Questions about hyperthyroidism and treatments

[mandyruth]

I was just diagnosed with hyperthyroidism after an episode of rapid heart beat (145), higher blood pressure (155/88...I usually have very low blood pressure), intense anxiety, feeling flush, and generally feeling weird and scared to death!  Though I had been lethargic and somewhat depressed for a while, the symptoms I mentioned above seemed to appear suddenly.  I went to the ER where they ran blood tests and determined that my thyroid hormones were high. The ER doctor gave me Atenolol for the rapid heartbeat and told me to see my family doctor for treatment for hypertyroidism.  My family doctor agreed with the ER's diagnosis of hyperthyroidism and prescribed Lorazepam for anxiety and Potassium (my bloodwork indicated my potassium level was low) to take along with the Atenolol.  He then sceduled me for a thyroid scan which I completed yesterday.  I was told that I have a diffusely hyperactive thyroid (rather than nodular) and would need to have radioactive iodine treatments.  My first treatment will begin next week.  Until then I was told to continue taking the other medications.  Since I have been taking them, my heart rate stays between 95-105 usually, my blood pressure is about normal (which is slightly high for me), and I experience only mild anxiety.  Other information about me that may be needed is that I delivered my fourth child 3 1/2 months ago.  I am wondering what causes hyperthyroidism.  Could I have other underlying medical problems?  Also, what is the radioactive iodine treatment like, and is it safe?  Are there other ways of treating hyperthyroidism?

[mandyruth]

Thanks for your input.  Both the ER Doctor and my family Doctor said that this is common in women after having a baby, but I don't remember them saying that it is something that will work itself out....they have only said that I should be treated for it.  However, I don't know if I want to be treated for it!  They say that after treatment I may develop HYPOthyroidism and would have to take medication for that.  Also, taking a radioactive iodine pill just seems so scary!  I have an appointment with my family doctor the Monday before I am suppose to have treatment, so I will definately discuss all of my options before going through with the treatment.  Thank you again for your help.

[Bridget82]

A related discussion, Have no real idea about it! was started.

[ShannieK]

They've discussed the radiation iodine treatment for me as well.  Basically it kills off your thyroid and than you do become Hypothryroid and than you will be put on Synthroid or some other thyroid replacement medicine to help regulate you and make you feel normal again.  The thought of this procedure scares me as well, I have had so many problems with all of this stuff, what if this doesn't work?  But I have until August 30th, that's when I see my endo.  Maybe after talking to your dr. again, if  you find out any more info, please keep me posted.  Good luck to you and hang in there.

[TwinkyPants]

I had Graves and it started while I was pg. I was hyper as you could be. My General Dr diagnosed me but I went to a endo that specialized in this. I was put on 13 pills a day to relax me and mostly slow my heart rate down and kill some thyriod. Thats was 11 yrs ago and I cant remember the names of the meds. I did this for a year. Then they took me off to see how I would respond. I went back to hyper. So my next step was to surg take my thyriod out or to have radio iodine. The Radio Iodine looked like the best option for me. Its a big BIG pill, my mom also did this the same age I was. The Dr told her it would be in her system for 10yrs. The Dr told me 2yrs, and not to get pg in that time. After I took it I had to spend 3 days alone (my choice) You have to wash your clothes seprate, wash the tolet seat after you went to the bathroom, he suggested that my son stay at his grandmas for a few days. After I took it I was normal for a few months, then went to Hypo. Then went back to normal. Got pg with my son and my thyriod levels went up, so I was back on meds to slow my thyriod level. And took ultrasounds to make sure my son wasnt developing a goiter. After he was born I was normal again. Until 3 yrs ago I was hypo. It took that long for my Thyriod to die, and it's been a slow death. Ive worked my way from .5mg of synthroid to .175mg in that time. It seems like it takes awhile, but that could be me.
But I remember how I felt when I was hyper, it was horrible and took a real toll on my marriage. I had rage and depression all in the same breath. Radio Iodine was the best thing for me. I wouldnt go back to those hyper days if they paid me. Good Luck! :o)  Maybe see a endo and see what he/she says. Write all your concerns down on paper when you think of them and bring it with you next time you see the Dr. Take Care

[ShannieK]

I guess with the recent birth of your last child, why they haven't looked into Post-Partum thyroiditis.  Usually that starts out with very hyper symptoms and than regulates back to normal on it's own.  Just a thought, all i've read on it, it says that the post-partum thyroiditis kicks in within 4 months of having a baby. Have they mentioned this?  I'm sorry you have to be going through all of this and caring for your baby, that must be hard.  It's not easy, I know.