Re: Labs Back, Itching, ATD's

November 22, 2002

>

> After talking to the doctor, it seems as if my T3's and T4's are

in or

> approaching normal range. These are the results:

>

> T3 T4 TSI

> 11/18 183 11.2

> 10/10 270 14.9 151%

> range 60-180 4.5-12 125% baseline

>

> I thought for certain he would lower me from 30 mg per day but when

I asked

> he said " not now,I'll see you in 3 weeks " .

Hi -

I'm sure Elaine could answer this better, but I'd say that since you

have just BARELY crept into the normal range on the T4, it might be a

good idea to stay on the dose you currently are on. I give the doc

credit that he will test you again in 3 weeks, but see if you can get

the FREE T4 and FREE T3 next time. (Or even run in NOW for a Free

T4, since you are itching so bad. Why wait 3 more weeks? A Free T4

will be much more accurate. Actually, your Total T4 could be on the

high end of normal, as it is now, and your Free T4 might be mid

range, thus making it possible for you to lower the dose a little.

If I were mid-range I'd stay at the same dose a while longer, but

then I don't have the intense itching that you do.

And get set up to where you can call for the Free T4 the next day

after the testing. It only takes a couple of hours to run the Free

T4 and most places have that " on site " - not having to send it out.

If you are still itching, remember that can also be a symptom of

overactive thyroid. I get hives when I'm nervous, regardless of what

dose of Tap I'm on, so you might want to look into relaxation

techniques, even if it's just taking a lot of deep breaths.

Actually your doc doesn't sound too bad, and you don't hear that from

me too often. He actually runs the TSI without making a big stink

about it! Just let him know that the Free T's are more accurate in

determining the dosage changes.

Chris

Recommended Posts