[Ewenme]

#1018503

Hello–just to reintroduce myself, was diagnosed with GD back in March, and am taking ATD’s in hopes of remission.
My question is not about me but my 89 yo mother who also has Graves and was treated with RAI in ’94. The last few months she’s been treated for pnemonia and does have some congestive heart failure, but not severe. The last two months she has been very short of breath and has very rapid heart beat. Her GP has increased her dose of synthroid to 200 mg (she started out at about 100) and a large dose of a beta blocker(which lowered her heart rate to the low 90’s). She is still extremely short of breath and weak and has lost weight. I am not sure what her GP is using as criteria to increase her synthroid to 200. What do they usually go by? TSh? free t3 or t4? Does anyone else agree with me that this seems like an awfully high dose of synthroid? Do you think she needs to go to an endo again even though she hasn’t seen one for years? I know this is complicated and at 89 years old many things could be going on. I am so frustrated with her situation–just want her to feel better again.
She lives in Wi and I am in Mi so this also complicates things. I was there in March and am able to go again if needed. I have siblings there who are trying their best to help, so I have to be careful not to ‘step on toes’ if you know what I mean.
Any thoughts would be appreciated.
Joy

[Ski]

#1065329

It does seem a little odd to have taken such a dramatic step up in replacement hormone, though of course we don’t know what drove that decision, so it’s impossible for anyone but her doctor to say for sure.

Usually, after a patient has been managed on replacement for a long time, the doctors go by TSH, because it’s a more precise measurement if levels have remained relatively stable. If things have been changing with her thyroid hormone levels, there may be value in getting the full panel of thyroid hormones. Definitely something to discuss with the doctor, especially considering her shortness of breath and high heart rate. I know there were some weird things going on with my Mother’s medications when she was in her early 80s ~ she had high blood pressure issues for many years, and suddenly had issues with low blood pressure, and instead of reducing the dose of medication meant to manage the high blood pressure, they put her on a SECOND med to lower the blood pressure. Seemed pretty nuts to me, and this sounds a bit similar ~ change one thing, then she needs another to manage what comes out of that. As I said, though, we aren’t qualified to say "that’s wrong," we can only recommend that you investigate. No harm in asking for an endocrinologist to consult, that’s their specialty.

[mamabear]

#1065330

I agree with Ski, no harm in asking for an Endo. That is what they do, primary’s don’t. My mother finally went to an endo because her primary just couldn’t do the job. She kept saying that she was going to commit my mother if she heard my mom say she felt fat again. I told her to stop seeing her for her thyroid and get an endo asap. Who was this woman to say such a thing!? I was mad. My mom isn’t fat but she was on her way to it due to the wrong dose she was on.

I would tell your family that you know about this stuff and have a great support system and what ever they need you can try to help as best you can. You want to be involved and tell them that and even say I dont want to step on anyones toes I just want to help the best way I can.

(((((prayers)))))

[Ewenme]

#1065331

Thanks, guys, for the thoughts and prayers. I composed an email which I haven’t sent yet, and I did mention I did not want to step on toes, but am familiar with the symptoms of being hyperthyroid and am concerned about Mom. I am not sure how it will go over–I may get no response at all (typical). Very frustrated right now and feeling powerless.
Will let you know what happens.
Joy

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