Male, 45 years old, got Lyme last spring, went undiagnosed for a few months, killed it with high-dose Doxy. Have slowly worsening symptoms of thyroid problems: hair loss/thinning, fatigue, brain fog, circles under eyes, constipation, sensitivity to cold.
In July when I had full-blown Lyme, my TSH was 3.25. I got it tested 3 weeks ago, and it was 4.25. Tested again 3 days ago, and it was 5.15. My symptoms have worsened during this time.
At that last test 3 days ago, they also tested "free T4" which was 1.06. Normal range is supposedly 0.9 to 1.9.
I told the doctor that thyroid meds seemed to make sense. He replied that no doctor in the country would write me a prescription based on those blood test results.
I have an appointment with another MD in 2 days. What other tests should I ask for? T3? Free T3 (is there a difference?) The last MD said T3 testing wasn't necessary.
Posted by sixgoofykids (Member # 11141) on :
My LLMD prescribed thyroid and my TSH was only 3.8. I don't know what my other numbers were, but his opinion was that many feel better if their number is closer to 1.
Posted by tricia386 (Member # 29623) on :
Yes there is a difference! You should get these Free t3 Free t4 TSH Total t3 Total t4
Also have them test for Hashimoto/Grave antibodies!
I have Hashimoto I know alot about thyroid issues as i though tthis was my problem all along. but i never got better on medicine and loan behold i have lyme. ANYWAYS
you will also want to check into adernal fatigue however most mainstream doctors dont believe in it. Let me know if you have any other questions I know a lot on this topic!
Posted by rmsfnc (Member # 27539) on :
You need a new endocrinologist. Mine said everyone reacts differently to their levels being off. Mine was sooo borderline but my clinical symptoms and propanalol helped tremendously with those symptoms. He was verry Lyme friendly. Now with Lyme treatment, my Thyroid levels have been normal for 3 months without propanalol. So my point is that if you are symptomatic and your levels are off at all, a good endocrinologist should treat you as an individual and not a lab #.
Posted by Lymeorsomething (Member # 16359) on :
I agree. Get a second opinion. There are new thyroid standards.
Posted by feelfit (Member # 12770) on :
consider iodine/iodide? Iodoral? Lugol's? do some research...I am. Google Dr. Guy Abrahams and the Iodine Project...very interesting studies.
Posted by lymednva (Member # 9098) on :
My LLMD diagnosed me with Non Thyroidal Illness Syndrome last winter. For this you also need a T3 re-uptake test. The article explains it, and with my bad cognitive problems I can understand it, so you should be able to.
In fact my LLLMD is now managing my thyroid meds and has not suggested I see my endo, who probably would tell me there is no such thing.
Endo likes to be the expert and already tells me there is no such thing as adrenal fatigue. He hasn't even seen the tests, but would probably dismiss them as hogwash, since they are saliva tests.
Your TSH is way too high! I can't understand why this doctor didn't put you on meds.
Posted by Lonestartick (Member # 2151) on :
TickBit
You might be interested in the about dot com's thyroid website and the information patient-advocate Mary Shomon has written about hypothyroidism. Her advocacy has resulted in a panel being available for patients to order themselves via My Med Lab provided by Lab Corp, which is the same lab most doctors offices use.
She has a plethora of information at the about.com website. The panels she recommends include testing for anti thyroid antibodies as well as reverse T3, which is the inactive form.
There may still be a forum where you could post and ask patients or moderators directly. I found a great deal of help at their forum in the past, but it's been a long time since I've needed their information and the website layout seems to have changed a bit.
Best of luck to you finding answers. From my own personal experience, addressing thyroid issues when hypothyroid is a problem can be very beneficial.
Posted by FYRECRACKER (Member # 28568) on :
i just started reading this book:
"why do i still have thyroid symptoms? when my lab tests are normal" by Datis Kharrazian.
No idea if this is a great read or not, but the ONLY person i know of in my town highly recommended it. She was undiagnosed for about 13 years and started treating around 2 years ago. she still struggles but she said this book helped alot.
Worth a gander maybe? Good Luck Posted by CD57 (Member # 11749) on :
Should Iodine be avoided if you have auto-immune issues?
I'm thinking so.
Posted by Lemon-Lyme (Member # 19229) on :
quote:Originally posted by TickBit: I told the doctor that thyroid meds seemed to make sense. He replied that no doctor in the country would write me a prescription based on those blood test results.
Like others have mentioned, find a new doctor. The tests others have listed are the ones to get: Free T3/T4, TSH and antibodies.
Sort of weird that your doctor dismisses your TSH numbers, as most labs would list a TSH over 5 as being abnormal. Some labs consider over 4 abnormal, while some endos feel anything over 3 is rather suspect.
My numbers were a bit better than yours, with a TSH around 3-3.5. But I also tested positive for antibodies and my thyroid scan showed my thyroid was getting fat and lumpy. I suggest asking for a thyroid ultrasound too, as if your thyroid is large, lumpy or has nodules, I expect most docs would start you on at least low dose synthroid.
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