Graves and low end T3 and jitters

[cgauthie]

Hello I am on 1.25 mg Methimozole

Graves’ disease

My recent results are

TSh 1.62 (.32-4) mlu/l)

Free t4 13 (9-19)pmol/l

Free T3 2.9 (3.1-6.2)pmol/l

Thyroid stimulating antibodies 3 (<1)

I need to get my free t3 and t4 up. I don’t feel great.

Muscle issues in neck and shoulders and some constipation anxious jitters

Am I over medicated on tapazole?

Any suggestions?

One dr wants me off tapazole the other says stay on

[greygoose]

I would listen to the doctor that wants you off it, if I were you. Your FT3 is under-range! Not surprising you feel bad. You can always go back on it if necessary.

[cgauthie in reply to greygoose]

Thanks. The antibodies are close to normal and wondering if going off tapazole will increase the antibodies?

[greygoose in reply to cgauthie]

I'm afraid I don't know that. Sorry.

[HIFL]

One thing you could do is stay on the tapazole while adding in levothyroxine to bring your thyroid levels up. Your antibodies are still above the reference range and tapazole does help lower them, which is why you don't want to stop it just yet. This page talks more about that protocol: tiredthyroid.com/graves.html

[cgauthie in reply to HIFL]

Hi and Thanks

That is what my Endo just prescribed a day ago.

Do you try this method?

[HIFL in reply to cgauthie]

No, I had RAI, but I know people who have been on it for years.

[Valarian]

How long have you been on the Tapazole, how long have you been within range, and has Graves’ been confirmed with antibody tests or by some other means ?

(Edit - sorry, just realised, you gave TSAb)

By the way, why two doctors?

[cgauthie in reply to Valarian]

Hi there been in range for a year graves confirmed with TSI test

[Valarian in reply to cgauthie]

So you should be ok to stop, but an alternative would be to try halving the dose (or taking it every other day), and see if that makes the difference. If one of your docs is a specialist endo, would be worth asking how long you need to stick with the medication.

[cgauthie in reply to Valarian]

Thanks. I am on 1 mg of tapazole. Not sure if I can cut it smaller!!!!

[Valarian in reply to cgauthie]

No, that’s why maybe every other day.

There are people here taking 2.5mg Carbimazole every other day, which I think amounts to a broadly similar dose - and half of a tiny tablet !

[cgauthie in reply to Valarian]

I have been weighing the recommendations of 2 dr. One says get off all meds and the other says use

Block and replace because antibodies are still present