Elaine

[Guest guest]

Hi Elaine

Thanks for this. My daughter is also a Asthmatic what information do you have on

Asthma and Graves?

I also would like to ask you about blood tests this is my daughters latest

I think I am reading it right

Serum T3 3.47* nmol/L 1.2-2.8

Sensitive TSH 0.86 mU/L 0.25-2.5

Serum T4 95 nmol/L 55-140

Free T4 index 76 55-160

None of it really makes sense at all. When I wrote a while back you told me to

ask the Doctor about a Liver Function Test and a complete Blood count which we

had done on the 6th of this month.

I had been told when at the hospital if the test came back with a * next to a

number something was not right with the test results

With the blood count test next to the

Eosinophils we have 12 % = 0.96 b/L * ( < 0.61)

I have no idea what that is or what it means. I would appreciate any help you

can give and a good book that may help me to understand the blood tests. I have

ordered your book hopefully it will arrive soon. So I have no idea if it has

some information on blood tests.

I hope you can get the vasculitis under control and hope you send a bill to you

skin specialist for getting it wrong.

Thank you and take care.

Regards

Carole

Re: Elaine

Hi Carole,

Many antihistamines, like pseudoephedrine and chlorpheneramine, stimulate the

sympathetic nervous system, raising pulse and blood pressure. These can make

the effects of hyperthyroidism worse.

Some of the newer drugs like Claritin don't cross the blood-brain barrier and

don't have this effect.

If you have thyroid eye disease or any eye symptoms, antihistamines and nasal

decongestants should be avoided because they contribute to dryness, making

symptoms worse.

If your thyroid hormone levels are in good control and you have no eye

symptoms, you can use antihistamines, but it's still better to use the newer

products. If you look at the labels on most over-the-counter antihistamines

you'll

see the warning about not using them if you have thyroid disease. Take care,

Elaine

[Guest guest]

Hi Carole,

The total T3 can be slightly elevated because it also measures binding

protein levels. A better test would be the free T3 level (FT3). Even so, the

normal

TSH shows that your daughter is not producing too much thyroid hormone for her

needs. The thyroid function tests look good.

When we do a complete blood count (CBC) we measure the white blood cell (WBC)

count and also the red blood cell (RBC) count as well as the components that

make up or are associated with RBC production. RBCs are low in anemia. WBCs

primarily control and reflect the immune response. Like subjected to the stress

of broken bones or infection, the WBC count rises. In people on ATDs, you want

to make sure WBC doesn't get too low or you won't have good immune system

protection.

There are several different WBCs. Mostly, we have segmented neutrophils or

granulocytes and lymphocytes. We also have smaller numbers of monocytes,

eosinophils and basophils. And we can also see other immature, abnormal cells.

Eosinophils are primarily elevated in allergies, and they can also be

elevated in parasitic infections and other conditions.

With allergies being a major cause of asthma, your daughter's elevated eo

count is likely caused by seasonal or other allergies.

Allergies that are poorly controlled cause the immune system to work harder.

When the immune system is stimulated in this way, symptoms in autoimmune

diseases like GD often worsen. Many of the meds that help in reducing asthamatic

symptoms like prednisone or steroid inhalers like Vanceril work by slowing the

immune system down and reducing inflammation. It's suspected that drugs like

Singulair also help since they block the allergic response. It's important that

your daughter limit exposure to allergens or keep them in good control.

One of the best sites for lab tests is

http://hsc.virginia.edu/medicine/clinical/pathology/labtests/index.htm

Take care, Elaine

[Guest guest]

Hi Elaine

I hope one day to under stand these tests but I have a feeling it may take me a

while. Thank you for taking the time to get back to me.

If the thyroid function test looks good why would they add another 2.5mg to her

tablet taking? Is this because the T3 wasn't quite right.

What is the difference between the free T3 and the serum T3. I notice they did

both for the T4 test. Is this something I should ask to be done next time she

has a blood test done.

I went looking for the eosinophils on the internet and thought it may have to do

with her allergies which have been alot worse since being on the carbimazole.

Thanks again

Take care

Carole