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Hello Terri,
I don’t want to be overweight either. I don’t think anyone in this forum wants to be overweight but gaining weight when you need to gain it b/c you have lost it when you were hyperthyroid is not a want but a need. Being underweight is dangerous as Bobbi pointed out.
I agree with all the other posts and gatorgirly has a point. You should talk to your endocrinologist or to your general Dr about seeing a dietitian or a nutritionist.
There are people who were hyperthyroid and became euthyroid, who are in great shape (healthy weight). That should be everyone’s goal in this forum … to become euthyroid and maintain a healthy weigh for our height.
I’m currently taking Methimazole and at my last appt I was hypothyroid and I have noticed that some of the weight is coming back. I’m afraid of becoming overweight but I don’t want to die, so I take my medication and I eat healthy (I have been eating healthy for a while b/c I also have Celiac Disease). I have started walking again and my goal is to continue doing so and to continue incorporating healthy exercise into my daily routine. If you don’t take care of your body, it will continue to give up on you and I doubt you want that.
Check this out:
http://www.cdc.gov/healthyweight/assessing/bmi/adult_bmi/english_bmi_calculator/results_underweight.html?pounds=122&inches=69I hope our posts help you take the treatment you need and to look for healthy ways to maintain a healthy body and weight.
Welcome to the forum.
Caro
Hello Darcy,
When I was first diagnosed with GD I did have a couple of days when my eyes hurt every time I took a shower. As if the water had sand in it or something. It eventually went away and I hope it stays away. I did not like the feeling and it scared me. I haven’t tried swimming yet but if I do, I will wear goggles. I’m too sensitive to chlorine and I want to avoid problems with my eyes. Keep us posted. I hope it doesn’t happen again.
Carol
Thank you Shirley and Kimberly.
I will check out the “treatment options” thread Kimberly.
As I mentioned, my liver enzymes were elevated at my last appt. but they were elevated when I went to the ER in June even before starting Methimazole. I had been having headaches and taking Tylenol before I went to the ER and I wonder if that caused some problems. My enzymes have been coming down since then, even on the Methimazole, but they are still elevated and my Dr. wasn’t too happy at my appt. He kept mentioning RAI and surgery. I mentioned that they were less than the triple, which is what I read was used for Rx concerns but he said that he gets worried if they are double the normal range. Mine is 71 (normal < 32). At the ER the # was 103. Anyway, I'm kind of sad thinking that the liver enzymes, related to Methimazole or anything else, might be the end of my ATD treatment. I’ve done some research and there is such as thing as Autoimmune Hepatitis and this can happen with GD. I’m still researching. I have made an appt with my general Dr to see if she can run some autoimmune tests to see if it is autoimmune related. I’m hoping to get answers before my next appt with my Endo. Thank you!
CaroHello Alexis,
I’m sorry you had 2 panic attacks. It most have been very scary. I hope it is not your heart. It might just be the change you experienced with the new dose. As you know, I’m still on Methimazole so I don’t have much to share but I do wish you the very best with finding the right dose. I’m glad that overall things are going well and that you are able to take care of your boys. It is a blessing having gone through so much and finally being able to take care of them again.
By the way, I might be heading in the TT direction. My last appointment wasn’t very promising. My ALT was elevated but less than it was when I was diagnosed with GD. The Dr. kept talking about RAI and surgery at my last visit and mentioned that he didn’t like my ALT being elevated. He lowered my dose from 30mg to 10mg/day and will run extensive labs in 3 wks. I haven’t been feeling well these last few days (tired, hot). My fT4 was hypo at my appt so the decrease in dose in that regard made sense but I’m wondering now if the big change is making me go hyper again. Anyway, I thought I share this with you since you had the liver enzyme issues. Mine is not very high (77, normal <32) but it still worries me. The Dr at the ER when I was diagnosed told me that hyperthyroidism affects the liver and attributed the elevated #s to it (then the # was 103). I also had been taking Tylenol b/c I had a lot of headaches then. Anyway, that is where I'm. I'm scared as you can imagine. I'm afraid that at my next appt I will have to decide b/w TT or RAI if my liver enzymes are not within the normal range. My Dr says that he starts getting worried when they are double the normal range. I've read that triple is what is used for concerns but my Dr is using double.
Hope you find the right dose for you. Just a thought. I think I remember reading that there is liquid synthroid? Maybe something that might help you find the right dose for you? I know liquid is easier to manage sometimes.
Smiles,
CaroNaisly,
I have read your story. You have gone through a lot. My post is long too but please do read it.
OK … here it goes.
You know what? I think it is time for you to get well. I think that it is time for you to think of yourself for a change and put you as a priority.
There is so much going on in your life right now and well, the way I see it, you are going to have to decide exactly what you need to do next and do it. Can’t do everything at once. You will have to prioritize and I think your health is way up in the top of the list. Don’t you? Even if it requires to put some things on hold. I know it seems like you can’t let go of all of it. You have a lot on your shoulders and a lot of people are depending on you, right? I’m sure you think about what will happen if you stop all of it and concentrate on getting well. Well, the truth of the matter is that no one can help anyone else when they are sick … you can’t carry on the new shop, you can’t take care of your son coming back, your mom, etc, etc, … until you take care of your health. People around you are just going to have to understand that and give you the opportunity to get well or at least the opportunity to start getting well. You can’t go on ignoring how you feel (physically and mentally).
Elf is right … “GD does happen to the take-charge people, to people who think of themselves as independent and responsible for others. It’s hard for us to shift into asking for help position, into saying “No, I can’t” position, but our bodies give up from the prolonged stress of carrying the world on our shoulders, and give up in terms of GD.”
Stress is a big deal. It kills. It starts a chain of events and if it is not stopped, it kills. I have had my share of stress and I realize that it has played a big part in where I’m now. I realized this when I was diagnosed with Celiac and therefore I made some drastic changes to lower my stress. I even went back to school and changed careers. It is not easy putting ourselves first but we have too. Now I say “no” when I feel I have to. People might not like it but I have come to realize that when I say “no” life still goes on. Things get done one way or another and I don’t have to suffer too much for it.
GD can kill without treatment so that is why you have to think about what you need to do next to start getting well. We have the three options as far as treatment goes and you are going to have to chose one while you can choose. Per the labs you posted, your Free T4 is elevated and your TSH is low that equals hyperthyroidism. Your body is like a computer that needs to be rebooted. It can’t go anymore without the medical treatment and the changes to slow down your physical and mental stresses.
You have the lab #s, the Dr. has the lab #s, what you need now is the treatment. Don’t let it go on too long. You will only get worst without the treatment. Forget hypochondria, you have the labs to prove that you are sick and need help. Before I was diagnosed with Celiac I was told I was too sensitive and therefore I could feel things going on with my body but not to worry, that nothing was wrong. Nothing was wrong????!!! I only had Celiac but nothing was wrong (I’m being sarcastic here) and now I have GD (probably from all the times I ate Gluten and kept my body from the nutrients I needed). I have the labs to prove it and so do you. The Dr can’t tell me any longer that I’m “just too sensitive” and they can’t tell you that you are “hypochondriac” if your labs show that you are suffering from hyperthyroidism (signs and symptoms included).
You mentioned your goals and the Dr.’s not wanting to help you with them. What are you goals? Tell the Dr., “these are my goals”. “This is what I know I’m doing wrong (smoking, etc) and this is what I’m doing to correct it.” If you have stopped smoking, tell the Dr. about it. Let the Dr. know you are doing what you need to do on your part and let him know your goals and that you need him/her to help you accomplish them. You have to spell them out for them because otherwise they will not know. And remember, you have to make sure that the goals are thought out taking into consideration the 3 options you have for treating GD. I wish we had more options. Believe me …. I’m currently struggling with the same liver enzyme thoughts you have and seriously considering the other 2 options. I’m afraid of RAI and surgery too but I’m even more afraid of dying.
There is just so much we can take as individuals and when we are sick we can take even less and we have to realize that. You are your own advocate on this. If you let go of the strings of the things that can help you get well, everyone around you will too.
You are a fighter. You have gone through a lot and are still here to tell us about it. All the strength you have managed to acquire in the past to help yourself be here today and also help others and do everything that you do, all that strength, you need to find it again now for you … to help you get well. You will need to prioritize and use that strength and use it accordingly. You might find yourself being able to use what you got only to get well but in the long run it will be worth it. You will have to tell yourself that you will have to do things that you don’t want to do but that you have to do … like take your medication (which ever treatment you choose), stop smoking, reduce stress, etc.
Is there a women’s group in your area that might be able to help you out? Or be a support group? You can always come here. You have us here to brainstorm, get ideas, share our experiences … you are not alone but a women’s group in your area would be of great help.
Thank you for sharing your story. It feels good sharing and knowing that you are not alone. You are a smart woman and you can do what you need to do to get control of the situation and do what you need to do to get well.
Please keep us posted.
Wishing you health, peace, and happiness,
CaroHello Naisly,
I’m so glad you posted your story. I haven’t read it yet but I wanted to let you know that I will start reading it right now.
Caro
I forgot, the HDL is the good cholesterol so if that is at a good #s sometimes the Dr doesn’t worry too much about the LDL (bad cholesterol). My cholesterol was always good and my HDL was “high” (this is good) but last year I noticed a change. My HDL was still “high” but my total cholesterol was 210. This worried me b/c I have never had this problem. In June when I was diagnosed with GD both the ER Dr and my general Dr. attributed to GD. Anyway, I’m supposed to follow up with my general Dr once my GD is more under control.
Here is a page I think you will like:
http://www.heart.org/HEARTORG/Conditions/Cholesterol/AboutCholesterol/What-Your-Cholesterol-Levels-Mean_UCM_305562_Article.jspCaro
Hello gatorgirly,
I apologize for the delay. I had a couple of very busy days
(work, etc). I’m so glad you got to see the cardiologist. I get worried about my heart and sometimes I think I should try getting an appointment. I know that for me it might still be a little bit early since I’m still on Methimazole and just last week was I told that my TSH back in the normal range (low side of it) and that my fT4 was hypo. I did notice that my heart started to slow down, even down into the 50s so I started to reduce the Metoprolol. I went from 50mg/day to 37.5mg/day. I’m hoping I can drop down to 25mg/day soon.I’m glad your EKG came back normal. If your heart was in A Fib, he would have seen it there (unless you don’t experience it regularly). I find it interesting that he said that some people are extra sensitive to their heartbeat. Is that b/c your heart rate still runs fast with the Propranolol or b/c you feel it beating?
The Propranolol also gave me shortness of breath. I feel like the Metoprolol worked better in that department.
Its funny that you mention the heat intolerance. I have been feeling hot the whole time … hyper/hypo … no change. Maybe a little bit cold when hypo but I still get the hot flashes that drive me insane.
I’m so glad you have a plan and hopefully with the monitor, he can figure things out for you. I haven’t had to wear a Holter monitor but I would gladly would if it was going to help them diagnose heart symptoms. About 5 years ago, I had an Echo of my heart done b/c I felt like it was going fast at times. When I got to the Echo place it was running 110 but they didn’t worry about it. At the time I didn’t know much about the heart so I just went along with what they told me. The echo was normal and so they told me that nothing was wrong. I think it was probably my thyroid even then. I worry sometimes that my heart might be damaged. When they ran the EKG in June all looked good though. It was going very fast but it was normal rhythm. Of course the tachycardia was attributed to GD so I’m hopping that soon I can come off the Metoprolol.
It is interesting that your Endo nor the cardiologist know what to make of the hyper symptoms. I hope soon you find the answers your need. Mean while, keep doing what you can to keep your heart healthy. Let me know how it goes next weekend. I hope that if they don’t find anything at least they can change you to a beta blocker that works better for you. One thing though about Metoprolol, I’ve read that it can cause vivid dreams/nightmares, which I have been experiencing. A little bit less now, which might be related to the decrease in dosage. Anyway, I wish you the best this weekend.
I’ll read you soon. Thank you for sharing your experience.
Smiles,
Carogatorgirly wrote:Carito – what wasn’t working with propranolol? I have been on it for 2.5 years now. It’s doing what it’s supposed to do – slowing my heart rate down. I am down to 10mg every morning but if I have more than one glass of wine in the evening, I find I need another 5mg. My LDL doubled after I started taking it, so my endocrinologist was eager to take me off it, but we just can’t seem to regulate my heart rate without it. My new endo did mention there are “better beta blockers than propranolol.” Like krcole, I also find myself short of breath often, but I attributed that to the palpitations…maybe it IS the propranolol. Next time I see him, I’m going to ask about metoprolol or any other BB that will not drive my LDL through the roof. My goal is come off it completely with six months.Hello gatorgirly,
I’m sorry I just now saw your post. I most have missed it somehow. I hope you find my answer to your question. The Propranolol wasn’t regulating my Heart Rate. It was working but I was having to take a pill 6 times a day and it was driving me insane. My heart rate was going up and down. I couldn’t sleep at night because it was elevated and I needed something that would regulated and keep it constant so my General Dr recommended Metoprolol. I take it once a day and I don’t even notice my heart rate anymore. The Metoprolol regulated it right away … even at the beginning when I was still very hyper. I don’t really know what my LDL is doing right now but in Feb my Total was 210, which is very unusual for me. I was surprised as to how high it was. My General Dr. says that it is probably related to GD and wants to check it again once things have normalized. As for the shortness of breath, I had it too with Propranolol but it went away with the Metoprolol. It could have been my heart being elevated all of the time or it could have been that the Propranolol affects the lungs a lot more than the Metoprolol. Do ask your Dr. about it. My heart is now in the 60s and 70s and it used to be b/w 114-124bpm without a BB but with Propranolol it would only come down to the high 90s. I used to run in the 60s before I got sick with GD symptoms. Hope you feel better soon. Let me know how it goes.
Caro
Dear Katie,
It is good to get an update. I was thinking about you a few days ago and wondering how all had gone with your surgeries.
I’m sad to hear about your thyroid CA diagnosis
Sometimes when it rains it pours, doesn’t it? Its not fair but to be positive, I’m glad that it was found early and that the mass in your neck was not malignant. I’m also glad that your surgery went well and that you are on your way on getting the treatment you need.My grandfather had throat cancer. He had it removed and had the necessary treatment. He went on to live a normal healthy life until around 79 when he became sick of something non-related to the throat cancer.
You are in our thoughts and prayers. I wish with all of my heart that soon you will be feeling better and that your treatments are a success. Please keep us posted. I’ll be looking forward to reading more updates from you.
Hugs,
CaroP.S. You are a fighter … Hang in there!!!
Hello again.
Yes, 3.3 is within the normal range of 0.4-4.5. I guess your RE wants you more on the high side than the low side of the normal range. Do your Endos agree on the normal range being 0.4-4.5? Or does your RE use a different lab and is not taking into consideration the difference? Just something I personally would like to know if it was me.
I hope your RE is comfortable with proceeding but if not don’t feel discouraged. I’m thinking that it will be less stressful and you will have a greater success rate when the #s are where the RE needs them to be. I know how frustrating it can get. I used to get so sad when I was told “not this cycle … we’ll try again next cycle”. Hang in there though. I’m glad you are seeing your general Dr. and getting some of your questions answered. If you have to wait 6 more weeks, use the time to relax a little bit so that you are good and ready for next cycle.
Wishing you all the best,
CaroI agree. I don’t see it any other way. One has to have the normal ranges of the lab running the blood work to compare the results with. Mine is 0.27-4.20. Is like running an experiment and comparing the results to a control from another experiment that is slightly different. It would not make sense.
That is wonderful about your follicles. I couldn’t grow many
but the ones I grew look good. It seems like you are all set and just waiting on the thyroid stuff. I’m so glad you have a good general Dr. who has helped you before. Go for it … give your general Dr. a call. Funny about the growing of organs. Maybe once you get going with the thyroid situation and get pregnant you can grow a beautiful healthy baby … or two … o three??Alright … we’ll read you more later then.
Caro
