Re: antibody question -- Elaine again

September 9, 2003

> Having the TSI and TBII is a good way to tell if you have

stimulating and/or

> blocking TRAb. Alternately, you could have separate tests for TSI

and blocking

> TRAb; or you could have a total TRAb test--some of these quantitate

> stimulating and blocking antibodies separately, but many procedures

just give a total

> level. A high level would confirm GD and it would confirm active

TED. Take

> care, Elaine

Hi Elaine,

It's Lillie's mom, . Would you recommend that everyone ask for

these tests who has some eye involvement with GD? Lillie was given the

TSI test to confirm her diagnosis, at the beginning. Her eyes have

improved some, but are still not as they were. The ophthalmologist

(who's father has GD!) is not worried, says she's doing fine.

Would it be worthwhile to ask for the TBII or the TRab, as well?

She's just gotten new labs - a bit discouraging, as her levels have

gone up a bit again. I know we were told to expect a bit of adjusting

til the levels correct.

Her new numbers are:

9/5/03

T4 free, direct: 1.54 (0.83 - 1.44)

TSH: 0.045 (0.360 - 5.800)

T3: 172 (91-164)

The doctor suggested she go up in dosage again, to 15 mg per day of

Methimazole, so that's what she's doing, split 3 a day. (up from 10)

Doctor also suggested we get labs again in 6 weeks.

Next time I'll ask for the FREE T3!

What do you think?

(The lab previous to this one, to recap, was:

8/8/03:

T4 free, direct: .86 (0.83 - 1.44)

TSH: 0.055 (0.360 - 5.800)

T3: 113 (91-164)

Her dosage was lowered on 8/11/03, from 20 to 10 mg.)

Thank you for being he

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