artrial fibrillations

[awb]

Got the test results today and my TSH level was 0.005.  My heart rate when I went to the cardiologist two days ago was at rest about 155.  Doctor put me on Coumadin (4 mg) and Tropol XL (50 mg).  I feel awful.  My heart has been quivering and then beating hard and fast on and off for several months.  Three doctors later including my endo and no help.    These meds the cardiologist gave me have taken the edge off of my heart palpatations, but left me nauseous and exhausted.   I take 240 mg of Armour Thyroid every day (had my thyroid removed 12 years ago).  I feel like I am an invalid.  Just a mess. Can anyone help me evaluate what is happening to me?  Thanks,  Anne

[goolarra]

Another thought on the Toprol - the nausea and headaches are probably temporary and might go away as you become accustomed to the meds.  

Also, I feel strongly that you're overmedicated and the doctor to see immediately is your endo.  If you get your thyroid meds adjusted correctly, you probably won't have to be on the Toprol for that long.  Kill two birds with one stone...

I also agree with smilerdeb that we need to see your FT3.

[Smilerdeb]

I totally agree that the dosage of Armour is too high.
Also you havent posted your FT3 level.....if that is elevated then you are being overmedicated and would most definately cause A-Fib.
A-Fib is something I went through 3 times prior to RAI and I wouldnt wish it on my worst enemy.
Put yr foot down and demand answers from the Doctors you are seeing and demand to see your test results with a print-out of them.
You may have needed that dosage to start off with but how does your Doc know if you are drug sensitive or not?
You may have reacted too quickly to the Armour.
Food for thought.

[goolarra]

I sometimes fear that they know TOO much, but the science of medicine has unfortunately almost completely obliterated the ART of medicine.  You see one specialist, and all he's interested in is your heart.  You see the next, and all he can see is your thyroid numbers.  Meanwhile, NO one coordinates care unless you do it yourself.

Have you spoken to your endo yet about the HR?  Your TSH is really very, very low.  Also, gimel above brings up a good point...240 mg seems like a high dose unless you're a very large person.  As I recall (memory may not be trustworthy), most people writing in seem to be taking somewhere in the 50-100 mg range.

[awb]

Thanks to everyone for your comments. I called the doctor yesterday to ask what to do about nausea, headache and insomnia from the beta blocker.  He said, not possible that the Toprol was causing these symtoms, I probably just had a bug.  This is truly sad.  What happened to knowledgable doctors?  I fear this is going to be a battle to health.  I can see the value of this forum.  Thanks again,  

[gimel]

I agree with the other comments above, I just wanted to say that 240 mg of Armour per day seems like  a heavy dose.  What was the basis for your doctor's decision to get you up to that level?

[goolarra]

You are so right.  Except for the few people who have a really exceptional PCP, no one is advocating for the patient and coordinating the specialists.  If you don't do it yourself, and just about get a medical degree in the process, you're apt to be inappropriately treated. Two (or more) doctors from different specialties talking to each other about a patient?  Do you think this is even possible?!!

[medicmommy]

Hello!
The Toprol (it is Toprol, isn't it?) is a beta-blocker. It will slow down your heart rate and blood pressure to buy you time until the hyper symptoms pass (it may be several weeks)...More than likely you are artificially hyper from your meds (free-Ts will tell for sure) and you thyroid med dose needs to be reduced...Are you having other hyperthyroid symptoms? Tremors, frequent bowel movements, higher blood pressure, etc? Also, have you had your calcium and potassium levels done? Most cardiologists will check, but just in case...Off levels of these can cause a-fib and tachyarrhthmias as well...I hope you feel better soon. I know from experience that the beta blockers usually take 2-5 days to work. If you begin to have a severe headache, dizziness or chest pain -go to an emergency room (or call 911) immediately. You may need to hand carry copies of your medical history and lab results to each Dr appt to get the best care possible. (I had to, because of seeing multiple specialists who didn't seem to compare notes very well.) Good luck and fell better soon! (((HUGZ))))~MM

[deb62d]

If your endo is not listening to you ,why not turn to your regular medical doc. A-fib is no joke. Someone once told me that hypo and hyper can share some of the same signs and symptoms.  But really you know your body best.
I'm wondering if your cardiologist just doesn't want to loose you as a patient!!!!
Does he know what meds and what doses you are taking??

[goolarra]

We need to know your free T3 and free T4 and their reference ranges to comment intelligently.  Your TSH indicates hyperthyroidism.  It's no wonder your heart rate is so high.  You appear overmedicated, but can't say for sure until you post FT3 and FT4, especially FT3 if you are on Armour.  See your endo or call him again immediately and impress upon him how miserable you are and what your symptoms are.  Tachycardia (fast heart rate) is miserable and can be dangerous.