Hi everyone, needing some advice here. I do not want to walk into the doctor's office not knowing anything and blindly accepting everything he says. So, here's what I know. I had a thyroid panel ran in December and I just had a 2nd one ran this last week. The numbers didn't change much, although I have heard you need to have a panel ran 3 times for comparison. The doctor told me my numbers are, "within range" and that's all he said. I had to practically beg to have an antibodies test done and when the results came back, he referred me to an endo.

Dec TSH 1.97 range 0.40-5.50 April TSH 2.56
T4 Free 1.1 range 0.8-1.8 didn't do

T4 total 9.3 range 4.5-12.0 ug/dL 7.9

T3 Uptake 27.2 range 22.0-35.0 29.4

T4 Free calculated 2.53 range 1.53-3.85 2.32

T3 Total 140 range 60-181 140

Antibioties 69.9 <35. wasn't done in Dec.

This time I requested an antibodies test be done, it wasn't a suggestion from my doctor. All my doc wanted to do was increase my Celexa. Sad, isn't it?
The doc recommends I see an endocrinologist--I have an appt on May 17th.

What should I know, what should I ask, what should I tell them about? It's hard, I also have celiac disease, (gluten free for almost 7 yrs) and I have peripheral neuropathy. Which symptoms belong to which is very confusing. I have swelling on the inside of both legs just above my ankles and just above both wrists, is that thyroid? I know the fatigue is, the brain fog, the weight gain, constant headaches, and maybe even my anxiety.

I do not want to walk in not knowing anything. Any suggestions?

and found out [aint' hindiste wonderful?] I've Hashit's Auto-I. Soo, one has to ask, which came first? Egg or chicken? Since they didn't TEST, they can't say...therefore, all subsequent tests are all plain old DAMAGE CONTROL? Based on sonos, x-rays, etc. docs, never connected some dots. I for one could have avoided lots of after-effects/side-effects if they had? But, think on it this way..damage IS Done, let's go forth to find out HOW best! Best is the key word on how to get the mess cleared up!

I can only refer you to web sites that I've found useful for all the myriad of conditions I either actually have, or seem to have...[not to mention the 'suspects'] One thing I've found, is that there ARE boards out there of good folks who aren't necessarily on these particular boards...who give as good as so many here.

I too, have those seemingly 'bad-fitting-shoes'? They hurt, but, nothing cant' be fixed..just a matter of finding which/what to fix!..Don't know about you, but ANY relief, is just that...RELIEF! - j

deb...i'm going to pm mrsd with the link to the thread. i;m not sure if she would see it. maybe she can help. she is pretty awesome.

Thank you--both of you. I am a member of the About.com thyroid forum--I put a similiar thread in that forum on Monday night, and as of this morning, no one had responded . I would love answers, thank you.

deb, feel free to post this on some of our other forums too. maybe the General or Medications, since you listed what you are taking.

let's keep this bumped up...so more will see it.

Hi Deb,

Not sure I can help much but it does look like your thryoid TSH is rising slowly and your antibodies are slightly elevated. My antobodies are at 99 but still not high. Seems like possibly you have Hashimotos but seeing and endo is a good thing.

I will go back and check where my other values are versus yours. I have Hashi's. The thyroid meds gave me back some of my energy. Make sure you also ask your doc for a thryoid ultrasound as a baseline. I also had several fine needle aspirations which were negative. But your endo will be able to help make that decision. I actually found my endo of the thyroid info site which has a list of top thryoid docs.

The good thing is that the thryoid is a slow moving organ so change is slow which is good.

I wish you the best.

The doc I am going to see was a recommendation from the doc I work for. I figure who better to ask, he wants me going where I will get the best help so I continue working at my best for him . I hope he's a good doctor. Truthfully, I think thyroid has been an issue for me for a long time now, just didn't know to look for it. That's why we have doctor's, isn't it?