[hubb]

#1019271

Hello Everyone- I am trying to make some sense of what is happening to me- First indication of a problem was found from a routine blood test: decreased TSH levels- Went to Endo- had scan,uptake and ultrasound- uptake values found to be above normal limits and scan shows "heterogeneous" activity- the unltrasound showed nodules in both lobes but "hot" or "cold" unclear- Today the doctor called and said I needed to start on topasol?? asap (my MD is to take a blood test to check white cells first)- I already take medication to slow my pulse- The Endo said that I need to get hormone levels in check before dealing with growths in thyroid, but I am confused- The lab report says test "suggest hyperthyroidism" – The doctor mentioned GD- Does one always mean the other? I do not have many symptoms, and the pulse thing just started- I have had a dry patch on shin of right leg since the end of winter, and in the fall I noticed that my legs didn’t work so well (although this would come and go- at times getting up from a squat nearly impossible, going up stairs difficult)- and just yesterday I noticed a lot of my hair is coming out- I would appreciate some plain talk to help me put the pieces together-Thanks

[knitlit]

#1070456

Hubb, you can have hyperthyroidism without having GD. But GD is one of the more common reasons for hyperthyroidism, from what I understand. Some of the hyperthyroid symptoms would be very similar but only a temporary condition if not GD. (fast bp, pulse, weight loss I think would be common for both)

You definitely need your lab results explained to you and to read up on this. Some forms of hyperthyroidism are just temporary due to a virus or some other condition that will go away once you recuperate/treated. Where graves disease is an autoimmune thyroid condition or disease.

This forum is a great resource, I know others more knowledgeable will respond. Keep calm, go to the library, gather information, question your doctor, have him/her explain your lab results.

best of luck.

[hubb]

#1070457

Thank you- I spent the day on the computer getting an education- Starting to put the puzzle together, but many unanswered questions (to which I have made a list) From what I have read, an antibody test is the only way to diagnose GD, yet it is not a clear-cut test- I called the doctor to see if I had an antibody test and the nurse said mine came back in "normal" range- She could not, however, answer any other questions and I expect to hear from the doctor today- In the meantime, I will be visiting a different doctor today and will hopefully have answers- I don’t like to jump in the pool unless I can see the bottom (so to speak) I appreciate your feedback-

[Ski]

#1070458

Hyperthyroidism is most often caused by Graves’ Disease, but nodules can be the culprit as well, so make sure you get that part of your diagnosis clarified. The Tapazole will bring your thyroid hormone levels down into the normal range, no matter the cause of your hyperthyroidism, I believe. While you figure out the cause of the condition, it’s best to at least manage the levels and prevent further damage to your body.

The weakness in your legs would be due to the "muscle wasting" we suffer while hyperthyroid. It accelerates the muscle "teardown" process, and suppresses the "rebuild" process, so we end up feeling weak as kittens. The most prevalent spots for loss of muscle mass are the large muscles (upper arms, upper legs, chest and back).

Hair loss can occur just because your levels are fluctuating ~ it’s the body’s response to what it views as an emergency situation. It removes resources from the parts of our body that are not necessary to preserve life, and hair and nails are the first to lose resources. In most people, the hair loss is transient, and not very severe. You may notice more hair than usual in the brush and on your clothes, but 99% of the time it doesn’t progress to anything particularly noticeable by others. Once your thyroid hormone levels are normal, and stable, the hair loss will get back to its normal levels (meaning we lose hair every day anyway).

I hope that helps!

[hubb]

#1070459

Thank you Ski- I thought I understood all of this- I have spend the last few days on the computer. I thought the hyperthyroidism was caused by one or the other- In other words, I thought if I had nodules that were producing extra hormones, that I did not have GD- The doctor called me yesterday and said I definitely have GD- I asked him why I should go on the meds when that wouldn’t help the nodules and he said that I have 2 separate issues- I have to make an appointment today to go over results- I am leery of the meds because I read that my body will not absorb calcium and that I will not be able to fight off infections- I do not like the idea of trading one problem for several more- I have been home all this week due to a virus that won’t go away- Thanks for feedback- Reading the posts help me to understand, and the more I understand, the less I am afraid-

[Ski]

#1070460

If the meds lower your white blood cell count, you’ll have to stop taking them. That’s the only thing that would make you more prone to infection, the medication does not automatically have that effect on all patients. Only a small number of people experience that particular side effect, it is VERY rare.

As for calcium, I’ve never heard of that being a side effect of the meds either. While we’re hyperthyroid, calcium is leeched from our bones, but that’s about the hyperthyroidism, not the medication.

Sounds like you have a rather complicated situation ~ learn all you can, and take ALL of your questions (written down) to your doctor.

[hubb]

#1070461

Again, Thank you- I guess I really got my facts mixed up- I have been reading way too much- And I have a very long list of questions- I realize that I need to slow down- I am ashamed to say that I had been in "poor me" mode; I have been tired and my head is in one major fog! (symptoms, right?) Thanks for listening-

[npatterson]

#1070462

Hi Hubb,

Well, Ski has done her usual great job, so I will just put in about 1.78 cents!

NOW might not be the best time to start Tapezole if you are fighting off an infection. Your doctor will know.

The large muscle weakness is classic. One doctor I know makes people squat in the middle of the floor, and to stand up from that position. Others are kinder, requiring only that a peron rise from a chair with "no hands"!

There is a condition known as "sub-clinical" hyperthyroidism. That basically means having syptoms before the dramatic hormone level changes.

As long as you are visiting reputable sites, your information should NOT contradict itself as you go from site to site. There IS such a thing as information overload.

Questions for doctors: Write them all down, wait a while, and then try to group them. Usually the answer for a group will answer most of the individual ones. I guess I am saying make an old-fashioned OUTLINE.

Best wishes,

[dzarling]

#1070463

Thanks to Ski & others for this information about the leg weakness!! I have had this problem for about 4-6 months & had no idea that it could be related to my Graves…I had to stop going to my exercise class because I was embarrassed that I could not get up from my mat at the end of class. One question–can you build up muscle strength again when your levels are stable?

[Hopeful23]

#1070464

hi hubb:) welcome to a great foundation. I just want to say a little bit too. I have graves disease and a nodule on my left lobe. I had to RAI due to the side effects of tapazole and PTU. I am now hypo and feeling a little better everyday. Also- another way graves is detected is how evenly your thyroid absorbs the iodine when you got your uptake scan. If your whole thyroid was glowing and not just a part or some thats also an indication of graves. I hope you seek all your information. Keep us updated:)

[Petrina]

#1070465

I had Graves at the end of my freshman year of high school………….with medication I went on to have three wonderful boys………..wish I knew all about the support I could have gotten…….computers have helped so many people! I’m in here because I just had my 15 year old tested….same timing…..summer of his 9th grade….hand shakes….I want to find more support then I had because I tear up when I think about the lonliness I felt………..my eyes were effected as well… Anyway , he’s a very kind boy and I hope things are better 25 years later………I didn’t know how rare it was for children not to mention boys
Petrina

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