Lupus Support - High thyroid antibodies

Author

High thyroid antibodies - but I have Lupus

Jacquie

2005-03-19, 6:21 pm

Hello, my doctor just told me I had very high thyroid antibodies in a
recent blood test, however my TSH levels were normal. What could this
mean?
I was also recently told I have Lupus, but Lupus isn't related to the
thyroid. Is there something someone might know about these antibodies
or perhaps a relation to Lupus. I'm still waiting for the T3 and T4
results. Thank you, Jacquie

Mair

2005-03-19, 6:21 pm

Hi Jacquie.
I have a similar situation. Not much shows in my blood at all. My T3, T4
and TSH's all come back usually in the normal range. But my
antithyroglobulin and antithyroidperoxidase tests usually come back
positive. My doctor told me that if the thyroid problem were my only thing,
then I would be diagnosed with Hashimoto's thyroiditis. But I have skin and
joint involvment, photosensitivity and migraines that seem to be
inflammatory as well. Oh shucks! My doc says that this is typical of
autoimmune disorders: the types of antibodies each person has is different.
So you may or may not have lupus. That is my .02 on the situation, and I
hope it can be of some worth to you,

Mary, AKA Mair

"Jacquie" <jpotvin77@hotmail.com> wrote in message
news:1111179164.455558.286040@l41g2000cwc.googlegroups.com...
> Hello, my doctor just told me I had very high thyroid antibodies in a
> recent blood test, however my TSH levels were normal. What could this
> mean?
> I was also recently told I have Lupus, but Lupus isn't related to the
> thyroid. Is there something someone might know about these antibodies
> or perhaps a relation to Lupus. I'm still waiting for the T3 and T4
> results. Thank you, Jacquie
>

herbwormwood

2005-03-19, 6:21 pm

On Fri, 18 Mar 2005 22:25:09 +0000, Mair wrote
(in article <9zI_d.20090$Pz7.2556@newssvr13.news.prodigy.com> ):

> Hi Jacquie.
> I have a similar situation. Not much shows in my blood at all. My T3, T4
> and TSH's all come back usually in the normal range. But my
> antithyroglobulin and antithyroidperoxidase tests usually come back
> positive. My doctor told me that if the thyroid problem were my only thing,
> then I would be diagnosed with Hashimoto's thyroiditis. But I have skin and
> joint involvment, photosensitivity and migraines that seem to be
> inflammatory as well. Oh shucks! My doc says that this is typical of
> autoimmune disorders: the types of antibodies each person has is different.
> So you may or may not have lupus. That is my .02 on the situation, and I
> hope it can be of some worth to you,
>
> Mary, AKA Mair
>
> "Jacquie" <jpotvin77@hotmail.com> wrote in message
> news:1111179164.455558.286040@l41g2000cwc.googlegroups.com...

Systemic Lupus can affect any part of the body, that is why it is called
systemic. I believe the auto immune damage is via antibodies. But that
doesn't necessarily mean lupus is causing your problem.
Don't know if this is helpful or not! Let us know how you get on.

[vbcol=seagreen]
>
>

2005-03-19, 6:21 pm

Hi Jacquie,
I don't know if I can explain this one or not. I think you may have to wait
for the T3/T4 to come back. Those will tell you if your thyroid function is
normal at this time. I suspect you will find out that it isn't. The high
antibody level is likely because there is an autoimmune thyroid problem
present. Autoimmune thyroid disease can stand on it's own. The majority of
people who have that don't have lupus, but there are some folks who have
both. I have Hashimoto's disease. That was one of my earliest discovered
problems. Have I made this as clear as mud. <g> Let us know when you hear
the results of your tests.
BJ-Sk. Canada
"Jacquie" <jpotvin77@hotmail.com> wrote in message
news:1111179164.455558.286040@l41g2000cwc.googlegroups.com...
> Hello, my doctor just told me I had very high thyroid antibodies in a
> recent blood test, however my TSH levels were normal. What could this
> mean?
> I was also recently told I have Lupus, but Lupus isn't related to the
> thyroid. Is there something someone might know about these antibodies
> or perhaps a relation to Lupus. I'm still waiting for the T3 and T4
> results. Thank you, Jacquie
>

Jacquie

2005-03-19, 6:21 pm

Thank you all so much for your information, you're all so nice and
quick to help!!

I was a little worried, I suppose I will have to wait to see what the
T3 and T4 results suggest.

I actually was trying to find out what the underlining issue was
originally with my kidney leaking protein, turns out it's not too bad,
then the doctor decided to run all kinds of tests and found I had
Lupus, and thyroid antibodies etc, along with suspected infertility. I
feel ok, just tired a lot for years which is frustrating for everyone.
I have to have atleast 9 hours of sleep a night and by 2:00pm I'm
exhausted and ready for bed! I eat so much yet I'm always so frail and
thin so I suspected there was an underlining thyroid issue however the
TSH levels were normal so I am a little confused. I know that I do have
a lot of the Lupus symptoms too and apparently the results confirmed a
mild case of Lupus, however nothing is quite confirmed yet.

Either way life is as great as you make it!! :-) I just wish I wasn't
so darn tired all the time. And when I get sick I can't fight it away.
And I suppose I can take being thin as a blessing for now ;-) but it
comes with a price, sure expensive when I love eating so much and I
just can't get full and it's exhausting.

Thank you all! I will check back when I have the results next week,
lets keep our fingers crossed.
Sincerely, Jacquie

Jacquie

2005-03-26, 10:22 am

Hello again, well I finally have the results, apparently my TSH and T3
and T4 levels are normal. Why would my antithyroid antibodies be so
high? It's obviously not hyperthyroidism or hypo. Could it be something
else?
Thank you! Jacquie

2005-03-29, 7:24 pm

Hi Jacquie,
Perplexing, isn't it? Well, this would be my take on it. I don't think it
could be anything else. The antithyroid antbodies are specific to the
thyroid. I would think that, at this point, there has not been damage to the
thyroid so the function is still normal. That may change in time. I think
you should have your thryoid levels checked every six months or so. That is
the only thing that can be done when you all your other tests are normal
now. Maybe someone else has a better idea.
BJ-Sk. Canada
"Jacquie" <jpotvin77@hotmail.com> wrote in message
news:1111797871.317513.306580@z14g2000cwz.googlegroups.com...
> Hello again, well I finally have the results, apparently my TSH and T3
> and T4 levels are normal. Why would my antithyroid antibodies be so
> high? It's obviously not hyperthyroidism or hypo. Could it be something
> else?
> Thank you! Jacquie
>

cloud

2005-04-05, 6:28 pm

Can't hormone levels influence thyroid levels, or at least i thought i heard
of that somewhere.

Always,
...· ´¨¨)) -:¦:-
¸.·´ .·´¨¨))
((¸¸.·´ ..·´ cloud -:¦:-
-:¦:- ((¸¸.·´*

"Jacquie" <jpotvin77@hotmail.com> wrote in message
news:1111797871.317513.306580@z14g2000cwz.googlegroups.com...
> Hello again, well I finally have the results, apparently my TSH and T3
> and T4 levels are normal. Why would my antithyroid antibodies be so
> high? It's obviously not hyperthyroidism or hypo. Could it be something
> else?
> Thank you! Jacquie
>

tejoyo@yahoo.com

2005-04-05, 6:28 pm

Hi,
I'm new to the group and haven't introduced myself yet but found your
post interesting. I have Hashimoto's which has been treated
successfully since '01 but my thyroid antibodies are still through the
roof (lab range 200 high, mine are over 1000) My endo (who literally
wrote the textbook on thyroid disorders) says it's not normal to be so
high and all my doctors suspect another autoimmune illness such as RA
or lupus. But none of the autoimmune tests show anything (except
elevated ANA/speckled pattern and a slightly elevated sed rate) When I
ask the endo he says "well, they're all first cousins" which I take to
mean that something is going on but too soon to tell. I'm no doctor but
I'd wonder if at some time you are going to develop a thyroid disorder.
If so, don't worry, the thyroid is the only organ that can be replaced
with a pill. Once treated it's far less complex than these other
autoimmune things and the thyroid hormones have no side effects.

2005-04-05, 6:28 pm

Jacquie wrote:

> Hello, my doctor just told me I had very high thyroid antibodies in a
> recent blood test, however my TSH levels were normal. What could this
> mean?
> I was also recently told I have Lupus, but Lupus isn't related to the
> thyroid. Is there something someone might know about these antibodies
> or perhaps a relation to Lupus. I'm still waiting for the T3 and T4
> results. Thank you, Jacquie

http://www.thyroidmanager.org/Chapter8/8__diagnosis.htm
Diagnosis

Diagnosis involves two considerations -- the differential diagnosis of the
thyroid lesion and the assessment determination of the metabolic status of
the patient.

A diffuse, firm goiter with pyramidal lobe enlargement, and without signs
of thyrotoxicosis, should suggest the diagnosis of Hashimoto's
thyroiditis. Most often the gland is bosselated or "nubbey." It is usually
symmetrical, although much variation in symmetry (as well as consistency)
can occur. The trachea is rarely deviated or compressed. The association
of goiter with hypothyroidism is almost diagnostic of this condition, but
is also seen in certain syndromes due to defective hormone synthesis or
hormone response, as described in Chapter 9. Pain and tenderness are
unusual but may be present. A rapid onset is also unusual, but the goiter
may rarely grow from normal to several times the normal size in a few
weeks. Most commonly the gland is two to four times the normal size.
Satellite lymph nodes may be present, especially the Delphian node above
the isthmus. Multinodular goiter occurs in significant incidence in adult
women; thus the co-occurrence of multinodular goiter and Hashimoto's
thyroiditis is not rare, and may provide the finding of a grossly nodular
gland in a patient who is mildly hypothyroid and has positive antibody
tests.

The T4 concentration and the FT4 range from low to high but are most
typically in the normal or low range(92). The RAIU (rarely required) is
variable and ranges from below normal to elevated values, depending on
such factors as TSH levels, the efficiency of use of iodide by the
thyroid, and the nature of the components being released into the
circulation. Gammaglobulin levels may be elevated, although usually they
are normal(93). This alteration evidently reflects the presence of high
concentrations of circulating antibodies to TG, for an antibody
concentration as high as 5.2 mg/ml has been reported.

T4 and FTI are normal or low(92). Serum TSH reflects the patient's
metabolic status. However, some patients are clinically euthyroid, with
normal FTI and T3 levels, but have mildly elevated TSH. Whether this
"subclinical hypothyroidism" represents partial or complete compensation
is a matter of debate. TPOAb, and less frequently TGAb are present in
serum. High levels are diagnostic of autoimmune thyroid disease. TGAb are
positive in about 80% of patients, and if both TGAb and TPOAb are
measured, 97% are positive. Young patients tend to have lower and
occasionally negative levels. In this age group, even low titers signify
the presence of thyroid autoimmunity.

FNA can be a useful diagnostic procedure but is infrequently required,
except in patients that seem to have- or have- a discreet nodule in the
gland. FNA typically reveals lymphocytes, macrophages, scant colloid, and
a few epithelial cells which may show Hurthle cell change. In this context
Hurthle cells do not represent a discrete adenoma. However if only
abundant Hurthle cells dominate the specimen, and there are few or no
lymphocytes or macrophages, the biopsy must be interpreted as a possible
Hurthle cell tumor. Biopsy results are less frequently diagnostic in
children(95).

Thyroid isotope scan is not usually necessary, but can be helpful. The
image is characteristically that of a diffuse or mottled uptake in an
enlarged gland, in striking contrast to the focal "cold" and "hot" areas
of multinodular goiter. Focal loss of isotope accumulation may occur in
severely diseased portions of the thyroid.

Table 8-2 Guideline for the diagnosis of Hashimoto's thyroiditis (Chronic
thyroiditis)

1. Clinical findings Diffuse swelling of the thyroid gland without any
other cause (such as Graves' disease)
2. Laboratory findings
* Positive for anti-thyroid microsomal antibody or anti-thyroid
peroxidase(TPO) antibody
* Positive for anti-thyroglobulin antibody
* Lymphocytic infiltration in the thyroid gland confirmed with
cytological examination

1. A patient shall be said to have Hashimoto's thyroiditis if he/she
has satisfied clinical criterion and any one laboratory criterion.Notes
* A patients shall be suspected to have Hashimoto's thyroiditis,
if he/she has primary hypothyroidism without any other cause to induce
hypothyroidism.
* A patient shall be suspected to have Hashimoto's thyroiditis,
if he/she has anti-thyroid microsomal antibody and/or anti-thyroglobulin
antibody without thyroid dysfunction nor goiter formation.*
* If a patient with thyroid neoplasm has anti-thyroid antibody
by chance, he or she should be considered to have Hashimoto's thyroiditis.

* A patient is possible to have Hashimoto's thyroiditis if
hypoechroic and/or inhomogeneous pattern is observed in thyroid
ultrasonography.

* Some clinicians don't use the term Hashimoto's thyroiditis if patients
have no goiter, although association of positive antibodies and
lymphocytic infiltration in the thyroid gland was proved by histological
examination.

Ultrasound may display an enlarged gland with normal texture, a
characteristic picture with very low echogenicity, or a suggestion of
multiple ill-defined nodules. Diagnostic guidelines made by The Japan
Thyroid Association are shown in Table 8-2. The flow chart of diagnosis is
shown in Figure 8-7.

Differential Diagnosis

Hashimoto's thyroiditis is to be distinguished from nontoxic nodular
goiter or Graves' disease. The presence of gross nodularity is strong
evidence against Hashimoto's thyroiditis, but differentiation on this
basis is not infallible. In multinodular goiter, thyroid function test
results are usually normal, and the patient is only rarely clinically
hypothyroid. Thyroid autoantibodies tend to be absent or titers are low,
and the scan result is typical. FNA can resolve the question but is
usually unnecessary. In fact, the two conditions quite commonly occur
together in adult women. Whether this is by chance, or due to the effect
of thyroid growth stimulating antibodies (or other causes) is unknown.

Moderately and diffusely enlarged thyroid glands in teenagers are usually
the result of thyroiditis, but some may be true adolescent goiters; that
is, the enlargement may result from moderate hyperplasia of the thyroid
gland in response to a temporarily increased demand for hormone. This
condition is more often diagnosed than proved. Thyroid function test
results should be normal. Antibody assays may resolve the issue. The
diagnosis can be settled with certainty only by a biopsy disclosing normal
or hyperplastic thyroid tissue and absence of findings of thyroiditis. The
possibility of colloid goiter may be entertained in the differential
diagnosis. Colloid goiter is a definite pathologic entity, as described in
Chapter 17. Presumably it is the resting phase after a period of thyroid
hyperplasia.

Tumor must also be considered in the differential diagnosis, especially if
there is rapid growth of the gland or persistent pain. The diffuse nature
of autoimmune thyroiditis, the characteristic hypothyroidism and
involvement of the pyramidal lobe are usually sufficient for
differentiation. FNA is indicated if there is uncertainty. However, it
must be remembered that lymphoma or a small-cell carcinoma of the thyroid
can be and has been mistaken for Hashimoto's thyroiditis. Clusters of
nodes at the upper poles strongly suggesting papillary cancer may
disappear when thyroid hormone replacement therapy is given. However, we
have seen a sufficient number of patients with both thyroiditis and tumor
to know that one diagnosis in no way excludes the other. Thyroid lymphoma
must always be considered if there is continued (especially asymmetric)
enlargement of a Hashimoto's gland, or if pain, tenderness, hoarseness, or
nodes develop. Thyroiditis is a risk factor for thyroid lymphoma, although
the incidence is very low. Thyroid lymphoma develops in most cases in
glands which harbor thyroiditis. Distinguishing thyroid lymphoma from
Hashimoto's thyroiditis is sometimes quite difficult Reverse
transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) detecting the
monoclonality of immunoglobulin heavy chain mRNA is useful for
differentiation between the two(99). This condition and its management are
discussed in Chapter 18.

Occasionally the picture of Hashimoto's thyroiditis blends rather
imperceptibly into that of thyrotoxicosis, and some patients have symptoms
of mild thyrotoxicosis, but then develop typical Hashimoto's thyroiditis.
In fact, it is best to think of Graves' disease and Hashimoto's
thyroiditis as two very closely related syndromes produced by thyroid
autoimmunity. Categorization depends on associated eye findings and the
metabolic level, but the pathogenesis, histologic picture, and function
may overlap.

Likewise, we have seen patients who appear to have a mixture of
Hashimoto's thyroiditis and subacute thyroiditis, with goiter, positive
thyroid autoantibodies, normal or low FT4, and biopsies which have
suggested Hashimoto's on one occasion and included giant cells on another.
A form of painful chronic thyroiditis with amyloid infiltration has also
been described, and is probably etiologically distinct from Hashimoto's
thyroiditis(100).

Dresden

2005-04-05, 6:28 pm

vvffffffff
"cloud" <pjasper@cfl.rr.com> wrote in message
news:9Vz2e.11241$vd.1573@tornado.tampabay.rr.com...
> Can't hormone levels influence thyroid levels, or at least i thought i
heard
> of that somewhere.
>
>
> Always,
> ..· ´¨¨)) -:¦:-
> ¸.·´ .·´¨¨))
> ((¸¸.·´ ..·´ cloud -:¦:-
> -:¦:- ((¸¸.·´*
>
> "Jacquie" <jpotvin77@hotmail.com> wrote in message
> news:1111797871.317513.306580@z14g2000cwz.googlegroups.com...
>
>

cloud

2005-04-05, 6:28 pm

Yeah, i had thyroiditis. Forgot to mention that.
As far a Lupus not affecting the thyroid, I beg to differ that point.
Autoimmune disease can effect anything and most everything.
I do not believe the thyroid to be an exception.
I do think that the medications we take and those which possibly counter-act
with each other may certainly have an effect also, as not much research has
been done of medication counter-actions.
Did they scan your thyroid yet?
Always,
...· ´¨¨)) -:¦:-
¸.·´ .·´¨¨))
((¸¸.·´ ..·´ cloud -:¦:-
-:¦:- ((¸¸.·´*

> Hello again, well I finally have the results, apparently my TSH and T3
> and T4 levels are normal. Why would my antithyroid antibodies be so
> high? It's obviously not hyperthyroidism or hypo. Could it be something
> else?
> Thank you! Jacquie
>

Jacquie

2005-04-08, 10:25 pm

Hi, so I obviously don't have hypothyroidism or hyper as my T3 and T4
and TSH levels are normal. SHould I worry abou the high thyroid
antibodies? My doctor said not to worry but I just gotta do my own
research.
Thanks, Jacquie

2005-04-08, 10:25 pm

Jacquie wrote:

> Hi, so I obviously don't have hypothyroidism or hyper as my T3 and T4
> and TSH levels are normal. SHould I worry abou the high thyroid
> antibodies? My doctor said not to worry but I just gotta do my own
> research.

Hi Jacquie, what type of doctor said that?
Do you feel well? Is either side of your thyroid (lobes) enlarged? Did
someone feel your thyroid?
Have you seen an endocrinologist ? (thyroid expert)
Did they scan your thyroid?
Are you inflamed? (pain/inflammation of joints?)
If yes to the latter, maybe you address the inflammation first with the
right medications, then get your thryoid checked by endocrinologist once
your inflammation is stabilized.
But I'm not a doctor, so ?????

I have typed up all I can find about what was tested for me where they
concluded Hashimoto's thyroiditis and my labs were normal except for some
levels of things that you don't mention. I will hold back posting them
until I get answers to your questions.
Hugs
J

Jacquie

2005-04-08, 10:25 pm

Hello, thank you for your email!!! I appreciate any info sometimes
doctors are hesitant to give out too much info. I haven't had a scan or
ultrasound my family doctor said it feels normal and doesn't know why
the antibodies are high but said not to worry. But it's my body so I
like to make sure all is good.

I had been going to doctors for years trying to figure out why I was
tired all the time and finally found a doctor who believed me and
tested me for Lupus which came out positive, so ya just can't fully
trust all doctors as sometimes they seem to think we're all
hypochondriacs but I'm not I just do my research. My rheumatologist
even lied and said the antibodies are normal but my family doctor gave
me a copy of the results and agreed with me they are way too high.I
asked to have my tsh and t3 and t4 levels tested and they are normal.

So it can't be hyothyroidism or hyper... I'm just always tired and achy
all over. My joints are always sore and my body feels old at times but
I'm just young! I had to stop marathon running and have no energy for
daily exercise I need to sleep for 10 hours every day leaving no time
for anything. It's frustrating and I just want answers so I can be
normal again. And I just know in my gutt all of this is related and
likely also has something to do with my problem for getting pregnant
too over the past 10 years.

:-) Thank you all!!!

2005-04-08, 10:25 pm

Jacquie wrote:

> My rheumatologist even lied and said the antibodies are normal but my
> family doctor gave
> me a copy of the results and agreed with me they are way too high.I
> asked to have my tsh and t3 and t4 levels tested and they are normal.
>
> So it can't be hyothyroidism or hyper... I'm just always tired and achy
> all over. My joints are always sore and my body feels old at times but
> I'm just young! I had to stop marathon running and have no energy for
> daily exercise I need to sleep for 10 hours every day leaving no time
> for anything.

That's a hallmark of Lupus....

However, if you have Hashimoto's Thyroiditis, this is how mine was
diagnosed.

Hello Jacquie,
I just pulled out a very thick medical file of mine from years back.
There's about 12 "thyroid" letters in it from my thyroid doctor ..back
then.
That's who you need to see - an endocrinologist.

After I was diagnowed with Hashimoto's and put on thyroxine, I had a
followup and this is part of what it said:
We have repeated thyroid function tests including TST and taken blood for
antibodies.
Thyroxine turns off TSH and in many indididuals decreasees the inflammatory
process gradually.
The thyroid will never return to normal size but should help from further
enlarging.
T4 7.2 (normal range 5.5 - 11.5)
rT3u 24.7 (normal range 25-35)
TSH 8.5 ru/ml (normal <12)
= euthyroid status.

Don't get hung up in the test names/or ranges; nor tesst names. They were
handwritten on the letters, so I cannot decipher them exactly. It's enough
to demonstrate that my levels were in the normal range (except for some of
the blood work that showed antibodies consistent with Hashi's and that the
indication is to continue on thyroxine to make sure that the malfunctioning
thyroid remains euthyroid (ie no longer producing wacky lab values and/or
symptoms> and it's a heck of a lot more complex than just the T3/T4 and TSH

Going further back (before that to during the initial process of testing
and diagnosing) some of the lab values or tests
iGg 1420 (normal 800-1800)
iGA 181 (normal 90-450)
IgM 100 (normal 70-280)
alkaline phosphatase 98 mu/ml (normal <115)
during the early part of gland suppression , the gland still produces
hormones for a period of time until euthyroid.

T4 12.2% (normal 5.5 - 11.5)
rT3u 27.5% (normal 2.5 - 3.5)
Thyroid function within normal limite
anti-thyroidglobuline titre less that 1:5
anti-thyroid microsomial titre was highly positive at 1:100, at 2,400
thyroxine level was 7.2 (5.5 - 11.5 mcg/dl)
RT32 22.6 % (normal 25- 35%)
ultrasound nodule right lobe was solid
Aspiration (needle biopsy) was done - benign - scan for nodules could not
be done due to recent IVP scan
Clinical & lab data entirely consistent with Hashimoto's thyroiditis.

My point is that there's a lot more than just the TSH /T3/T4 to diagnosing
a thyroid problem and it requires an expert to run the right tests, feel
your thyroid and monitor you and look for signs and symptoms to get the
diagnosis right.

And it's a specialist called an endocrinologist who screens and diagnoses
thyroid problems.
I'm not a doctor. I'm just sharing what some of thyroid paperwork says.

J

2005-04-08, 10:25 pm

Jacquie wrote:

> I had been going to doctors for years trying to figure out why I was
> tired all the time and finally found a doctor who believed me and
> tested me for Lupus which came out positive, so ya just can't fully
> trust all doctors as sometimes they seem to think we're all
> hypochondriacs but I'm not I just do my research. My rheumatologist
> even lied and said the antibodies are normal but my family doctor gave
> me a copy of the results and agreed with me they are way too high.I
> asked to have my tsh and t3 and t4 levels tested and they are normal.

Jacquie,
which antibodies are high and their readings?
I'll try to look them up for you on a good day.
Hugs
J

2005-04-11, 6:14 pm

Hi Jacquie,
I would say that your thyroid is functioning normally at this point. The
high antibody level may be an indication of a problem further down the road.
I wouldn't worry about it, but I would make sure that your thyroid levels
are checked on a regular basis.
BJ-Sk. Canada
"Jacquie" <jpotvin77@hotmail.com> wrote in message
news:1112819919.087341.237330@g14g2000cwa.googlegroups.com...
> Hi, so I obviously don't have hypothyroidism or hyper as my T3 and T4
> and TSH levels are normal. SHould I worry abou the high thyroid
> antibodies? My doctor said not to worry but I just gotta do my own
> research.
> Thanks, Jacquie
>

2005-04-11, 6:14 pm

Hi J, thank you all for your postings. In response to your question
it's is the Anti -TPO, which is anti-thyroid Peroxidase antibody which
is now a 685 the normal range is less than 35. however 5-10% of the
population have Anti-tpo up to 250. Mine is significantly higher which
gets me a little worried.. Not sure what it could mean with normal TSH,
T3 and T4, it seems odd to me that the Anti-TPO is so high. Maybe I
should ask another doctor.
Thank you, jacquie

2005-04-11, 6:14 pm

JQ wrote:

> Hi J, thank you all for your postings. In response to your question
> it's is the Anti -TPO, which is anti-thyroid Peroxidase antibody which
> is now a 685 the normal range is less than 35. however 5-10% of the
> population have Anti-tpo up to 250. Mine is significantly higher which
> gets me a little worried.. Not sure what it could mean with normal TSH,
> T3 and T4, it seems odd to me that the Anti-TPO is so high. Maybe I
> should ask another doctor.
> Thank you, jacquie

(as I mentioned earlier, I have Hashimoto's thyroiditis and when I was
diagnosed, my TSH, T3 nad T4 were normal).
Maybe you could print this up and ask your rheumatologist?
J
http://www.lhsc.on.ca/lab/endo/atgupd.htm
The Endocrine Laboratory has evaluated chemiluminescent immunometric assays
for Anti-Thyroglobulin Antibodies (Anti-Tg) and Anti-Thyroid Peroxidase
Antibodies (anti-TPO) . These tests will be performed in the Endocrinology
Lab starting June 15th, 2003.
Clinical Utility : Anti-TPO assay is the most sensitive test for
Hashimoto’s thyroiditis . It is also elevated in 85% of patients with
Graves Disease. Anti-Tg is elevated in 85% of Hashimoto’s and only 30% of
Graves Disease. The diagnostic information provided by Anti-TPO is rarely
improved by the addition of Anti-Tg even though it is orderable. Please
note that Anti-Tg is automatically performed on all the specimens received
for Thyroglobulin assay because it is an interference in serum
thyroglobulin measurement.

Limitations: Thyroid Antibody production can occur in a small number of
healthy persons, especially in females of advanced age.
Both Anti-TPO and Anti-Tg.can be present in various nonthyroid autoimmune
diseases eg Sjogrens Syndrome, Lupus Erythromatosus, Rheumatoid Arthritis,
Pernicious Anemia and also in patients with myxedema, granulomatosis,
nontoxic nodular goiter and thyroid carcinoma.

2005-04-11, 6:14 pm

J wrote:

> JQ wrote:
>
>
> (as I mentioned earlier, I have Hashimoto's thyroiditis and when I was
> diagnosed, my TSH, T3 nad T4 were normal).
> Maybe you could print this up and ask your rheumatologist?
> J
> http://www.lhsc.on.ca/lab/endo/atgupd.htm
> The Endocrine Laboratory has evaluated chemiluminescent immunometric assays
> for Anti-Thyroglobulin Antibodies (Anti-Tg) and Anti-Thyroid Peroxidase
> Antibodies (anti-TPO) . These tests will be performed in the Endocrinology
> Lab starting June 15th, 2003.
> Clinical Utility : Anti-TPO assay is the most sensitive test for
> Hashimoto’s thyroiditis . It is also elevated in 85% of patients with
> Graves Disease. Anti-Tg is elevated in 85% of Hashimoto’s and only 30% of
> Graves Disease. The diagnostic information provided by Anti-TPO is rarely
> improved by the addition of Anti-Tg even though it is orderable. Please
> note that Anti-Tg is automatically performed on all the specimens received
> for Thyroglobulin assay because it is an interference in serum
> thyroglobulin measurement.

I'm inserting this here because of the above last line. "interference in serum
etc"
Earlier I posted these for my results at diagnosis of Hashi's
anti-thyroidglobulin titre less that 1:5
anti-thyroid microsomial titre was highly positive at 1:100, at 2,400

They seem to be ratios. It seems to be something different that you were tested
for.

So I don't know if your anti-TPO reflects your Lupus activity or relates to
thyroid at all.
(because of below)
J

> Limitations: Thyroid Antibody production can occur in a small number of
> healthy persons, especially in females of advanced age.
> Both Anti-TPO and Anti-Tg.can be present in various nonthyroid autoimmune
> diseases eg Sjogrens Syndrome, Lupus Erythromatosus, Rheumatoid Arthritis,
> Pernicious Anemia and also in patients with myxedema, granulomatosis,
> nontoxic nodular goiter and thyroid carcinoma.

2005-04-11, 6:14 pm

Interesting. Thank you, I suppose I'll just have to get tested again in
a few months and see if perhaps it has effected my thyroid later. too
bad it all can't be just clear as water! :-) Thank u, Jacquie

2005-04-11, 6:14 pm

Hi Jacquie,
Keep in mind that having lupus would explain the contant fatigue. It could
well be that is what is causing you to feel tired and achy. At least now,
you are aware of the high thyroid antibody level and you can have the doctor
check your thyroid function from time to time.
BJ-Sk. Canada
"Jacquie" <jpotvin77@hotmail.com> wrote in message
news:1112915913.743693.295820@f14g2000cwb.googlegroups.com...
> Hello, thank you for your email!!! I appreciate any info sometimes
> doctors are hesitant to give out too much info. I haven't had a scan or
> ultrasound my family doctor said it feels normal and doesn't know why
> the antibodies are high but said not to worry. But it's my body so I
> like to make sure all is good.
>
> I had been going to doctors for years trying to figure out why I was
> tired all the time and finally found a doctor who believed me and
> tested me for Lupus which came out positive, so ya just can't fully
> trust all doctors as sometimes they seem to think we're all
> hypochondriacs but I'm not I just do my research. My rheumatologist
> even lied and said the antibodies are normal but my family doctor gave
> me a copy of the results and agreed with me they are way too high.I
> asked to have my tsh and t3 and t4 levels tested and they are normal.
>
> So it can't be hyothyroidism or hyper... I'm just always tired and achy
> all over. My joints are always sore and my body feels old at times but
> I'm just young! I had to stop marathon running and have no energy for
> daily exercise I need to sleep for 10 hours every day leaving no time
> for anything. It's frustrating and I just want answers so I can be
> normal again. And I just know in my gutt all of this is related and
> likely also has something to do with my problem for getting pregnant
> too over the past 10 years.
>
> :-) Thank you all!!!
>

glitsycat

2005-10-10, 5:53 pm

[QUOTE]Originally posted by Jacquie
Hello again, well I finally have the results, apparently my TSH and T3
and T4 levels are normal. Why would my antithyroid antibodies be so
high? It's obviously not hyperthyroidism or hypo. Could it be something
else?
Thank you! Jacquie [/QU
Hi, I went to 5 different Docs who told me I had nothing wrong with me, the last one said I needed a shrink, I was starting to think so too. Someone told me about the Wilson Syndrome Foundation and they had alot of my symtoms listed so I called the 800 # and they gave the name and # of a Doc
in my area. I went to him he did all these tests, my thyroid antibodies were over 15,000 and still are, all the other Docs said I didn't have anything wrong with my thyroid and he said I was very sick from it, and if you have a problem with thyroid you need your adreanal glands check also. So just because one or several Docs tell you it's not that doesn't always mean they are right.