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Hyperthyroidism(HELP!!!!!!!!!)
Hi have been diagnosed with hyperthyroidism since February 2012 and have been on 5mg Neomercazole twice per day and 10mg Propanolol twice per day...I havent been well since I have been diagnosed. I constantly feel like my body is ahead of me, I have weird head feelings....like discomfort and pressure and tingling in the head (CONSTANTLY), I have neck pains, I have severe weakness in all limbs. I did my thyroid ultra-sound and its perfect and I also did a CT Brain because of the head thing I being experiencing and the CT Brain results are perfectly normal. However, I cannot continue like this...I feel terrible and I am tired and drowsy and feel LOW in my body all the time. I work 8 hrs a day and go to school also. I did another blood test to take back to my ENDO this week and it says TSH in range 1.47 (.40-5.00)....is that range normal? Or still too high? Why is it that I am on medication and still feel soo sick...sometimes I am absolutely hungry and cannot eat because of how sick I feel. I am just 20 years of age!!! HELP!!!!!
Yes, it is possible. Since TSH is a pituitary hormone, any number of factors can affect it and make it useless in evaluating thyroid status. It's an indirect measure of thyroid status, where FT3 and FT4 are direct measures. TSH is also very volatile and even the time of day the blood is drawn can affect it. TSH is like the gas that's in the tank of your car. It's all well and good that the tank is full, but if there's a fuel leak or a blockage and no fuel is getting to the motor, then the car won't run. FT3 and FT4 are what's actually in the motor.
It's quite possible that your FT3 and FT4 are tracking TSH, but you have to be sure of that. TSH should always be confirmed eith FT3 and FT4.
See if you can get the TSI test. Right now, you could be suffering from Graves', but you could also be in the initial stages of Hashi's, and only the TSI will make that clear.
Looking forward to seeing you new labs...
It's quite possible that your FT3 and FT4 are tracking TSH, but you have to be sure of that. TSH should always be confirmed eith FT3 and FT4.
See if you can get the TSI test. Right now, you could be suffering from Graves', but you could also be in the initial stages of Hashi's, and only the TSI will make that clear.
Looking forward to seeing you new labs...
Thankkk you sooooo much....currently I just feel like someone went through what I went through and that makes my hopes quite bright...I have been feeling a little better since last week, which means progress! But I can make familiarity with what u mentioned...especially the limb weakness..
@Goolara..noo I didnt do a TSI test..but yes I will be testing my new FT3 AND FT4 levels this week...will post my results here... Question, can my TSH be normal as it currently is 1.47, yet still my FT3 AND FT4 levels be high? Is that possible?
@Goolara..noo I didnt do a TSI test..but yes I will be testing my new FT3 AND FT4 levels this week...will post my results here... Question, can my TSH be normal as it currently is 1.47, yet still my FT3 AND FT4 levels be high? Is that possible?
Is she keeping you on the beta-blocker?
The methimazole worked on me within 4 weeks (TSH .001 FT3 upper limits of normal FT4 just above normal) - 4 weeks later TSH 3.5 - I wasn't feeling hypo (to busy enjoying feeling great for a short while) but did feel 'emotional'. I had RAI within 3 weeks so stopped the methimazole. (I had already weaned myself - rather quickly - off the metaprolol.
When I was 'subclinical' hyper my heart rate would rocket with any excercise and some days I felt breathless when walking up hills/stairs etc. I had insomnia and had to get a sleep aid. I kept away from the heat in summer, but just thought it might be unusually hot (rather than me!). BP was a little high. I had energy, but felt 'run down'.
I'm wondering, like Goolarra what your FT3 and FT4 are looking like - they were both very high, and if they've taken a turn in the other direction (going low as the TSH is rising, along with taking the beta-blocker, you'll feel it. Also, when starting the carbimazole, I felt, very subtly a little better within the week, noticeably so in two weeks and three weeks felt great. I am pretty sensitive to meds though and small doses seem to have maximum effect.
I can testify (with hypo anyway) that my symptoms can sometimes lag a little behind the blood test results, but I know I didn't feel comfortable using a betablocker as soon as my symptoms started to stabilise - it WAS a blessed relief when hypo to have my heart rate decrease, but as the carbimazole started its magic, I felt as though my body had a handbrake on... I hope you're feeling better soon. We're all quite different, but can luckily draw on others experiences here and have eureka moments in our understanding.
The methimazole worked on me within 4 weeks (TSH .001 FT3 upper limits of normal FT4 just above normal) - 4 weeks later TSH 3.5 - I wasn't feeling hypo (to busy enjoying feeling great for a short while) but did feel 'emotional'. I had RAI within 3 weeks so stopped the methimazole. (I had already weaned myself - rather quickly - off the metaprolol.
When I was 'subclinical' hyper my heart rate would rocket with any excercise and some days I felt breathless when walking up hills/stairs etc. I had insomnia and had to get a sleep aid. I kept away from the heat in summer, but just thought it might be unusually hot (rather than me!). BP was a little high. I had energy, but felt 'run down'.
I'm wondering, like Goolarra what your FT3 and FT4 are looking like - they were both very high, and if they've taken a turn in the other direction (going low as the TSH is rising, along with taking the beta-blocker, you'll feel it. Also, when starting the carbimazole, I felt, very subtly a little better within the week, noticeably so in two weeks and three weeks felt great. I am pretty sensitive to meds though and small doses seem to have maximum effect.
I can testify (with hypo anyway) that my symptoms can sometimes lag a little behind the blood test results, but I know I didn't feel comfortable using a betablocker as soon as my symptoms started to stabilise - it WAS a blessed relief when hypo to have my heart rate decrease, but as the carbimazole started its magic, I felt as though my body had a handbrake on... I hope you're feeling better soon. We're all quite different, but can luckily draw on others experiences here and have eureka moments in our understanding.
Sorry that you have been going through so much. This hyperthyroidism can turn a person's world upside down---I know because I am living it but right now my hyperthyroidism (Grave's for me too) is being managed well. I started with all this 10 months ago---or at least that is when I could no longer ignore the symptoms. I had tons of energy throughout the day but once I wasn't on the run I was exhausted and would sleep like the dead all night---my doctor and the specialist were both surprised that I slept so well because most with hyperthyroidism have insomnia. Per the specialist I was very hyperthyroid--I knew I was "very" something. Before I ended up in the Emergency room with a heart rate of 160 and blood pressure of 180/97 I loved to be on the go and the busier at work I was the happier I was---I had handled stress well BUT since that day, I had great difficulty handling stress--it made me feel awful and I had difficulty coping. Now with my thyroid under control I feel more like myself. I went through some ups and downs though---I went from hyper to hypo---with hypo I was very low and cried easily---I had zero motivation and nothing mattered to me anymore. Like I said I am now feeling good and more like myself. I was on a betablocker (similar to your propranolol) and methimazole (I developed the hives with this and had to change to PTU). I was weaned off the betablocker gradually when I was started on the antithyroid (methimazole) and I now take no betablocker. Also for me since my Graves is under control and possibly heading towards remission my MD has been weaning my PTU also.
When I was hyperthyroid and on the betablocker I felt tired , cold (especially my hands and feet), and dizzy plus many more symptoms. One thing I also had which scared me was the weakness in my arms and legs--my knees would buckle especially going down stairs. I had trouble lifting easy things like a jug of milk. I noticed that the skin on my arms and especially callves was flabby (muscle wasting) where before they had been toned from my working out at the gym . DO NOT EXERCISE until your doctor says it is ok. Once my hyperthyroidism was under control I was able to start by taking slow short walks and gradually increase. I am now back to the gym and on a weight lifting routine to build my muscles back. Take care of yourself. If you can take time off. I had to cut my hours at work and that helped immensely. Give yourself time. You will feel better too.
When I was hyperthyroid and on the betablocker I felt tired , cold (especially my hands and feet), and dizzy plus many more symptoms. One thing I also had which scared me was the weakness in my arms and legs--my knees would buckle especially going down stairs. I had trouble lifting easy things like a jug of milk. I noticed that the skin on my arms and especially callves was flabby (muscle wasting) where before they had been toned from my working out at the gym . DO NOT EXERCISE until your doctor says it is ok. Once my hyperthyroidism was under control I was able to start by taking slow short walks and gradually increase. I am now back to the gym and on a weight lifting routine to build my muscles back. Take care of yourself. If you can take time off. I had to cut my hours at work and that helped immensely. Give yourself time. You will feel better too.
Well, it's good that she's testing thyroglobulin antibodies (TGab) and thyroid peroxidase antibodies (TPOab). Those are the two antibodies that will tell you if you have Hashimoto's thyroiditis (autoimmune thyroid disease) or not.
You have not had a TSI test, is that correct? She should also test TSI (thyroid stimulating immunoglobulin) since that is the definitive test for Graves'.
Although Hashi's is usually associated with being hypO, in the early stages, it's often characterized by swings from hypo to hyper, so it can look like Graves' at first. TSI is the way to tell them apart.
Is she planning to test your FT3 and FT4?
You have not had a TSI test, is that correct? She should also test TSI (thyroid stimulating immunoglobulin) since that is the definitive test for Graves'.
Although Hashi's is usually associated with being hypO, in the early stages, it's often characterized by swings from hypo to hyper, so it can look like Graves' at first. TSI is the way to tell them apart.
Is she planning to test your FT3 and FT4?
On the paper I see Nuclear(ANA) ..Rhuematoid Factor, Thyroglubin, Thyroid Peroxidase....do you have an instant messenger I can talk to u on now? I am very fustrated...***@****
Any doctor who just tests TSH and bases treatments decisions on that and nothing else is not a good thyroid doctor. TSH can be affected by so many other things. If she's not testing your actual thyroid hormones (FT3 and FT4), then she's treating you blind.
I certainly think she should be ordering a repeat of TSH, FT3 and FT4 when you go for your next round of tests.
Which thyroid antibodies is she testing?
I certainly think she should be ordering a repeat of TSH, FT3 and FT4 when you go for your next round of tests.
Which thyroid antibodies is she testing?
Hey..visited my Endo this week and she said my new labs TSH: 1.47 is indeed good news, she said even though the blood test is incomplete (in that it does not have my T4 OR T3 levels), clearly my hormones are back in normal range. Therefore she said the symptoms I am currently experiencing are not due to my thyroid at all..*sigh*..please help me I don't know what to do....I am wondering if my medication is why I feel so sick. I still have weakness in my body and in my 4 limbs and my head just does not feel right....feels disoriented and like I am in a different world and I just feel so sick. WHAT COULD BE THE CAUSE? She gave me some tests to do in order to ensure that everything is ok...ANA, Thyroid anti-bodies and one for my adrenal function. What do you think?
Thank u sooo much, I feel much better since communicating with you. I will keep you posted and let you know what my endo says tomorrow and will bring up all that you mentioned.You guys are such a BIG help.
Yes I was put on Proponalol due to tachycardia....which I no longer have. The Dr. just said it probably could have been Graves...have an appointment with my endo 2mrw morning...not the GP. I use to have sleepness nights, but I don't anymore...I sleep perfectly fine now...I just feel extremely unwell at most times, I cant even explain it to you.
Well, your labs are still quite hyper. Your FT4 is very high, and your TT3 is also. FREE T3 is a much better test. TT3 is considered obsolete and a bit of a waste of money. Next time around, request FT3 instead. TSH is non-existent, which also indicates hyper.
However, what worries me is your symptoms. Fatigue is not unusual with hyper, but getting a full night's sleep is since insomnia can be a symptom of hyper. Fatigue sets in due to lack of sleep. Constipation is usually a symptom of hypo, diarrhea of hyper.
How were you diagnosed with Graves'? Did you have a TSI test?
It looks like your meds need increasing, but I'm afraid that would make you feel even more tired and drowsy. Were you put on the propanolol due to tachycardia?
However, what worries me is your symptoms. Fatigue is not unusual with hyper, but getting a full night's sleep is since insomnia can be a symptom of hyper. Fatigue sets in due to lack of sleep. Constipation is usually a symptom of hypo, diarrhea of hyper.
How were you diagnosed with Graves'? Did you have a TSI test?
It looks like your meds need increasing, but I'm afraid that would make you feel even more tired and drowsy. Were you put on the propanolol due to tachycardia?
BTW, I was hungry but so anxious I would throw up and barely ate. I was 28 but I had to call my mom home from a trip to come stay with us. I feel for you.
I don't know what to say other than I was really hyper about 10 years ago (after baby but it lasted for 10 months) and I will tell you, I thought I was going insane. I was exhausted but could not sleep, constant anxiety, just felt horrific. It will pass once you get the right treatment. Hang in there.
Thanks guys...yes I have had my blood pressure checked every week and everything is perfect. I feel tired though I get a full night's sleep YES, :(..I am constipated most times..I have not lost any weight over the past few months. I might be a bit sad not necesarily dperessed..I think I maybe worry too much, here are my first set of labs
TSH Out of Range(0.00) Reference Values(.4-5.00)
Free T4 (FT4) Out of Range(27.26) Reference Values(9.03-19.09)
Total T3 Out of Range(162) Reference Values(58-159)
TSH Out of Range(0.00) Reference Values(.4-5.00)
Free T4 (FT4) Out of Range(27.26) Reference Values(9.03-19.09)
Total T3 Out of Range(162) Reference Values(58-159)
I'm wondering (once you give us the other blood tests results) whether they'll show your levels as normal, same as you TSH. And if that's the case do you need to continue with the propanolol?
I was taking carbimazole and metaprolol, but once the carbimazole put me back in a euthyroid state I weaned off the metrprolol.
I believe you need to ask the doctor this one, as they don't like you just stopping medication. Have you had your blood pressure checked??
I was taking carbimazole and metaprolol, but once the carbimazole put me back in a euthyroid state I weaned off the metrprolol.
I believe you need to ask the doctor this one, as they don't like you just stopping medication. Have you had your blood pressure checked??
Well, I'm not quite sure what you mean by "I feel terrible and I am tired and drowsy and feel LOW in my body all the time." Those almost sound more like hypo symptoms. Your other symptoms sound hyper. Can you be more specific? Are you tired due to insomnia or tired even though you get a full night's sleep? Are you losing or gaining weight? Constipation or diarrhea? Are you depressed? Is your heart rate and/or blood pressure increased or decreased?
TSH is counterintuitive, so the lower it is, the more hyper you are, and the higher it is, the more hypo. That's why I was confused...your TSH should be going up on neomercazole.
We all feel well at different lab levels. Just being "in range" ("normal") is not good enough for us to be well. We all have to find the levels where we feel best. It sounds like your meds are not adjusted properly for you.
Look forward to seeing the labs...
TSH is counterintuitive, so the lower it is, the more hyper you are, and the higher it is, the more hypo. That's why I was confused...your TSH should be going up on neomercazole.
We all feel well at different lab levels. Just being "in range" ("normal") is not good enough for us to be well. We all have to find the levels where we feel best. It sounds like your meds are not adjusted properly for you.
Look forward to seeing the labs...
Yessss...I was diagnosed with Graves..gonna copy the labs tomorrow from the first thyroid test i did and post them on here...thanks much for replying..please bare with me. Are my symptoms normal tho for someone with hyperthyroidism (graves disease)?
Is your doctor testing FREE T3 and FREE T4 as well as TSH? T3 and T4 are the actual thyroid hormones and much more important than TSH in regulating thyroid meds.
If you have the results of any other thyroid tests, please post them with reference ranges (they vary lab to lab and have to come from your own lab report). Have you been diagnosed with Graves'?
A TSH of 1.47 is "normal", but I don't understand what you mean by ""Or still too high?" Your TSH should be rising if you were hyper and stared taking Neomercazole.
If you have the results of any other thyroid tests, please post them with reference ranges (they vary lab to lab and have to come from your own lab report). Have you been diagnosed with Graves'?
A TSH of 1.47 is "normal", but I don't understand what you mean by ""Or still too high?" Your TSH should be rising if you were hyper and stared taking Neomercazole.
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It could be, as Kristina suggested, that you need to increase your neomercazole to get your FT3 and FT4 down further, but you might be able to wean off the beta blocker at the same time. The propanolol could be contributing to your tiredness.
Also, there are other anti-thyroid meds...you might ask the endo about trying a different one to see if is agrees with you better.