Hyperthyroid post 131 Treatment

[crash34]

Four the past four years I have been diagnosed as hyperthyroid with 0.0 TSH ?  I am still confused of which number is which.  I just know that my 0.0 number was the one that they said indicated hyperthyroid.  I had no typical symptoms.  I worked out regularly, resting heart rate of 60-65.  My only symptom was hard heartbeat at night.  On May 28, 2008 I finally agreed to go forward with the 131 iodine pill for treatment of Hyperthyroidism.  I was also prescribed 50 mg Atenelol daily.   I am a 54 year old male.

It is now 6 weeks later. I am still hyperthyroid (0,00) ... I am exhausted, I can not get through a workout ( I gradually stopped the Atenolol two days ago...my legs were in constant pain (never happened before) plus it created continuous gout attacks).  My heart rate is now constantly 78-82 (not 60-65),  I now  wonder why in the world I agreed to take that pill they pulled out of a lead pipe.

My uptake was approx 45%...the dose was 11 something...I am told I should be better by now.  Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated.

[Mark Lupo, M.D.]

It may take a few months for the TSH to increase if it has been suppressed long-term.  Key is to follow T4 and T3 levels which may fall below normal range before the TSH increases.  The atenolol may slow things down (fatigue) and a rebound in heart rate is not unusual after stopping atenolol.

Give it some more time and make sure they are checking T4 and T3 every 4 weeks for 6 months or until it is documented you went hypothyroid and are on levothyroxine replacement.

[crash34]

Thank you greatly for your reply.  I will give it more time, howevr my heart rate now (6 days after stopping atenolol is 85-95).  It is very frustrating for one accustomed to working out daily and now struggling with a simple 3 mile WALK.   Is there any particular diet that would help this SLOW process? p.s. Are you a Dukie or a Gator...or just go with who's winning?  Thanks.

[hypogirl80]

Don't worry, most people start getting better after 2 months. just get the Synthroid supplement ready since you may be Hypo after 2 or 3 months. you will need the daily supplement.