Expert: Karen Brawner - 7/29/2004

Question
Almost three years ago, I was diagnosed with Graves disease and a multi-toxic nodular goiter. I was also laid low with multiple chemical sensitivity, severe sinusitis, allergies, mouth-neck,teeth, and tongue pain and swelling, as well as the host of symptoms that go with Graves.

In January of this year I went to Mayo clinic, as I was not receiving comprehensive care here(Juneau, Alaska) or in Seattle.

The Endo at Mayo's diagnosed me with Hasimotos ( autoimmune thyroid disease) now in remission. Also diagnosed was: IBS, chronic sinusitis, allergies, bursitis-osteo arthritis, depression, Chronic Fatigue, and TMJ

Since then, all my labs remain within normal except for an elevated TPO. Which stays at around 45. Lupus. etc were ruled out, but I am still suffering from all the other maladies, and of late the IBS has become terribly debiliting! Please advise!! I am scheduled to go to a Holistic Doctor in two weeks in Seattle, and she comes highly recommended.

Answer
Dear Rebecca,   This question is too involved for me to give you written answers here, but if you were told that your Hashimoto's Disease and or Grave's Disease were in remission, then someone is feeding you a line, because the TPO is still active (Above normal) and doing it's destruction....  

I do not know that your IBS is even related to your thyroid problem and it probably is not, but a Holistic Doctor will NOT be able to do anything for your thyroid dystruction.....

Here are a couple of web sites you need to read regarding APO..

http:vitamvas.tripod.com/lab.html

www.thyroidmanager.org/FunctionTests/assay-frame.htm
  (this one will also tell you about ALL the other thyroid
    blood tests and how accurate they really may be)

I hope this helps and thank you,   karen