Please Help me Understand...

iVillage Member
Registered: 06-25-2004
Please Help me Understand...
12
Fri, 06-25-2004 - 2:24pm
Last Wednesday GYN noticed an enlarged thryoid and sent me for blood work. TSH is 3.73, free T4 is 0.9, free T3 won't be available until Monday. From this, they are saying levels are "normal"; however due to the enlargement he is having an ultrasound performed next Tuesday. Could the T3 level alone indicate a problem? I was actually hoping for some out-of-whack numbers since I've gained 15 lbs (although I do Pilates or Taebo at least 3 times a week and walk at least 2 miles per day and eat relatively healthy) and some days feel like I've been run over by a truck and been frustated by some brain fog lately. My brother and grandmother are both medicated for Hypo as well. I've also had several bouts of laryngitis, thinning hair and dry skin. Please help me understand what normal #s, yet an enlargement might mean -- and if perhaps the T3 level alone could spell "trouble". Thank you!! p.s. Just started corticosteroids today for poison ivy. Do you think this will affect the ultrasound results 5 days from now?? (On steroids for 6 days)

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iVillage Member
Registered: 06-25-2004
Tue, 07-06-2004 - 2:32pm
I just got back from my initial ENDO visit. He took down a list of my symptoms and eventually wants to do an ultrasound of his own once they get a machine of their own (in the process) so that he can look at the nodules himself because the report didn't tell him how big they are. After all that and feeling my throat (where he could definitely feel the goiter on the right) he announced "I think I know what you might have". Hashimoto's. So thanks, Lisa, for that information you passed on! :) He sent me to the lab. However, due to my vacation and his vacation I can't get back in to see him until the 28th. He did say that if the blood test indicated such, he would start me on meds. Good news is that I think we're finally making some progress!! :)
iVillage Member
Registered: 11-09-2001
Tue, 07-06-2004 - 5:48pm
Hi Stephanie - I'm so glad that you're getting closer to being treated!! It's too bad that you have 2 vacations in the way of getting medication sooner but at least you're on the right track! Cathy :)

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