[sbgilles]

#1017955

Hi all,

I was diagnosed with Graves in 2006 and opted for the radiation. In January, my doctor lowered my dose from 137mcg to 125 mcg and kept me on 5mg of Cytomel. Long story short, on 4/25 I came down with a bronchitis, and wound up on 12 days of steroids and 3 different antibitiocs. Last Monday, I noticed that my legs and feet felt really cold to me and started with these severe leg cramps. I also noticed that I was having severe palpitations and sweats. This past Tuesday I wound up in the emergency room due to being scared that I had a blood clot or something wrong with my heart. My other symptoms were also a very hoarse voice, very out of breath and high pulse rate.
My blood work came back that my TSH was at 0.024, T3 and T4 were within normal ranges. The ER doctor believes that all of my symptoms are related to my TSH level. I went to my doctor who lowered my dose to 112mcg and kept me on the Cytomel as well.
I have been very fortunate over the years since my radiation with my levels being normal. My question is this, could it be possible that all the meds I was on to fight the respiratory infection effected my synthroid? Unfortunately my Endo retired and my family doctor (sub-speciality in Endo) has been monitoring my medication. I am still suffering from the hoarseness, feeling like I cannot breathe and high pulse rate. Today is the first day that I did not have those excruciating pains in my legs and I really hope they have ended. The pain was unbearable and brought me to tears.
Thanks for listening and I will be looking for a good Endo in my area first thing in the morning, as I have been totally ignorant on just how debiliatating this disease could be.

[WendySue]

#1061821

Good evening!

By any chance did they check your potassium levels?? I was just recently diagnosed with GD, two weeks ago, I have had high heart rates, palpitations, PVC’s and leg cramps and foot cramps. My potassium level is low, even after the doctor put me on potassium. My new endo double the dose of potassium for me, I am still experiencing the symptoms, although not as severe.
Hope you can find an Endo who can help you feel better quickly!
~Wendy

[snelsen]

#1061822

Just a general comment about potassium. Just sharing what I know, check it all out with a doctor if you have questions about potassium. This is a med that absolutely requires management by an MD, and careful labs. It struck a chord with me, for I used to work in an ER.
It is usually adequately found in foods, but we can be depleted if we have a lot of nausea and vomiting. It is a super serious drug. People also lose potassium when taking a diuretic that is not potassium sparing. Sometimes people on a diuretic, even if it is intended to be potassium sparing, get in trouble. Usually docs who have patients on a diuretic watch this, and in the ideal world, patients should know some symptoms of low potassium. And there is a lot more complexity to this electrolyte, and the range for normal function is quite tight.

I am simply saying this because it is whole difference subject than taking a calcium or Vitamin D supplement. People can get in trouble VERY quickly with too much or too little. It is right to check with your doctor on this one!
Since potassium was mentioned, I thought it was a reasonable comment to make. I have worked as an RN for over 50 years,and thought I would share my thoughts. High potassium can be life threatening, for it is related to cardiac function.

As Wendy Sue said, leg cramps are another clinical sign of low potassium. I am guessing that the ER, in the panels they drew for labs, did check her potassium. Sounds like you are getting careful care from you doctor, Wendy Sue.
But check with your doctor, and I sure hope you feel better fast!
Shirley

[sbgilles]

#1061823

Thanks for the replies. My potassium levels were normal. the ER doctor strongly felt that all of my symptoms were related to being hyper. Thank goodness I have gone a day without any cramping, but pulse rate is still running around 118-125, excessive sweating.
Called yesterday for an Endo appt. and cannot get in until July, but will be following up with my doctor until then. Thanks all! ” title=”Very Happy” />

[sbgilles]

#1061824

Wow what a journey this has been. My doctor eventually had to take me off of all meds to allow my levels to get back into a semi-normal range. Went for blood drawing on Monday at TSH at 77.83 – yes 77.83. T4 was at .1 and T3 at .6 – needless to say I am back on all meds as of yesterday. I have been so lethargic and now I know why. Palpitations have stopped though. While I have not not the horrible muscle cramping in my legs, still get them sometimes in my feet, but my arm and leg muscles are still very sore. Have to see a Neuro-muscular specialist on 7/19.
All I can say is that I hope I never go through an episode like this again. Was the worst feeling ever – moods have been all over the place and to be honest, it has been a little scary.

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