[Peggy]

#1060603

Hi, I have had Graves since 2004, had radiation to kill my thyroid. Was feeling “great” until about six months ago. Endo changed my meds a bit, got my levels “within range” but I still feel off. Had my eye specialist appointment last week, and he said something is definitely attacking my eyes again. So he ordered the TSI. I have tried to decipher the results, but I can’t figure out what it means. My TSI is over 2000 with normal being <150. What does this mean? Information appreciated. BTW, all of my "levels" are still in range. Thanks.
Peggy:)

[Kimberly]

#1183591

Hello – TSI antibodies are the antibodies that cause the thyroid to overproduce thyroid hormone in Graves’ disease. But even if you don’t have any thyroid function due to RAI or thyroidectomy, these antibodies can still have an effect on the eyes.

The use of “normal” in regards to antibody tests is a bit of a misnomer. A person without Graves’ will have zero antibodies. However, the cutoff is set somewhat higher for diagnostic reasons to make certain that people above the cutoff definitely have Graves’ disease.

Some doctors use TSI to monitor the course of thyroid eye disease, believing that surgery should not be done until TSI has dropped below the cutoff. Other eye doctors will rely more on symptoms than on TSI testing.

Hope this helps!

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