Do I still have graves' despite a TT?

[marram]

Does anyone know this? If I had a TT for Graves' disease, do I still have it, and could it have an effect on my blood test results?

[galathea]

Removing the thyroid generally only gets rid of the hyper symptoms, it doesn't get rid of the Graves. so chances are that you still have the disease.

sorry

[marram in reply to galathea]

I feel very hypo despite thyroxine and pretty low TSH, I have been wondering if there were still TSI in my body, whether it would have any effect, but I think Rod has really answered that for me.

[helvella Administrator]

You know, this has been asked before, and I think it is a difficult one to answer.

The difficulty starts with "What is Graves disease?". Defined as having TSH-receptor antibodies that stimulate the receptors, then that should not be an issue - though you could still be producing such antibodies. But I don't think they are expected to cause any test oddities or abnormalities.

Do you think that something could be affecting your results? Or that they are not reflecting how you feel?

Rod

[marram in reply to helvella]

I am still feeling very hypo despite my TSH being very low now, the doctor wants to reduce my thyroxine but I know if he does it's will almost kill me. The biggest worry for me is the damage already done to my heart because of insufficient medication for the last 6 to 7 years, it could be even worse if he reduces again.

I am going to do a private test for TSH/T4/T3 to see what the levels are because the doctor won't or can't do them.

[helvella Administrator in reply to marram]

Why they expect TSH to reflect the underlying status of thyroid hormones in people who have had related diseases for at least 53 years, goodness knows!

Absolutely need FT4 and, ideally, FT3. It doesn't help, but I really think you should not have to get them done for yourself.

I would also want to check the usual things: vitamin B12, folates, iron/ferritin and vitamin D.