hyperthyroidism? tachycardias, etc

[kitkat766]

I was diagnosed with subclinal hyperthyroidism in 2008. tsh .10. Dr. recommended radioactive iodine, but I did not go through with it, because a relative advised me of the dangers. I did natural treatments (mangesium, strict diet,etc) as suggested by a relative. The symptoms continued.
I had weight loss (lost 15 pounds)m hair loss, heat intolerance, tachycardia,shaking, arrhythmias (landed in the ER numerous times)(heart rate around 150-200 at times) Had ultrasound by Endo that revealed slightly enlarged
right thyroid gland. My levels were checked again, tsh was still under 1.0 but told levels were normal. So I did not go back to my Dr for almost 2 years.

I seemed ok for a while, though I would get tachycardia and arrhythmia weekly.
had tremors, tachycardia, sweating, shaking, chest pain, pounding heart, trouble breathing etc. In Sept, I went in for thyroid level check.
T3 levels were the high end of normal, but T4 on the very low end of normal. Tsh was low at around .30.
A few weeks ago, I had Radioactive Iodine Uptake Scan at the hospital, and the results came back 45% (abnormally high) and both glands slightly enlarged. The strange thing is my T4 levels are very low end of normal, T3 levels elevated, high end of normal. TSH has been climbing. Another blood test after the September testing revealed tsh around .48. Another test a few months later revelead .89.

I was put on methimazole, but after a week, landed in the ER, due to a severe reaction. (fever, vomiting etc)
started on PTU recently, about a week ago. Last labs were TSH: 1.0 , T4- .84 T3: 3.10

Doctors cannot really figure out the cause. What can cause enlarged thyroid glands, even though tsh levels are normal? Most seem to think I cannot still have hyperthyroidism because my tsh level is normal. Some seem to think I am lacking in iodine (which I am not.)

I am down to 98 pounds, even though I eat well, and feel very weak. My hair is still falling out, and I feel dizzy a lot. Tachycardias still continue though not as often as before I started taking PTU. landed in the ER yet again recently, with heart rate around 150. Thanks so much in advance.

[kitkat766]

I was never given the exact results. On the paperwork that was sent to me, it just states that TSI ab is negative.

[Barb135]

What was the exact result, with reference range, of the TSI?  I usually don't trust results as simply "normal".

[Barb135]

Your latest thyroid levels don't indicate that you are hyper and some symptoms can "cross over" between hyper and hypo.  

I looked up Bystolic because I'm not familiar with it.  I didn't see anything that said it was contraindicated in patients with hyperthyroidism, although you could be sensitive to its ingredients.  You should talk to your doctor or pharmacist about that.

It's typical for autoimmune disorders to run in families; also known that once a person has one autoimmune, chances of getting another are greater.

Do you have a true gluten allergy or are you "gluten sensitive"?  Have you been diagnosed with celiac disease?  Are you on a gluten free diet?

TSH is a very poor indicator of thyroid function, though that's the test of choice for most doctors.......  My TSH of < 0.01 sends most doctors into a tizzy, insisting that I'm hyper, when my FT levels are way low and I have no hyper symptoms.

Swings from hyper to hypo are common in the early stages of Hashi. Since you tested negative for Graves, I'd strongly suggest that you ask for the TPOab and TGab...... don't settle for just one, because some of us with Hashimoto's have only TPOab, some have only TGab and still others have both.  

[kitkat766]

Thanks so much.
The TSI was tested, and I was told that it was within normal range, but I have not been tested for TPOab and TGab.

The T3 is Free T3. REF Range: 2.5-3.9 PG/ML
Free T4 was 0.84  REF Range: 0.60-2.00  NG/DL

My Cardiologist prescribed Bystolic for the tachycardia, but I have not taken it yet, as I have read it can be contradicted in patients with Hyperthyroidism.
Also, I have had numerous med reactions (allergic to almost every antibiotic I have been )  I seem to be easily susceptible to numerous infections, including Sinus and UTIs.  I also have cystitis and a gluten allergy.
Immune disorders seem to run in the family. My Grandmother had Lupus and many other health problems.

[Barb135]

You have only one thyroid gland, which consists of 2 lobes and an isthmus.

Have a few questions, as we'll need more information before we can be a lot of help.  

Are the T3 and T4 tests being done for FREE levels or are they totals?  There's a difference and it should state on your lab report.  We also need to have the reference ranges, for these as they vary from lab to lab, so must come from your own report.

Have you been tested for Graves Disease or Hashimoto's Thyroiditis?  Both of these are autoimmune diseases that ultimately destroy the thyroid.  You should ask for antibody tests - Thyroid Peroxidase Antibodies (TPOab) and Thyroglobulin Antibodies (TGab) to test for Hashimoto's and Thyroid Stimulating Immunoglobulin (TSI) to test for Grave's Disease.

Hashimoto's Thyroidits is most often associated with hypothyroidism, but in earlier stages, hyperthyroidism can be prevalent.  Graves is most often associated with hyperthyroidism and often requires that the thyroid be destroyed via RAI or removal in order to alleviate symptoms.  Both RAI and removal result in hypothyroidism, which is then controlled with thyroid replacement medication.

You might ask your doctor to give you a beta blocker to control the tachy.