Thyroiditis or Graves

[kientz1000]

  I recently developed a very sudden onset and acute thyroid problem.  I was smelling moldy bulbs and developed a sudden "rash" over the area of my thyroid.  Both sides of my throat turned bright red and were extremely hot and very itchy.   The redness subsided within an hour with no "rash" remaining.  I had very odd symptoms (later discovered typical hyperthyroid) that started immediately and peaked about 3 days after this exposure-lasted for about 2 weeks.  Blood drawn 3 weeks after exposure showed low tsh, high lymphs, low neutrophils and elevated liver especially ALT. Blood work 4 weeks later-low tsh, mildly high t4, mildly high t3, liver ALT at 209.  Refered to endo-diagnosed with mild Graves/clinical hyperthyroidism.  Both doctors said swelling and redness of throat coincidental.  Endo believes I am either stubborn or foolish but I am choosing to wait and see if this problem resolves-current liver ALT is 42, t3 and t4 normal, tsh still low.       Iodine is a common bulb dip, also studies have shown fungicides maneb and mancozeb can cause hyperthyroidism-am I completely off base or could these things be related?  I do not want a raiu!! at this point in time-feel my thyroid has suffered enough insult as it is.

[kientz1000]

Thanks Stella-There is no way I could have inhaled enough iodine to to bring it on alone but my question is whether the pathogens can follow the iodine straight to the thyroid.  A well respected study showed that the wives of men who had pesticide applicator's licenses had TWICE the rate of hyperthyroidism if they were exposed to mancozeb or maneb.  Medical sites often note that certain types of thyroiditis have "a seasonal component" and are higher in summer.  Why  are we asked about family history, xray etc, and not environmental exposure?

[stella5349]

A high iodine exposure can bring on thyroiditis and offset some antibodies if you had some issues with them.

My thought hear if you wait to see if this would resolve would be either request a low dose of antithyroid meds for a few weeks ( watch the liver with these) and other eliminate some foods that encourage more function. You may also want to look into selenium as a supplement to try and counteract some of the antibodies if you find out you do have these present and abnormal.

[kindergal]

Not sure about all of this as I am a "newbie."  BUT it looks like you are getting lots of blood work done....I am now in the hunt for a new Dr. as I got so desperate today, I called my OB for help. My GP did not run a full panel and the PTU is making me have some real pain.  

I cannot help but think everything you are having is related as the thyroid seems to control everything!  Again, I am new so I am not sure.