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first blood test since starting medication and T4 and T3 look like they are about to go to the other extreme. Any advice please?
Hi everyone
After a month on Neomercazole I just had the blood test to see what my levels are doing.
Here are the results. I'll put my initial results from a month ago too.
TSH 0.50 Range [0.40 - 3.50] A month ago was 0.01
FT4 9.4 Range [9.0 - 19.0] A month ago was 27.6
FT3 3.6 Range [2.6 - 6.0] A month ago was 10.7
I'm back in range! But I was wondering if it is perhaps a small worry that my T4 and T3 look like they are about to drop out of the bottom of the range? My doctor is trying to talk with the Endo [my appt is in about 5 weeks with the Endo] to see should I reduce the Neomercazole. But now it's the weekend and I won't hear from her until sometime next week. She didn't mention anything about the T3 and T4, but she doesn't know very much about thyroid issues [but is a great, helpful doctor!]. I am worried that I am going to go hypo pretty soon. I have Graves and also Hashimotos antibodies. My brother has Hashis and started out as hyper and very quickly went hypo.
In the last week and a half or so I have been feeling a lot more energy, less foggy brain... still not fantastic, but at least improving. I still can't sleep at night and my heart is still going around 100 a lot of the time. Today I have been feeling very unwell. Completely lethargic [not too unusual for the last few months] and just generally icky.
I'm wondering if I should stop the neomercazole, or at least take less of it.... but am reluctant to do that without the doctor saying so. Any ideas about what is going on with my T4 and T3?
Thanks for reading :)
After a month on Neomercazole I just had the blood test to see what my levels are doing.
Here are the results. I'll put my initial results from a month ago too.
TSH 0.50 Range [0.40 - 3.50] A month ago was 0.01
FT4 9.4 Range [9.0 - 19.0] A month ago was 27.6
FT3 3.6 Range [2.6 - 6.0] A month ago was 10.7
I'm back in range! But I was wondering if it is perhaps a small worry that my T4 and T3 look like they are about to drop out of the bottom of the range? My doctor is trying to talk with the Endo [my appt is in about 5 weeks with the Endo] to see should I reduce the Neomercazole. But now it's the weekend and I won't hear from her until sometime next week. She didn't mention anything about the T3 and T4, but she doesn't know very much about thyroid issues [but is a great, helpful doctor!]. I am worried that I am going to go hypo pretty soon. I have Graves and also Hashimotos antibodies. My brother has Hashis and started out as hyper and very quickly went hypo.
In the last week and a half or so I have been feeling a lot more energy, less foggy brain... still not fantastic, but at least improving. I still can't sleep at night and my heart is still going around 100 a lot of the time. Today I have been feeling very unwell. Completely lethargic [not too unusual for the last few months] and just generally icky.
I'm wondering if I should stop the neomercazole, or at least take less of it.... but am reluctant to do that without the doctor saying so. Any ideas about what is going on with my T4 and T3?
Thanks for reading :)
Hi Moostera, I intially had leg cramps too, it is common with thyroid patients because we tend to be deficient in various minerals. So many of us are told to take Calcium with Vit D but you need to make sure you are taking a balanced supplement with Calcium, Magnesium , zinc and D3.
If I remember right you are taking Calcium with D3?
I had the same problem. I play football every week, and only after taking the Calcium and D3 only for nearly a month, I started having terrible leg cramps like "Charlie Horse" It turns out that is because too much calcium on it's own will delete Magnesium and the other minerals.
Try to find a supplement that has Calcium, Magnesium, Zinc and D3. "Nature Made" brand here in the states that is pretty cheap as that combo.
Mac
If I remember right you are taking Calcium with D3?
I had the same problem. I play football every week, and only after taking the Calcium and D3 only for nearly a month, I started having terrible leg cramps like "Charlie Horse" It turns out that is because too much calcium on it's own will delete Magnesium and the other minerals.
Try to find a supplement that has Calcium, Magnesium, Zinc and D3. "Nature Made" brand here in the states that is pretty cheap as that combo.
Mac
P.s. Am getting loads of leg cramps in bed at night too. Do you think that could be related to thyroid [trying not to go overboard and blame EVERYTHING on my poor thyroid haha]?
Hi all. Thanks for your posts.
I ended up ringing the Endo myself yesterday. Of course he wasn't working yesterday, but his secretary said she would get him to phone me today. He didn't phone. So I am decreasing my medication from tonight down to 20mg a day instead of 30mg. I figure it's either that or stay on 30mg and go hypo soon. My doctor will be back in a week and I'll see her then and request another blood test.
Stella, I've been reading about Block/Replace and will be definitely talking to my doctor about it [although, she won't agree to it without talking to the endo] and also the Endo when I see him in a month or so. Thank you. I'll keep reading about it, and gather all the info I can. I'll check out the Web Seminar too. Thanks!
Mac, yesterday I felt like a boneless chicken with a stick of dynamite inside me. So, I felt extreme fatigue [to the point that I had to go to bed at 9pm which is major for me] but hyper energy in the pit of my stomach and in my chest. Heart is still accelerated. I am taking a double dose of sleeping tablets [with doctor's permission] for a little while at night to try to actually get some sleep. The last few nights I have been getting a lot more sleep due to that!
I have been feeling a bit more energetic for periods during the day and I wonder if that is because I am now getting more then 2 hours of sleep a night. In between energetic periods I feel extremely fatigued where it takes all of my effort to get out of a chair and do things. Fatigued and hyper at the same time...!
Headaches. Lots.
Still have very irritated, itchy eyes a lot of the time. I have eye drops to help with that.
But compared to a month ago I am a lot better!
I know, Deb.... 3 months is ridiculous! I think I should still be tested every 4 - 6 weeks at this stage of the game. And I would like to be tested again in 2 weeks time to see what is going on. Hey, I have noticed right from the start that my heart goes way faster at night. I told my doctor about it. I wake at about 3am almost every night and feel hot and restless. I will try spacing the dose out the way you did! Thank you!
I ended up ringing the Endo myself yesterday. Of course he wasn't working yesterday, but his secretary said she would get him to phone me today. He didn't phone. So I am decreasing my medication from tonight down to 20mg a day instead of 30mg. I figure it's either that or stay on 30mg and go hypo soon. My doctor will be back in a week and I'll see her then and request another blood test.
Stella, I've been reading about Block/Replace and will be definitely talking to my doctor about it [although, she won't agree to it without talking to the endo] and also the Endo when I see him in a month or so. Thank you. I'll keep reading about it, and gather all the info I can. I'll check out the Web Seminar too. Thanks!
Mac, yesterday I felt like a boneless chicken with a stick of dynamite inside me. So, I felt extreme fatigue [to the point that I had to go to bed at 9pm which is major for me] but hyper energy in the pit of my stomach and in my chest. Heart is still accelerated. I am taking a double dose of sleeping tablets [with doctor's permission] for a little while at night to try to actually get some sleep. The last few nights I have been getting a lot more sleep due to that!
I have been feeling a bit more energetic for periods during the day and I wonder if that is because I am now getting more then 2 hours of sleep a night. In between energetic periods I feel extremely fatigued where it takes all of my effort to get out of a chair and do things. Fatigued and hyper at the same time...!
Headaches. Lots.
Still have very irritated, itchy eyes a lot of the time. I have eye drops to help with that.
But compared to a month ago I am a lot better!
I know, Deb.... 3 months is ridiculous! I think I should still be tested every 4 - 6 weeks at this stage of the game. And I would like to be tested again in 2 weeks time to see what is going on. Hey, I have noticed right from the start that my heart goes way faster at night. I told my doctor about it. I wake at about 3am almost every night and feel hot and restless. I will try spacing the dose out the way you did! Thank you!
3 months?????
You gotta be kidding?
You should be down to about 15mg now and as for same time each day...space the dose out.
I was on 40mg and took 10mg morning, 10mg lunchtime then 20mg at bedtime as between 3-4am , the thyroid 'dumps' and thats when most wake up all hot and fast heartrate.
By spacing the doses out, you are getting an 'even ' dose of Neo without allowing the thyroid to 'spike'.
I agree totally with Stella on the B & B.
You gotta be kidding?
You should be down to about 15mg now and as for same time each day...space the dose out.
I was on 40mg and took 10mg morning, 10mg lunchtime then 20mg at bedtime as between 3-4am , the thyroid 'dumps' and thats when most wake up all hot and fast heartrate.
By spacing the doses out, you are getting an 'even ' dose of Neo without allowing the thyroid to 'spike'.
I agree totally with Stella on the B & B.
Moostera, Stella is wise and knows first hand what you are going through. I believe you both share the multiple antibodies issue. Sounds like the Antibodies web seminar might be very useful to you. I am not sure what time that thing will be, undoubtedly it is probably in the middle of the night where you are. Sometimes they make those seminars available offline after the fact. Perhaps Stella posted info about where to look. I need to go check out the link also.
You noticed how much of difference you felt when you took a dose late so you know now how quickly your body reacts to the medication or lack of it at this point. What other symptoms do you have that most troubling right now?
It is really unfortunate that you have to wait so long to see an actual Endo. Unfortunately you may be disappointed with that result too, or you might get lucky and get a good one, but many of us are here (like you are) to be educated as much as possible so that when we do get in to see the Endo we are prepared to discuss our own medical issues with them head on. No one is going to put in as much effort about ourselves as ourselves. The more informed you can be the better you can get the right treatment, hopefully some relief soon!
Perhaps you can start making a list of questions and concerns to go over with the endo when you do get in? My endo was really annoyed with me because I questioned all of the "wisdom" she was offering me and in the end we had to compromise.
Because of the dual antibodies it makes it very hard to find a balance I am sure. I really feel for you and I know that must be difficult. -(
Keep track of what you are eating, try to keep track of when you feel better or worse, times of day foods you ate etc. I keep a little diary and that has been very helpful to me in unraveling know I feel and why.
Hang in there!
Mac
You noticed how much of difference you felt when you took a dose late so you know now how quickly your body reacts to the medication or lack of it at this point. What other symptoms do you have that most troubling right now?
It is really unfortunate that you have to wait so long to see an actual Endo. Unfortunately you may be disappointed with that result too, or you might get lucky and get a good one, but many of us are here (like you are) to be educated as much as possible so that when we do get in to see the Endo we are prepared to discuss our own medical issues with them head on. No one is going to put in as much effort about ourselves as ourselves. The more informed you can be the better you can get the right treatment, hopefully some relief soon!
Perhaps you can start making a list of questions and concerns to go over with the endo when you do get in? My endo was really annoyed with me because I questioned all of the "wisdom" she was offering me and in the end we had to compromise.
Because of the dual antibodies it makes it very hard to find a balance I am sure. I really feel for you and I know that must be difficult. -(
Keep track of what you are eating, try to keep track of when you feel better or worse, times of day foods you ate etc. I keep a little diary and that has been very helpful to me in unraveling know I feel and why.
Hang in there!
Mac
That doctor is wrong... speak to another one pronto...
Magnesium - iodine - copper and zinc are hard minerals... with watoer soluable supplements like B's and C's those are impossible to OD on...
Unfortunately the heard ones are not water soluable and will be toxic if over dosed. Your brother sounds like he had way too much in his system.
Just remember... Block and Replace... Graves and Hashis - swings high and low... you may find when it gets lowered you may rear up on hyper - so then all this work getting it lowered may not be best after its done..
You are going to have to step out of the box on this - with your doctor... I suggest reading more medical reports about Block and Replace/ thyroid hormones and antibodies... make an appointment to SEE the doctor and push this information on them... Then ask for slight freedom in making some medicine changes and you feel the effects of each antibody rearing... You may get shot down w/ the doctor on this - but if you really learn more on what you need, understand what you body is really telling you by tracking days and symptoms.. you might make some headway on convincing your doctor you know best and could play a big role in dealing with this better on this stuff..
Hey - just a few minutes ago I post a web seminar being held in Washington DC this week... That would be a good thing for you to register for. The American Autoimmune Association is hosting the seminar. These are very informative for patients and researchers to listen to.
Magnesium - iodine - copper and zinc are hard minerals... with watoer soluable supplements like B's and C's those are impossible to OD on...
Unfortunately the heard ones are not water soluable and will be toxic if over dosed. Your brother sounds like he had way too much in his system.
Just remember... Block and Replace... Graves and Hashis - swings high and low... you may find when it gets lowered you may rear up on hyper - so then all this work getting it lowered may not be best after its done..
You are going to have to step out of the box on this - with your doctor... I suggest reading more medical reports about Block and Replace/ thyroid hormones and antibodies... make an appointment to SEE the doctor and push this information on them... Then ask for slight freedom in making some medicine changes and you feel the effects of each antibody rearing... You may get shot down w/ the doctor on this - but if you really learn more on what you need, understand what you body is really telling you by tracking days and symptoms.. you might make some headway on convincing your doctor you know best and could play a big role in dealing with this better on this stuff..
Hey - just a few minutes ago I post a web seminar being held in Washington DC this week... That would be a good thing for you to register for. The American Autoimmune Association is hosting the seminar. These are very informative for patients and researchers to listen to.
OK so I've just spoken with a different doctor at my doctor's surgery... and she says to keep the Neomerc on the SAME dose and retest in 3 MONTHS!!!!!!!!!!!! What the??? I don't feel good about this. I'm losing faith in doctors, really.
Hiya Mac.
Thanks heaps for your input!! Wonderful news about the naturopath and how well you are doing on your journey! You are an inspiration to me. I need to look into seeing a naturopath, for sure!!
I haven't heard from my doctor yet, Mac. I was waiting to hear from her yesterday morning [even though she isn't at her work this week... so there was no use me ringing the surgery], but she didn't call.
I'm going to call the surgery today and try to speak to another doctor. If I can get past the scary receptionist!!
I'll read up on copper and magnesium.
My brother, who is hypo and has hashis, was rubbing magnesium oil on himself after reading a book about that being the best way to get magnesium into our cells. I urge people to be very careful when doing things like this without seeing a Naturopath. My brother didn't see a naturopath.After a few weeks of using the magnesium oil, he felt very unwell, "crazy in the head", talking fast and non-stop and getting extremely agro easily, an angry rash around his throat. And he was preaching at me to do it too, preaching at anyone who would listen. He eventually realised it was the magnesium oil that was making him so agitated etc. You see, he also takes magnesium supplements. So perhaps the magnesium oil IS useful when rubbed on, but not when you are taking supplements.... I don't know.... but my point is to always ask a professional.
A
Thanks heaps for your input!! Wonderful news about the naturopath and how well you are doing on your journey! You are an inspiration to me. I need to look into seeing a naturopath, for sure!!
I haven't heard from my doctor yet, Mac. I was waiting to hear from her yesterday morning [even though she isn't at her work this week... so there was no use me ringing the surgery], but she didn't call.
I'm going to call the surgery today and try to speak to another doctor. If I can get past the scary receptionist!!
I'll read up on copper and magnesium.
My brother, who is hypo and has hashis, was rubbing magnesium oil on himself after reading a book about that being the best way to get magnesium into our cells. I urge people to be very careful when doing things like this without seeing a Naturopath. My brother didn't see a naturopath.After a few weeks of using the magnesium oil, he felt very unwell, "crazy in the head", talking fast and non-stop and getting extremely agro easily, an angry rash around his throat. And he was preaching at me to do it too, preaching at anyone who would listen. He eventually realised it was the magnesium oil that was making him so agitated etc. You see, he also takes magnesium supplements. So perhaps the magnesium oil IS useful when rubbed on, but not when you are taking supplements.... I don't know.... but my point is to always ask a professional.
A
Hi Moostera :-) I agree that you should probably not mess with your Neomercazole without consulting your doctor, but I will tell you that is exactly what I had to do. I was on Methimazole and had to cut it back and eventually stop it because I went so Hypo. I think you should call your doctor and explain how you feel and that you want to cut back on the dose. (I just reread what you said and I see your doctor did cut your dose. In my case I did have problems if I did not take it the same time every day, if I missed the morning dose I noticed it, In fact I felt better and that is when I requested to cut my dose) another 5 weeks is a long time to wait to see the endo and be on your current dose. I agree with Smilerdeb, you don't want t to make a drastic change or stop the medication.
You have a very complex issue with both antibodies present. It is possible to reverse that to some degree and I urge you to read up on Copper and Magnesium with Graves
Mary Shomon's book "Living Well With Graves and Hyperthyroidism" was very helpful to me as well as "Living Well With Hypothyroidism"
I don't have the antibodies that you do but my condition does cause me to swing both Hyper and Hypo. A multimineral and additional supplementation of some Magnesium and copper has also helped me, but you should not just take those things on your own because everyone is different. I went to a Certified Naturopath and got a good overall body treatment with a goal of restoring my thyroid to health by treating all the underlying causes. Once you have RAI you can't do that so easy but certainly look up a Naturopath and see what they say. You have nothing to lose by changing your eating habits and healing your body to stop attacking itself. It's not magic and does take time, but in the short time that I have gradually changed my diet and taken specific supplements my life is 89% better. If you get to a Naturopath, also consult with your regular doctor about what the naturopath had to say. I have not felt this good in years.
Keep us posted!
Mac
You have a very complex issue with both antibodies present. It is possible to reverse that to some degree and I urge you to read up on Copper and Magnesium with Graves
Mary Shomon's book "Living Well With Graves and Hyperthyroidism" was very helpful to me as well as "Living Well With Hypothyroidism"
I don't have the antibodies that you do but my condition does cause me to swing both Hyper and Hypo. A multimineral and additional supplementation of some Magnesium and copper has also helped me, but you should not just take those things on your own because everyone is different. I went to a Certified Naturopath and got a good overall body treatment with a goal of restoring my thyroid to health by treating all the underlying causes. Once you have RAI you can't do that so easy but certainly look up a Naturopath and see what they say. You have nothing to lose by changing your eating habits and healing your body to stop attacking itself. It's not magic and does take time, but in the short time that I have gradually changed my diet and taken specific supplements my life is 89% better. If you get to a Naturopath, also consult with your regular doctor about what the naturopath had to say. I have not felt this good in years.
Keep us posted!
Mac
Oh geez.... I'm laughing now!!!
Higher than 2 = positive!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
3rd time lucky? Hee hee :D
Higher than 2 = positive!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
3rd time lucky? Hee hee :D
OK it doesn't like the symbols lol!!
The receptor antibodies ranges are .... lower than 1 = negative
between 1 and 2 = equivocal
higher than 2 = negative
Fingers crossed !
The receptor antibodies ranges are .... lower than 1 = negative
between 1 and 2 = equivocal
higher than 2 = negative
Fingers crossed !
The computer ate some of my words ...
The Receptor Antibodies range is: 2 = positive.
The Receptor Antibodies range is: 2 = positive.
I will, thanks Stella.
Hi Smilerdeb. I'm on 30mg.
I was on beta blockers but had horrific nightmares and even hallucinated one night! So they took me off the beta blocker to see if the Neomerc was working well enough to get my heart rate down too. My heart did seem to slow down some .. around 85 ... but has been going up again lately.
I didn't phrase the sentence about Graves very well. Graves is confirmed ~ I had a TSI test and the TSH Receptor Antiobodies tested. Strangely they only sent the Receptor Antibodies results back. The result was 28 with ranges of 2 Positive.
I have Hashis antibodies. Thyroglobulin Ab = 67 [range 0-40] and thyroid Peroxidase Ab = 317 [range 0-35].
Yes, I think I will be hypo pretty soon. But today and tonight I feel jittery [feels like I've had a heap of coffee, but I haven't!] and literally hyperactive. Gawd this thyroid thing is crazy, all over the place, so touchy!!! I don't know whether I'm coming or going!
I think the best thing to do now is to ring my doctor's surgery in the morning and ask another doctor [since mine is away and only works Wed and Fri anyway] to take a look at my results and tell them I want to lower the dose!
I also have a nodule. Looking forward to seeing the Endo, really!
A quick question: I assume I should take the Neomerc at the same time everyday ~ I was a few hours late taking it today in case the doc rang this morning to tell me to take a lower dose .... just curious if taking the tablets late one time can effect your levels much for that day .... just wondering why I feel so jittery and crazy!
Hi Smilerdeb. I'm on 30mg.
I was on beta blockers but had horrific nightmares and even hallucinated one night! So they took me off the beta blocker to see if the Neomerc was working well enough to get my heart rate down too. My heart did seem to slow down some .. around 85 ... but has been going up again lately.
I didn't phrase the sentence about Graves very well. Graves is confirmed ~ I had a TSI test and the TSH Receptor Antiobodies tested. Strangely they only sent the Receptor Antibodies results back. The result was 28 with ranges of 2 Positive.
I have Hashis antibodies. Thyroglobulin Ab = 67 [range 0-40] and thyroid Peroxidase Ab = 317 [range 0-35].
Yes, I think I will be hypo pretty soon. But today and tonight I feel jittery [feels like I've had a heap of coffee, but I haven't!] and literally hyperactive. Gawd this thyroid thing is crazy, all over the place, so touchy!!! I don't know whether I'm coming or going!
I think the best thing to do now is to ring my doctor's surgery in the morning and ask another doctor [since mine is away and only works Wed and Fri anyway] to take a look at my results and tell them I want to lower the dose!
I also have a nodule. Looking forward to seeing the Endo, really!
A quick question: I assume I should take the Neomerc at the same time everyday ~ I was a few hours late taking it today in case the doc rang this morning to tell me to take a lower dose .... just curious if taking the tablets late one time can effect your levels much for that day .... just wondering why I feel so jittery and crazy!
What dosage of Neomercazole (Carbimazole) are you on?
You should really be cutting down a fraction by now.
Whatever you do...DONT stop the Neo as you will go hyper.
Usually the starting dose is 30 -40 mg daily then cut back to 20mg then 10mg.
And this is usually done in 2 week cycles if it shows the Neo is working properly.
You are headed for hypo so you really do need to talk to the Doc.
Has the Doc also got you on Inderal (beta blocker) as this slows down the FT3?
If not...ask for some as its important to get that FT3 down and keep it down.
Also ask for a TSI (thyroid stimulating immunoglobulin) test to be done to rule out Graves Disease.
You say you have hashi antibodies?
Was this diagnosed by labs?
Any info you can give would be good so others can post.
Personally if that was me, I wouldve ask to cut down to 10mg daily of the Neomercazole for 2 weeks then restest.
its so easy to go hypo quickly on Neomercazole and thats why I was tested every 2 weeks instead of every 4 weeks.
You should really be cutting down a fraction by now.
Whatever you do...DONT stop the Neo as you will go hyper.
Usually the starting dose is 30 -40 mg daily then cut back to 20mg then 10mg.
And this is usually done in 2 week cycles if it shows the Neo is working properly.
You are headed for hypo so you really do need to talk to the Doc.
Has the Doc also got you on Inderal (beta blocker) as this slows down the FT3?
If not...ask for some as its important to get that FT3 down and keep it down.
Also ask for a TSI (thyroid stimulating immunoglobulin) test to be done to rule out Graves Disease.
You say you have hashi antibodies?
Was this diagnosed by labs?
Any info you can give would be good so others can post.
Personally if that was me, I wouldve ask to cut down to 10mg daily of the Neomercazole for 2 weeks then restest.
its so easy to go hypo quickly on Neomercazole and thats why I was tested every 2 weeks instead of every 4 weeks.
Thanks Laura and thank you Stella.
I really appreciate you taking the time to reply, and thank you for the really good info and advice Stella. It really is comforting to have people here who know what they are talking about.
I still haven't heard from my doctor. It's Monday night here. Also, she is on hols this week, but said she would still call me. The blood test was taken on Wednesday. I just hope T3 and T4 slow down a bit and don't go too low.
Hopefully she will phone soon, and I will suggest another blood tst in 2 weeks. Am pretty sure the Endo will ask her to get me to lower my dosage.
Thanks again!
I really appreciate you taking the time to reply, and thank you for the really good info and advice Stella. It really is comforting to have people here who know what they are talking about.
I still haven't heard from my doctor. It's Monday night here. Also, she is on hols this week, but said she would still call me. The blood test was taken on Wednesday. I just hope T3 and T4 slow down a bit and don't go too low.
Hopefully she will phone soon, and I will suggest another blood tst in 2 weeks. Am pretty sure the Endo will ask her to get me to lower my dosage.
Thanks again!
That's a hard answer to say.... You are also saying you carry both Hashi/Graves antibodies so that's even harder to know..
I can say for many in your shoes - when both antibodies are present a "Replace/Block" therapy is used often... How I understand it as I was both Hashi/Graves is the medication of choice for many patients in this situation will be treated with antithyroid medication first to treat the hyperthyroidism/Graves... then when the patient falls hypothyroid - replacement thyroid medication can be used to try and swing you back up some. Then back to the first med and so on .. it goes - until the thyroid dies off from the attacks - which rarely a doctor will leave a patient to do on their own. This is where usually a patient will get the advice to do an ablation or RAI to kill the function of the thyroid - then ride out that ablation until the thyroid dies completely and then treat you soley with thyroid medication to balance the hormone levels after your body no longer produces them on its own.
From what I am seeing based of those labs you have and the symptom of your heart pounding this could be a few things - it could be your free T3 is too low.. When its low - the heart is fighting to "pump" because there is not enough hormone to keep the cycle running at its correct speed so the heart is "thumping" very hard to fight off that slowness and that is not good....
Also with the Graves.. then antibodies involved will effect the heart - so in addition to you slowing down with the thyroid hormones the antibodies of Graves are rearing up ( because you are suppressing them) . They are angry - so they are fighting to stay strong too. understand?
Its obvious the anti thyroid medication is slowing you down b/c you are expressing most of the common symptoms involved when this is going on. I wouldn't completely stop the medication. I would call your treating doctor and ask them if you could take less. With no appointment yet in site for 5 weeks, my suggestion would be to get your doctors approval of lowering this medication and then retesting in 2 weeks the levels. It would be helpful for the other doctor to know and see a tracking of what's going on with your medication..
remember the term - Block and Replace as I said above.. This is common with mixed thyroid antibody issues and it really is a difficult process to go through.
I am going to say I believe the specialist may suggest RAI for you to ablate the gland.. Since you have some time before this appointment - reseaching how to suppress the antibodies would be best to learn while you are working with your doctor now. You could find that ablation would not be something to talk about - IF you are able to suppress the antibodies of both Hashi/Graves.
Then you can - after suppression - work on where your real thyroid levels are at and treat that.
I can say for many in your shoes - when both antibodies are present a "Replace/Block" therapy is used often... How I understand it as I was both Hashi/Graves is the medication of choice for many patients in this situation will be treated with antithyroid medication first to treat the hyperthyroidism/Graves... then when the patient falls hypothyroid - replacement thyroid medication can be used to try and swing you back up some. Then back to the first med and so on .. it goes - until the thyroid dies off from the attacks - which rarely a doctor will leave a patient to do on their own. This is where usually a patient will get the advice to do an ablation or RAI to kill the function of the thyroid - then ride out that ablation until the thyroid dies completely and then treat you soley with thyroid medication to balance the hormone levels after your body no longer produces them on its own.
From what I am seeing based of those labs you have and the symptom of your heart pounding this could be a few things - it could be your free T3 is too low.. When its low - the heart is fighting to "pump" because there is not enough hormone to keep the cycle running at its correct speed so the heart is "thumping" very hard to fight off that slowness and that is not good....
Also with the Graves.. then antibodies involved will effect the heart - so in addition to you slowing down with the thyroid hormones the antibodies of Graves are rearing up ( because you are suppressing them) . They are angry - so they are fighting to stay strong too. understand?
Its obvious the anti thyroid medication is slowing you down b/c you are expressing most of the common symptoms involved when this is going on. I wouldn't completely stop the medication. I would call your treating doctor and ask them if you could take less. With no appointment yet in site for 5 weeks, my suggestion would be to get your doctors approval of lowering this medication and then retesting in 2 weeks the levels. It would be helpful for the other doctor to know and see a tracking of what's going on with your medication..
remember the term - Block and Replace as I said above.. This is common with mixed thyroid antibody issues and it really is a difficult process to go through.
I am going to say I believe the specialist may suggest RAI for you to ablate the gland.. Since you have some time before this appointment - reseaching how to suppress the antibodies would be best to learn while you are working with your doctor now. You could find that ablation would not be something to talk about - IF you are able to suppress the antibodies of both Hashi/Graves.
Then you can - after suppression - work on where your real thyroid levels are at and treat that.
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