[Anonymous]

#1083789

Hi, boomerusmc:

The blood tests are typically the definitive diagnosis for hyperthyroidism. Other tests might be somewhat more helpful in determining what is causing the hyperthyroidism (uptake/scan, etc.) And the results you reported show elevated levels of thyroid hormone. I would recommend that you go back to the doctor and specifically ask about the advisability of you being deployed until your blood work is normalized (i.e normal zone for both TSH and thyroid hormone).

Bobbi — NGDF online Facilitator

[Anonymous]

#1022793

I like to know if anyone can tell me how long diagnosis normally takes. I’m supposed to be deploying to Iraq on Sunday.

Two weeks ago, I went to the emergency room with an irregular heartbeat (lasted about 2 hours). They did an EKG, as well as some blood work. The EKG was normal, and early blood results only showed slightly high phosphorus levels. I just returned from a week long class on the other coast, and picked up the full blood test results. My TSH was 0.01 (the low norm was listed as 0.34) and FT4 was 4.14 (high norm was listed as 1.6). I was retested today, but they said it may take 1 1/2 weeks for the results.

As far as symptoms, I have a fast heartbeat (110 at rest), my heart occasionally skips a beat, I sweat easily, and don’t put on weight unless I eat huge amounts (I’m 35 and I could still wrestle at my high school weight of 128). I don’t think I have any eye problems, or at least I am not aware of any symptoms.

Is it coincidence that my symptoms match Grave’s? Are any of the Grave’s symtoms definite indicators?

[Anonymous]

#1083790

Bobbi – Thanks for the quick answer. I have a appointment with the doctor tomorrow, when we will discuss a referral to an endocrinologist, as well as the likelihood of deploying.

If I am diagnosed with GD, which of the treatments let you get back to “normal” the fastest? Our physical training is killing me (I’m in the Marine Corps). Whenever I run, I feel like my heart is going to pound itself right out of my chest.

[Anonymous]

#1083791

Which of the treatments is the quickest is a good question for the doctor. Keep in mind, however, that quickest is not necessarily safest for you. Surgery removes the thyroid all at once (as opposed to RAI removing it over time), and drugs (Tapazole and PTU typically) start to work instantly to block thyroid hormone production. But adjustments typically need to be made to either drug dose or replacement hormone dose (which would be needed after surgery/RAI) so while there may be “relatively quick” with a potential treatment option, there is no “instant” fix. And while there are theoretically three treatment options for hyperthyroidism, there can be medical reasons which rule one or another of them out for an individual patient.

Good luck,
Bobbi

[Anonymous]

#1083792

Your physical training can be very harmful while hyperthyroid. Please discuss this with your superiors. Most of us are advised to stop exerting ourselves during this period for our own safety.

~Ski
NGDF Assistant Online Facilitator

[Anonymous]

#1083793

boomerusmc,

I would talk to a doctor about your heartbeats. I can tell you through experience, it will get worse if you are deployed into the heat of the desert. I was deployed to Saudi for the Desert Storm and was shipped back home within 2 months because of the chest pains and racing heart. Your blood thins out more in the extreme temps causing your heart to work harder. Push the doctors to get a diagnoisis right away. It will be much easier while you are state side.

Good Luck!!

Sheila

[Anonymous]

#1083794

Thanks to all for the advice. My re-test came back today, and yes, I have hyperthyroidism. They are postponing my deployment until they find the cause, and we determine a treatment.

[Anonymous]

#1083795

Well, boomerusmc, I must say I have just breathed a huge sigh of relief. It’s truly hard on the body to be hyperthyroid, and the type of exertion you all engage in would have been dangerous. I do hope you find a cause, and an effective treatment soon.

Bobbi — NGDF Online Facilitator

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