Thyroid antibodies present...

[Fluffypoms]

Hi all

Another question from me about thyroid..
I was struggling with palpitations which then settled a little

I then started having real horrid cramps/spasms burning skin sensation internal tremors

My t4 keeps bopping up and down and my tsh too but the tsh is within normal range

I got my results yesterday from the thyroid antibodies test and Dr says there is antibodies present so deffo to with my thyroid.

So am I right in thinking that means its auto immune diease and how will the dr find out which kind??

I'm still waiting on seeing the Endocrin and I haven't received my app for a thyroid scan.

Can anyone give me any insight into what it all means thyroids are real baffling.

Thanks

[thereinmadnesslies]

I think thyroid antibodies mean a type of under active thyroid called Hashimotos. I've got this. I take thyroxine every day. I think my T4 and TSH levels jump around more than the average hypothyroid but it's manageable.

[RockinD]

Indeed - congratulations, you have Hashimoto's Disease and those antibodies are attacking your thyroid and will eventually destroy it. In the meantime your levels and your symptoms will fluctuate.

You will need treatment with thyroid hormone and a gluten free diet. Antibodies feed on gluten and not feeding them is the quickest way to keep things on an even keel.

For thyroid meds to work effectively you will need good levels of vitamin B12, vitamin D and ferritin (stored iron), so make sure you get these tested as well.

[thereinmadnesslies]

RockinD - I've not been told about the benefits of a gluten free diet. Do you have any further info on this?

[Fluffypoms]

Thanks guys yes I haven't been started on any meds yet as the Gp said they want to watch if I swing round to hypo

As now I've showed hyper symptoms but some things and changing with that also ie toilet habits palpitations seem less obvious. But over all I ache and feel well like shit.

What will happen when I see the Endo?
Will they be able to start me on meds I know it can take awhile to get dosage ect but atleast the balls rolling. Right now I feel in limbo.

Thanks again for your answers x

[RockinD]

It is good practice to treat as soon as it is apparent that antibodies are present, rather than wait for TSH to go out of range.

I'm gluten free now - have been for a couple of years. I buy the occasional loaf of GF bread, which is getting better, but otherwise manage without bread. I cook from scratch so control what goes into my food and the only GF things I buy regularly are pasta and breakfast cereal. If you want to read up on it there is lots of info on the web.

[Fluffypoms]

Excellent thanks I will do have a read

So do you think maybe I should go back to my gp and ask to be started on meds

I haven't received any appts yet so could be waiting a good while for the scan and to see the Endo couldn't I.

[Jitterbugjules]

I have extremely high thyroid antibodies which were finally discovered after a couple of years of feeling unwell and an obviously swollen thyroid. However because my TSH is still in range, my GP and endo have refused to treat me with meds until my blood tests show I am hypothyroid, despite the fact I have the symptoms and a strong family history of thyroid problems. I find the whole thing crazy and extremely frustrating.

[Fluffypoms]

Oh jitterbug that's so awful

[HazleNutt]

Not necessarily Hashimotos.. Depends on what antibodies were found, see here:
labtestsonline.org/understanding/analytes/thyroid-antibodies/tab/test
Tremors and palpitation are common with hyperthyroid, in which case it is likely to be Graves.

[Fluffypoms]

Think that's why I'm having to wait as my t4 was up now its coming down a little and my tsh has Risen.

Guess I will have to wait it out
Just feel horrid and want to be me again

[ivykaty44]

HazelNut is correct - it may not be Hashimotos and if you are suffering from palpitation it could mean that you have graves disease.

Do you know what your T4 and TSH were when you had your blood test done?

[Fluffypoms]

T4 was 26
Tsh 2.1

Now t4 has fallen a little and tsh risen.
Not gonna be tested for another 3 weeks now

[ivykaty44]

as far as I know with graves your THS stays very v low 0.02 for example, so although you have anti bodies this may not be a straight forward indication of graves.

I would ask when you go to see the gp if the anti bodies are indicating that you have an auto immune disease and if so which one?

Are you on medication for example an anti thyroxine drug, beta blockers?

In the area I live in T4 they state as normal between 13-24, this changes remarkably around the country - so you may want to ask your gp what the guide results are for the area you live in.

[Fluffypoms]

I am on Beta Blockers yes

I will deffo go back to gp and ask
Trouble with me is I always think of what I should have asked after I have left.

So can you have antibodies present and not have a autoimmune disease??

[ivykaty44]

So can you have antibodies present and not have a autoimmune disease??

no what I meant was although you have anti bodies present it may not be that it is graves that you have - you could have another auto immune disease...


I wrote things down in my diary and got it out when in the room with gp - that way I didn't forget anything, luck for me I have a good gp who seems to understand thyroid issues whereas others don't always get it, the feeling tierd and the changes in your body as T4 levels move from higher to lower levels, the heating inside and the mood swings the light periods and often irratic periods which again bring mood changes.

[Fluffypoms]

Oh okay yes I understand you Now
The diarys a good idea as everyday seems to bring about different things

Right now I've a feeling of Vibrations going on inside my body.

Is there only the two autoimmune disease's graves and Hashimoto?

[RockinD]

There are lots of auto immune diseases - Graves and Hashimoto's are the ones that affect the thyroid.

If you have a feeling of internal vibration, try googling 'adrenal fatigue'

[Fluffypoms]

Thanks I looked up adrenal fatigue before.

I'm not really even sure how to describe the feelings I have inside its like a shaking/spasm feeling that moves around.

I sometimes get a tightness in my neck that makes my head feel a little pressured and heavy.

I feel worn out but not able to sleep and my muscles feel weaks esp hips/arms

In general just feel Rotten

[digerd]

I have been looking for a thread which I have lost about Graves disease and taking Carbimazole medication to slow down the Thyroid's production of excessive Thyroxine - an overactive Thyroid. But don't think your condition applies ? Is your Thyroid not overactive or called Hyperthyroidism?

[ivykaty44]

Graves is a cause of an over active thyroid, there can be other causes of an over active thyroid - it is just that graves is the most common. Hyperthyroidism is the name of an over active thyroid and thyrotoxicosis is the disease it causes with to much T4 running around the body.

[Fluffypoms]

Orginally yes it was said I had Hyperthyroidism but as my T4 is lowering and my Tsh raising I'm not so sure

I tested positive for thyroid antibodies
But as far as I know Hashimoto's can have Bouts of Hyper episodes..

Stupidly I didn't ask which Autoimmune disease I Showed does it show like that in the one test? Which kind you have?

I've an appt with the Endo on 14th Nov and and my scan week later. Thyroid issues are all confusing to me

[Fluffypoms]

Also the tests T4 tests I had done were only a week or two apart

Its usually 6-8 weeks between tests ??

[ivykaty44]

I would write out your list of questions for the endo - but don't expect to much from the appointment, sadly there isn't a cure and only long term medicational help or possible getting rid of thyroid by more than one means and then medication possibly depending on what the bloods show and not how you feel.

I have graves and hyperthyroidism, mine there wasn't any doubt and my tsh is 0.02 and has been for the last two years since first tests. I had been abroad to India and was very ill about a month after my return so they tested me for all sorts and finally found what was wrong in time, my t4 was 69 and my t3 was 30

[Walnutcakelover]

Hi fluffy with hasmitos you can go up and down. Thyroid issues suck, they make you feel really crap and you are right, thyroid issues are confusing.
Ivykaty are you on carbimazole then? Wouldn't mind a trip to India, well Dubai.

[ivykaty44]

yes on carbimazole, have been for two years nearly.

India was good - but very hot and I lost a lot of weight as cycled 600km, which now of course I know was quite a feet as didn't know why I was feeling a bit slow on the bike...