[Momof5]

#1059905

I am shocked at how few people are tested for this prior to ATD withdrawl. I’ve scoured many different thyroid sites and can barely find anyone having these tested (I think I found *MAYBE* 10 people on all the different boards).

This was one of the first tests I asked my endo about so we can have a baseline (and she said this was also part of remission). My search was to try and determine if my levels were low high, med high, or high high – well, just because I am anal and want to know.

It seems more and more obvious that our rate of remission is because of lack of attention these things. Do endos/docs just not want to go through the hassle of this? It just seems that many more people could have success with ATD’s if they could educate themselves or docs could become more knowledgeable. Kinda sad.

[Raspberry]

#1178679

I had to insist on getting my TSI retested, but my doc would not do TRab at all. From what I can tell she is unaware, and doesn’t want to be educated by me, about the relationship of antibodies and remission. You are right, it is sad.

I suspect there are two reason for this. One that Graves’ is a very complex disease and most endos are busy with their diabetes patients mostly and don’t spend much time reading the latest research. Also those antibody tests cost insurance companies a lot of money ($550 for TSI in my state) and maybe there’s some sort of pressure behind the scenes for endo’s not to order them.

[gerical]

#1178680

THe trab test was the first test that my new endocrinologist wanted to run The first endo just ran the tsp and tsi level. the tsi level at the time was mildly elevated (just starting to progress at that time). needless to say I changed endos because he had his secretary call me and tell me I had Graves disease. Nice huh? my new endo ran the trab level right away and then scheduled me for an RAI uptake and sono. Covered all the bases. I sometimes think that some of these docs think the public is under educated. In this day and age how can you not research every little thing.? Anyway, still trying to decide what to do next. I hope I decide on the right treatment for me. Thanks to all for such a wealth of information that you provide here on this site. Good luck to all!

[Kimberly]

#1178681

For anyone who is getting ready to come off of anti-thyroid drugs, but is having difficulty getting TRAb tested, I would share with your doctor the second link in the “Treatment Options” thread in the announcements section of the forum.

The two U.S.-based major medical agencies that deal with thyroid issues recommend this testing, so doctors *and* insurance companies should agree to do this.

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