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  • Anonymous
      Post count: 93172

      Just got back from the surgeon’s office for my final visit before my surgery on Friday. The diagnosis paper said I had Plummer’s Disease. I had been told that what I have is Graves. Does any one have any info on plummers? I have had all the symptoms of Graves with the exception of weight loss. When on the PTU I starteds itching frantically all over…

      Anonymous
        Post count: 93172

        From my understanding, Plummer’s Disease is related to your fingernails/
        fingers that usually/sometimes accompanies GD. It’s the symptom of
        the nails separating from the nail bed. It’s been awhile since I
        read about it though and it was only in passing as I was searching out
        info on GD. Anyone out there know more about Plummer’s?

        Sheila H.

        Anonymous
          Post count: 93172

          Here’s what is says in the Merck Manual about Plummer’s Disease. I don’t
          understand the whole thing, but here goes:

          Toxic adenoma and toxic multinodular goiter (Plummer’s disease): One or
          more thyroid nodules occasionally hyperfunction autonomously for unknown
          reasons. The excess T3 and T4 inhibit the hypothalamic-pituitary axis,
          stopping TSH production and decreasing production of hormone in the rest
          of the thyroid. RAI uptake in the hyperfunctioning nodule is increased
          while in the rest of the gland, it is decreased. Multinodular goiter
          with or without hyperthyroidism is more common in older people. Neither
          toxic multinodular goiter nor toxic adenoma is associated with LATS,
          exophthalmos, or the pretibial myxedema found in Graves’ Disease. Since
          nodules often produce selective increases in T3 levels, determination of
          serum total T3 should be included in the thyroid function tests selected
          for evaluation of nodular goiter.

          Toxic adenoma and multinodular goiter are treated surgically or with
          radioiodine.

          I’m not going to try to proof read that – I hope it is readable!

          DonnaN

          Anonymous
            Post count: 93172

            Basically, according to the Thyroid Source Book, Plummer’s Disease is ANOTHER thing that can cause hyperthyroidism. Graves is one cause, and it is an autoimmune disorder. But you can get goiter for various reasonss and a “toxic multinodular goiter” can cause it as well. In layman’s terms this is occurs when the thyroid, enlarged with goiter, has noticeable lumps and bumps (nodules) on it. In Plummer’s disease, these lumps develop the ability to produce their own thyroid hormone over time. So you have your thyroid producing thyroid hormone, and the nodules on the goiter producing the hormone. The nodules however do not respond at all to TSH levels, like your thyroid gland does. The pituitary stops producing TSH (to try to control thyroid hormone levels), and the thyroid itself lowers production. But the goiter nodules do not respond. They are out of control, and continue to produce the hormones, causing hyperthyroid symptoms.

            Anonymous
              Post count: 93172

              Watch for this symptom if you are on thyroid replacement therapy. I had
              it when my dosage was too high. It showed as normal on TSH and T4 tests.
              Also, it was on my toes not my fingernails.

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