TPO result of 28.....

[lare73]

Would you expect to have symptoms with this number?

It appears my bloods have failed me ...

I just want to feel normal!

[helvella Administrator Thyroid UK]

Unfortunately, on its own it means nothing.

When they develop a test, they find that most people have a few Thyroid Peroxidase antibodies floating around - or the test seems to detect some. So they set a number as the top of the negative range. Below that number is negative. Above that number is positive.

For TPOab, this number varies quite a lot around the country. You need to find it out - maybe ring your surgery?

Am sure you want to feel normal - don't we all? But at least you have found somewhere to ask some questions. (Even if I come along and answer your question with a question. )

Rod

[lare73 in reply to helvella]

I think the top number is 34, but will confirm this

The doctors receptionist said its 'normal' anyway.

So what next...funny that it depends whee you live as to whether you get a diagnosis.

I was saying to my husband that the ranges are so vast to save the nhs money ....

[helvella Administrator Thyroid UK in reply to lare73]

The actual testing kit/machine they use varies from one lab to another. So,like two cars having speedos that do not read exactly the same, so test machines vary.

Also, some tests, they play around with the numbers for various reasons. And I have seen some where they do that and make sure top of range is 100.

The negative/positive is based on a considerable body of experience and medical statistics. And, whilst I am not above suggesting that some things are set to achieve particular ends, I think in this case it is set to try to make sure that almost everyone gets correctly classified.

[lare73 in reply to helvella]

Thank you for your reply.

I think I'm just clutching a straws, maybe turning 40 in April is the problem..I'm getting old and my body is feeling it. I shall stop moaning now.

[helvella Administrator Thyroid UK in reply to lare73]

If 40 is when you start feeling old, I'll go out into the cold and lose my way now...

Bye.

Don't be daft!!!

Something is not right, and with help,things should get better soon.

[Hidden in reply to lare73]

I think that is exactly what we are TOO often told, and whilst I started deteriorating even earlier than 40, if only I had known then what I know now!

[Hidden in reply to lare73]

No doubt about it... the most obvious illustration of that: as useless as TSH is, it's what we are lumbered with for most Hypothyroid diagnosis and the top of the lab range in my area is 5, and we all know most of us feel lousy when at this level.... when in various parts of the world it is set FAR lower.... even in Cuba, a 3rd world country where it is 3.5!

I must admit the presence of ANY level of antibody to me indicates confirmation of having that condition... if you had ANY antibodies to something like HIV, or any number of other infections or immune conditions you would be seen as having it, so why is there a "normal" level of thyroid antibodies - lab ranges in themselves are bizarre in concept, and just a statistical exercise and therefore of course include people who are actually sub-optimal as well as super-optimal!

[lare73 in reply to Hidden]

I agree, I have Crohn's disease, it is in remission and no medication. Think this is why I had my antibodies tested. So I have to get worse so my 'numbers' confirm and I get some help.

Amazing, I work in healthcare, and due to go back to work in may after maternity leave. I work 13 hours a day and in theatre ...would you want a drowsy, fatigued, slow brained person assisting the surgeon operating on you? Maybe I should ask the gp this?

Very frustrating.

Anyone know how long before bloods should be redone to see if any changes?

Thanks again.

Ps. My non moaning don't last very long

[Heloise]

Hi Lare, I checked your profile and those folate and ferritin numbers are very low even below normal. There are lots of reasons for slow thyroid besides an autoimmune attack so perhaps that is why the antibodies are not that high. Have you thought of taking some adrenal supports to see if that will assist your thyroid and try raise your folate. It seems Dr. Peat has people taking nutri adrenal. I don't know whether they have all taken the saliva test first or not which would tell the story. I am trying Siberian Ginseng and Licorice Root. You should still feel good at age 40 and even 50. After that, not so sure, lol.

[lare73 in reply to Heloise]

Thank you for reading my story.

I have been given ferritin fumerate tablets by my doctor. The folate was retested and came back the same and the doctors receptionist said no further action!

I am seeing a doctor on the 22nd of the month and going to ask for more blood tests including t3 and the other antibodies test which name fails me at the moment.

My husband works for Solgar and is itching to get me taking supplements, I am just waiting on supplement information before taking them.

Not sure how to check adrenal issues. Although I have read basal body temp can be a symptom?

So I have been monitoring it as instructed. My morning temp is around 96.5 and the highest I have had it in the afternoon is 97.3. Not really sure what this all means but documented it just Incase.