[grrrrraves]

#1059651

I have been reading the posts on this board for awhile and I just recently joined. It has been really helpful to read about other people’s experiences.

I was diagnosed with Graves’ in July. I have been taking methimazole since August. My endocrinologist only ever orders tsh, total t4 and FT4. I haven’t had a FT3 since before starting methimazole. Is this normal? Also, I don’t understand why total t4 matters. Can anyone explain why they look at total t4?

Thanks!

[Bobbi]

#1176541

I have no idea why — specifically — your endo asks for the tests he/she does. Why not ask when you next see your doctor? I remember asking about some of my tests when I was going through your stage of things, but that was so long ago that the answer I got a) might not still be relevant and b) may be locked away in faulty memory banks. It was 16 years ago. Anyway, keep a list of things you want to ask your doctor about. Prioritize the list in terms of importance (to you) before seeing the doctor, and then ask when you have your appointment.

One thing to keep in mind as you travel around the web collecting information: do not trust any anonymous source on the web to interpret your blood test results or give you dosing instructions. A reputable doctor won’t do it, and the rest of the folks who often will do it are not qualified.

[grrrrraves]

#1176542

Thanks for the reply. I have tried asking various things but the endocrinologist pretty much refuses to engage in any conversation with me about anything.

[Kimberly]

#1176543

Hello – Free T4 measures the amount of T4 in the body that is not bound up by proteins, and therefore available for the body to use. The latest medical guidance prefers Free T4 over Total T4. You can read more about lab testing in the latest guidance from the American Thyroid Association and American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists. It’s the second link in the “Treatment Options” thread at the top of the forum; the section on anti-thyroid drugs starts on page 603 of the original journal article, page 11 if you download it as a PDF.

If after a couple of visits, you really don’t feel that your endo is taking your questions and concerns seriously, it might be helpful to look for another doc. Our relationship with our endo is a long-term one, so you deserve someone who will treat you with respect and consideration. The “Looking for a Doctor?” thread has some good resources for searching by state/zip code, if you are interested.

Take care!

[catstuart7]

#1176544

grrrrraves wrote:

Thanks for the reply. I have tried asking various things but the endocrinologist pretty much refuses to engage in any conversation with me about anything.

LOL, mine instead talks and talks at me but refuses to actually address anything I say!

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