Leg swelling - hyperthyroid

[NewbieHyper]

Hi,

I was diagnosed with Graves two months ago, put on 20mg Carbimazole, 120mg Diltiazem daily.

My last blood test on Dec 7 showed my thyroid numbers are in the normal range for the most part and so my Carbimazole dose was reduced to 5mg once per day; I was taken off the calcium channel blocker. I had the flu last week and now see that my legs are starting to swell since the weekend.

I told the doc and she had no response; I'm due to recheck blood in 1 month.

Could it be my Carbimazole dose is too low or should i just wait it out? My heart rate is fine, no other issues.

My feet swelling was the only symptom I had in October that something was wrong. Turned out to be my thyroid. So I am concerned.

[PurpleNails Administrator]

What were your results before reducing to 5mg? TSH, FT4 & FT3?

20mg to 5mg is quite a drop, if your FT4 & FT3 were very low 5mg might be the right dose, but it will be allowing a rise in natural production.

If you have a way to monitor heart rate it can correlate to levels, I find it does but not entirely reliable. You likely need a repeat thyroid function to know exactly if dose is right.

I’d let doctor know about your leg swelling & that it’s a symptoms that’s come back. Arrange a private TSH, FT4 & FT3 Test if Doctor won’t.

[NewbieHyper in reply to PurpleNails]

I saw the results but didn't get to write them down. From memory though my T3 was below range, T4 was within range, Tsh was 1.1.I had the flu with lots of coughing last week and had to take a antihistamine so I don't know if that might be the cause. The Dr was no help.

[NewbieHyper in reply to PurpleNails]

I have a heart rate and oxygen monitor. My heart rate is in the low 80s. Which is normal for me. What causes feet swelling with hyperthyroid?

[Buddy195 Administrator]

I would 100% retest your thyroid levels NewbieHyper. If you are able, you can do this privately (and this has the benefit of ensuring FT3 and FT4 are tested, not simply TSH).

[NewbieHyper in reply to Buddy195]

Hi, unfortunately I cannot get the test done privately.

[Buddy195 Administrator in reply to NewbieHyper]

I’d push your GP to test. For future reference, its worth keeping an eye out for discounted thyroid tests with MMH, Blue Horizon & Medichecks

[Highroid]

I had swollen ankle/calf (and slightly scaly/orange peel skin on the ankles/shin) earlier this year.

The doctor and nurse who saw me wanted to rule out deep vein thrombosis first, and ended up settling on a diagnosis of Pretibial Myxedema. Steroids (a few days of topical steroid cream, but was also on IV steroid infusions for Thyroid Eye Disease) cleared it up.

It is apparently caused by the same antibodies that attack the thyroid - rather than by increased/decreased thyroid hormone levels. It can apparently be linked to Graves or Hashimotos (I have been diagnosed with Graves).

No idea if it fits with your symptoms, but thought I'd mention it. Might be worth suggesting that to your GP?

[NewbieHyper in reply to Highroid]

I will, thanks.