Blood test results

[fortunata]

I’ve just had my blood test results back. I’m on Liothyronine so all my thyroid bloods are where I’d expect them to be, apart from my TPO abs. For the last eight years, they’ve always come back >1000 but this time, the result is >600. Does this mean they are dropping? If so, has anyone any idea why this might be?

Also, my folate levels are at the low end and my mean cell volume, total white blood count and neutrophil counts are below range. Does anyone know why this might be?

Thanks for any replies.

[greygoose]

Antibodies fluctuate, it doesn't mean anything.

[fortunata in reply to greygoose]

Thanks, Greygoose. 😄

[shaws Administrator]

If you post the results/ranges of the other queries someone will respond.

[fortunata in reply to shaws]

Will do.

[SlowDragon Administrator]

If TSH is very low antibodies tend to drop

Are you gluten free too? This should help lower antibodies

[fortunata in reply to SlowDragon]

I’ve been making a conscious effort to cut out bread and anything that might have gluten in it. My TSH IS very low at 0.02.

[shaws Administrator in reply to fortunata]

The main question is 'How Are You Feeling on Your Dose of T3'?

[fortunata in reply to shaws]

When self-medicating, I was on 75mcgs a day, which did me very well. My resting pulse rate was around 59/60 and my daytime temps were good. Didn’t feel over-stimulated at all but TSH was, understandably, non-existent.

Now, my Liothyronine is prescribed by a Sheffield Hosp endo and he wouldn’t give me more than 60mcgs a day. My resting pulse rate has dropped to 51/52 and my daytime temps are around 36.3. I feel more tired than I did and my latest thyroid blood results are:

TSH 0.02 (0.27-4.5)

TPO Abs >600 (<34)

Free T4 <1 (11-23)

Free T3 4.51 (3.1-6.8)

I’m 57 years old, five feet six inches tall and weigh ten stones and five pounds.

I had a Dexa bone scan a few months ago which showed I have above-average bone density.

Thanks, Shaws. X

[shaws Administrator in reply to fortunata]

You're feeling unwell as they've reduced your dose. He is keeping your TSH at a certain point because if dose raised it your TSH will be suppressed. It can be suppressed if we're on T3 only but your FT3 could be higher. They assume if suppressed we'll have heart attack but people who've had their thyroid gland removed they have to have a suppressed TSH and come to no harm.

I'd be apt to source my own T3 and supplement along with your prescribed T3. Bear in mind I'm not medically qualified. I myself take T3 and am happy on my dose. My GP knows I have sourced my own and I'm having tests next week. I told the other GP I saw a few months ago who was horrified that I hadn't had tests and I told her I don't need any because I feel well. She insisted and I had test leaving 24 hours between dose and test and everything was fine.

The fact that your dexa scan is good that's proof of the pudding, that your dose suits you (before decrease).

Our T4 will be non-existent as we take T3 only so TSH will probably be very low or suppressed but if we feel well that's the aim. The aim isn't to get our TSH somewhere in range.

[fortunata in reply to shaws]

Thanks so much, Shaws. I have a year’s supply of T3 from overseas in the freezer. I think I WILL supplement my prescribed dose with some of that. X

[shaws Administrator in reply to fortunata]

Endocrinologists seem to be ignorant that T3 is the Active thyroid hormone. It is required in our billions of T3 receptor cells, and heart/brain contain the most.

T3 saturates all of our Receptor Cells and then its action lasts between one to three days.

You could say it is the 'battery' which enables our body to function as normal.

[Angel_of_the_North in reply to fortunata]

So buy the extra you need yourself and get back to your previous dose as you are now undermedicated.