Hyperthyroidism and ankle swelling?

[Karenc27]

I have relapsed for 3rd time with hyperthyroidism i.e. November 2017. Each time I have experienced rapid heart rate. Until recently just before being prescribed betablockers when sitting my heart rate ranged from 95 to 115. When standing still it ranged from 125 to 166.

Whilst beta blockers have helped to slow heart rate i find that they wear off 4 hours before next tablet has to be taken.

(Currently on 10mg of propranolol 3 times a day & 20mg of carbimazole.)

Since Nov 2017 as well as thyroid symptoms I have also had swelling in my left ankle. I mentioned to Dr back in Nov 2017 and he requested that i have a CA125 test which came back abnormal (0-35 is normal range) but my result was 66. As it was out of range Dr then sent me for a pelvic ultrasound scan which involved checking ovaries, kidneys, liver, tummy and aorta. All was normal.

The thing is I am still experiencing this swollen ankle. I saw Dr again about it, asking could it be because of my thyroid and could there be any link to the rapid heart beat. He didnt say but instead sent me for repeat CA125. The result was confirmed this week i.e. 46 and I was told this is is satisfactory. I don't have actual results of thyroid test redid last week but was advised I'm hyperthyroid but that results whilst still out of range, had improved.

Has anyone else experienced swollen ankle? Could it be thyroid condition that is causing it?

In the meantime I dont know where to go next with this.

[Clutter]

Karenc27,

I'm sorry you've had no replies. Google "Pretibial myxoedema" images to see whether the swelling is similar.

Ask your GP receptionist for a printout of your thyroid results and ranges and post them in a new question for advice.

[Karenc27 in reply to Clutter]

Hi Clutter thanks very much for your reply. I checked the images but mine looks more like swelling and has no skin like rash. Up until my relapse in Nov I was at gym 6 times a week so was really fit and was surprised at the swelling appearing. Thats why i wondered if it was related to thyroid condition.

I saw GP today and he thinks it is now just down to something that women over 40 can generally be bothered with. He said there is no treatment for it and advised not to take water tablets.

Then later today my endo consultant phoned so I asked her about it and she said that she has seen cases of patients with ankle swelling but it is not a common symptom. It was reassuring to hear that in those cases she has seen swelling disappear once thyroid has become normal. Fingers crossed!

She was able to confirm blood test results which have improved since January. T4 was 41 & now 28. TSH was fully suppressed and now 0.27. She said that my condition is caused by antibodies but when i asked what antibodies test result was she said that she hadn't tested for this. She has based it on history.

This site is so interesting and more informative I think than any information I have got from Drs.

Thanks.

[Clutter in reply to Karenc27]

Karenc27,

You're still hyperthyroid to have T4 28 but it's good news that TSH has risen. It sometimes takes months/years for TSH to respond.

I hope the swelling subsides when T4 drops into range.

thyroiduk.org.uk/tuk/about_...

[Karenc27 in reply to Clutter]

Hi Clutter you had responded to a post i put on 4 yrs ago. Hard to believe how quick time passes. I just wanted to provide update.

Basically the swelling continued sporadically in same leg but then in June 2020 it returned but alot worse i.e. from ankle up. I took a pic of it thinking that once i spoke to GP she would request a picture since they were limiting face to face appointments due to covid She advised to keep leg elevated but didn't believe it to be linked to thyroid, so that was the end of the telephone call with GP.

2 months later my husband had to rush me to a&e as I was experiencing pins & needles in my hands, drowsiness and paralysis Turned out that I had suffered a rare blood clot in my brain known as a CVST which caused a stroke. Prognosis was grave as drs thought I wasn't going to survive. However, following a thrombectomy to remove the clot, I did survive though recovery was long and I had to learn how to walk again. Consultant neurologist advised that the likely cause was the Contraceptive pill as all other tests eliminated other risk factors. I was so shocked as I had been on the pill for many years, for painful periods. On getting home I looked at leaflet that came with pill and on warning page it said stop immediately if you experience any swelling to leg. It just never ever dawned on me to check up on a med I had been taking for years. I only ever used to read the leaflets if starting a new medication. Crazy isn't it.

[Squire1704 in reply to Karenc27]

I had radium iodine treatment 15 years ago, but not the full dose. I have swelling below both knees and the inside of both ankles. They have been like this for 15 years! My go told me....I quote....well you are getting older! Otherwise my health is pretty good! I would love for this swelling to go away!

Thank you

[MrsGraves]

Hi Karenc27

Sorry - I didn't look in on the site yesterday so missed your post.

Yes, I had swelling in both feet and ankles when seriously ill with Graves. I was given water tablets to help with getting rid of the fluid in addition to heart meds and carbimazole. I also had pretibial myxoedema which was like really flaky, dry, itchy rash on my shins. My consultant said it was all related to my heart being unable to function properly because it was going at 200 miles per hour! Or was it because I was a woman over 40 years of age at the time 😜 ?

Once my levels came down to within normal ranges, the swelling disappeared and never returned.

I am pleased that your levels are heading in the right direction. I’m pretty sure the swelling will go down as your levels continue to improve.

I wish you well.

[Karenc27]

Mrs Graves, thanks so much for your message. As you have experienced it its so encouraging to hear that it really does go away. I hope you are doing well and keeping on top of your thyroid condition.