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can somebody help me understand my labs?

hatethyroiddisease — Sat, 19 May 2012 21:32:15 GMT

My synthroid dose was increase 6 week ago from 125 mcg to 150 mcg

3 /29/12
thyroxine (t4) 7.5... range its 4.5-10.9
t uptake 37.11... range 22.50-37.00 (HIGH)
Free thyroxine index 2.8... Range 1.4-3.8
TSH 10.10...Range 0.35.5.50 (high)

5/14/12
Thyroxine (T4) 8.6...Range 4.5-10.9
T uptake ...50.81...range 22.50-37.00 HIGH
TSH 1.03...range 0.35-5.50

I had a TT due to grave disease and a multinodular goiter
i have a appointment next week with my doctor to discuss this results, should my synthroid increase or what? I have heart palpitations and insomnia

New here and desperately need help with labs?

kandersonyle — Sat, 19 May 2012 20:12:34 GMT

I'm new here and didn't know if this should go in the newbie section or here since I have lab results. I put it here and hope it's alright.

Brief background. I'm a 25-year-old male and for the last two years have felt different symptoms. It started off where I had a lot of anxiety about everything. The anxiety made me want to sleep all the time. Then, out of nowhere, I started not being able to sleep at all, which turned into insomnia. What's been bugging me most recently is neck pain, headaches and a weird foggy head feeling. Now I have HBP and been put on meds for that. I also have dry eyes and am taking Restasis for those.

A friend of my parents who classifies herself as being very well read in thyroid swears that I have Hashimoto's. She convinced me to go see her doctor, which I'm going to have to pay out of pocket for as my insurance won't cover. His name is Dr. Douglas Brown in Brookfield, Wisconsin, don't know if anyone is familiar, but I can't get in until the end of June. I don't care about paying if it can help me feel better.

Anyway, I don't know what to make of my labs. She see's Hashimoto's, but everything is within range. Any advice I can get from this board before I shell out money to go see this doctor would be great.

FYI, these labs were taken on 11/17/2011. Dr. Brown will order new tests before I go see him, but I will take these for comparison.

TSH - 2.33 (Range: 0.27-5.50) - TSH was 1.02 on 4/16/2010

Free T4 - 1.13 (Range: 0.93-1.70) - Free T4 was 1.40 on 4/16/2010

T3 Total - 1.53 (Range: 0-2)

Thyroglobulin Ab - <20 (Range: <20)

Thyroid Perox Ab - 21 (Range: <35)

TSI - <89 (There is no range, just says <140% baseline)

The symptoms I have now are neck pain, headaches, tremor in right hand, anxiety, trouble sleeping, fatigue, foggy head feeling, dry eyes, high blood pressure, etc. because there are probably more I will like of later.

Again, any help on these labs would be great!!

Thank you so much.

Took to much Cytomel....

HOODLE — Sat, 19 May 2012 14:15:55 GMT

I took my meds this am and was not thinking. I took a whole cytomel instead of a Half!!! I know I will feel terrible today but anyway I can reduce the effects of to much med??

What do you guys think....?

teri2280 — Sat, 19 May 2012 08:04:05 GMT

Got a coaching at work yesterday. I have been up front and honest with everyone, from my immediate supervisor to my store manager (well, as best I could, since even I myself wasn't totally sure what to expect) with what to expect out of me with this RAI prep and "going hypo", and all of a sudden I'm being coached for something (I believe to be, at least) super minimal.
I'm 2 weeks out from my RAI, and where I stand now, my next "coaching" is termination. I had one that should have been revoked and it wasn't, so unless it can still be revoked (about 5-6 mos after it should have been, BUT, I and one of my close friends who also works there, have a feeling that it will be "too late") I don't see any other choice BUT to go on medical leave until after my RAI. With all of the stress I'm already under from this medical stuff and the stress my hubby is currently under (not good for him at work, either, but that's the business owner's fault, but it's one those situations where he might not have a job here shortly either), I just can NOT continue working if I'm in constant fear that I might lose my job before RAI. And the sad thing is, it's not the money from the job that I'm afraid to lose....It's by far the insurance, esp since we've already reached our out of pocket max and work will pay 100% of everything from here on out.
If they can still revoke the one that should have been revoked, great, and I'll seriously consider just working out the next 2 weeks. The thing is, though, if they're giving me coachings over stupid things now, are they going to give me more in the next couple weeks? Should I just go ahead and ask my doc about going on med. leave regardless? (Not sure that my endo, who's the one calling the shots for RAI would do it, esp. for my reasonings, but if he won't I'm pretty much certain my fam. doc. would.)
What would you do if you were in my shoes???

Radiation treatment and toenails

bluemoonguy — Sat, 19 May 2012 07:10:53 GMT

Hey folks,

So...ever since I had my I-131 treatment 2 months ago, I've noticed that my toenails (more specifically both of my big toes and the toes directly next to them) have developed both horizontal ridges in them as well as a slight discoloration as well. The discoloration transformed the fleshy color from the normal pink you would see to a lighter pink/almost a faint whitish hue. The two toes next to these are also showing signs of ridges, but not the discoloration.

My question to you all is whether or not you've experienced anything like this after your treatment? I'm going to wait a few more months to see if my toenails grow back in more normally before really getting paranoid and possibly consulting a dermatologist, podiatrist or someone who could help.

I did come across this article which mentioned, "It is common for patients with cancer to experience nail problems while undergoing radiation treatment. You may experience weakened or brittle nails. You may also find that your nails lift off or develop ridges across the nail bed. Nail issues are a side effect related to the body's exposure to radiation during treatment and are not usually permanent."

http://www.ehow.com/about_5728341_na...radiation.html

The one thing I wonder about is whether the I-131 pill is even strong enough to cause this kind of change in the toenails. My assumption is that the radiation they speak of in this article is probably more related to chemotherapy.

Anyway, I'd love to hear from you all on this.

thyroid antibodies HELP

Shannon — Sat, 19 May 2012 06:19:18 GMT

Hello I am new. I have had Hashimotos since I was 11 I am now 41. I have always kept in under control with synthroid except in my young and dumb years when I just thought I did not want to take it. :tongue0015:

My problem now is this, I have been breaking out in hives for 4 months off and on. I am on antihistamines and off and on prednisone during the worst times. I went and had all kinds of bloodwork done and they found I have high TPO antibodies and my anti IgE receptor antibody test was elevated. The allergist says that this is what is causing my hives. So has anyone else had this and does it go away? I am already on synthroid (levothyroxine) and my TSH was .58 which is normal.

ANY insight on this would be appreciated!
I am so tired of itching.

Conflicting test results. One test says I am hypo and the other test says Im hyper

dwade — Sat, 19 May 2012 02:46:48 GMT

My TSH was .015 which indicates hyperthyrodism, my thyroid ultrasound detected multiple nodules, and the iodine uptake on the thyroid uptake test was less than 1% which my doctor said was indicative of hypothyroidism. My doctor says that he has no clue as to what is going on and why I have tests indicating both hyper and hypothyrodism. He is refering me to a specialist. I have been researching and I was wondering if I could possibly have thyroiditis but I could not find any info that relates thyroiditis and nodules.

ventricular ectopics (palpitations) in hypothyroid

Cath2326 — Sat, 19 May 2012 02:27:23 GMT

Hello,

I have been having a few ventricular entopics or palpitations lately and my doctor said that is looking like I have hypothyroidism (with panic attacks sometimes). I get about 20 a day and sometimes I get more than one in a row (6 or so). I have had ecg's and blood tests and a chest xray with no heart problem shown at the moment.

What worries me is that aparently you don't get ventricular ectopics in hypothyroid. Is this true? Does anyone else get palpitations? How can a person avoid them?

Surgery countdown

rkh3 — Sat, 19 May 2012 00:11:38 GMT

Pre-ops done today, 6 days to total thyroidecomy, 5/25!

Can't wait till it's over.............

Another FNA behind me- question for you

redmoon — Fri, 18 May 2012 22:48:53 GMT

What is the significance of my growth being vascular? No one had mentioned this previously so I didn't know that it was. Just wondering if anyone has ideas before I let Dr. Google into my life.

Could I get some advice on my labs and u/s, please?

beyondjupiter — Fri, 18 May 2012 22:06:45 GMT

My previous PCP was only testing my TSH and writing me off so I found a new doctor. So here are my 10/11, 04/11 results from my old PCP and my recent labs 5/12 from my doctor.

October 2011 Results
TSH 0.47 (Range 0.50-6.00 mIU/mL)
Cholesterol 260 (Range 0-200 mg/dL)
LDL Direct 149 (Range <=100)
Vitamin D 21 (Range ng/mL)
I included the cholesterol because I know that can be affected by your thyroid, not sure about the vitamin D

April 2012 (these labs were done after I started having panic attacks)
TSH 0.272 (Range 0.450-4.500 uIU/mL)

May 2012
TSH 0.61 (Range 0.40-4.50 mIU/L)
T4, Free 1.2 (Range 0.8-1.8 ng/dL)
T3, Total 129 (Range 76-181 ng/dL)
Thyroid Peroxidase Antibodies <10 (Range <35 IU/mL)
Thyroglobulin Panel
Thyrogobulin Anitbodies <20 (Range <20 IU/mL)
Thyroglobulin 19.9 (Range 2.0-35.0 ng/mL)

ANA Negative
SED Rate 21 (Range < OR = 20 mm/h)
DHEA Sulfate 360 (Range 45-320 mcg/dL)

My estrogen was low and my testosterone was high.

May 2012 Ultrasound
Multiple small nodules throughout the thyroid, the largest is at the inferior pole of the right thyroid lobe, measuring 9x8x8 mm in cross section.

He is doing nothing right now since my ranges are "normal". Though he is referring me to an endocrinologist for further evaluation and biopsy of the nodules.

Here are my symptoms:

Anxiety
Anxiety/Panic Attacks
Depression
Frequent Urination
Dry hair, very flaky crusty scalp
Dry patches on my face (though oily and acne too, which he says is from the high testosterone)
Tired all of the time (nodding off throughout day)
Waking up multiple times during the night
Cold in hands and feet and then later overheating at the same temp
Ridges in my nails
Weight Gain and trouble losing weight
GI issues (almost like IBS, crampy diarrhea then constipation)
Heavy, painful, irregular periods
No energy/motivation to do anything
Mentally sluggish, struggling to remember things I never had a problem with before
Random joint pain (comes and goes, though my knee that keeps popping out of joint always feels sore)
Heart Palpitations (I had a 24 hour holter monitor done, while I recorded 100 they recorded 58 PVCs)
Hard time taking full breath, I feel like I have to yawn to get a full breath all of the time. I feel like I am always short of breath.
General weakness. My arms get tired when I try to hold them up to do my hair. I used to be able to walk a mile and now I get tired walking around the block.

Any help or ideas offered would be appreciated. While I am being referred to an endo, the doc also referred me to a psychologist as he thinks a lot of my symptoms are mental :(

Thank you!
Jen

Hashimotos

Airborn1 — Fri, 18 May 2012 20:11:26 GMT

Hi everyone, new to this site. I am male, 46 years old, was in great shape, ran every day.... Then suddenly about 4 months ago became really ill was hospitalized for a week, had every test in the book. Later discovered the thyroid went awry, positive for hashimotos. But around 5-7 years ago had a thyroid panel that was positive for antibodies but not symptomatic until this last year. At the time the doc said no worries it was at the early stages. Now I don't know what'd going on...my last TSH was 2.6 the endo wanted me back in 6 months to retest regardless of the symptoms I relayed to him. I have seen two endo's, one is supposed to be the best in this city...but neither is inclined to treat. Initially I had an ultrasound, no modules, enlarged thyroid, lympnodes enlarged antibodies at 1500. I went for a blood test today TSH FT3, FT4..the most bothersome symtoms for me are low energy, muscle twitches, this weird tingling sensation where it feels as though a feather is brushed across my skin but nothing is there and neck pain, both sides of thyroid area..in fact the first time I was tested 5-7 years ago, that was the only symptom was neck discomfort. I just don't know how I am going to get back to normal, or at least back to a happy place?

Newbie with need of suggestions

Mosque — Fri, 18 May 2012 18:54:47 GMT

Hi! I looking for advice. I have a long story that includes both my husband and myself. I'll start with my husbands story first. My main question for him is do you guys think I'm on the right track?
His problems started about four to five years ago. He does have high blood pressure which he is taking meds for. His symptoms include rapid heart rate (sometimes 140 per min at rest), chest pains. Which didn't always occur when his pluse was rapid. Just random. A tightness in his throat, and a "panic attack" feeling or if you will, a feel of wanting to crawl out of your skin. He has a very hard time describing the feelings he gets out of nowhere for no reason. The doctors fully worked up his heart and that is totally fine. And they also did a ultra sound on his thyroid, which came back normal as well. And since that came back normal, they basically said its anxiety and put him on lexapro. He says it helps but he still doesn't feel normal. His last blood work was done in 2009 and they stated it was normal, but I keep going back to them and say its something that should be looked into farther. He only had his TSH looked at twice.
First TSH level 1.140 (only test they ran cuz we asked them too)
Second TSH 1.260
T4 9.2
T3 uptake. 32
TPO. 468
Now my question is do you think his thyroid could be his problem? The doctor here said that even tho the TPO was high, it's normal for his age, which at the time he was 37. Or am I barking up the wrong tree? He still is fighting with all of his symptoms, and even he doesn't think it's just anxiety that's making him feel this way.
There is more to this story, but I don't want this to be so long no one will read it. I will continue with the rest if anybody is interested.

Again, sorry so long and hope to hear from you all.

meds not working anymore??

CassieDS — Fri, 18 May 2012 18:00:08 GMT

hello,

i'm currently taking 15 Methimazole (5mg 3xdaily) and 25mg of a beta blocker (cant remember the name) i've only been on these meds for 2.5 weeks and i dont feel like they're working anymore.

the first week i felt awesome, but now im feeling awful all over again; tired all the time, emotional, not sleeping, temors, nervousness, lack of interest, heart races, sore legs and that feeling like im walking through water.. and im so itchy its enough to drive me crazy...er! but no rash, accept for one that comes and goes on my neck. i called my doctor about this, but she said unless it comes back, i should be fine. just took some bendyrl and so far nothing.

i still have 4 weeks till i go get new labwork done since i've been on the meds. is it normal for methimazole to kind of bottom out? do i need a higher dose? im planning on calling my endo on monday if a restfull weekend doesn't make me feel better.

i hate feeling like this.

thanks for any info!

I'd like to comment on Muscle Pain

allowingtoo — Fri, 18 May 2012 15:11:49 GMT

Now at this point, it's just a theory, but I'll follow up when my husband starts taking the Coq10 again. DH had a heart attack and surgery and recovered well. I'd read about the benefits of Coq10 and had ordered some from Life Extension along with his other vitamins that he takes. He'd mentioned that he was out but I forgot to order them and life went on this last month or so. Oh, I also have to mention he's had both shoulders replaced with titanium ball sockets so he is in pain unless he takes a Glucosamine supplement.

So I'm still researching supplements for me and I ran across NOW Foods Red Yeast Rice Extract for my Cholesterol (I can't take Statins) but it has to be taken with the Coq10. They have several different dosages of the Coqu10 (I'm looking at the NOW Foods brand) and as I'm Googling what dosage to take - it leads me to Chronic Fatigue and Fibromyalgia! But you have to take higher than normal dosages usually, depending on where you find relief. And of course, there's that study that says that Coq10 brings relief when taken with a Statin.

That's when the light bulb moment comes in. For the last month or so, DH has been complaining about his back hurting, his shoulders hurting, this and that hurting. He's run out of the Coq10!! He's very active, he exercises and plays Golf every day. He does take a Statin of course. It seems like they put everybody on a Statin these days, doesn't it?

Since I have placed my order for the NOW Foods products I'll let you know if they work. My cholesterol is borderline @ 200+- so if it drops as dramatically as they claim it will (40 points) it will bring it within range. And I can tell when he stops complaining pretty quickly :)

Anyway, that's just my theory. From what I read, there's a lot to back it up on. If you're deficient in CoQ10 then yes, you can have pain.