreed that it was a possibility but again just seemed to summarily dismiss it. In my opinion, if the result you are looking to to base your diagnosis on could be wrong because of some intervening factor, then maybe you need to look for other answers. If high antibodies are suggestive of either hashi's or cancer...why would anyone go with the more conservative option? Seems diligent to rule out all serious possibilities-especially ones that lead to a risk for cancer. She did not order the RAIU as she said the test in itself could expose me to a cancer risk as they use radiation in your thyroid to run this test. She told me to see the endo and if he/she thought it was necessary, they would order the test.

I also reiterated that fertility is a concern for me, but she did not comment. Last time she told me I had nothing to worry about but all the literature out there says otherwise. Wouldn't it seem that she should treat my symptoms now so that I don't become infertile (if i am not sadly already????)?

So at the end of this exhausting day, I still have a few questions:
1) Can I treat the symptoms now even though my levels are (so called) normal? Or do I need to wait until organ failure?
2) Do meds prevent inflammation of the thyroid (thereby reducing the risk for cancer)
3) Does the RAIU pose a cancer risk in itself?
4) Are there any anti-inflammatory foods I should be eating? Foods I should not be eating?
5) should I close my work related injury case of Carpal Tunnel? Is this a systemic issue and not a repetitive use injury (I type a lot)
6) Based on the labs she ordered, is she repeating the TPO and Thyroid Antibodies? I can't tell which one that is.
7) Is there anything I can do to slow down my immune system response so that it does not attack my Thyroid?

Next Steps:
1) Lab work Friday
2) Make Endo appt for next week (after lab results are back)
3) Fire DO, hire MD

Andros- to answer your question, Yes I have taken probiotics in the past and it did help my stomach and yeast problems. I foolishly have stopped taking them and will get back on them asap. I really like the DANACTIVE (probiotic drink). Do you (or anyone else reading this) have suggestions for other products?

Lavender- I got a bottle of medical grade 5000 IU Vit D today for $22. Will be taking them religiously until my Vit D is up to 50+

Thanks all for reading this. I'm sorry it's a long post. I LOVE THIS SITE....Makes me feel better. Thank you!

[Workaholic]

Good Lord...what a bunch of confusion! So I am really curious about my Vitamin D levels. How does this play into everything? I noticed a link provided by Andros on another members post regarding Vit D.

http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2009-04/arf-vdm040809.php

Should I be taking 5000 IU a day or not? Does this help or make things worse?

Vitamin D may exacerbate autoimmune disease

Deficiency in vitamin D has been widely regarded as contributing to autoimmune disease, but a review appearing in Autoimmunity Reviews explains that low levels of vitamin D in patients with autoimmune disease may be a result rather than a cause of disease and that supplementing with vitamin D may actually exacerbate autoimmune disease.

Authored by a team of researchers at the California-based non-profit Autoimmunity Research Foundation, the paper goes on to point out that molecular biologists have long known that the form of vitamin D derived from food and supplements, 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25-D), is a secosteroid rather than a vitamin. Like corticosteroid medications, vitamin D may provide short-term relief by lowering inflammation but may exacerbate disease symptoms over the long-term.

[lavender]

Vitamin D has been essential for me, and it has not made my auto-immune issues worse. It is possible to get TOO MUCH vitamin D, that is why it's important to have your levels monitored to make sure you don't overdo it.

This comment really demonstrated your doc's incompetence;
"She did not order the RAIU as she said the test in itself could expose me to a cancer risk as they use radiation in your thyroid to run this test. She told me to see the endo and if he/she thought it was necessary, they would order the test."

RAIU uses a very low dose of radioactive iodone and is comparable to the radiation from an x-ray. Would she deny you an x-ray for a possibly broken arm to avoid any cancer risk? RAI, which can be used to kill the thyroid involves high doses of radiation, which doctors insist present no cancer risk.

I understand a conservative approach to a point, but refusing to treat a really sick client is inhumane. My former MD did this. Instead of looking at my abnormal thyroid labs, she diagnosed me with strep, decided I was allergic to an antibiotic I have taken for years without a problem, told me I had an anxiety problem, tested me for mono and even asked about lyme disease. She totally missed the boat and put my life in jeopardy because of how the Graves was affecting my heart.

I have found that it's not the particular type of doctor that matters so much as finding someone who is willing to take you seriously, will treat you, is competent about how to do that, and is willing to listen to your input.

[Andros]

Hi,

I'm back. Went to the Dr. today and afterwards, made the decision to get a new doctor.

When I went in to see her, I brought a folder full of all the articles I was referred to, a list of the labs that were suggested and a list of questions. I could tell she was not happy to see that.

I did preface my conversation with the fact that I may be overreacting but I was concerned about my last set of labs and wanted to do some further testing. I also mentioned that I did some research and some of my advice came from people on a discussion board who do not claim to be doctor's or have medical knowledge, just a bunch of people like me (some with WAY more experience and research into these disorders) and that I thought that perhaps we should look into the suggestions. I also provided her with a copy of the article, "Assured Autoimmune Thyroid Disease is a Risk for Thyroid Cancer" which she did not look at and quickly shoved to the back of my file.

When I showed her the labs that were suggested, I was surprised that she didn't know what some of them were and had never heard of them..specifically the TBII (thyrotropin binding inhibitory imunoglobulin). That right there was enough to convince me that this was probably outside her scope and I need to see someone else. She was kind enough to refer me to an Endo.

Here are the labs I am having run on Friday:
CBC w/ diff (Hgb, Hct, RCB, WBC, Pit
ANA w/Reflex titer
Ferritin
Hemoglobin A1c
Iron (tot), IBC % Sat
Prolactin
TSH
T-4 (thyroxine), Free
Free T3
TSI
TBII (thyrotropin binding inhibitory immunoglobulin)
Vitamin D, 25 hydroxy
In discussing with the Dr., I mentioned to her that it did seem that I have almost every symptom of a thyroid imbalance. She did not ask me what they were (nor ever did in the past) so I decided to rattle off my list for her. I also mentioned that I have been healthy my entire life and that only in the last two years have I had any issues that have have brought me to a Dr-all of which are symptoms related to my thyroid. She didn't comment. Obviously I was thinking to myself..how come she herself didn't notice or make the connection?

I also asked her if the normal protocol for this was to just wait till my thyroid fails and then use replacement therapy. She said, "Yes". Later in the conversation, I asked the question differently. This time I asked her if they could treat the symptoms? It seems sad that I should have to wait until I grow overweight, have to live with symptoms that were only going to get worse over time and may cause damage to my other systems, have my thyroid swell up until a goiter appears and/or nodules that may form cancer. When asked this way, she indicated that in some of her other patent's she has started them on low doses. She seemed to contradict herself here.. In fact, she contradicted herself 3 times in our conversation..not that I was keeping count. :)

When I asked about the cancer risk, she pretty much dismissed it as something I should not worry about. I spoke to my swinging TSH levels which she said were now normal. I mentioned that I read that if you have high Thyroid antibodies (as I do) that these can mask or interfere with the TSH and give false results. She kind of agreed that it was a possibility but again just seemed to summarily dismiss it. In my opinion, if the result you are looking to to base your diagnosis on could be wrong because of some intervening factor, then maybe you need to look for other answers. If high antibodies are suggestive of either hashi's or cancer...why would anyone go with the more conservative option? Seems diligent to rule out all serious possibilities-especially ones that lead to a risk for cancer. She did not order the RAIU as she said the test in itself could expose me to a cancer risk as they use radiation in your thyroid to run this test. She told me to see the endo and if he/she thought it was necessary, they would order the test.

I also reiterated that fertility is a concern for me, but she did not comment. Last time she told me I had nothing to worry about but all the literature out there says otherwise. Wouldn't it seem that she should treat my symptoms now so that I don't become infertile (if i am not sadly already????)?

So at the end of this exhausting day, I still have a few questions:
1) Can I treat the symptoms now even though my levels are (so called) normal? Or do I need to wait until organ failure?
2) Do meds prevent inflammation of the thyroid (thereby reducing the risk for cancer)
3) Does the RAIU pose a cancer risk in itself?
4) Are there any anti-inflammatory foods I should be eating? Foods I should not be eating?
5) should I close my work related injury case of Carpal Tunnel? Is this a systemic issue and not a repetitive use injury (I type a lot)
6) Based on the labs she ordered, is she repeating the TPO and Thyroid Antibodies? I can't tell which one that is.
7) Is there anything I can do to slow down my immune system response so that it does not attack my Thyroid?

Next Steps:
1) Lab work Friday
2) Make Endo appt for next week (after lab results are back)
3) Fire DO, hire MD

Andros- to answer your question, Yes I have taken probiotics in the past and it did help my stomach and yeast problems. I foolishly have stopped taking them and will get back on them asap. I really like the DANACTIVE (probiotic drink). Do you (or anyone else reading this) have suggestions for other products?

Lavender- I got a bottle of medical grade 5000 IU Vit D today for $22. Will be taking them religiously until my Vit D is up to 50+

Thanks all for reading this. I'm sorry it's a long post. I LOVE THIS SITE....Makes me feel better. Thank you!

I am glad you are getting a new doctor. Hopefully a better one.

#1. Do you wait for heart failure or do we do something to prevent it?

#2. Absolutely, depending on your diagnosis, there are many things to be done.

#3. Not really; it is a low dose. I have never found any credible info stating that it does.

#4. Avoid iodine in any form. Would not recommend doing too much until you get all your tests. You don't want to skew the tests.

#5. Probably a combo of both things; use your best judgement and that of your lawyer's.

#6. She is not repeating TPO and be sure to get copies as they will tell you everything is in normal range whereas you should have NO TSI, NO TBII. Ranges are only to detect movement.

#7. As far as I know, only proper medical intervention based on protocul according to your diagnosis.

More later!

[Workaholic]

Update: I have my first appointment with an Endo on 3/23/2011 (wish it wasn't so far away). Lab work being done today. Next week, find new PCP.

I'll keep you all posted.

[Workaholic]

Hi All,
I’m back with my new lab results. The only thing on my report that stood out of range was my Thyroglobulin antibodies which are now 388. This is down from 618 from my November report. Normal reference ranges <20 so while my numbers went down, they are still higher than normal. My TSH has been all over the place-Low to almost no existence, then up to the other end of the scale and now right in the middle. Also, my TPO was really high last time 118 on a scale of <35 and now I’m JUST under normal at a 34.

What does all this mean?

I have my first appointment with an Endo tomorrow. What should I ask about?

Here’s a comparison of my lab work over the last three tests:
TSH: Ref ranges 0.4-4.50
July 2010: 0.11
Nov 2010: 3.30
Mar 2011: 1.91
T3: Ref ranges 2.3-4.2
Nov 2010: 3.6
Mar 2011: 3.1
T4: Ref ranges 0.8-1.8
July 2010: 1.1
Nov 2010: 1.1
Mar 2011: 1.2
Thyroglobulin Antibodies: Ref Ranges <20
Nov 2010: 618
Mar 2011: 388
Thyroid Peroxidase: Ref Ranges: <35
Nov 2010: 117
Mar 2011: 34
VITAMIN D, 25-HYDROXY: Ref Ranges 30-100
Jul 2010: 30
Nov 2010: 29
Mar 2011: 43

New Labs done in March 2011 Only
Thyrotropin Receptro Ab, S Ref Ranges 0.00-1.75
Mar 2011: <1.00
Note: At a decision limit of 1.75 IU/L, this assay has 97% sensitivity and 99% specificity for detection of Graves’ disease. In healthy individuals and patients with thyroid disease without diagnosis of Graves’ disease, the upper limit of anti-TSHR values are 1.22 IU/L and 1.58 IU/L respectively (97.5 percentiles).
TSI (Thyroid Stimulating Immunoglobin) Ref Ranges <140 baseline
Mar 2011: <89
Note: Thyroid stimulating immunoglobulins can engage the TSH receptors resulting in hyperthyroidism in Graves’ disease patients. TSI levels can be useful in monitoring the clinical outcome of Graves’ disease as well as the potential for hyperthyroidism from maternal-fetal transfer.
Iron and total Iron Biding Capacity:
Total Iron: 86 Ref Range 40-175
Binding Capacity: 355 Ref Range 250-450
% Saturation: 24 Ref Range 15-15
Ferritin: 118 Ref Range 10-154
ANA IFA Screen w/Refl to Titer and Pattern, IFA ANA, GCREEN, IFA
Mar 2011: negative

Thanks for reading and providing any insight!

[Andros]

Hi All,
I’m back with my new lab results. The only thing on my report that stood out of range was my Thyroglobulin antibodies which are now 388. This is down from 618 from my November report. Normal reference ranges <20 so while my numbers went down, they are still higher than normal. My TSH has been all over the place-Low to almost no existence, then up to the other end of the scale and now right in the middle. Also, my TPO was really high last time 118 on a scale of <35 and now I’m JUST under normal at a 34.

What does all this mean?

I have my first appointment with an Endo tomorrow. What should I ask about?

Here’s a comparison of my lab work over the last three tests:
TSH: Ref ranges 0.4-4.50
July 2010: 0.11
Nov 2010: 3.30
Mar 2011: 1.91
T3: Ref ranges 2.3-4.2
Nov 2010: 3.6
Mar 2011: 3.1
T4: Ref ranges 0.8-1.8
July 2010: 1.1
Nov 2010: 1.1
Mar 2011: 1.2
Thyroglobulin Antibodies: Ref Ranges <20
Nov 2010: 618
Mar 2011: 388
Thyroid Peroxidase: Ref Ranges: <35
Nov 2010: 117
Mar 2011: 34
VITAMIN D, 25-HYDROXY: Ref Ranges 30-100
Jul 2010: 30
Nov 2010: 29
Mar 2011: 43

New Labs done in March 2011 Only
Thyrotropin Receptro Ab, S Ref Ranges 0.00-1.75
Mar 2011: <1.00
Note: At a decision limit of 1.75 IU/L, this assay has 97% sensitivity and 99% specificity for detection of Graves’ disease. In healthy individuals and patients with thyroid disease without diagnosis of Graves’ disease, the upper limit of anti-TSHR values are 1.22 IU/L and 1.58 IU/L respectively (97.5 percentiles).
TSI (Thyroid Stimulating Immunoglobin) Ref Ranges <140 baseline
Mar 2011: <89
Note: Thyroid stimulating immunoglobulins can engage the TSH receptors resulting in hyperthyroidism in Graves’ disease patients. TSI levels can be useful in monitoring the clinical outcome of Graves’ disease as well as the potential for hyperthyroidism from maternal-fetal transfer.
Iron and total Iron Biding Capacity:
Total Iron: 86 Ref Range 40-175
Binding Capacity: 355 Ref Range 250-450
% Saturation: 24 Ref Range 15-15
Ferritin: 118 Ref Range 10-154
ANA IFA Screen w/Refl to Titer and Pattern, IFA ANA, GCREEN, IFA
Mar 2011: negative

Thanks for reading and providing any insight!

Hi, just got on-line here this morning. I would try to review all the things we have been discussing and uppermost in "my" mind is ruling out cancer either by RAIU or FNA or both.

Please let us hear from you when you can. I am off to my own doctor today.

Hugs,

[tally771]

I know this thread is old, but I thought this was worth mentioning . . .

When I was trying to conceive my third child in 2009, I had a miscarriage at about 8 weeks. Subsequently, I would miss my period, get a positive pregnancy test, then miscarry a week or so later. This happened so many times I lost count.

Finally, I went to an endo and was diagnosed with Hashimotos. I had thyroid antibodies but TSH, T3 and T4 were all normal.

She put me on 50 mcg of levothyroxine because she said "for some reason; we don't know why; it reduces the rate of miscarriage". I got pregnant immediately after starting the levo and that one stuck, and I had a healthy baby boy.

So if you find that you are having miscarriages, or trouble getting pregnant - try the medication. Best wishes.