Guest guest Posted May 22, 2003 Report Share Posted May 22, 2003 Hello Everyone, It has been a long time since I posted! I've just been following my normal regiment of PTU for the last few months and everything seems fine. Anyway, after way too long I finally had the TSI test done. Now, I know I was supposed to have this test, but I'm not sure what it means. Does it indicate whether or not I have Graves related hyperthyroidism? Also, is it some sort of indication of remission? Anyway, here are my most recent labs... Any insight would be much appreciated (TSH is missing because the lab screwed up, but it has consistently been <.05 since I was diagnosed), especially with regard to the TSI: T3 Uptake - 27.0 (27 - 37) FT3 - 2.79 (2.30 - 4.20) FT4 - 1.12 (.76 - 1.76) TSI - 126/High (125 or less) I was also curious about the possibility that I am beginning to go hypo. I am doing BRT and as of yet am still only taking PTU because we're waiting for the right time to introduce Synthroid. I see my labs getting closer and closer to the low end of normal. And I am starting to feel a little " off. " I get cold more easily, headaches are coming back, tired a lot & I have gained 20lbs. in 7 months (but that could also just be the PTU... I gained weight last time I was initially diagnosed as well). Also, I wanted to mention that on my labs with regard to the TSI it says " This test was developed and its performance characteristics determined by Quest Diagnostics Nichols Institute. It has not been cleared or approved by the U.S. FDA. The FDA has destermined that such clearance or approval is not necessary. Performance characteristics refer to the analytical performance of the test. " What on earth does that mean? Anyway, thanks so much for your help and insight. I hope everyone is doing well! Thanks, Clair Diagnosed with Graves 1995 Treated with BRT/Remission 1997 Relapse diagnosed 10/02 50mg PTU 3x a day since 10/02 as part of BRT Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 22, 2003 Report Share Posted May 22, 2003 Hi Clair, Your FT3 and FT3 are on the low end of the normal range, and many people feel best with levels near the high end of the range. This could account for your symptoms. You may need your meds adjusted. Quest Diagnostics is one of the top reference labs in the country. Your results show that you still have a high TSI level, meaning that you're not in remission. TSI are thyroid antibodies produced by your immune system. TSI directly activate thyroid cells, causing them to produce and release excess thyroid hormone. Without your ATD, you would be hyperthyroid. The Performance Characteristics indicate that the test is used by a small segment of the population and there isn't a need for the FDA to establish testing guidelines. Many tests remain in this category. It also means that there isn't a commercial kit for this test that would require permormance testing by different labs to evaluate it. Take care, Elaine Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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