Hmmmm, Free T3 not even an option on the lab form?
Gosh, that's odd. When I went to visit my Endo yesterday, I had the receptionist give me a new lab/blood test form for my blood test in 2 months. The hospital's lab form (more expensive) actually has a box to check for a Free T3 test, but Quest Diagnostics (less expensive, independent lab) doesn't even have that option on the form. Would it be called something else? The only options for T3 were Total and Uptake. Hmmmmm.
When I spoke with the Doc, he did NOT like Free T3 at all. He said it was very inaccurate, so he only goes by the Total T3. Ahem, since he didn't take my 'off the range' low Total T3 very seriously, I'm rather 'iffy' on his opinions! (but at least he gave me a script for cytomel.) Erm, I actually had the receptionist write in the Free T3 test. (I'm so bad!) Just tells ya that I trust YOU more than my Endo! {{{hugs}}}
I do have another goofy question. (who, me? ) What are your opinions on body temperature? Since I've been feeling SOOOOO poorly lately, I've been taking my temp for a while. I'm averaging anywhere between 95.5* to 96.8* Is this another sign that my thyroid ain't happy?
Re: Hmmmm, Free T3 not even an option on the lab form?
Look for "free triiodothyronine" or "triiodothyronine, free" on the requisition form. I know they do the test; they do mine.
Edit to add: If you don't see that term on the form, look for a blank where additional test names can be written in. I've never actually see a requisition form, so I'm unsure whether filling in the blank is the method my doc uses or not.
Although low body temp is a classic hypo sign, it can also be low for other reasons. In thyroid pioneer Broda Barnes' day, it was helpful for diagnosing and treating the disorder. But now that the free T tests have been developed, they are more reliable.
__________________ "We can complain because rose bushes have thorns, or rejoice because thorn bushes have roses." Abraham Lincoln
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Re: Hmmmm, Free T3 not even an option on the lab form?
Hi midwest1 - thank you again! {{{hugs}}} Nope, those terms weren't listed on the form, but the gal did write it in the "custom panels and tests" area. (yikes, I sure hope my doc won't be PO'd that I snuck that in there!)
Re: body temp, I've been reading about "Wilson's Temperature Syndrome" and it's relation to the Thyroid. In my brain-fogged impaired head, it seems logical that if your body's metabolism isn't working properly, everything should be on the slow/low side. (ie: if everything is designed to work properly at 98.6 - 95* would be way to low to get things cookin'!) (??) And, now that I've started the new T3 meds, I'm just thinking I could take my temp on a daily basis, to track and see if I'm making any progress - even before I start feeling noticably better! (?)
XOXO,
Lin
Quote:
Originally Posted by midwest1
Look for "free triiodothyronine" or "triiodothyronine, free" on the requisition form. I know they do the test; they do mine.
Edit to add: If you don't see that term on the form, look for a blank where additional test names can be written in. I've never actually see a requisition form, so I'm unsure whether filling in the blank is the method my doc uses or not.
Although low body temp is a classic hypo sign, it can also be low for other reasons. In thyroid pioneer Broda Barnes' day, it was helpful for diagnosing and treating the disorder. But now that the free T tests have been developed, they are more reliable.
Just tells ya that I trust YOU more than my Endo! {{{hugs}}}
