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Old 10-23-2012, 11:44 AM
Stellatum Stellatum is offline
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Join Date: Feb 2010
Posts: 1,215
15 yr Member
Stellatum Stellatum is offline
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Feb 2010
Posts: 1,215
15 yr Member
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When I had my first two SFEMGs, they tested muscles in my arms and legs. For my third, the doctor tested muscles in my face around my eyes, even though I protested that these muscles weren't weak. He said that MG affects every muscle in the body, and it was this third SFEMG that gave me the diagnosis.

If you have the SFEMG, BE WARM. You've already noticed that cool weather makes you stronger. If you're chilly in the exam room, ask them for a heating pad to warm whatever muscle is being tested. Also, don't go in caffeinated, and you might consider not going in totally well rested. I don't mean to put yourself in danger from too much exertion, but a little walk beforehand might be helpful.

Re: thyroid tests: My understanding is that there is a lag on the TSH test (a TSH test tells you the state of your thyroid function a few weeks before the test), but there is no lag on the T4 and T3 tests. Just something to keep in mind.

But listen, if your TSH and T4 and T3 tests are all low...that should make your endo pay attention. You say your TSH is suppressed because you're taking T3, so your body doesn't need to produce TSH to stimulate your thyroid. This sounds strange to me. Maybe it's different if you take T3, but the people I know on synthroid (including half my family) still have normal TSH levels. In fact, their response to the synthroid is measured according to their TSH. I am no expert, but I would think that labs like yours would suggest that your pituitary gland should be checked out. I hesitate to mention it because I'm sure your endo has thought of it, and if he hasn't considered it, he probably has good reason. But it's worth asking about.

I'm so sorry you're in the middle of a complicated, confusing, scary, undiagnosed mess of an illness like this. It's not a nice place to be. I hope you get answers soon.

Abby


Quote:
Originally Posted by MrsCosh View Post
Thank you Abby for telling me this.
My muscle weakness is just how you described - being unable to get up, collapsing suddenly! Although it is better this week now it is cooler and I am not doing anything!

I might be having the single fibre EMG in late november but I rang the hospital and they said they don't know what tests I'll have. What muscles did they test when they did yours?

My TSH is suppressed and my T4 very low and my T3 a bit high - but it was low a few months ago. When it was low the endo said it was only a reflection of when I had last taken my dose (which was the night before). He then said he would not bother testing TSH etc again. Of course he did test and I had taken a T3 dose about 1hr before the blood test - hence my higher result (just over top of the range - 7.9 rather than 7). I have tried several times to cut back on my hypoT meds in order to get some response from my TSH, but nothing happens and I get pretty unwell with hypoT symptoms - I end up with practically zero TSH, T3 and T4. Hence the decision not to test...
I end up feeling like the naughty girl who takes too much medicine!

Thanks again for your help,

MrsC
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