Latest lab results confusing...

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Registered: 03-25-2003
Latest lab results confusing...
4
Mon, 02-07-2005 - 12:16pm

Looking for some thoughts on my latest labs. I'm kind of swinging around right now with my postpartum thyroiditis so maybe this is usual...

Back in December my TSH was 8.8. and T4 was .7. I started on a low dose of synthroid at that time and was just retested last week. Now, my TSH is 1.0 but my T4 is up to 2.5. I believe these T4 tests are Free T4 if I remember correctly.

My doctor wants to see me again in a month and retest then but he seem a bit puzzled by the T4 change. Does anyone have any thoughts on this? Does it seem 'normal' for it to vary once I start taking the medication? Prior to my December test, I was in a hyperthyroid state - TSH was 0 and T4 was 1.5 for tests done in October and NOvember.

Val

Val, Anika, Diego and Vincent Photobucket
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Registered: 05-19-2004
Mon, 02-07-2005 - 2:07pm

How do you feel?


Avatar for thinkingpos
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Registered: 03-25-2003
Mon, 02-07-2005 - 2:58pm

You know, the doctor asked me that also and I have a hard time answering that LOL! I have a 7 1/2 mo old DS that wakes me up no less than 5-6 times per night, we just all had the stomach flu, now we have colds....so I feel pretty crappy ROFL! But, I honestly can't say what's from the sickness and lack of sleep and how much is me. I did tell the doctor that for a few days last week I would get dizzy in the late afternoon/early evening. Again, I don't know if it was from being sick earlier in the week or just plain tired from real lack of sleep. Plus I have a lot of stress in my life right now.

Last time I went through postpartum thyroiditis I didn't take any meds so this is new for me.

Thanks for any thoughts!!!!

Val

Val, Anika, Diego and Vincent Photobucket
iVillage Member
Registered: 05-19-2004
Mon, 02-07-2005 - 6:51pm

Hiar loss?

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Registered: 11-09-2001
Tue, 02-08-2005 - 6:51pm
Hi and welcome - it sounds to me like your body is really fluctuating and that's normal. The high T4 sounds to me as if you're body is starting to kick in and make it's own thyroid hormone. The usual range for free T4 is 2.0 so it's not necessarily the level that he may be concerned with but the jump from .7 to 2.5. With the medication, youe TSH should come down and yours has. I guess - and I truly mean that "guess" :) - that it's possible that you're moving back to a hyper condition. I think it's good that our doctor wants to stay on top of this and he will catch anything major that could com eup and deal with it, rather than lettting you go 3 or 6 months. Just try to be sensitive to how you're feeling and watch for symptoms of hypo or hyperthyroidism. There are symptom lists on the top of the board if you need them. Call your doctor sooner if you see any extreme changes. What do you think? Cathy :)