Hi Elaine,
I am so grateful that this site exists, and thank you for your previous reply.
My daughter is not getting any help in this country (UK). As a result we have resorted to seeing an endocrinologist in Belgium, where she had blood tests. Unfortunately it still does not seem that she has had TSI or TRAb tested. The endocrinologist said she would not have Graves eye problems because she would have to have hyperthyroid symptoms.
The blood tests showed the following:
Ab to thyroglobulin- 7 U/mL Ref: < 100 Neg
Anti-TPO 8 U/mL Ref < 16 Neg
T3 free 3.95pg/mL Ref: 2.1 - 4.2
T4 free 0.84 ng/dL Ref: 0.7 - 1.8
TSH 1.91 uU/mL 10.0- 19.0
We have problems in having any sort of blood test here in the UK because private clinics here have a rule that under 18s must have their blood taken by a doctor not a nurse. As a result the last test took over an hour because the doctor could not find her veins, and took blood from her wrist using a catheter, which caused her wrist to swell up like a balloon. She is traumatised as a result and still suffers 6 months later from a stiff clicking wrist. Belgium blood testing took seconds with no problems.
As she has many hypothyroid symptoms the Belgium endocrinologist prescribed Armour, to be taken in small increasing doses. I am worried that the natural extract will cause an antibody reaction. Should we continue with the Armour? Will this help her eye symptoms? I am wondering about trying LDN.
Her problems are distressing her a great deal as this has been going on for over two years, during which time her life has been on hold.Her main problem seems to arise from her inability to look up or down, the muscle swelling, lacrimal gland swelling, aching and sensitivity show no signs of abating.
Should we persevere in trying to obtain a blood test for TSI and TRAb antibodies, and should she continue to take natural thryoid? I am becoming more confused and don't know what to do next.
Thank you so much for your time and help.