Need Help

[Maggles_672]

i had Graves disease about 5yrs ago which was in remission and untreated for the past 2yrs. The past few thyroid function tests have shown low TSH levels and high Free T3 levels. The last thyroid function test levels were TSH. 0.005 mU/L, Free T3. 6.7 pmol/L and Free T4. 15.5 pmol/L.
My Endo doesn't want to treat and is waiting to see what happens. In the mean time i have been having daily migraines, weight gain, lethargy and complete diminish of sex drive. Are these symptoms indicative of the thyroid function test results ? and can it be treated with medication rather than "wait and see"?


This discussion is related to Hyperthyroid.

[Smilerdeb]

This is how I would describe Thyroid Storm.

Imagine a normal heart having an elastic band around it and each time the band is stretched, it make a beat when it has done the full circle.
Then imagine 50 elastic bands around the heart all being stretched at the same time and all trying to 'beat' at once.
This is how I would describe Thyroid storm which is atrial fibrillation.
The heart goes into 'overdrive' to the stage where it cannot keep up the normal rhythm of beats and then becomes irregular, the valves and arteries then work 50 times faster than they should and its like 240 volts going through your heart.
There is a 'sense' of confusion.....a feeling like you arent in your own body and a feeling of just totally being 'off the planet'.
I had 3 episodes in 2 weeks prior to RAI and I remember telling my partner that I felt like 'I wasnt here and that I was DEAD.'

Its hard to explain but it feels like you arent in your own body.
Its a very dangerous situation to be in and sometime cannot be reversed...hence Death.

Whoever has Graves and has been prescribed beta Blockers and anti-thyroid meds...PLEASE take them.

Dont let the heartrate go over 100 and if it does and cant be brought down by beta blockers then get yourself to a hospital immediately.

Please dont hesitate in getting help...even if it is a false alarm.

I wouldnt wish Thyroid Syorm on my worst enemy.

[fische]

I have to say, I was diagnose with Graves almost 10 years ago (I am 36 now) and all of those things I have experienced and continue to experience depending on how my levels are. I wouldn't wait and see too much longer. How is your energy level in terms of climbing stairs and "running for the bus" you know the heart rate and such? That's what got me. The headaches and sex drive have been downhill and god (or whomever you praise) my husband for all he has put up with even before we were married!! I feel like I have been a mess because of this. I agree with the folks above - I say get yourself checked out and find out how to set it straight and feeling normal. It might take a bit, but won't it be worth it if you can find a fix?

[louwulf]

I have been recently diagnosed with Graves and my TSH is <0.01 with reference of .34-4.82. My FT4 is 1.88 ref of .59-1.61 and T3 total of 205 ref. 87-178.  I also have the weight gain, lethargy, and migraines (1st headaches of my life.)  You are the 1st other person I have talked to that has the weight gain with Graves, everbody else loses weight.   The doctor said only a small percentage of people with Graves gains weight from the appetite center in the brain being severely overstimulated.  I was told thyroid storm is when your thyroid function increases greatly for a time, increasing all body systems like heart rate, temp, bowel movements, etc.  Can be very dangerous and you should go in for care immediately.  Let me know what the doctor says.

[Maggles_672]

OK, thankyou the only ranges i have are as i posted originally. What is a Thyroid Storm ? And i intend to make an appt with the doc straight  away. thanks again :)

[Smilerdeb]

Post the reference ranges on your levels as they are different worldwide.
If your TSH is low and your FT3 high, then the normal course of treatment is antithyroid meds.
How long does he want to 'wait and see'?
Be careful of the FT3 as this is the hormone that causes Thyroid Storm.
Ask your Doc for a beta blocker to combat the FT3.