GP Will Monitor Tapazole

[Guest guest]

Hi Vic,

TSI is the same as the stimulating TSH receptor antibody test (stimulating

TRAb). If you had a total TRAb, which includes blocking, stimulating and

binding antibodies and it was negative, this would indicate that you're

negative for TSI. But it's always good to look at the results. People with no

antibodies have levels of <2. If the reference range is <130, and your level

is 95, you likely do have antibodies.

People in their 50's who still have their thyroid glands show no loss of

thyroid function. Thyroid function slows down a bit in old age (70's and

80's) but it's certainly nothing close to thyroid failure. Where you might

run an FT4 of 1.5 for many years, it could fall to 1.1 in old age. Activity,

or loss of activity, is what causes the thyroid to slow down in old age.

Total T3 includes both free T3 and reverse T3. Only free T3 reacts with the

body's cells. In certain instances, like in low carb diets or prolonged

bedrest, the body produces more reverse T3 than total T3. Normally, your body

makes mostly free T3. So the total level isn't accurate. Free T3 measures the

hormone that is able to cause the effects associated with thyroid hormone.

People with GD often produce more T3 proportional to T4 so it's important to

know what your FT3 level. If you've had tests that don't show evidence of

this (T3 thyrotoxicosis), then you could just have the FT4 and TSH level most

of the time with an occasional FT3. Take care, Elaine

[Guest guest]

I am still taking the bugleweed, lemon balm, motherwort tincture and

will be until lab test (FT4, FT3, TSI) (ordered by my naturopath)

results that I will have done on November 30 are received.

I asked my GP if he would monitor me on the Tapazole if I decide to

take it (if my lab results are still high) and he agreed.

I asked him if he would be willing to ask for a FT3, but he said he

did not know why he should. I am not able to put my thoughts

together properly enough to tell him why it is necessary. (My

naturopath didn't want to do it, either, but I asked her if she

would do it, several times, and she finally agreed.)

I told my GP that noone asked for a test for TSI and would he be

willing to do it if I decide to start on Tapazole. He said it was

done, but it was called by another name, but he was unable to tell

me what the other name was for the TSI. I have had TRab, TPO and a

test with the word " thyroglobulin " . None of the antibody tests

done, so far, have shown antibodies.

I am leaning toward starting on the medication because the herbal

tincture is not reducing my symptoms. I still don't sleep well, my

heart rate is controlled by 120 mg (and some days, 180 mg) of

Inderal, and I still have heat and exercise intolerance.

He also said, because I am 54 the Grave's is just speeding up the

loss of thyroid function that would happen, anyway, eventually. I

don't know what he means by that. Can anyone comment on that?

Also, how do we explain why the FT3 is necessary instead of the T3?

And is there another three letter designation for the TSI test?

Thanks.

Diagnosed 8-20-02, Taking Herbal Tincture and Inderal. T4 3.86; T3

362 (with a range up to 181).