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I was diagnosed with Hyperthyroidism a few weeks ago and the doc put me on Methimazole. I went back today for blood work and an ultrasound.
The results were that my TSH was even lower than last time it was checked a few weeks back. Then it was .037 and today .014. The statement he made was "Overall, the thyroid appears symmetrical and heterogeneous in appearance. No distinct nodules or cysts are noted right or left thyroid lobe at this time. No suspicious lymphadenopathy is noted right or left neck level II-V at this time. the gland is heterogeneous and slightly enlarged consistent with suspected Graves disease"
...Whatever all that means. He's put me on Methimazole four pills a day-two twelve hours apart. I'm hoping this will cure it and not have to take RAI, which I'm dead set against.
The results were that my TSH was even lower than last time it was checked a few weeks back. Then it was .037 and today .014. The statement he made was "Overall, the thyroid appears symmetrical and heterogeneous in appearance. No distinct nodules or cysts are noted right or left thyroid lobe at this time. No suspicious lymphadenopathy is noted right or left neck level II-V at this time. the gland is heterogeneous and slightly enlarged consistent with suspected Graves disease"
...Whatever all that means. He's put me on Methimazole four pills a day-two twelve hours apart. I'm hoping this will cure it and not have to take RAI, which I'm dead set against.
Methimazole inhibits the production of thyroid hormones, and as levels fall, both HR and BP should go down as well. That's not to say that some people don't have esoteric reactions to the meds or the fillers in the tablets. However, I think what's more likely is that you were not on a high enough dose of meds to control your levels, so you were becoming more hyper all the time. This is evidenced by your falling TSH and rising FT4.
You should strongly request (insist on) FT3. If TSI hasn't been tested (maybe it was, and you just didn't get the paperwork?), it should be as it's a good indicator of remission.
Your doctor isn't testing FT3 and may not have tested TSI. That's usually a red flag that the doctor isn't a very good thyroid doctor. Although he's an endo (FACE = Fellow of the American College of Endocrinologists), many endos really specialize in diabetes and have little interest in thyroid. If I were you, I'd probably press him to test FT3 and TSI (along with FT4 and TSH at your next labs), and if he balks at all, move onto another doctor.
When are you scheduled for more blood work?
You should strongly request (insist on) FT3. If TSI hasn't been tested (maybe it was, and you just didn't get the paperwork?), it should be as it's a good indicator of remission.
Your doctor isn't testing FT3 and may not have tested TSI. That's usually a red flag that the doctor isn't a very good thyroid doctor. Although he's an endo (FACE = Fellow of the American College of Endocrinologists), many endos really specialize in diabetes and have little interest in thyroid. If I were you, I'd probably press him to test FT3 and TSI (along with FT4 and TSH at your next labs), and if he balks at all, move onto another doctor.
When are you scheduled for more blood work?
This is a group of doctors that are all Endocrinologist-that's their specialty. My family doctor knew my problem but wasn't a specialist in that field so, she sent me to this doctor. He did, according to the paper work given, a "Hepatic Panel" to include Protein, Albumin ALT, AST, and a Total, Direct and Indirect Bilirubin. I have no idea what that is and why they checked it.
I'm to go back in about three more weeks for more blood work to see how the meds given have worked. I'll ask about the TSI and FT3 and to be sure that's taken into consideration when they draw blood next time.
I've noticed I get a bit shaky from time to time and my heart can be seen beating through my shirt. Thats a little daunting to say the least.
I'm to go back in about three more weeks for more blood work to see how the meds given have worked. I'll ask about the TSI and FT3 and to be sure that's taken into consideration when they draw blood next time.
I've noticed I get a bit shaky from time to time and my heart can be seen beating through my shirt. Thats a little daunting to say the least.
Yes, the shakiness and heart palpitations and/or tachycardia are a little frightening. I have a congenital heart defect that's made me prone to tachycardia all my life, so I kind of got used to it, although you never really do. If the heart issue persists, you can ask your doctor for a beta blocker to help control that. You'd probably only have to take it until your thyroid meds kick in.
In the meantime, it's a good idea to avoid foods with a high iodine content, like seafood and kelp. You can google a list of the chief offenders.
I meant to ask if your Corgi was a Pembroke of Cardigan. I've always wanted a Cardy.
In the meantime, it's a good idea to avoid foods with a high iodine content, like seafood and kelp. You can google a list of the chief offenders.
I meant to ask if your Corgi was a Pembroke of Cardigan. I've always wanted a Cardy.
The heart palpitations seem to have slowed a bit or maybe it's my imagination. I'm on three blood thinners, aspirin, Plavix and Warfarin and it seems beta blockers cause a problem with that from what I recall some years back as I was doing research on my other problem, Peripheral Artery disease but can't recall the specifics.
Bubba is a tri-color Pembroke and the absolute joy of my life.
Bubba is a tri-color Pembroke and the absolute joy of my life.
There are alternatives to beta blockers. You could ask your doctor if there's something you could try.
I just realized Bubba is in your picture...very sweet.
Update me on how it goes, please.
I just realized Bubba is in your picture...very sweet.
Update me on how it goes, please.
I made a photo album, per se, on Flickr of Bubba. He's most photogenic and it's hard to not take a good shot of him.
https://www.flickr.com/photos/126745434@N03/with/15118823706/
I'll let you know what happens next visit in a few weeks. I hope this med does what he thinks it will as I'm no big fan of RAI.
https://www.flickr.com/photos/126745434@N03/with/15118823706/
I'll let you know what happens next visit in a few weeks. I hope this med does what he thinks it will as I'm no big fan of RAI.
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