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Moderately Hyper-PTU
Hi all!
Well, the results are in. I am moderately HYPERthyroid. Low <0.01 TSH, and High Free T3 and T4. Tested for Graves. Came back "within range", although TSI is 122 with reference range of <125, so there's not much room there...
I'm scared to take the PTU, so anyone who is or has taken it - please share your experience with me. To those who already did, THANK YOU SO MUCH!!!
I need to know what I'm looking at......
Hope everyone is as well as they can be!!
Sincerely,
Shari
Well, the results are in. I am moderately HYPERthyroid. Low <0.01 TSH, and High Free T3 and T4. Tested for Graves. Came back "within range", although TSI is 122 with reference range of <125, so there's not much room there...
I'm scared to take the PTU, so anyone who is or has taken it - please share your experience with me. To those who already did, THANK YOU SO MUCH!!!
I need to know what I'm looking at......
Hope everyone is as well as they can be!!
Sincerely,
Shari
Thanks for scaring the cr@p outta me :) Now I don't want to take it again.... but I'm sure I'll be advised otherwise. Lol, Paja - I'm glad you posted next, I cried and then laughed!
Shari
Shari
Good for you ladies!! Im glad you are starting the meds. Your health isn't something to gamble with.
And no your not going to wake up with an extra arm from taking anti-thyoid pills. I took PTU while pregnate and nursing and survived so did my kids. It was nerve wracking taking that first pill. Think of it as one step closer to better health so you can be around for your families.
Peace be the journey
Paja
And no your not going to wake up with an extra arm from taking anti-thyoid pills. I took PTU while pregnate and nursing and survived so did my kids. It was nerve wracking taking that first pill. Think of it as one step closer to better health so you can be around for your families.
Peace be the journey
Paja
I was diagnosed with hyperthyroid earlier this year....I take PTU and all I can say is do not get off of it unless you're having an uptake scan...I stopped taking ptu twice and I went into thyroid storm....I had never been so sick in my entire life...my potassium was dangerously low because I was unable to hold anything down...I dropped to 93 lbs and I am 5'8...I am still taking ptu, but have cut down...I go to a military hospital and am still waiting for a referral to see an endocrinologist...consult with your doctor if you're thinking about stopping...as silly as it sounds, I came very close to death...amazing how ptu can balance everything out
Hello, Welp put me on the list too. Still have no clue except endo put me on methimazole. Waiting for the other blood results. I have noticed not many people with hyper.
you'll be fine, i have faith in you. it really is no big deal. just another pill to remember to take. just remember to take it same time each day as prescribed.
good luck
GW (Kim)
good luck
GW (Kim)
It's 7:54 p.m. in Long Island, New York. I took 50mg PTU for the first time - about 15 minutes ago!!! Say many prayers!!!!
Hugs,
Shari
Hugs,
Shari
Hi Shari,
Yes, it looks like moderately hyperthiroidism. Just so you have a comaprison, when my relapse was identified a couple of months ago. My free T4 was 3.58 and my free T3 was almost a 1000. And of course my ab tests came back positive.
The good news for you is that you have no antibodies and your ESR is normal - denoting inflammation is non-existent. I've seen Dr Lupo mentioned that sometimes you can have slightly elevated platelets (which also indicate inflammation). I've also read that individuals with auto-immune thyroid disease can have an elevated ANA test, which is also the same thing.
I think you may be lucky enough! so far, it doesn't seem like you have auto-immune thyroid disease. Now, have you had an ultrasound done?
How are you doing with the PTU?
Yes, it looks like moderately hyperthiroidism. Just so you have a comaprison, when my relapse was identified a couple of months ago. My free T4 was 3.58 and my free T3 was almost a 1000. And of course my ab tests came back positive.
The good news for you is that you have no antibodies and your ESR is normal - denoting inflammation is non-existent. I've seen Dr Lupo mentioned that sometimes you can have slightly elevated platelets (which also indicate inflammation). I've also read that individuals with auto-immune thyroid disease can have an elevated ANA test, which is also the same thing.
I think you may be lucky enough! so far, it doesn't seem like you have auto-immune thyroid disease. Now, have you had an ultrasound done?
How are you doing with the PTU?
Hi graveswoman,
No, I don't think you're doomed to roll the weight roller coaster for life :-)
You only need some time for your body to adapt as your metabolism changes with your improved thyroid function. When i was first dx (few years ago) I had lost tons of weight - as my thyroid function improved, I statrted to gain back the pounds, Of course, as you mentioned, excercise was limited due to a fast heart rate, But I noticed that once my body adapted to a new metabolsim rate when my thryoid function became normal again (and I was able to start excercising once more) I was able to shed some of those pounds. But it took a while.
Now, I'm going through the same, lost weight, now gaining some back. Fortunately, I was given the green light to excercie by my endo last week, But as Dr Lupo says, this is not an exact science and it will avry with the individual.
Good luck! and let's keep each other posted with our progress!
No, I don't think you're doomed to roll the weight roller coaster for life :-)
You only need some time for your body to adapt as your metabolism changes with your improved thyroid function. When i was first dx (few years ago) I had lost tons of weight - as my thyroid function improved, I statrted to gain back the pounds, Of course, as you mentioned, excercise was limited due to a fast heart rate, But I noticed that once my body adapted to a new metabolsim rate when my thryoid function became normal again (and I was able to start excercising once more) I was able to shed some of those pounds. But it took a while.
Now, I'm going through the same, lost weight, now gaining some back. Fortunately, I was given the green light to excercie by my endo last week, But as Dr Lupo says, this is not an exact science and it will avry with the individual.
Good luck! and let's keep each other posted with our progress!
ESR stands for erythrocyte sedimentation rate. It is a nonspecific screening test that indirectly measures how much inflammation is in the body.
This test can be used to monitor inflammatory or cancerous diseases. It is a screening test, which means it cannot be used to diagnose a specific disorder.
However, it is useful in detecting and monitoring tuberculosis, tissue death, certain forms of arthritis, autoimmune disorders, and inflammatory diseases that cause vague symptoms.
Normal Results:
Adults (Westergren method):
Men under 50 years old: less than 15 mm/hr
Men over 50 years old: less than 20 mm/hr
Women under 50 years old: less than 20 mm/hr (that's me!)
An increased ESR rate may be due to:
Anemia
Kidney disease
Osteomyelitis
Pregnancy
Rheumatic fever
Rheumatoid arthritis
Syphilis
Systemic lupus erythematosus
Thyroid disease (okay.............. so my ESR is normal; wtf :)
Tuberculosis
Other inflammatory conditions
At least now I know what ESR is, and mine is totally normal!
This test can be used to monitor inflammatory or cancerous diseases. It is a screening test, which means it cannot be used to diagnose a specific disorder.
However, it is useful in detecting and monitoring tuberculosis, tissue death, certain forms of arthritis, autoimmune disorders, and inflammatory diseases that cause vague symptoms.
Normal Results:
Adults (Westergren method):
Men under 50 years old: less than 15 mm/hr
Men over 50 years old: less than 20 mm/hr
Women under 50 years old: less than 20 mm/hr (that's me!)
An increased ESR rate may be due to:
Anemia
Kidney disease
Osteomyelitis
Pregnancy
Rheumatic fever
Rheumatoid arthritis
Syphilis
Systemic lupus erythematosus
Thyroid disease (okay.............. so my ESR is normal; wtf :)
Tuberculosis
Other inflammatory conditions
At least now I know what ESR is, and mine is totally normal!
Hi!
Here's my blood test history - from May, 2008 to Present:
Blood Tests - May 8, 2008:
TSH, 3rd generation 0.01 Low
T4 Free 1.7 Normal (range is 0.8-1.8)
T3 Free 462 High (range is 230-420)
Thyroid Peroxidase AB <10 normal
Thyroglobulin AB <20.0 Normal
Blood Tests - July 9, 2008
TSH, 3rd generation <0.01 Low *Lower than 0.01
T4 Free 2.2 High (range is 0.8-1.8) *Almost Doubled
T3 Free 703 High (range is 230-420) *Higher
Thyroid Peroxidase AB <10 normal *Same
Thyroglobulin AB <20.0 Normal *Same
Blood Tests - August 13, 2008 - CBC Done - All numbers within range.
TSH, 3rd generation <0.01 *Same
T4 Free 2.3 High (range is 0.8-1.8) * .1 Higher
T3 Free 762 High (range is 230-420) *Higher
Thyroid Peroxidase AB <10 normal *Same
Thyroglobulin AB <20.0 Normal *Same
TSI 122 Normal range is <125 (but this is obviously "high" normal
ESR, WESTERGREN 8 (range is 0-20) I have NO idea what this is!
I'm starting the PTU tomorrow (50mg 2x daily), and my next appointment is in 4 weeks! Let me know what you make of all of this!!
Thank you!
Shari
Here's my blood test history - from May, 2008 to Present:
Blood Tests - May 8, 2008:
TSH, 3rd generation 0.01 Low
T4 Free 1.7 Normal (range is 0.8-1.8)
T3 Free 462 High (range is 230-420)
Thyroid Peroxidase AB <10 normal
Thyroglobulin AB <20.0 Normal
Blood Tests - July 9, 2008
TSH, 3rd generation <0.01 Low *Lower than 0.01
T4 Free 2.2 High (range is 0.8-1.8) *Almost Doubled
T3 Free 703 High (range is 230-420) *Higher
Thyroid Peroxidase AB <10 normal *Same
Thyroglobulin AB <20.0 Normal *Same
Blood Tests - August 13, 2008 - CBC Done - All numbers within range.
TSH, 3rd generation <0.01 *Same
T4 Free 2.3 High (range is 0.8-1.8) * .1 Higher
T3 Free 762 High (range is 230-420) *Higher
Thyroid Peroxidase AB <10 normal *Same
Thyroglobulin AB <20.0 Normal *Same
TSI 122 Normal range is <125 (but this is obviously "high" normal
ESR, WESTERGREN 8 (range is 0-20) I have NO idea what this is!
I'm starting the PTU tomorrow (50mg 2x daily), and my next appointment is in 4 weeks! Let me know what you make of all of this!!
Thank you!
Shari
Ok now I am really confused.
so many different opinions. I eat like a bird (ask my husband) he is shocked I weigh so much, i exercise now that my heart is not beating out of my chest. So am confused if i just have to watch what i eat then why the weight gain. I was tapazole (allergic) for awhile at first, and didn't gain, just when i switched to PTU it started pouring on. I know my fT3 are better and my fT4, tsh is still 0.00. so getting to normal so if getting to normal doesn't that mean my thyroid should be working better therefore i would not be gaining? HELP PLEASE.
I wish whichever it is could be written down and be the truth. Everyone is different is what I am finding out. so just when I thought I had it straightened out… you came a long with a different view. Now what am i going to do, was coming to grips with the fact that it was the meds, now i have to eat less and exercise more and i am not sure i can eat more nutritionally that i have been. I even joined weight watchers again and am paying them 12 dollars a week to tell me i gained another 2 pounds or even 5 at one point. and trust me being a member of weight watchers before and know how to follow the program. Am a life time member.
perhaps i am just doomed to roll the weight roller coaster for life. tell me it ain't so!!
so many different opinions. I eat like a bird (ask my husband) he is shocked I weigh so much, i exercise now that my heart is not beating out of my chest. So am confused if i just have to watch what i eat then why the weight gain. I was tapazole (allergic) for awhile at first, and didn't gain, just when i switched to PTU it started pouring on. I know my fT3 are better and my fT4, tsh is still 0.00. so getting to normal so if getting to normal doesn't that mean my thyroid should be working better therefore i would not be gaining? HELP PLEASE.
I wish whichever it is could be written down and be the truth. Everyone is different is what I am finding out. so just when I thought I had it straightened out… you came a long with a different view. Now what am i going to do, was coming to grips with the fact that it was the meds, now i have to eat less and exercise more and i am not sure i can eat more nutritionally that i have been. I even joined weight watchers again and am paying them 12 dollars a week to tell me i gained another 2 pounds or even 5 at one point. and trust me being a member of weight watchers before and know how to follow the program. Am a life time member.
perhaps i am just doomed to roll the weight roller coaster for life. tell me it ain't so!!
Hi Shari,
When I was intially dx with Graves few years ago I was started on PTU. Now, I don't remember exactly what was it, but my endo checked my blood and switched me to tapazole. As you know, I went into remission for almost 3 years until now, a couple of months ago that my Graves came back.
In regards to the weight gain, that isn't a side effect of the medication. Gain weight can happen as when your hyper, you're eating more usually but also burning more - when your thyroid levels become normal, usually people eat the same amount, but of course, you're not burning the same calories coz your thyroid levels are normal. So just watch what you eat :-) Now that my levels are normal I have noticed that I gained a few pounds, but this is the reason why, my endo has told so in the past and I've also seen Dr Lupo write about this - and I'm taking tapazole not PTU.
Now, I'm guessing that your endo told you so, but you need to get your blood checked a couple of weeks into treatment to make sure you don't have any side effect. These are rare but can happen (which is what I think happened with me when taking PTU).
It'd be helpful if you post your recent numbers.
Good luck and don't be scared of the medication!
When I was intially dx with Graves few years ago I was started on PTU. Now, I don't remember exactly what was it, but my endo checked my blood and switched me to tapazole. As you know, I went into remission for almost 3 years until now, a couple of months ago that my Graves came back.
In regards to the weight gain, that isn't a side effect of the medication. Gain weight can happen as when your hyper, you're eating more usually but also burning more - when your thyroid levels become normal, usually people eat the same amount, but of course, you're not burning the same calories coz your thyroid levels are normal. So just watch what you eat :-) Now that my levels are normal I have noticed that I gained a few pounds, but this is the reason why, my endo has told so in the past and I've also seen Dr Lupo write about this - and I'm taking tapazole not PTU.
Now, I'm guessing that your endo told you so, but you need to get your blood checked a couple of weeks into treatment to make sure you don't have any side effect. These are rare but can happen (which is what I think happened with me when taking PTU).
It'd be helpful if you post your recent numbers.
Good luck and don't be scared of the medication!
Hey, Kim!
No, I didn't get the Ablation, I got a 2nd opinion (thanks to Stella, AR-10, 898 and others)! New Endo agrees I should try the meds, and hopefully, I will get "lucky". As for the weight, I'll cross that bridge when I come to it :) I have no symptoms of Hyper, just blood tests that say I am. I will take the PTU, and hope for the best!
I will definately keepin touch!!
Shari
No, I didn't get the Ablation, I got a 2nd opinion (thanks to Stella, AR-10, 898 and others)! New Endo agrees I should try the meds, and hopefully, I will get "lucky". As for the weight, I'll cross that bridge when I come to it :) I have no symptoms of Hyper, just blood tests that say I am. I will take the PTU, and hope for the best!
I will definately keepin touch!!
Shari
I agree about the hyper, we will have to stick together. Shari I was unaware that PTU was the source of my weight gain and did not mention it, I spoke with Stella this morning and Lily and both complained of the weight gain. I hope it is minimal or not at all for you. I wasn't scared of the PTU at all, i have blood checked regularly so not an issue for me. i am bloated a lot which i hate. did you get ablation already? Lily had TT, I am not scared about either, just wanted the fastest road to recovery to get my life back.
good luck and by all means keep in touch.
Kim (GW)
good luck and by all means keep in touch.
Kim (GW)
Hi to both of you! Kim, I got your message today! Thank you both so much for your input! All I did was whine about wanting to try PTU and NOT rushing to Ablation, and now I'm whining about getting the PTU! It's totally nerves. Everyone I know is HYPO; try to find a HYPER in the bunch is like looking for a needle in a haystack! I want to know that I'll be okay taking this. My husband has been incredible, and I don't want to cause him anymore grief by turning into a shrew while on this medicine! I am taking it to the drug store after dinner. I suppose I'll stare at it all night, and start if first thing in the morning. I will be pm-ing both of you if I turn yellow :)
Hugs,
Shari
Hugs,
Shari
I took PTU for about 10-12 weeks prior to my TT to get my thyroid under control before the operation. I took 2pills 3 times a day for 2 weeks and then 1pill 3 times a day up until the surgery. I felt totally fine on the PTU. The only side effect I had, was that I felt that I put on weight fast. I didn't lose during my time with Graves, but as my thyroid was leveling out, I definitely noticed that weight was coming on pretty fast, but in all honesty, I wasn't dieting or exercising much (at all) either.
best of luck!
best of luck!
Did you get my message? if not here it is again.
I have been on it since July. and no problems yet, right now I am pretty aggressive because of my numbers (FT3, FT4 and TSH). I take 3 50mg tablets am and pm then noon i take 2, i am do for blood work in a week or so, and that may change (more or less????) depending on my new blood work. the Methamazole gave me severe hives and severe itching and had to go off of it.
When i first started PTU i was taking 2 tablets (3 x's a day). My doc wants to wait on the ablation and see if she can get graves into remission. why kill it if you don't need to attitude. remission is rare but not unheard of I am truly sick of taking the drugs, I had to get one of those Mon-Sun pill things just to keep it straight, (have other issues as well). OK When did i get old, i thought only old people used those. OI VEY@!
My FT3 and FT4 got better right away. I am afraid i don't have a copy of my TSI or my thyroid uptake scan so I can't give you those numbers. have to ask doc for copy next time i see her, but the TSI suggested graves but the Uptake definitely confirmed it.
I am trying to ween off of beta blockers and use as needed, 3 less pills a day would be a god sent.
anyways don't be afraid. I am glad you got new endo. ablate right away is silly. He should of written what dosage he wanted you to take, if he didn't and the pharmacist can't help when you pick it up. then definitely call and ask what dosage he wants to start you with. Mine doesn't mind the calls. they work for you.
anytime any questions just shout. if i can't help, then you can always ask doctor lupo (expert forum) or put it on the medical forum.
i am not an expert. learning as i go, this is based on my experience, from what i read here, everyone seems to have their own, but will help if i can :) GW (Kim)
I have been on it since July. and no problems yet, right now I am pretty aggressive because of my numbers (FT3, FT4 and TSH). I take 3 50mg tablets am and pm then noon i take 2, i am do for blood work in a week or so, and that may change (more or less????) depending on my new blood work. the Methamazole gave me severe hives and severe itching and had to go off of it.
When i first started PTU i was taking 2 tablets (3 x's a day). My doc wants to wait on the ablation and see if she can get graves into remission. why kill it if you don't need to attitude. remission is rare but not unheard of I am truly sick of taking the drugs, I had to get one of those Mon-Sun pill things just to keep it straight, (have other issues as well). OK When did i get old, i thought only old people used those. OI VEY@!
My FT3 and FT4 got better right away. I am afraid i don't have a copy of my TSI or my thyroid uptake scan so I can't give you those numbers. have to ask doc for copy next time i see her, but the TSI suggested graves but the Uptake definitely confirmed it.
I am trying to ween off of beta blockers and use as needed, 3 less pills a day would be a god sent.
anyways don't be afraid. I am glad you got new endo. ablate right away is silly. He should of written what dosage he wanted you to take, if he didn't and the pharmacist can't help when you pick it up. then definitely call and ask what dosage he wants to start you with. Mine doesn't mind the calls. they work for you.
anytime any questions just shout. if i can't help, then you can always ask doctor lupo (expert forum) or put it on the medical forum.
i am not an expert. learning as i go, this is based on my experience, from what i read here, everyone seems to have their own, but will help if i can :) GW (Kim)
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