Labwork...what should I be looking for as a hyperthyroid?

[Guest guest]

Hiya Elaine!

Thanks for your explanation. Sometimes I am just GRRRRR when I find

out a lab result long before the doctor, this is the second time this

has happened. The first one, for the thryoid scan/uptake was done by

a radiologist the day after I had the scan, and I didn't know the

results until two weeks later. It is highly likely the radiologist

dictated into a recording device, and there was a medical transcriber

who might have been backlogged. This time, with the FNA results, my

lab techie friend must have accessed something on the computer or

somewhere that he saw " cyst materail...no tumor. "

Anyway, I also want to ask you, and anyone else who might want to

offer their opinions. What do you look for when you are testing for

hyperthryoidism? I mean, I am due for lab work in a week, and I'd

like to know what should be tested, and what I should be aiming for

to be considered no longer hyperthryoid? I can access my medical

records for the last 3 tests done, September, January, and Feburary.

What would be considered a good level to be at. The only thing I

actually know is my thyroid uptake was 37% where the normal range was

10-25%. I don't even know my TSH, Free T4, or Free T3 whatever they

are supposed to be! Not exactly taking charge of my own health am I,

but it is just that I am seeing so many people posting their levels I

am starting to wonder exactly what I should be doing from now on. :-)

Thanks again Elaine, and all!

Ta now,

Dawna

> Dawna,

> Here's a reason for the lab delay. Although the tests are finished,

the tests

> you mentioned must be reviewed by either a radiologist or

pathologist or lab

> director before they're released. In most high tech labs, the lab

provides

> the doctors' offices with printers so the results can then be sent

directly.

> In smaller labs, often a transcriptionist must first type up the

report and

> doctor's comments, especially on a biopsy specimen. The

transcriptionist can

> be several days behind. All of this assures that your report is

reviewed for

> accuracy. Then, depending on how they generate their reports (fax,

mail,

> courier) there can be an additional delay.