So Confused Hyperthyroidism TSH 55

[MAB5]

I don't have all the blood work results from the latest tests but I was being treated for Hyperthyroidism after a hospital stay in Sept/Oct . Went to endocrinologists finally in February. She changed my meds and doubled them ( Tapazole ) to 30mg daily. Sent me for blood tests then and again last week. On Friday she called and said to stop all meds immediately and she'll talk to me in 2 weeks. She said my TSH is 55. I know I need more results but that's all she gave me. Anything like this happen to anyone?

[Nanaedake]

I really think she should have explained more. Just telling you to stop all meds and see you in 2 weeks isn't very helpful. Can you ring her secretary and ask for a copy of your recent results in view of the fact the Endo can't speak to you until 2 weeks time? It would also make for a more informed discussion if you can view the results beforehand.

How are you feeling? Do you feel well or unwell? The other thing you could do is go to your GP and ask them to get hold of a copy of your results and explain them to you. They could contact the Endo for you and might have more success but whether they'll have the time is another matter.

[MAB5 in reply to Nanaedake]

I did call her and see if I can get the results. I have to go sign a form and pick up, which I can't do until late this week. I felt fine for about a week after the new meds then not too good, tired, sleepy, hungry! Aching neck and joints. Splitting headaches. I am confident in this dr as everyone says she is the best around and very thorough, just super busy and hard to get an appt. I asked her should I be worried she said just stop and we'll discuss in 2 weeks unless I need her before. Been since Sept now and so tired of feeling bad.

[Clutter]

MAB5,

Endo should have checked your thyroid levels before doubling your dose. You are very overmedicated on 30mcg Tapazole to have TSH 55 and that's why you've been told to stop taking it. She should retest levels in two weeks to see how much TSH has dropped.

[MAB5 in reply to Clutter]

Thanks for your response. She did test before on January 16th and February 28th , she will likely retest in 2 weeks. I know she is a good dr but just so busy. I just was concerned not knowing what the dangers of high levels. Just ready to feel better.

[MAB5]

I know right, but I was admitted to the hospital where they found me crazy Hyper ( drs quote) and I had all the symptoms, which all this spiraled out of control when I quit smoking. But my Dr had said Graves on my first visit but I always felt it was up and down so Hashimotos was my uneducated guess, as well.

[Hidden in reply to MAB5]

Please have all your blood tests done for thyroid and Vitamins and minerals and then post them on this site with the ranges for help.

[humanbean]

Don't just ask for the most recent results, ask for all of them that are available starting from before you were put on treatment for hyperthyroidism.

I'm suspicious that your TSH could have risen that much, and like reallyfedup123 above, I wonder if you are actually hypothyroid with lots of antibodies, and had just gone through a temporary Hashi's flare.

[humanbean in reply to humanbean]

Ah, I've just read your most recent reply. If you have been diagnosed with Graves' Disease then you must have been tested for Graves' Disease. Your doctor should have results for the antibodies associated with Graves Disease. These are TRAB and TSI (as far as I know - I don't have Graves' Disease myself).

Some useful links :

elaine-moore.com/

Make sure you check out the Articles, Blog, Resources, and possibly the forum too if it interest you, on the above link.

Another link : labtestsonline.org/tests/th... (Click on all the + signs)

And : labtestsonline.org/conditio... (Click on all the + signs here too)

[greygoose in reply to humanbean]

Not necessarily! Some doctors automatically say Grave's, when they see a low TSH, without doing the proper testing! We've seen that before on here. A GP can't test for Grave's, anyway, it has to be an endo. I agree, MABS needs all her results to see if these tests were done anywhere. And, if not, insist that they are!

[MAB5 in reply to humanbean]

I did ask for both but I will not pick up till end of week. I will check the articles tonight. My Dr just said she felt it may be graves but only the 1 visit and 2 blood tests from her so far. I do feel she is good, but this takes time to get stable, I hear.

[SlowDragon Administrator]

Hashimoto's and Graves may both have link to smoking/stopping smoking

verywell.com/cigarette-smok...

For full Thyroid evaluation you need TSH, FT4, TT4, FT3 plus TPO and TG thyroid antibodies. Plus vitamin D, folate, ferritin and B12.

Essential to test TPO, TG for Hashimoto's and Graves and TRab antibodies for Graves, plus vitamins

Link about antibodies

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

Private tests are available

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

Medichecks Thyroid plus ultra vitamin or Blue Horizon Thyroid plus eleven are the most popular choice. DIY finger prick test or option to pay extra for private blood draw. Both companies often have money off offers.

They can probably can test TRab too

All thyroid tests should ideally be done as early as possible in morning and fasting. This gives highest TSH and most consistent results. (Patient to patient tip, GP will be unaware)

High TRab antibodies confirm Graves. Though can have mildly raised TPO and TG antibodies too

If you have have high TPO and/or TG antibodies are high this is more likely Hashimoto's, (also known by medics here in UK more commonly as autoimmune thyroid disease).

About 90% of all hypothyroidism in Uk is due to Hashimoto's

[MAB5]

Yes, agree, I will get them this week.

[MAB5]

Thank you Slow dragon, I will get he results and I did not fast and my tests were done at late morning and after lunch. I will change this on my next test. She is known to be very thorough, my Dr, so I will see when I get the test results.

[MAB5]

Also, United States is where I am , South Georgia, healthcare in my area leaves a lot to be desired.

[SlowDragon Administrator in reply to MAB5]

You need to get antibodies tested, Hashimoto's can mimic Graves

With either Graves or Hashimoto's changing to strictly gluten free diet helps very many of us

Hashimoto's affects the gut and leads to low stomach acid and then low vitamin levels

Low vitamin levels affect Thyroid hormone working

Poor gut function can lead leaky gut (literally holes in gut wall) this can cause food intolerances. Most common by far is gluten

According to Izabella Wentz the Thyroid Pharmacist approx 5% with Hashimoto's are coeliac, but over 80% find gluten free diet helps significantly. Either due to direct gluten intolerance (no test available) or due to leaky gut and gluten causing molecular mimicry (see Amy Myers link)

But don't be surprised that GP or endo never mention gut, gluten or low vitamins. Hashimoto's is very poorly understood

Changing to a strictly gluten free diet may help reduce symptoms, help gut heal and slowly lower TPO antibodies

Ideally ask GP for coeliac blood test first

thyroidpharmacist.com/artic...

thyroidpharmacist.com/artic...

amymyersmd.com/2017/02/3-im...

chriskresser.com/the-gluten...

scdlifestyle.com/2014/08/th...

drknews.com/changing-your-d...

thyroidpharmacist.com/artic...

[MAB5 in reply to SlowDragon]

Thank you for all the info, I am slowly beginning to understand! You guys are great.