Hello, Everyone! I've learned so much from all of you! I was diagnosed by my doctor (GP) on March 29th, 8 days ago and put on 40mg Carbimazole per day, after blood tests. Not feeling worse or better but I guess it takes 3- 4 weeks. Also taking 2 x 40mg Propranolol per day.
As well as eating seafood, sushi and miso soup regularly, I was taking too much nascent iodine for the last 3 + years, so I think this is the cause of my issue. If anyone else has a similar possible cause or advice, would be interested to hear.
I think it went undiagnosed for so long as the mild symptoms were very much confused with the menopause, which started in earnest about 6 years ago. Suddenly a few weeks back I was struggling with going uphill and climbing stairs and fast heartbeat, etc so eventually, I went to the GP. So my questions are:
1. Anyone else used arrived at Hyper due to iodine?
2. Anyone else get mild chest/ rib pains?
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BeingFab
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Carbimazole reduces production of natural thyroid production, but can’t deal with anything already in your system. It can take even longer than 3-4 weeks before you really feel any better.
Do you have your test results BeingFab (FT3, FT4, THS plus associated ranges), and either TRab or TSI -latter two being antibody tests.
Who said your being hyperthyroid was down to excess thyroid ? Sounds like you were supplementing - any particular reason ?
You mention your GP -have you been referred to a specialist?
Firstly are you sure that your diagnosis of hyperthyroidism is accurate, on what tests and results did your GP arrive at that conclusion? Did the tests include any thyroid antibodies? I ask because we see reports here, of patients in a flare stage of autoimmune hypothyroidism being wrongly diagnosed as hyperthyroidism and/or Graves' disease being inferred, in the absence of the appropriate antibodies.
Hi Maisie and Valarian, my local doctor/ surgery are pretty crappy but I have to have a blood test in 4 1/2 weeks' time so I will ask him for the actual results.
I was taking the iodine to de-tox from too much fluoride in the tap water (I bought a filter recently, so don't have to worry) it was advertised as an energy supplement, too as ''most people are iodine deficient'' Problem is, when they switched iodine sources from pure kelp to crystals, I didn't think to read the bottle and I was taking twice as much without realising it. The doctor knows this as I gave him the bottle. I'm not having much in the way of side effects from Carb, or if I am, I can't really tell them from how I started to feel pre-diagnosis. I work from home - I'm an ad manager for two magazines, so it doesn't effect my work, except for brain fog but I went out yesterday and felt very ''other-worldly'' Stress could also have played a part. The doctor has referred me to the hospital but the suggested appointment was July!! I will ring them and try to get in in a month, or so. Thanks, Guys! x
If you're not seeing the doctor for another 4 1/2 weeks it might be useful to call into reception and ask them to print off a copy of those results before then, and folks can comment accordingly, in advance of your appt, if you wish.
The most common cause of hyperthyroidism is the autoimmune condition Graves' Disease, wherein the thyroid-stimulating immunoglobulin (TSI) causes the thyroid gland to over-produce thyroid hormone. It can run in families and of course, is more commonly found in women. To a lesser degree, other causes are nodular goitres, inflammation/thyroiditis of the thyroid, some drugs such as amiodarone, and as you're aware, dietary/supplemental intake of iodine.
The GP asked about family history but am not aware of anyone having Graves, having said that, Mom had some symptoms, notably that thing where your urine doesn't come out fast but she was 89 and they put it down to her diverticular as she was always hassling them. Sister's been diagnosed with underactive, oddly.
I will pop in, when I have time, as I need to chase my vaccine record's anomalies- otherwise, i'll have to have about 15 vaccines all at once when I go to the consulate for the medical in 5 months and that's likely to shred my health!; life's a mix of constant deadlines, low ad sales because of Brexit uncertainty, sorting late Mother's estate and spousal visa application. My head is a sea of post-it notes.
You are legally entitled to printed copies of your blood test results and ranges.
UK GP practices are supposed to offer online access for blood test results. Ring and ask if this is available and apply to do so if possible, if it is you may need "enhanced access" to see blood results.
In reality many GP surgeries do not have blood test results online yet
Alternatively ring receptionist and request printed copies of results. Allow couple of days and then go and pick up.
You really want to know now exactly what has been tested and equally important what hasn't
We have seen hypothyroid patients with early stage autoimmune thyroid disease misdiagnosed as hyperthyroid with Graves' disease because the correct antibodies have not been tested
The question is......why were you considering months ago that you had iodine deficiency.....what symptoms did you have back then?
For full Thyroid evaluation you need TSH, FT4 and FT3 plus both TPO and TG thyroid antibodies for Hashimoto's and Graves tested.
If Graves is suspected then TSI or TRab antibodies should be tested
Private testing for suspected Graves - TSI or TRab antibodies
Early stage Hashimoto's TSH, FT4 and FT3 can look suspiciously like Graves' disease
Also extremely important to test vitamin D, folate, ferritin and B12. Low vitamin levels are extremely common, especially if Thyroid antibodies are raised in Graves or Hashimoto's
Recommended on here that all thyroid blood tests should ideally be done as early as possible in morning and fasting. This gives highest TSH, lowest FT4 and most consistent results. (Patient to patient tip, best not mentioned to GP or phlebotomist)
Private tests are available. Thousands on here forced to do this as NHS often refuses to test FT3 or antibodies or all vitamins
Medichecks Thyroid plus ultra vitamin or Blue Horizon Thyroid plus eleven are the most popular choice. DIY finger prick test or option to pay extra for private blood draw. Both companies often have special offers, Medichecks usually have offers on Thursdays, Blue Horizon its more random
Low vitamins are especially common with Graves or Hashimoto's. Food intolerances are very common too, especially gluten.
So it's important to get TPO and TG thyroid antibodies tested at least once for Hashimoto's and TSI or TRab antibodies tested for Graves
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