[Anonymous]

#1163049

Hi Karylinn–it’s difficult to answer your questions about test results. Each lab has different normal values, so I suggest you ask your endo what the normal range is for each test. You might want to ask for copies of all your lab reports. My reports list normal ranges for tests given.

Usually the TSH and Free T-4 levels are checked, and the Free T-4 is different than just T-4. Without knowing which of yours is 24, it’s hard to answer how high that reading is. Severity of symptoms isn’t always directly related to the numbers, anyway.

Your endo is likely to do a thyroid scan, and perhaps a blood test for thyroid antibodies. He may do a thorough physical exam. Hopefully, he’ll give you lots of information about GD and treatment options. If you have questions, I suggest you write them down.

Let us know what you find out!
Dianne N

[Anonymous]

#1056309

To all–

Thanks for the warm welcoming, the support, and the suggestions. I’m not dreading PTU tonight now that I have some ideas on how to take it.

Can anyone educate me on TSH and T4 counts? What’s boarderline, what’s out of this world? My TSH is .01 and T4 is 24.3. My primary said “it’s serious” but then admitted he is not as up on this as the endo. I’m just trying to get some perspective on it. Is there another test (T3, thyroid scan, ??) that I should be asking for?

I see the endo next week for the 1st time. What should I expect? What kind of questions should I ask?

I’m sorry to pummel you with questions — this is just all so new (only diagnosed on Monday). I have so much caring, love and support to give— once I regain my emotional equilibrium, I’ll be a giver, too! thanks, karylinn

[Anonymous]

#1163050

Hi Karlinn,

If your lab uses the same scale as mine, then it’s the TSH reading which is the main problem. The T4 is just above normal. Ask for a radioactive iodine uptake test. I didn’t have one of these at the beginning as my PCP at the time thought she was dealing with thyroiditis because it happened so quickly. If I had had a scan at the beginning I would have saved myself 2 years of trying to make sense of it all. Good Luck! There are some bad days, but there are good days too. Antithyroid meds really make a difference after 6 weeks.

Brenda

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