diagnosed with overactive thyroid

[nervousaboutthyroid]

Hello, I am new to this board and I caN SURE USE SOME ADVICE AND NOT TO MENTION SOME ENCOURAGEMENT.  A few years ago I was diagnosed with low thyroid and was put on Cynthroid.  I was on it for 3 weeks only and quickly got off of it because of the sudden increased in my heart rate.  Now I went for a series of blood work and it was not good.  My liver had high amount of enzymes and that scared me.  Then the following day my doctor called me and told me tht my thyroid was OVERACTIVE and that I needed to go on meds as soon as possible.  I am taking PTU 50mg 2 pills three times a day.  I started my first dose this morning and will be taking my second dose in lss than an hour.  I am so afraid.  I am reading all the side effects and it scares me to death!  Right now I have chills and sore back.  Is that just my nerves or a side effect.  When we are on PTU are we on this for the rest of our lives?  I am really freezing right now, my hands and legs are cold.  Is that normal?

[mirabella45]

Usuallyside affects are rare. Just make sure you monitor yourself.
I am also hyper and take methimazole 10 mg twice a day.  I havent had any side affects. Thank goodness.  I am just the opposite. I sweat BULLETS and I am HOT

[Shari4]

Ah, AR!

I do love to read your advice, especially when it pertains to me!!  Truthfully, even when it doesn't, it's just so informative and wonderful!!  

Peace to you, my friend.

Shari

[nervousaboutthyroid]

Thank you for the replies.  I've taken the second dose of PTU.  I will give it a chance.  About the synthroid, I was on it because the thyroid was unactive.  One doctor told me I didn't really need it as he believed my menopause was throwing my hormones and thyroid out of whack.  Now five years later in a two month span, my heart rate increased from about 72 beats to 99 and not too mentioned my hot flashes.  I don't know what my numbers are but will be getting them Monday.  I guess I will also be seeing a thyroid specialist.  Thank you.

[AR-10]

Quit worrying about the side-effects and take the drug.

Did you read all the literature on Synthroid? It lists every bad thing known to man as a side-effect. Did you get sick taking it?

You have more important things to worry about than side-effects that you will not experience.

Like your doctor, and does he know what the h*ll he is doing. You were put on Synthroid, and taken off three weeks later because of hyper symptoms. The next thing you know you're on PTU. What is the explanation for that? Is he going to drive you hypo and then put you back on Synthroid in a month?

What is your diagnosis?
What are your lab results?

You need to ask a lot of questions and get an explanation of what is going on. Your doctor may be doing exactly the right thing, or he may not have the slightest clue in the world what he is doing.

[Shari4]

Hey there!

I am also HYPER, and have been prescribed PTU.  I only took it once because, like you, I read the side effects and researched the life out of it and scared myself into not taking the medication that I need to help myself.  I know PTU is not for the rest of your life.  You're nervous, as am I.  Others on here should be along shortly to reassure you, and then I can read their words so I can get on with this already!!!

Try to relax.  This forum is fantastic!

Welcome to the Community!

Shari