Room for a newbie?

Hi, pleased to have found a group I can share with,. I was just diagnosed with over active thyroid, feeling a bit sorry for myself at the minute with all the symptoms so any tips advice /encouragement or even a "come on it's not all that bad" will help thanks

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Hi welcome to the site! I was also diagnosed overactive thyroid last november so am still pretty new to it all myself. Have you started on any treatment yet?The usual first treatment is carbimazole tablets which slow down the rate of thyroid produced.Have you been referred to an endocrinologist? It is essential to see one to find out what is causing you to be overactive. The most common cause is Graves disease which is an autoimmune condition. You neef a blood test to see if you have the antibodies for Graves.Have you got the symptoms eg sweating, insomnia. Shakiness, palpitations etc.If so betablockers help to take the edge off it by slowing things down.Some people just go overactive for a short time after having a virus then become so called normal again.Since my levels have gone back in range I feel much better than I did anc I am sure you will too.This happened within couple of weeks of starting carbimazole. I have wonky phades but generally feel better.The dreadful anxious feeling that often goes with overactive is much better.Make sure you always get a copy of your blood tests(and ranges).This way you will know when you feel at your best.There are some very knowledgeable members on forum(I not one of them!) who will be able to comment on your results iv you post them on site.I know it all seems bit scarey at first but it is treatable and you will start to feel better. Kim x

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

Thank you so much for the reply . I've been taking carbiimazole for three days plus beta blockers (two morning,one evening) I've always had a goitre looking neck but I had no problems until recently when my ankles swelled and my heart was racing. I had a letter from my consultant with some blood results. I haven't a clue what they mean but he did tell me that thyroxine levels were very high . It reads free thyroxine of >100 (reference range 9-23) and a suppressed thyroid stimulating hormone ? Aside from all that I'm thinking positively now and I've stopped outbursts of crying and I am finding things to be thankful for every day. I would love to know though how long my leg and arm muscles will ache like this, getting upstairs is a real challenge right now ! X

[shaws Administrator]

I am underactive (hypo) but this is an extract from an article in Pulse Online by Dr Toft who was President of the British Thyroid Association.

5 Patients with hyperthyroidism often ask for advice on drug treatment versus radioiodine therapy. Can you summarise the pros and cons of each?

The three treatments for hyperthyroidism of Graves’ disease – antithyroid drugs, iodine-131 and surgery – are effective but none is perfect.

Iodine-131 will almost certainly cause hypothyroidism, usually within the first year of treatment, as will surgery, given the move towards total rather than subtotal thyroidectomy.

There is no consensus among endocrinologists about the correct dose of thyroid hormone replacement so patients may prefer to opt for long-term treatment with carbimazole. Standard practice is that carbimazole is given for 18 months in those destined to have just one episode of hyperthyroidism lasting a few months.

But there’s no reason why carbimazole shouldn’t be used for many years in those who do relapse. Any adverse effects such as urticarial rash or agranulocytosis will have occurred within a few weeks of starting the first course.

Iodine-131 treatment for toxic multinodular goitre is the most appropriate choice as hypothyroidism is uncommon. Surgery would be reserved for those with very large goitres and mediastinal compression.

Once hyperthyroidism has developed in a patient with a multinodular goitre, it will not remit and any antithyroid therapy would have to be lifelong.

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Hi again, nothing about antibodies but I will ask my GP. I am gathering as much info as I can about the disease, diets that may help etc. as they say knowledge is power, heartwarming to hear how far you have come, long may it continue for you x

[paigie]

Hi B-Bird, The really great thing is that you've been diagnosed AND TREATED. So from now on it's just a case of IMPROVEMENT. This site is the best guide to all thyroid

disorders, and blood analysis; I wish I'd known about its existence all those years ago when I was undiagnosed (Hyper), 9 symptoms + legs too weak to walk. During the Carbimazole treatment I became Hypo, which happens, apparently, as they try to fine-tune the balance. But after 18 months on Carbim. I was cured. I never really stopped

work but life was almost impossible until the hospital diagnosis. I was warned that the

symptoms could flare up again, and 3 years later they did, after my Mum died, but I recognised them & got put on to the Carbi. again. No problems since. Good Luck.

[Hidden in reply to paigie]

Hi Paige. Reading your post on a glorious Sunday morning has made me feel even better than I did. I was feeling good already because I actually slept last night for the first time in weeks. I think it may have something to do with what I'm eating. All green veg, no red meat, loads of fruit, coconut and flaxseed oil, zero sugar and certain herbs. My levels are really high but at the minute the only reminder I have is when I climb the stairs so feeling positive. Thanks so much for sharing your journey.

[misky]

Hi Bijysbird,

I just wanted to send you some virtual support! I was diagnosed with hyperthyroidism (caused by Graves) 2 years ago and I also had extremely high levels, also FT4 >100 (when I saw the endo two months later, he said he rarely saw patients with levels that high). I was so, so ill. I couldn't eat, I was sweating and shaking like a drug addict, itching all over, muscle pain, crying, constantly out of breath. Already after a couple of days on medication, I started to feel better and after 10 days the FT4 was at 53. Still very high, but much better. My advice is: rest!! Your body needs time to recover from this shock. My muscles were also hurting a lot, especially in my legs. I couldn't get up if I squatted down, haha! I couldn't even make myself a cup of tea, I was so weak. It took a couple of weeks before I could leave the house again and then I was still walking very slowly. And I couldn't go up the stairs at all.

Rest and be gentle to yourself. You're very ill and you need to get better. Take your time. Things will get better!!!

The endo stopped my medication (carbimazole) after a year and ever since I'm in remission One year and three weeks!

I hope you have someone to take care of you and give you loads of cuddles. Don't worry too much, focus on resting and remember you will get better. I've been there!

All the best!

[Hidden in reply to misky]

Thanks very much for your words of wisdom Misty, they helped very much. I'm fortunate and grateful to have a wonderful husband and family so getting lots of TLC . Insomnia and muscle weakness is the worst for me. 3 in the morning and I'm climbing the walls. I think finding out more will help and there is so much help and advice here I'm sure it won't be long before I'm back on track