[Jinna]

#1060657

Hello. I’m 42 and recently diagnosed with hyperthyroidism. My symptoms include weight loss (over 15 lbs), enlarged thyroid, swollen lymph nodes, weak muscles, diarrhea for a month, easily sweaty (high temps in SoCal recently doesn’t help), occasionally pain in throat by enlarged thyroid, and I’m just an emotional wreck. I have an appt with an endocrinologist this week to see how severe it is and what treatments are needed. I’m so worried that it’s really bad and I am trying not to go crazy but I’m really scared. I’m also trying to eat a healthy diet but I’m confused about what’s ok and what to avoid. I find that lemon balm is helpful to calm my racing heart. Is anyone on a diet or taking supplements/homeopathic remedies like bugleweed that has helped you? Thank you in advance!

[Kimberly]

#1183940

Hello and welcome – although Graves’ disease is the most common cause of hyperthyroidism, there are other causes as well, such as overactive thyroid nodules and thyroiditis. Once you have a correct diagnosis, this will determine which treatment options are available to you.

There aren’t currently any natural therapies that have been proven to be both safe and effective in the treatment of hyperthyroidism. If the heart rate is causing you concern, there is a class of meds called beta blockers that you might talk to your endocrinologist or primary care provider about. (Beta Blockers can potentially worsen asthma and certain blood vessel conditions, so they aren’t prescribed for all patients.) They don’t cure the hyperthyroidism, but they can give you some temporary symptom relief.

In terms of diet, the #1 priority is to avoid massive sources of iodine (supplements, the seaweed wrap that comes with sushi, kelp snacks, etc.), as the thyroid uses iodine to create more thyroid hormone.

Take care – and please keep us posted on how you are doing!

[snelsen]

#1183941

Hi Jinna, welcome to our exclusive club! We’ve all been there. We’ve all felt like we were crazy, and have all been irritable and short tempered. It’s hell, that is for sure. I felt that way, I know exactly where you are with all this. You are female, and this fits. It is hell. It all goes away when you are treated with the right things! When you feel like your normal self, then you can make further decisions.

I think you will be VERY reassured when you see the endocrinologist.
Having a rapid heart rate goes along with all there other symptoms you are having. Generally speaking, the heart rate will be treated with a beta blocker, which is a med that slows your heart rate. Hearts do not appreciate beating that rapidly! (:The doc will explain it. Most likely, you will begin taking an anti-thyroid medication, and within a week or two, you will actually believe you are going to be ok. and you will feel like “you” again.

This is a medical condition that you can learn about. Definitely you will be better again. Do not mess around with any online supplements and all that stuff.

Just to echo what Kimberly said, avoid seaweed wrap, kelp related snacks for the reason she stated. Otherwise, eat a healthy diet, as you probably do now. You don’t need to add another stressor to your life right now worry about food, if you generally eat a healthy and well balanced diet you are fine. You may want MORE to eat. I had a voracious appetite when I was hyper (kinda enjoyed that!) and could eat anything I wanted, and lost weight. But not a good way to “manage” weight loss! that is for sure.

Jinna, the important thing for you to know is that you ARE going to be fine and one day this will all be behind you. Really, truly!

Do write again. I’ll be watching for your posts!
Shirley

[ebcb143]

#1183942

I apologize for asking this but I just joined the forum but can’t figure out how to start a post. I just figured out how to reply. Can someone please help me?
Thank you

[Kimberly]

#1183943

@ebcb143 – Hello, #5 on this link should have the info you need:

(Note on links: if you click directly on the following link, you will need to use your browser’s “back” button to return to the boards after viewing, or you will have to log back in to the forum. As an alternative, you can right-click the link and open it in a new tab or new window).

http://gdatf.org/forum/topic/42254/

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