Graves' Disease Support Group
Graves-Basedow disease is a medical disorder that may manifest several different conditions including hyperthyroidism (over activity of thyroid hormone production), infiltrative exophthalmos (protruberance of one or both eyes and associated problems) and infiltrative dermopathy (a skin condition usually of the lower extremities). This disorder is the most common cause of...
I saw a new endo in December and immediately she recommended RAI as did the 1st endo. I left her office saying ok this is what I am going to do but now my gut tells me this is not the right thing. My question is where do I go from here? I am seeing my general dr. today and am going to see if he will order the antibodies testing which I have never had. I know I need TSI but what else do I need? I was started on Tapazole last year at 5mg 1 x day and after 4 weeks liver enzymes were up and started itching. Endo does not want me to have anti thyroid med. These are my last labs.
Free T3 3.1 (2.30-4.20
Free T4 1.29 (0.80-1.80)
TSH 0.03 (0.40-4.00)
Any advice would be greatly appreciated. I would like to work with my reg Dr. for a while if possible but don't think he knows much about Graves. Thanks so much!
Free T3 3.1 (2.30-4.20
Free T4 1.29 (0.80-1.80)
TSH 0.03 (0.40-4.00)
Any advice would be greatly appreciated. I would like to work with my reg Dr. for a while if possible but don't think he knows much about Graves. Thanks so much!
The beta blocker works with the Free T3, not the Free T4. I would suggest you be careful of eating any raw goitrogen foods as these will have an effect on both Free T3 and Free T4.
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Since you are reporting hypo symptoms and both your FreeT4 and FreeT3 levels are below mid-range, it would be appropriate for you to start taking some thyroid hormone replacement such as Synthyroid, Levoxyl, levothyroxine.
Most healthy people have FreeT4/T3 levels above mid-range and closer to 60-80% of range.
Based upon your most recent lab's ranges, this would mean FreeT4 at least 1.4 and probably closer to 1.7 and, FreeT3 at least 3.4 and possibly as high as 3.8.
So, you can see just how low your results are compared to the types of levels healthy people have.
This stuff is mentioned in thyroid textbooks but, so many doctors don't seem to remember it.
I sure hope you can get the meds you need.
PS the only thing the right antibody tests will provide is a reason for your low TSH.....doctors that understand this know to ignore your TSH as my doctor knows to do for me.
{{{hugs}}}