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Hyperthyroidism and Symptoms
Hi Dr. Mark,
I was diagnosed with hyperthyroidism a little over 1 month ago. My bloodwork showed that my TSH = .178, T3 Uptake = 25, and T4 Free Direct = 1.24. I'm currently taking 20 mg of Methimazole and 75 mg of Toprol XL (just for the past week. For the 2 prior weeks, I was taking 10 mg of Methimazole and 25 mg of Toprol XL). My endocrinologist is telling me that my labs "aren't that bad", so she doesn't quite understand why I continue to have some of the symptoms that I'm experiencing (I feel quite anxious all of the time and have a hard time in certain settings (meetings, going to lunch with friends, etc.) I also feel shaky all of the time, dizzy, have significant neck pain which is causing tension headaches, pressure in my ears, etc. Is this normal? Should the Methimazole and Toprol help with these symptoms (given more time), or do I need to address these separately (such as taking anxiety medication, or muscle relaxants for the neck pain)? I obviously would prefer not to be loaded up on medication, but I haven't really seen any relief with the current medication I'm on.
I was diagnosed with hyperthyroidism a little over 1 month ago. My bloodwork showed that my TSH = .178, T3 Uptake = 25, and T4 Free Direct = 1.24. I'm currently taking 20 mg of Methimazole and 75 mg of Toprol XL (just for the past week. For the 2 prior weeks, I was taking 10 mg of Methimazole and 25 mg of Toprol XL). My endocrinologist is telling me that my labs "aren't that bad", so she doesn't quite understand why I continue to have some of the symptoms that I'm experiencing (I feel quite anxious all of the time and have a hard time in certain settings (meetings, going to lunch with friends, etc.) I also feel shaky all of the time, dizzy, have significant neck pain which is causing tension headaches, pressure in my ears, etc. Is this normal? Should the Methimazole and Toprol help with these symptoms (given more time), or do I need to address these separately (such as taking anxiety medication, or muscle relaxants for the neck pain)? I obviously would prefer not to be loaded up on medication, but I haven't really seen any relief with the current medication I'm on.
In looking at the tests my dr requested last week, she only ordered T3 (RIA), T3 Uptake, T4 Total, and TSH. In reading your comments, this makes me question my confidence in her. Why would she be ordering old tests? Also, I asked last time if she would test for antibodies to see if I have Hashimoto's, and she said that my symptoms point to Graves, and we would know if I was Hashimoto's if I started having hypo symptoms. Maybe I should find a new doctor??? Today, I'm feeling extra shaky (major hand trembles), and I have some anxiety. I wonder if this is caused by my symptoms, or the medication.
Also, to test for Hashimoto's, should I request the Anti-thyroid Antibodies test, or the Thyroglobulin/Anti-Thyroglobulin test?
Because that is still the "standard" thyroid panel. But it's outdated because there are newer tests that give better information. Quite honestly, lots of folks just have to educate their docs on these newer tests.
But her comments about Graves vs. Hashimoto's are just ignorant imo. A person with hyper labs MAY have Hashimoto's. Maybe she doesn't know that either.
But the very best thyroid tests you can get are the TSH, Free T4 and Free T3 and TPO antibodies. If you want to confirm Graves, a TSI antibodies test is necessary.
There are actually two thyroid antibody tests: The TPO (thyroid peroxidase) and anti thyroglobulin. Sometimes a Hashi's person has one or the other or both...but the TPO is a little bit more definitive according to some sources. If you can, go ahead and get both.
As for your symptoms, without knowing what your Free T3 is..I'd find it hard to know whether it was your thyroid hormone levels or not.
But her comments about Graves vs. Hashimoto's are just ignorant imo. A person with hyper labs MAY have Hashimoto's. Maybe she doesn't know that either.
But the very best thyroid tests you can get are the TSH, Free T4 and Free T3 and TPO antibodies. If you want to confirm Graves, a TSI antibodies test is necessary.
There are actually two thyroid antibody tests: The TPO (thyroid peroxidase) and anti thyroglobulin. Sometimes a Hashi's person has one or the other or both...but the TPO is a little bit more definitive according to some sources. If you can, go ahead and get both.
As for your symptoms, without knowing what your Free T3 is..I'd find it hard to know whether it was your thyroid hormone levels or not.
What does atd stand for?
Pirate
Pirate
many folks use the "independent" avenue to obtain the labs they need. and it sounds like you have everything covered.
Just to add to ArmourGals last post, from what I have read, it seems as though the only way a person can feel better is if they go the "independent" way because most doctors treat by labs vs. symptoms.
Jenni
Jenni
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