test results

[Guest guest]

I am forwarding your message to me to the forum so

everybody can keep abreast of what is happening to you and they don't miss any

part of your story. There may be other members who can relate to this.

Luv - Sheila

Dear Sheila.

Will

try to post information about test results and the dose i was on at the

time. my problem is the test will never match what i was feeling. when tests

are normal i feel lousy, when they say Hyper feel somewhat better

.. Dr Skinner say's i can't convert, and i think something

else is going on don't will remind you that i am taking 150mcg thyroxine.

7grains Erfa. and i am lowering the thyroxine. I tried to take away ndt a while

back with terrible results so added Erfa back in and thought at some point i

would get hyper symptoms but nothing like it. and i certainly don't

feel over again i had this and would know instantly. i infact

still have some lingering hypo symptoms'.and wondered if ijust had to swop

thyroxine for some more Erfa, But have to say not quite sure what's going on.

getting to the end of my thether. i will mention that my heart rare

is very slow, 45 bpm to 50 os so at one point a while back it was

39bpm. was diagnosed in 1979 overactive with a tsh of 0.94 don't know if

this is unusual but a lot of eyes were popping?. also my husband took my pulse

this am and thought is was worse always stuttering and worse since i lowered

dose. after 23 years i know i'am hypo but just can't get to the bottom of

this .Back in 90ish after a couple of years with dr Skinner on about

2grains or so i felt i was improving hair growing back and a lot of good thing

happening skin improving terrible headaches going away. then preacribed

Thyroxing by a young Dr at my surgery disregarded my tests because he said he

could see such a big difference in me, that unfortunately was my downfall never

could get the same results again, Sheila i will remind you again about the

antibody tests, Thyroglobulin 2264. ref range 0.40. Peroxidase 346 ref range

0.35. HELP!!!!! luv Connelly. ps don't know if sending this

correctly.

>I'm

will need to organise a private blood test to get my T3 levels, but my

other results from Tuesday are as below:

T.S.H.-

0.01

T4-

32.7 Ref Range 9-21

T3-

Not Done

Sodium-

132 Ref Range 135 to 145 (Comment on report said low but likley to improve!)

The

nurse said I would be tested again in 4 weeks.

Your free T4 is FAR too high - it is way above the top of the

range. Remind me again, are you taking thyroid hormone replacement i.e.

levothyroxine. If so, what dose are you taking? If you have been given a

diagnosis remind me again what your levels were that made them diagnose you

hypothyroid and how long ago was that? High free T4 levels with a suppressed

TSH is usually an indication of hyPERthyroidism, not hypothyroidism, so no need

for levothyroxine.

Luv - Sheila

[Guest guest]

Hi Helen - can you tell me whether you are taking any thyroid

hormone replacement(s) and have you been tested to see whether you may be

suffering with low adrenal reserve or systemic candidiasis. I am not counting

the NHS testing for cortisol because the blood test they do is only taken early

in the morning (which is no good because we need to know where your cortisol

level lies at four specific times during the day) and the short synacthen test

they do is done only to check whether you are suffering with 's Disease

or Cushing's Syndrome - which is not what we are looking for necessarily.

How are you actually feeling right now and if you still have

symptoms, exactly what are they?

No particular problem jumps out at me from the test results you

posted.

Luv - Sheila

I posted quite a while ago, and it's taken me this long to get tested and get

my results!

Brief summary, I have struggled with Chronic Fatigue for 7/8 years and that's basically

my main complaint.

I've had a number of tests done now, all which have come back as 'normal' - so

would be grateful for any opinions. The ferritin and B12 a much higher than

previous tests because I was taking a large dose of iron (and vit. c) and B12.

I have since stopped them.

I have been to see a nutritionist and we're working on balancing my blood sugar

and she reakons it's that that is causing my problems.

Test Results:

17th January 2011

TEST RESULT RANGE

[Guest guest]

Hi Mandy, Taking T4 on the day of the test won't affect results as much as taking T3 which can double the result! But you don't give range- it does vary, but assuming 9-22 or 12-24 it isn't that great and plenty room for a dose increase to see if it helps. You should be able to go for a couple of days without taking T4 before you start to feel the difference- it takes 5-9 days before T4 levels reduce by half- so this is another pointer to undermedication- how much are you taking- full replacment doses are generally 125- 150mcg. How are you on the vitamins and minerals front? this can also affect the way your body utilised thyroid meds if levels are low- see the forum files for lots more useful info. Candida and poor adrenal function can also do the same. > thyroid treatment > From: amanda.jennings@...> Date: Fri, 13 May 2011 08:48:47 +0000> Subject: Test results> > Hi all,> > Just received letter from my Lupus consultant who also tests my thyroid - the results are 12.4 T4 isn't that a bit low and I took it on the day of the test as I don't see him until 2.00 ish and I can't go that long without taking my meds.> > Any ideas> > Best wishes> > Mandy> > > > ------------------------------------> > TPA is not medically qualified. Consult with a qualified medical practitioner before changing medication.> >

[Guest guest]

Hi ,

Thanks for your reply - unfortunately I am not given the range of T4 in his letter - but feel under medicated always have - I am on 105 mg of ERFA - can't seem to get the dosage up even by a small amount with sweating profusely and flying off the handle on a regular basis.

My vits and minerals are checked on a regular basis and last time they were done my zinc selenium COQ10 B12 and magnesium were all OK - ferritin was a little low but been taking that for over 3 months so no reason for that to be low still.

I just can't work it all out - should I take a little more T4 do you think

Any advice would be great

Best wishes

Mandy

[Guest guest]

What was the TSH test results (with ref. range) and free T3

result Mandy. free T4 alone tells us nothing apart from the fact that yes, it

is low. For somebody not taking thyroid medication, it should be just above the

middle of the reference range. For somebody taking thyroid hormone replacement

it should be in the upper third of the reference range. We need those other

results.

Luv - Sheila

,

Just received letter from my Lupus consultant who also tests my thyroid - the

results are 12.4 T4 isn't that a bit low and I took it on the day of the test

as I don't see him until 2.00 ish and I can't go that long without taking my

meds.

Any ideas

Best wishes

Mandy

[Guest guest]

Thanks Sheila I will call and find out on Monday

Best wishes

Mandy

[Guest guest]

Mandy, have you done the 24 hour salivary adrenal profile

through Genova Diagnostics. If not, I would highly recommend you get this done.

No amount of thyroid hormone, whether the mainly inactive thyroxine, or the

active T3 can be fully utilised at the cellular level if you have low adrenal

reserve, and it must be treated if you are suffering with this. If your

minerals/vitamins are checked on a regular basis, can you remember the results

of your vitamin B12, vitamin D3, folate and copper ? Something is wrong out

there that is stopping your thyroid hormone from working and this needs to be

found (and can only be found) through a process of elimination.

Please see attached document.

Luv - Sheila

Thanks

for your reply - unfortunately I am not given the range of T4 in his letter -

but feel under medicated always have - I am on 105 mg of ERFA - can't seem to

get the dosage up even by a small amount with sweating profusely and flying off

the handle on a regular basis.

My

vits and minerals are checked on a regular basis and last time they were done

my zinc selenium COQ10 B12 and magnesium were all OK - ferritin was a little

low but been taking that for over 3 months so no reason for that to be low

still.

I

just can't work it all out - should I take a little more T4 do you think

1 of 1 File(s)

Why thyroid hormone stops working (2).doc

[Guest guest]

Sheila on second thoughts would it be OK for me to take extra T4 - I can't take any extra ERFA without profuse sweating - flying off the handle - nothing else though no palpitations etc.- I must admit when I do take extra my excess weight seems to start falling off.

Something is wrong - do I need extra T4?

Best wishes

Mandy

[Guest guest]

>

> Hello everyone,

>

> These are my test results that were taken in March of this year..

>

>

> THYROID STIMULATING HORMONE 4.09 mIU/L 0.27- 4.2

>

>

> FREE THYROXINE 15.3 pmol/l 12.0 - 22.0

>

>

> FREE T3 5.0 pmol/L 3.1 - 6.8

>

>

> I have been tested for thyroid antibodies - test came back negative. I spoke

to Sheila who advised me that I don't seem to have a conversion problem so why

is my TSH so high?

>

> Thanks.

>

Sorry to bump this up again but I'm wondering if anyone has had similar results

to mine or know of anyone who has? Could thyroid medication still help me with

results like these?I'm having a lot of hypothyroid symptoms but I'm also read

that my symptoms could also be related to disorders like Insulin resistance and

Fibromyalgia - I'm really confused. I'm going to be talking to Dr P on

Wednesday but before then I'd be really grateful for any thoughts?

Thank you

[Guest guest]

Hi

Looking at the your T4 and T3 your about spot on, however your TSH is higher

than it should be for these hormone levels.

I would expect someone with your hormone levels to be much lower.

It could be that you are going through a " recovery phase " from a non-thyroidal

illness, do you suffer from any other health concerns ?

Yours

neil

[Guest guest]

>

> Hi

>

> Looking at the your T4 and T3 your about spot on, however your TSH is higher

than it should be for these hormone levels.

>

> I would expect someone with your hormone levels to be much lower.

>

> It could be that you are going through a " recovery phase " from a non-thyroidal

illness, do you suffer from any other health concerns ?

>

> Yours

> neil

>

Good Morning Neil,

Yes, the T4 and T3 look okay so I'm a bit confused as to why my TSH is high.

I'm going through menopause at the moment which has been pretty tough and my

testosterone levels are elevated due to polysystic ovarian syndrome. I haven't

been diagnosed with any illness as such except to say my doctor has considered

diagnosing me with fibromyalgia in the past -- That's about it! I am an enigma

it seems!

[Guest guest]

Hi mandy, Have you checked on the other things that can affect absorption- adrenal and candida both spring to mind. thyroid treatment From: amanda.jennings@...Date: Fri, 13 May 2011 13:00:56 +0100Subject: Re: Test results

Hi ,

Thanks for your reply - unfortunately I am not given the range of T4 in his letter - but feel under medicated always have - I am on 105 mg of ERFA - can't seem to get the dosage up even by a small amount with sweating profusely and flying off the handle on a regular basis.

My vits and minerals are checked on a regular basis

Mandy

[Guest guest]

You should be increasing your Armour by half a grain every 3 to

4 weeks until you find the spot where you feel terrific. Three months is far

too long between increases. Your endo. obviously knows little to nothing about

natural thyroid extract. Read the document in our FILES SECTION under 'All

Natural Thyroid Extract' and in that folder, click on the one entitled 'How to

Use Natural Thyroid Extract' and read everything there, and follow the

instructions. In fact, I have attached it here for you. Unless you have a heart

problem, the recommended increase is half a grain and not a quarter - which

will only serve to delay your wellness.

Luv - Sheila

am on 1 1/2 grains armour for past 3 months and

feeling a bit better. dont think endo will agree to an increase in dose.

latest test results:TSH 0.04 ref range 0.38-4.70

FT4 14 ref range 10-23

FT3 4.8 ref range 2.7-6.6

Endo thinks i might have CFS. He might be right, but am thinking of increasing

my dose by 1/4 grain.

comments please. alex

1 of 1 File(s)

A22.HOW TO TREAT WITH NATURAL THYROID EXTRACT.doc

[Guest guest]

Thanks Shelia, only problem is:letter arrived from endo today, he wants me to

reduce dose to 1 grain and 1 1/2 grains on alternate days and for me to have a

blood test in 2 to 3 months. How would I conceal from him that I had'nt followed

his instructions? Perhaps I should simply be done with him and self medicate. If

I did that how would I monitor my FT3 and FT4?

Thanks .

>

> You should be increasing your Armour by half a grain every 3 to 4 weeks

> until you find the spot where you feel terrific. Three months is far too

> long between increases. >

>

>

>

>

>

>

> am on 1 1/2 grains armour for past 3 months and feeling a bit better. dont

> think endo will agree to an increase in dose.

> latest test results:TSH 0.04 ref range 0.38-4.70

> FT4 14 ref range 10-23

> FT3 4.8 ref range 2.7-6.6

> Endo thinks i might have CFS. He might be right, but am thinking of

> increasing my dose by 1/4 grain.

> comments please. alex

>

[Guest guest]

It is always worrying when doctors titrate their patients dose

of thyroid hormone replacement according to serum thyroid function test

results. Problem is that with natural thyroid extract, you cannot do this,

because you are now taking the thyroid hormones T4 (which is mainly INACTIVE),

the ACTIVE thyroid hormone T3, and the ACTIVE thyroid hormones T2 and T1. T3

has a very short half life and peaks in the blood between 2 to 4 hours after

taking it, so you would get a different result if you took your thyroid hormone

replacement when you got up and then got your blood tested that morning, to the

result you would get if you had the test done later in the day, and different

again if you didn't take your NDT that morning at all before you had your blood

drawn. The only way to titrate your dose when taking a T3 hormone containing

product is to go by your symptoms. If you are still suffering, increase the

dose by half a tablet. If you get symptoms of having taken too much, i.e.

palpitations, sweating, dizziness, feeling spaced-out and generally, symptoms

of hyperthyroidism, then you decrease your NDT by half a grain and these

symptoms will subside within a few hours completely.

I have heard of so many of our members being 'guided' to stop or

reduce their NDT (or even synthetic T3) by doctors who know little to nothing

about how T3 works, and the little knowledge they do have is usually wrong, or gleaned

from the pages of the British Thyroid Association's statements about the

diagnosis and management of hypothyroidism, which is misleading, and in parts,

downright incorrect. We have seen too many of our members health that has gone

into a decline, and who have then found it really very difficult to get back to

the point they were feeling well again, that I would only take the

recommendations of somebody who knows about how T3 and natural thyroid hormone

extract works - and the majority of NHS endocrinologists actually do not know.

It is entirely up to you , but I would not put my health at

risk by titrating your dose according to what a bit of paper tells your

endocrinologist - just to please him/her. I would go by how I was feeling and

what symptoms were going away.

Luv - Sheila

Thanks Shelia, only problem is:letter arrived

from endo today, he wants me to reduce dose to 1 grain and 1 1/2 grains on

alternate days and for me to have a blood test in 2 to 3 months. How would I

conceal from him that I had'nt followed his instructions? Perhaps I should

simply be done with him and self medicate. If I did that how would I monitor my

FT3 and FT4?

Thanks .

>

> You should be increasing your Armour by half a grain every 3 to 4 weeks

> until you find the spot where you feel terrific. Three months is far too

> long between increases. >

>

>

>

>

>

>

> am on 1 1/2 grains armour for past 3 months and feeling a bit better. dont

> think endo will agree to an increase in dose.

> latest test results:TSH 0.04 ref range 0.38-4.70

> FT4 14 ref range 10-23

> FT3 4.8 ref range 2.7-6.6

> Endo thinks i might have CFS. He might be right, but am thinking of

> increasing my dose by 1/4 grain.

> comments please. alex

>

[Guest guest]

My 55 year old husband was diagnosed with CLL about five

months ago. Originally was considered Stage 1 and it could

be many years before he would need treatment. We have

requested a series of tests (FISH, ZAP70, CD38 and B2M) to

give us a better idea at what exactly we were looking at.

What does the " percentage (%) represent with each number in

the FISH test, i.e., 54% 13q or 12.5% 17p? From what I

understand in the perfect world we would rather see numbers

only in the " 13q " column. My question is would 12.5%

indicate a high level of 17p. Is there a difference if it

was 1% versus 50%???

Regard,

svmonat

[Guest guest]

Since you are planning on having certain tests, be sure to

include the IgVH test. It will tell you if his cll is

mutated or unmutated, 2 very different predictors.

Ellen

svmonat wrote:

/message/16010

[Guest guest]

Welcome to the forum and I hope you will

get all the help and support that you need. ACTH is very low at 5 ng/l. This is consistent

with secondary hypoadrenalism. As isolated ACTH deficiency is extremely rare, so

your endocrinologist should search for other possibilities e.g. have you been

taking any prednisolone/cortisol or other adrenal stimulants prior to referral?

It is normal to get a repeat short synacthen test 1 month later.

Free T4 is NOT borderline, it is

practically non-existent. When not taking any thyroid hormone replacement a

person's free T4 should be just above the middle of the reference range, and

the reference range is often in the region of 10 to 24. This would mean that

your free T4 should be somewhere around 16 or 17 for you to feel good. This

shows in your TSH of 2.08 (watch this doesn't start to rise). It should be

around 1.0 but doctors should listen to their patients symptoms and check their

signs, family history and do a thorough clinical examination. Blood tests alone

should never be relied on in reaching a diagnosis.

Free T3 is the active thyroid hormone and

is what every cell in the body and brain need to make them function. It should

be in the upper third of the reference range but yours is in the lower third.

Serum potassium could be higher, but you

can boost this by eating banana's/ tomatoes etc. and you can take supplements

if it starts to go low. Are you on any diuretics?

B12 should be right at the top of the

range, and you might do better if you take a course of Solgar B12 sublingual

caplets 1000mcgs daily. A|lso, take large doses of vitamin C, i.e. 3/4000mgs

which will help with absorption and will do both adrenals and thyroid a great

service.

Also, your ferritin of 30 is too low and

should be above 90. Don't these doctors know anything?

When you say all other tests were normal -

were you told this or did you check the levels yourself against the reference

range for each test done.

What about vitamin D3, magnesium, copper,

zinc, iron, transferring saturation%. And no, you know very well you are

not being hypochondriac - when doctors don't know how to treat your symptoms,

they tend to blame the patient - that is a cop-out - doctors need to do more

research.

You should ask to be referred to an

endocrinologist of your choice as GP's seem to forget they are not specialists

in thyroid disease or any other disease for that matter. This is why we have

consultants - so we can have a consultation with them to get the benefit of

their expertise.

Luv - Sheila

Hello, I am new to this forum. I have

many symptoms of low thyroid and low adrenals (low body temp, cold, fatigue,

slow achilles reflex), but all my blood tests are normal according to my endo.

I am concerned that my ACTH is 5 (< 47) and free T4 is bordeline low (10). I

am also coeliac. My ferritin is 30 (13-300).