New diagnosis

[Jenka]

I have been diagnosed with hyperthyroidism and awaiting further tests to know the cause. I developed a fast heart rate, shakes, chest pain and shortness of breath. I have been started on a beta blocker, which has decreased my heart rate but the chest pain comes and goes. Has anyone else had this? I just wondered whether that’s normal or could it be something more serious?

[pennyannie]

Hello Jenka

Welcome to the forum.

I'm presuming your doctor has run some blood tests - and would suggest you ask for copies of these results when they are back in the surgery, and then share them with us, including the ranges, so we can talk you through what all this means.

Your current symptoms are those of someone suffering from hyperthyroidism, so if the betablockers doing it's work, hopefully you'll feel more comfortable soon, and once some medication is prescribed, once the doctor has the blood test results, you start to feel more calm and more like the ' old ' you .

The thyroid is a major gland responsible for your full body synchronisation including your mental, emotional, physical, psychological and spiritual well being, your inner central heating system and your metabolism. When the thyroid misfires, and goes a bit haywire the symptoms experienced can be diverse, some disturbing, some challenging, and some symptoms simply a bit odd.

Your metabolism is running fast, and you may find it hard to switch off and relax, you maybe eating more but loosing weight, you maybe anxious and nervous, or exhausted but unable to sleep, and you may have dry sore gritty eyes.

It is essential during this first phase that you keep your core strength strong and solid and it would be a good idea to also get your ferritin, folate, B12 and vitamin D measured as they need to be maintained at optimal levels to help you through this phase.

There are two autoimmune thyroid diseases, Hashimoto's and Graves, and one of these might explain why your thyroid has become overactive, and the diagnosis of either of these can only be done by the doctor running a blood test including the relevant antibodies unique to each disease.

The symptoms initially, for both diseases are very similar so it is most important that your diagnosis and further treatment is tailor made to the medical science and evidence of which disease and which antibodies you carry.

This is probably all a bit daunting for you to read and understand - don't worry.

There are amazing people on this website who will talk you through all the medical blood test results, and explain what everything means, to enable your understanding of how the thyroid works, and the treatment options that maybe available to you, depending on exactly what medical health issue you get diagnosed with.

When you have the blood test results - start a new post detailing the numbers and the ranges and people more able than me will talk you through what it all means and the next steps to take to optimize your well being and health.

[eachpeach]

Sorry to hear you're feeling so unwell Jenka. If you have Graves' it makes you feel utterly awful at first, before the drugs can lower your levels. I have Graves' and had a high heart rate but never had chest pain. If I were you I'd get advice about that as soon as possible as it's a serious symptom and should be looked into urgently. Hope you soon feel better.

[Fionathoms]

Hello Jenka,

I was diagnosed with hyperthyroidism earlier this year and was started on beta blockers and carbimazole. I experienced the same symptoms you mention plus a mild burn sensation all over.

I still get the chest pain on and off depending on what I am doing. I have gotten so much useful information from here.

Sounds like your doctors are thorough for wanting to find out the cause.

From the information I got here, I am getting all my antibody tests done privately.

Good luck and I hope you feel better soon.

[thyroidnodules]

i too was hyperthyroid due to a toxic nodule and had all of your above symptoms. i was admitted to hospital twice with severe chest pains and they couldnt find anything wrong. i was waiting treatment for hyperthyroidism on the NHS but due to non communication between hospital and gp, i didnt have any meds at all - i suffered for a year like this, trying to work, etc etc. i lost a lot of weight and muscle but once treated i eventually got better and became hypo and am now treated for that, abeit still arguing with endos. i was left with a heart murmur due to not getting any medication and suffered for a long time with hyperthyroidism - so yes if you are hyperthyroid all of the above are classic symptoms