[sbaland]

in reply to: Subclinical HypER, experiences from others appreciated #1185247

Hi Jo!

I am very new to this site, but saw your post and thought I would share, as my situation seems similar, so you are not alone. I was initially diagnosed with subclinical hyper by my primary and went for additional testing to an endo. One endo wanted to start methimazole 5 mg QD based on my lab results (antibody level, but they have not said ‘Graves’ yet) and palpitations, and I got a second opinion. The second endo suggested 7.5 three times a week, but wanted to do the RAI uptake before making a final treatment recommendation (RAI uptake results are pending). Endo also suggested that it might come and go on its own without treatment – I am curious if anyone had this happen – reversing on its own?

A big factor for me – I am also peri-menopausal so symptoms are very hard to distinguish – sweating has been routine for 3 years.

I am wondering if peri-menopause can trigger Graves onset – anyone know?
Does anyone know how high the antibodies need to be before symptoms progress or they diagnose Graves?

I am also going to an eye doc to have my eyes checked, but currently have no overt symptoms of eye disease, but I have had dry eyes for about 10 years so hard to say what it could be due to. A new baseline would be a plus.

I have found it hard to find one doctor that can really look at the whole picture rather than just treat one aspect of whatever it is I am dealing with, but I will keep getting opinions.

Here is my summary of results and symptoms.
– T3/T4 have been normal – T4 close to upper limit, T3 mid range
– TSH slowly dropped over 3 years to 0.01
– Thyroid Stimulating Immunoglobulins just over normal at 148 (normal is <140)
– Thyroglobulin is also high at 49.8 (upper 40.9)
– Thyroglobulin antibodies normal (<1)
– Thyroid peroxidase antibodies normal 4 (<9)
– Pending RAI Uptake test results

– Palpitations started as soon as I found out the above results. I am on propranolol 10 q 8 h which has helped but I made need to increase the dose or go to every 6 hours because every now and then I still feel the palpitations – the endo prescribed metoprolol 25 twice a day, but I went to my cardiologist and she opted for propranolol first. I haven’t had any side effects to it.
– The choice of beta-blocker may have been different for my case – I have orthostasis (one episode resulted in a seizure 3 years ago – I am also thinking that has something to do with the hyperthyroid starting, also affected my tolerance to certain lights for a while) so beta blocking drugs were held until now, because they can lower blood pressure.
– Facial, chest and body sweating after I wake up. Has lessened in severity and frequency after starting the beta-blocker and I am also doing meditation so that might be helping, not sure.
– moderate anxiety for years, exacerbates with stress
– Tinnitus for >40 years (progressed to need for hearing aids at age 50)
– Sister with Graves (she opted for RAI); mother with goiter; 2 other siblings (brother and sister) with no thyroid issue
– Sister with autoimmune myasthenia

I am very scared of the agranulocytosis reaction – I have had rare reactions to antibiotics (Cipro tendinopathy and neuropathy) and travel a good deal, so if it occurred I fear I would not be able to get help or else I would have to stop traveling which is a major lifestyle change (I know sounds like not traveling should be no big deal but it adds to the existing stress and I might not be able to visit my kids, etc.). RAI and surgery, though, seem drastic at this stage. I am debating which treatment route to take and am having bad anxiety over it all. I’m still on the search for accurate information.

I hope you get a second opinion and get some additional tests, it may help you decide how to move forward.

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