Hello – Yes, the wait to see a specialist can be frustrating! Sometimes a referral directly from your General Practitioner’s office can help you get a quicker appointment. Also, if your schedule is flexible, you can also ask the endo’s office to contact you if they have any cancellations.
Low TSH is a red flag that thyroid hormone levels are potentially too high – and rapid heart rate is definitely one of the symptoms of hyperthyroidism. Before proceeding with treatment, your doctor will need to confirm that you are indeed hyperthyroid – and if so, determine the cause. This will involve looking at your actual thyroid hormone levels (Free T3 and Free T4) as well as testing for antibodies. If you *are* hyperthyroid – and the antibody tests aren’t conclusive – there is another test called an RAIU uptake & scan that can help determine the cause.
Most endos will want to order their own set of tests. However, if the endo is willing to let your general practitioner order the FT3, FT4, and Antibody tests (TSI or TRab), yes, this might speed up the process. And your GP might be willing to prescribe a drug called beta blocker that could potentially provide some temporary relief.
In the meantime, definitely visit the ER if your heart rate becomes that high again. There is a dangerous condition called thyroid storm that needs to be treated ASAP, and one of the symptoms is an extremely high heart rate. Every patient is different, but other symptoms may include sweating, change in alertness/consciousness, confusion, diarrhea, and fever.
Please keep us posted on how you are doing!
