Free T3?

Hi everyone,

I've been receiving treatment for hypothroydism for the past 4 weeks - 50 mg of Eltroxin.
My blood results were as follows (pre-meds, i'm taking the next blood test in 2 weeks):

TSH - 7.58 (lab's normal range is 0.55 to 4.78).
Free T4 - 12.45 (lab's normal range is 11.5 to 22.7).
Total T3 - 0.8 (lab's normal range is 0.92 to 2.79).

I have a few questions i'd really appreciate your help with:

- Not sure why the doctor only tested for Total T3 and not free T3 (I have a meeting scheduled with an endocrinologist next month). Should I make sure I test for Free T3 the next time? Does the Total T3 give any solid indication about my situation (as it is currently not in the normal ranges)?

- Aside from the fatigue i've been experiencing for the past year, I have also been experiencing a strong tension in my neck muscles. Did any of you hear about neck muscles problems due to a Thyroid disorder? I also have a severe pain in my hamstrings each morning.

- In several places, I read about T3 mediciations (whereas the Eltroxin is T4). In which scenario should I be alerted that my endocrinologist should consider subscribing T3 medications for me?
I should mention that the medication I am currently taking should have some effect in 4-6 weeks and I cannot say that I had any effect yet (it's been 4 weeks).

Thanks, I greatly appreciate any answer!

Post Edited (btr789) : 4/28/2013 12:54:44 PM (GMT-6)

I'll make sure i'm tested for FT3 and FT4, thanks!

I had an ultrasound of the neck and it came back without any findings. That is why i'm assuming that the tension i'm feeling involves the muscles. I could be wrong ofc, but I have no other lead and it does feel like a muscle stiffness of sorts.

I have "Thyroid AB Profile" written in the form for my next blood test. I guess that involves checking the TPOab and TGab levels?

Thanks for replying!