Little bit worried...

[Pinktabulous]

hi there

I have been diagnosed (as of yesterday) with Grave's disease.

My blood results (as of yesterday) are as follows:

Serum-free T4: 51.2 pmol/L (range 11.0–21.2). previous test on 16 Feb was 41

Serum-free T3: 21.4 pmol/L (range 3.1–6.8) previous test on 16 Feb was 14.4

TSH: 0.01 miU/L (range 0.27 - 4.20) stayed the same as previous test

I had an ultrasound on my thyroid that showed small nodules but nothing suspicious.

I have been prescribed 20 mg twice daily of carbimazole and 80 mg of propanol. I Have taking the first dose of carbimazole this morning. My head since feels quite fuzzy and I feel very shaky and tearful.

I haven't lost any weight, but feel lousy and absolutely exhausted.

how long does it take for the levels to rise and to feel better?

[Pinktabulous]

Thank you, have just updated my post to (hopefully) make a little more sense!

[tattybogle in reply to Pinktabulous]

Yes ..makes sense now

i'll remove my previous replies now , as no longer relevant . Others who've had experience with hyperthyroidism/ carbimazole will be along shortly .. they can advise you better than me about 'how long to feel better' as i've never 'been there' .

   PurpleNails  pennyannie

Lalatoot

[PurpleNails Administrator]

Welcome to forum

Sorry you have Graves. 

Was the Graves confirmed with TRab or TSI positive antibodies? 

You can have transient hyper from Autoimmune thyroiditis and levels drop naturally. 

With Graves the immune system stimulates the thyroid causing overproduction, the aim it to take the right a month of carbimazole to lower thyroid levels by how much the thyroid can produce.  

After months / years this will naturally subside so doctors look a using carbimazole for around 18 months.

The ultrasound also detected nodules.  It’s possible these are over functioning & that is the source or the hyper.  I have a nodule & this doesn’t resolve.  

At this stage you likely can tell if the symptoms are from being hyper, taking carbimazole or the propranolol.  Most side affects are temporary and fade quickly & once the carbimazole has time to work you should be feeling better.

It’s a gradual process & your symptoms might not instantly improve once you are back to the right range as it can take a while to settle. 

You should have a blood test 6 weeks after starting carbimazole to adjust the dose.  

Doctors need to look at FT4 & FT3 as TSH not reliable.  I’ve taken carbimazole years and TSH has never responded. 

The FT4 & FT3 shouldn’t be left to drop too low either.

Have a good read of the side affects to be aware of and what to do if concerning. 

Not all with hyper lose weight just like not all with hypo gain.  About 10% gain.  I was hyper many years I gained weight. 

[Pinktabulous]

Thank you for your detailed reply

I'm still waiting for the results of the antibodies. I have another follow-up appointment in 3 weeks so they should be back then.

I was really worried about the nodules but the consultant reassured me there was nothing to be concerned about, which was a relief.

Just want to stop feeling so lousy. I was a little concerned that my levels had risen again, but hopefully the next blood test will see them reducing.

I will read up on absolutely everything