[Shanonian]

#1018204

I just wanted to put a post out here about neurological issues and Graves disease. I was diagnosed with only mild hyperthyroidism but I have autonomic dysfunction as a result. For having only mild disease, I had pretty severe symptoms. I was in the hospital for almost a week at one point, due to extreme fluctuations in my BP and heart rate. My blood pressure would drop so low (85/48) at times that I would faint, would be EXTREMELY sluggish to the point where my speech was slurred and I could barely lift an arm. On the other hand, my BP would also jump to as high as 170/115 and my pulse would be around 198. I felt like I was crawling out of my skin! I literally felt like I could die at times and feared I might. I am only 35 and was 99 pounds but a Neurologist has confirmed that the high spikes in my BP and pulse are due the Grave’s and the drop in blood pressure is Autonomic Dysfunction as a result of the hyperthyroid. Basically, I do not have a stable BP or pulse. My pulse dropped down to 50 while I was in the hospital. The particular Autonomic Dysfunction I have been diagnosed with is called POTS (Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome). Besides fainting, I would also frequently vomit as a result of the fluctuations. I just want to raise awareness of my condition because I just cannot imagine that I’m the only one with Neurological issues as a result of the Graves. Please be diligent in checking your BP at home and check for signs. I was lucky enough to have the Cardiologist catch the fluctuations and refer me to the Neurological study and clinic for further testing. Had that not been done, I wouldn’t be aware of this condition. I have to frequently take my BP and sometimes supplement with salt tablets. I am also taking Florinef and a beta blocker. Also, we did test the theory that maybe it was from trying to battle the BP by adjusting meds as needed. So, we decided that I should try no meds for about a week and it only made the spikes go higher but made no difference to the low drops. I’d be glad to answer any questions about my experience if anyone is interested.

[Ski]

#1063247

Wow, this is really good to know, thanks for sharing! One more thing on the list of "stuff that can happen along with GD," I suppose I shouldn’t be surprised… I’m so glad you got good care and have a way to manage it, the symptoms sound frightening!

[genuinruby]

#1063248

Thanks for sharing your story, I find it interesting because, I, myself, had extreme swings in blood pressure readings. So extreme, that my husband insisted that there was something wrong with the blood pressure monitor. So I bought a new one. It gave me the same crazy readings, but again, only me. My husband’s readings were consistant. I actually became quite obsessed with taking my pulse and blood pressure readings. It really freaked me out to see 190/130. A minute later, the reading was so much closer to normal. This went on the last 4 months prior to surgery. Though it was never duplcated at the doctors office. The good news is, it has not happened one time since I had my thyroid removed.
Ruby in Reno

[bloomlife]

#1063249

Ruby,

I am glad to hear you have that figured out now that you got your thyroid removed. I do have to admit though, that this thread has me a bit worried. Every time I have gone to the doctor’s office I have had relatively good reading in my blood pressure, but I have noticed myself getting light headed a lot often and also sometimes a little extra lazy in some situations. Is there any chance this could be my blood pressure? I don’t have a monitor, but I do have cheap health insurance[/url:3rpqx2ye] that might cover some kind of operation.

[Bobbi]

#1063250

Typically — in my area anyway — the major chain drug stores will have a blood pressure machine available, free, near the prescription area. It is an easy thing to check, although perhaps you shouldn’t panic if the readings are slightly "off." There might be calibration issues with the machines. But at least if things ARE indeed "off" you could then go to your doctor for a double check.

[Joyful0417]

#1063251

My first year with Graves was a real roller coaster. I took beta blockers for about 8-9 months because of the fluctuations in blood pressure and heart rate. I bought my own blood pressure equipment and monitored it daily, recording it into an Excel file so I could print it monthly for me and my doc – even did a graph. It was all over the map. But, after I took the radioactive iodine pill and my thyroid was killed and went into hypo, I was able to start taking Synthroid. I then leveled off and was able to stop taking the beta blockers. I know it is tough to wait for recovery to happen, but it will. It took me two years to level off, just don’t give up. My body was bombarded with all kinds of symptoms and I thought I was never going to get better. But I did. You will too!!!

[Author]

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