THYROGLOBULIN ANTIBODY

[LMor]

Hi guys. I posted my results yesterday but I'm looking at my Thyroglobulin Antibody level again which is - 633.000 IU/ml. The range is 0.00 - 115.00. It seems excessively high (test was done at Medichecks) before I book my doctors appointment today to discuss my results, I was just wondering if this is possible to be so high or could it be a printing error?

[shaws Administrator]

Yes, it can be much higher. It means you have an Autoimmune Thyroid Disease called Hashimoto's. If your GP wont prescribe if your TSH isn't high enough, he should still prescribe levo due to your antibodies alone.

If you email [e-mail] and ask for a copy of the Pulse Online article by Dr Toft, who was physician to the Queen when in Scotland until 2009 and highlight the part where he states that if we have antibodies we should be prescribed.

[LMor in reply to shaws]

Thank you. My Tsh is 9.81. I had my test done privately as doctors fobbed me off and said they won't do any antibody tests. I will take my results to then today and I'm hoping they take them seriously. I feel so ill all the time as they won't diagnose me as having any thyroid problems. These results prove otherwise

[shaws Administrator in reply to LMor]

With a TSH of 9.81 you should have been prescribed. In other countries they do so when TSH is 3+.

If doctors wont be compassionate and sensible you'd have to source your own. Tick off the following symptoms and give a copy of each to the GP and say you've taken advice from the NHS Choices for help/advice re dysfunctions of the thyroid gland - Thyroiduk.org.uk

thyroiduk.org.uk/tuk/about_...

thyroiduk.org.uk/tuk/testin...

[LMor in reply to shaws]

These results were done privately. My doctor tested my tsh level and it was 4.96 (test don't early afternoon and after food). Had another test three months later which was done at 4pm and was 3.96. At the time I didn't know it had to be done early and before food. Doctors refused to do any other tests although I've felt so ill for around three years. So I decided to do a private one through medichecks and the results were high (done at 8am) and they tested my antibodies too

[shaws Administrator in reply to LMor]

Let us hope your GP will recognise them or you will have to source your own hormones for a trial and tell him that. That you cannot go on being so unwell.

Let's face it nowadays doctors cannot diagnose a patient who sits in front of him. He doesn't feel pulse, nor skin (cold? hot?) nor know any of the clinical symptoms all of our older doctors knew and treated. Now it is a dot on a piece of paper with complete disregard to patient and their symptoms.

You can tell him you've taken Advice from the NHS Choices for help advice with regard to thyroid - Thyroiduk.org.uk and have followed the correct procedure for testing. (I doubt they have any clue that TSH is lower p.m. than a.m.)

[LMor in reply to shaws]

Thank you for your help. I have an appointment at 11.10 (after 74 attempts to get through lol). I will let you know how I get on

[Fruitandnutcase in reply to LMor]

Good luck. Read as much as you can before you go, maybe even write a list if the points you want to make.

Probably not too many to begin with or you'll lose him / her. Just say you have written down a few things that bother you and read them out one at a time. That way hopefully you won't get sidetracked or worse still fobbed off (again!)

Your doctor really ought to be treating you with antibodies and a tsh like yours.

[LMor]

Well I'm shocked!! The doctor gave me meditation and is sending me to a specialist!! I'm very happy they took it seriously. She did say I can't have an over active thyroid as my heart rate was too high but Is concerned about the antibody levels

[Clutter in reply to LMor]

LMor,

You can't have an overactive thyroid because your TSH is too high.

Thyroglobulin antibodies are positive for autoimmune thyroid disease (Hashimoto's). There is no cure for Hashimoto's which causes 90% of hypothyroidism. Levothyroxine treatment is for the low thyroid levels it causes. Many people have found that 100% gluten-free diet is helpful in reducing Hashi flares, symptoms and eventually antibodies.

chriskresser.com/the-gluten...

thyroiduk.org.uk/tuk/about_...

The goal of Levothyroxine is to restore the patient to euthyroid status. For most patients that will be when TSH is 0.3 - 1.0 with FT4 in the upper range. FT4 needs to be in the upper range in order that sufficient T3 is converted. Read Treatment Options in thyroiduk.org.uk/tuk/about_...

For maximum absorption Levothyroxine should be taken with water 1 hour before, or 2 hours after, food and drink, 2 hours away from other medication and supplements, and 4 hours away from calcium, iron, vitamin D supplements, magnesium and oestrogen.

It takes 7-10 days for Levothyroxine to be absorbed before it starts working and it will take up to six weeks to feel the full impact of the dose. Symptoms may lag behind good biochemistry by several months.

You should have a follow up thyroid test 6-8 weeks after starting Levothyroxine. Arrange an early morning and fasting (water only) blood draw when TSH is highest, and take Levothyroxine after your blood draw.

thyroiduk.org.uk/tuk/about_...

[LMor in reply to Clutter]

Thank you. Sorry I meant she said I couldn't have an under active thyroid because my heart rate was too high. Sorry

[Clutter in reply to LMor]

LMor,

She's wrong. It's not uncommon to have high heart rate with untreated hypothyroidism and high thyroid antibodies.

[LMor]

I've also only been given 28 days of levothyroxine and a low dose, but it's better than nothing

[Clutter in reply to LMor]

LMor,

Contact your GP receptionist to find out how to order repeat prescriptions. Most practices need 48 hours notice minimum and most will let you order a week ahead of the prescription running out.