[talahongsi]

#1060050

I was diagnosed with Hyperthyroidism in 2006. I’ve had a few symptoms elevated heart rate in the 100-110 but that was my heart rate before hyperthyroidism. I had tremors in my hands I lost 30 pounds. Those were my only symptoms I didn’t feel any different.

After two months of finding out I had hyperthyroid I became pregnant. I was put on PTU pregnancy went fine. I i was advised by my Dr to stop the PTU at 24 weeks because my levels were all normal. I was offered RAI after I stopped breast feeding but refused.

After my pregnancy I had no symptoms of hyperthyroidism my heart rate was normal in the 80’s to low 90’s I felt normal no problems my weight was steady no tremors, no hair loss, no racing feeling, no goiter, my thyroid was normal size. but my labs said I was still hyperthyroid. I was still off the PTU.

Then it wasn’t till 2012 I started to have one symptom return where my heart rate went up into the 160’s at random times I had several anxiety attack feelings. That was my only symptom. So in Oct 2012 I gave in and decided to do the RAI treatment I received 12 milequeries after 2 months my FT3 and FT4 became normal but my TSH was still very suppressed. I was instructed to wait 6 months before seeing any results well its 8 months later and FT3 and FT4 still normal but TSH is still suppressed .007 has not moved anywhere. Since the RAI I’ve gained 13 pounds my hair is falling out like crazy something I’ve never had. I have no energy, I’m constantly tired I wake up tired my heart rate is now 60’s-high70’s. I have severe joint cramps I’ve had muscle cramps before and these are not muscle. The pain is deep within my hip the pain is so intense it knocks me down I can’t move. I had one incident of my heart racing and causing a anxiety attack feeling. My doctor is telling me ill need to have a second RAI which I am reluctant to do. I’m so frustrated with this whole thing.

[Kimberly]

#1179960

Hello and welcome! We’re fellow patients here, not doctors, but here are a couple of thoughts. First, are you getting hard copies of your labs? The “normal” range for T3/T4 is fairly wide, and some patients feel their best at a specific point in the range (midpoint, high end, etc.). It would be helpful to see for yourself where your levels are falling.

Having below normal TSH but normal T3/T4 is referred to as “subclinical hyperthyroidism”. The American Thyroid Association and American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists released some guidance last this year on treating subclinical hyperthyroidism. Here is a quick excerpt:

“When TSH is persistently <0.1 mU/L, treatment of SH should be strongly considered in all individuals >=65 years of age, and in postmenopausal women who are not on estrogens or bisphosphonates; patients with cardiac risk factors, heart disease or osteoporosis; and individuals with hyperthyroid symptoms.”

However, symptoms like fatigue, constipation, and joint pain are more commonly associated with hypo than hyper, so I would definitely ask your doctor what benefit he/she expects you to receive from further treatment. Perhaps a second opinion would help shed some light on what you are dealing with? You can find several different search engines for locating a doc in your area in the “Looking for a Doctor?” thread.

Take care – and please check back to let us know how you are doing!

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