[StacyA]

#1060438

Back after a long hiatus. Been under the care of a respected endo practice and doing well on 5mg methamizole. Got off it for a brief remission but went hyper again after under three months, so have been on it ever since. Was diagnosed with Graves less than two years ago.

So I was feeling okay but gained five lbs in two weeks and a bit tired. Went for blood work, and my levels were as follows.

TSH 4.970 6 months prior 0.901. Range 0.270-4.200 UIU/ml

Ft4 0.955. 6 months prior 0.885. Range 0.820-1.770 Ng/dl

Now I’m always tired and hazy, bloated and can’t lose the weight, some heart palps and a little racing, too.

I read this is subclinical hypothyroid, is it? And If so, how do I deal with feeling so tired? I’m off the methamizole now. Been off for three weeks. Are these levels even off enough to be tired a lot?

I have a single one mm nodule that we sono yearly. The sono tech says its not a concern but my thyroid “definitely shows Graves’ disease” whatever that means, she’s a dedicated thyroid sonographer for years so I guess she’d know.

My mom has graves, had iodine treatment in 1974 and has been on synthroid ever since with a top rated endo in manhattan. She’s fairly stable And gets tested every 6-12 months.

Thank you for any advice.

[Kimberly]

#1182618

Hello – Having normal T3/T4 levels, but abnormal TSH is referred to as “subclinical”. Many patients do report having hypo symptoms as T3/T4 levels are *falling* – even if they are still in the “normal” range, so that could be what you are experiencing.

Hopefully, you have a follow up scheduled soon to see if your levels are responding to the discontinuation of methimazole.

Antibody testing (TSI, TRAb) is also helpful in determining the risk of a recurrence of hyperthyroidism. If antibodies are high, but a patient is hypo, some docs will continue with the anti-thyroid drugs, but add a small amount of replacement hormone.

As for dealing with fatigue in the short-term, hopefully, others will chime in with their suggestions, but it will be helpful to “dump or delegate” (or maybe just postpone) tasks that are further draining your energy.

Hope that you can get some relief soon!

[StacyA]

#1182619

I didn’t know that, for some reason I thought the antibodies were always present when you have graves, I guess you’re saying the levels change?

Good information! Thank you! Going to get blood test tomorrow. The doctor seems to think my levels Werent off enough to be symptomatic. What are your thoughts? Are they too close to normal range to feel crappy?

Thank you!

[StacyA]

#1182620

I didn’t know that, for some reason I thought the antibodies were always present when you have graves, I guess you’re saying the levels change?

Good information! Thank you! Going to get blood test tomorrow. The doctor seems to think my levels Werent off enough to be symptomatic. What are your thoughts? Are they too close to normal range to feel crappy?

Thank you!

[Kimberly]

#1182621

Hello – Antibodies have a fairly long “shelf life” (which is why it’s not helpful to go through the expense of checking them with every set of labs), but they do decrease over time.

Every patient is so individual, it’s hard to say if someone “should” be feeling well or unwell at a particular spot in the range. I actually know a couple of patients who say they feel their best at the hypo end of the range! But definitely, many patients do feel symptomatic as levels are shifting either towards hyper or hypo, even if the actual numbers are still within the “normal” range.

Take care!

[StacyA]

#1182622

I actually feel worse now. More tired, weird vivid dreams, hazy, no energy. Eyes burning. are these common symptoms? Have you ever heard of this with levels that aren’t really that far off?

[Kimberly]

#1182623

Hello – As I mentioned before, we definitely hear from patients who feel hypo symptoms as levels are falling, even within in the normal range. If it was me, I would be on the phone to the doctor’s office bugging them about the latest set of labs (which as I recall, you’ve had done very recently).

You are obviously feeling miserable, and getting some answers should be your priority, rather than second-guessing your own body because of your last set of labs. You deserve to get your quality of life back!

[StacyA]

#1182624

I left three messages today. No response. I’m upset.

I feel stupid because he insinuated my levels Werent off enough for me to seem symptomatic. And then I asked for ft3 and antibody levels and he refused. So I’m angry. And he’s the best endo in an hour radius.

[Kimberly]

#1182625

Hopefully, you will get a response today.

If you’d like to seek out a second opinion, the “Looking for a Doctor” thread has several options where you can search by state or zip code. Although if you’ve received great service from this doc except for this one issue, it’s probably worth trying to work things out – rather than starting all over with a brand new practice!

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