Hello everyone,

I had labs yesterday and I just received my results. My question is … Now what????

Here is my lab history:
He only did FT4 ….
06/08 … 2.89 (normal is 0.8-1.70)
06/14 … 3.40 (normal is 0.82-1.77)
06/29 … 3.79 (normal is 0.82-1.77)
07/09 … 2.01 (normal is 0.8-1.70)
08/09 … 0.53 (normal is 0.8-1.70) (low)

TSH:
Hardly there from 06/08 to 07/09 … <0.01
08/09 … 1.65 (normal 0.27-4.20) (low of normal)

The Dr. didn't do an FT3 this time but I get the feeling that it is low also because I do feel very tired at times:
FT3 #s:
06/08 … 12.3 (2.6-4.4)
06/14 … 11.5 (2.0-4.4)
06/29 … 10.0 (2.0-4.4)
07/09 … unknown
08/09 … unknown

ALT: (Looks better)
06/08 … 109
06/18 … 76
07/09 … 77
08/09 … 71 (for all - normal is < 32) so it makes me feel good that at least they have decreased. When I started treatment it was 76.

WBC: (Looks good … low but not too low)
07/09 … 4.67 (normal 4.8-10.8)
08/09 … 4.35 (normal 4.8-10.8)

I'm on Methimazole 30mg/day. It is Friday and I don't know if they will call me today. I see the Dr. on Tuesday (if I didn't see him on Tuesday, I would have already called him). I wonder what is the danger of going completely hypO if I continue the dose until I see him. Should I call even though I will see him on Tuesday?

Does anyone know the half life of Methimazole. I think I read it somewhere. I have to look for it. I wonder how long this AM's 10mg will carry me. I almost feel like the dose should be decreased today. I've even thought that if no one calls me that maybe I should decrease it myself to 20mg.

On a positive note … did you see my TSH???? It came back?? I thought it would take a long while for it to come back. I hope the Dr. doesn't discontinue my Rx completely due to this.

Any thoughts, advice, concerns … please let me know. Your input is valuable.

Caro

A definite change.

I am not a doc but it appears that the high dosage of Methimazole helped bring your TSH up quite a bit and lowered your FT4 a lot….they will probably lower your dosage, and wean you off because if not you might slip into HyPO if the numbers of TSH rise a lot and T4 gets really low. Adjustments will be made

How do you feel?

Hello - I believe the half-life of Methimazole is fairly short (a matter of several hours).

We are not allowed to make dosing recommendations on this board, as we are all fellow patients, not doctors.

I would suggest calling the endo's office and pointing out the very low T4 to get their feedback on dosing. If they won't give you guidance over the phone, you might also check to see if they have a cancellation and if you can get in sooner. Or perhaps your primary care physician might be more responsive.

Take care – and let us know what you hear back!

Hello Darcy and Kimberly,

It is pretty clear that changes have taken place and I'm glad for them On one hand I'm happy for the changes and on the other one I'm scared about currently being on a high Rx dose and the fT4 being already outside normal and in the hypo side of things. Thank you both for your inputs.

Darcy, I'm with you. I think I'll see a change in dose pretty soon.

Kimberly, I did call my Dr. I left a message later on after typing my first message. I couldn't help waiting on them to initiate contact. It was still before noon but I still haven't heard anything. My appt is for Tuesday but I might try the Endo again on Mond if I don't hear back from them today. It is 5:30p here but sometimes they call later in the afternoon. So I'm hoping they might call before the day is over. Great idea about the primary Dr. I'll wait and see what happens. Thank you about the info regarding the 1/2 life … I think I remember it being 6-7 hrs.

My only symptom is still the one of feeling tired, not exhausted, just tired and at times very tired. I left this as a message for the Dr. I run out of energy before the afternoon is over. I took a nap earlier and it helped. I haven't been as hot today but I'm still feeling hot at times but I also feel cold at times (less than hot). I like this b/c it helps me sleep better and the nap I took today was so so comfortable. I think I have gained a pound or 2. Besides that I think I'm fine thank God.

Thank you both for your responses. It helps to get the support

I'll keep you posted.

Caro