Anitbodies question

amayzd · 03-17-2006, 07:43 PM

Hi, just had thyroid peroxidase antibodies and thyroglobulin antibodies done and the #'s came back as 130 and 94 or positive. However, tsh, t3, t4free were all within normal limits but my tsh dropped from 1.18 to 0.67 Endo doesn't seem to want to treat it. I've been taking metformin for pcos and crestor for cholesterol. Amazingly, after 6 weeks, cysts stabilized, testosterone is norm and cholesterol is in the optimal range, even my cancer blood tests are almost within norms shocking my hematologist. While this is good news, it appears to to me that they are treating the symptoms rather than the cause...a failing thyroid. I know there is controversy over whether to treat for antithyroid antibodies when other levels are norm. Any thoughts from my sisters would be appreciated. Thanks, Lisa

cdcm · 03-18-2006, 07:23 AM

I took thyroid meds for anti bodies... helped tremendously... got pg... increased meds to make sure babies were safe.. all was good until 3mos. post partum... went into hypo... meds increased...

meds help me feel better...

beachlover · 03-18-2006, 09:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by amayzd

Hi, just had thyroid peroxidase antibodies and thyroglobulin antibodies done and the #'s came back as 130 and 94 or positive. However, tsh, t3, t4free were all within normal limits but my tsh dropped from 1.18 to 0.67 Endo doesn't seem to want to treat it. I've been taking metformin for pcos and crestor for cholesterol. Amazingly, after 6 weeks, cysts stabilized, testosterone is norm and cholesterol is in the optimal range, even my cancer blood tests are almost within norms shocking my hematologist. While this is good news, it appears to to me that they are treating the symptoms rather than the cause...a failing thyroid. I know there is controversy over whether to treat for antithyroid antibodies when other levels are norm. Any thoughts from my sisters would be appreciated. Thanks, Lisa

Hi, amazyd! I have just started posting. I have gone through something similar. My regular doctor found that I had high levels of TPO antibodies. My thyroid came back normal, although it was high for a point in time. My regular doctor said I most likely had Hashimoto's, since it was normal, high, then normal. He said it would take some time to burn out. He referred me to an endo, whom I had seen before. The endo noted the high antibodies, and tested my thyroid, which came back normal. I had it tested several times. The only way I even got on thyroid medicine was by going to a RE, which is very frustrating. I think my endo should have put me on it. I have taken the thyroid med for about a month and half and I feel better. I am taking 50mcg, and it has helped. I think that I could probably go higher on the dose. I am not sure what the answer is, because I highly doubt I would have been put on the med if I hadn't gone to the RE. I would have thought that the endo would have given me the med, and I am not sure why he wouldn't. Maybe you could talk to your endo about it?
Anyway, I hope that some of what I said helps. I have tendency to ramble...

amayzd · 03-20-2006, 01:49 AM

CDCM and Beachlover, thank you for your input.

Endo won't put me on meds so I think I will ask my PC for a trial run and see if it reduces the symptoms. I've definetly got Hashimoto's, I just don't understand why they'd rather you suffer while waiting for the thyroid to fail.

jsr72 · 03-21-2006, 04:05 AM

Sorry that you have to suffer through this. It doesn't make sense that your RE won't treat you. Just wanted to offer you my support. I tested positive for thyroid antibodies but I don't know much more about it than that. So I'll be curious to see how you make out with getting treated. Good luck.

beachlover · 03-25-2006, 03:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by amayzd

CDCM and Beachlover, thank you for your input.

Endo won't put me on meds so I think I will ask my PC for a trial run and see if it reduces the symptoms. I've definetly got Hashimoto's, I just don't understand why they'd rather you suffer while waiting for the thyroid to fail.

hi, amayzd,

From the research that I did on the web while researching this thyroid problem, I have seen that doctors disagree on the treatment on how to treat the "sub-clinical or pre-clinical" (as I was told) diagnosis. Some doctors prefer to treat the pre-clinical condition, but others (I would venture to say most), prefer not to do anything until the labs show up actual hypothyroid. I think the reason the RE presribed it is because of the problems conceiving and staying pregnant if thyroid levels are off for any reason. It is very frustrating. I have gone through this thyroid problem for probably 8 years or more.

I hope you are able to get the relief and help you need.

JennyBeans · 04-03-2006, 05:23 PM

Hey girl,

I went 6 years untreated because 2 docs thought my levels were in normal range. Guess what, if you have the antibodies in your system, chances are, if you are like me, you have hashimoto's. Regardless of what your endo says is normal, if you have a goiter/Hash's and a family history, and or PCOS, they should be medicating you as we speak. I know this because I finally found a thyroid specialist here in ny state that was in shock to see I was left untreated so long, especially since thyroid cancer runs in the fam. Do not give up. I was just put on 50mcg of synthroid and I am so happy I could cry. And I did in the doc's office. DOn't give up. You keep persisting!!!

amayzd · 04-03-2006, 07:00 PM

Thank you for the supposrt Jsr72, beachlover and JennyBeans! I know it is Hashimoto's-this has gone on 5 years for me. I don't have a goiter but do have thyroid nodules and this does run in the family. I see my pc on 4/13 and plan on asking for a trial of synthroid. One way or another, I'm determined that it will get treated. I'll let ya know what happens.

Cyster Shannie · 04-04-2006, 10:39 PM

Hi everyone,

Very good posts. I have several relatives with thyroid disease and my cousin had thyroid cancer, had to have surgery. I just had an ultrasound today and am having antibody tests tomorrow. I have a small goiter and hoarseness in my voice. I hope you all get adequate help with your issue. I think the sooner a thyroid condition is treated, the better the outcomes. It is silly for Docs to wait till the TSH skyrockets, what about until then?

beachlover · 04-09-2006, 05:12 AM

amazyd,
you are most welcome. I think we all need the support. I have felt so wonderful finding this site and finding so many people who have the same problems as I do. It feels good knowing that you are not alone.

~Sandra · 04-09-2006, 05:27 AM

I have Hashi's too but can't get treatment becasue my TSH is "normal."
Not even normal really, 5.2, but my Endo is very old school and won't even recognize the newest TSH range recommendations. Add to that the fact that my Mom had thyroid cancer last year and my sister has Hashi's and PCOS and I am one frustrated girl. I just have to wait for my thyroid to burn out. Fun times!

amayzd · 04-13-2006, 05:27 PM

Okay, well saw pc today and she won't treat because it's not in her purview. Said the endo would have to treat and he won't. So now the only option I have is my gyn or paying out of pocket for another endo which I really can't afford. I'm a little down but will keep fighting. Hugs to all!

cdcm · 04-13-2006, 11:15 PM

You need a new PC... that is just plain stupid... I'm assuming you have elevated antibodies???? and you feel like crap? If that is true... get a new Dr... fire this one... interview prospects over the phone... or see if anyone you know in your area gets treated for it...Good Luck!

Additionally... an RE that won't treat you should also be fired...

amayzd · 04-17-2006, 04:25 PM

Hi cdcm, PC is only a DO so they have certain guidelines, if the endoc decides to treat she can then further test and prescribe. Yes, I have elevated antibodies, feel like crap...but here is the good news.
I re-contacted the endoc and provided him enough evidence of need ie: PCOS, thyroid nodules, elavated platelet count etc, along with statements from my pc, gyn and hematoligist that it should be treated to aid the other conditions. I am starting on a 6-8week trial of Synthroid 100mcg tomorrow with hopes that alot of things will get better. Thanks, Lisa

cdcm · 04-17-2006, 10:45 PM

That is great news... on a 100.. you should feel something in about a week. I will never forget when my meds finally kicked in... I just wanted to do things.. go to dinner... go out... AnYTHING... just have fun... then I crashed a little... I think I over did it... but I highly recommend that if you feel better... really emphasize it to your DR... let him know all the improvements... good luck!