Hives and Graves

[jjuel]

Hi there,

A brief history for you which has led me to this forum.  I came down with strep about 5 weeks ago, was given azythromycin for a week, two days later, developed hives.  The following week I developed a chest cold, took some over the counter cough syrup, and developed loose stools, discontinued the cough syrup.  Had some blood work done within these two weeks, followed by more bloodwork, was sent to a specialist and was told that I have Graves disease along with Hep C.  Needless to say I am surprised and overwhelmed.  In the past three days I have started on Tapazole, 5mg a day, and I am still getting hives this whole time, along with increased fatigue.  In the past 6 years I have developed allergies (hives) from many antibiotics, where before the only allergies I used to experience were seasonal.

How do I know what is causing the hives?  As well, how can I manage both conditions?

Any advise appreciated!

[mtkst13]

how were you diagnosed with graves?  what were your labs?  did you have a radioactive iodine uptake scan?  

it's important to make sure that you actually have graves vs thyroiditis.  thyroiditis sometimes mimics graves disease in that it can produce hyperthyroidism.  if you presented with hyperthyroidism, doctors have to run antibody tests along with the radioactive iodine uptake scan to make sure that the hyperthyroidism is caused by graves or thyroiditis.  if you do not have graves, then you may not need the antithyroid drugs.  you actually may become hypothyroid and need thyroid replacement!!!

[jjuel]

Hi there

My blood work came out as follows,
TSH .010, Free T4 35.3, Free  T3 15.12

The Specialist did a physical exam and history, and said that my thyroid gland is enlarged or has a goiter.  She ran more bloodwork, and wants me to return in two months for a follow up and more blood work.

[mtkst13]

you must be really anxious and losing weight!  your frees are very high.  it definitely looks more like graves than thyroiditis.  did you have antibody tests?  tsi?

i don't have any experience regarding hives and graves.  i've seen previous posts similar to yours...you may want to search the previous posts.

does anyone else have anything to say?

[jjuel]

Ironically I didn't not realize that all of the symptoms I was experiencing were connected.  Basically I have or am experiencing the majority of symptoms associated with Graves.  I have noticed that many people are experiencing hives with other thyroid disorders.

I am curious as to whether my hives in the past few years have actually been allergic reactions to antibiotics etc, or whether hives is more associated with Graves or other thyroid flare ups?

Since I had the chest cold about three weeks ago, I am still coughing and thinking that I should visit a Dr. yet again, perhaps a chest infection.  The Specialist warned me that because of the Tapazole, I should be extra careful when I get sick (infections) because of the possibility of the pills interfering with my white blood cell count.  

This whole thing is very frustrating, I can't believe how a thyroid disease can have so many effects or complications!

Does anyone else with Graves have any suggestions or tips?

Thanks for the replies,

[mtkst13]

just bumping it for you.

[jjuel]

What tests should I have done to make sure that what I have is Graves or Hep C?  I've had bloodwork done numerous times showing the same TSH and Free results, and for Graves had a physical examination, the Specialist ran more bloodwork but didn't explain what.

[jjuel]

I did not have a radioative iodine uptake scan, I just had blood tests that showed .o1 tsh, and the above mentioned free levels.  The specialist did a physical exam and recorded my symptoms and that is how she decided I had Graves.

Symptoms I have been or are experiencing are: shaky hands, intolerance to heat, weight loss, brittle nails/hair, goiter in thryoid, irritability, irregular periods, hives, fatigue, occassional depression, loss of appetite, loss of focus/short memory,...I think that is all that I can recall at the moment.

I think I have a lung infection at the moment, so I am discontinuing the Tapazole to go see a Dr. tomorrow morning to get a bunch of tests done.  The specialist warned me that I got any infections, to discontinue the meds and get a while blood cell count done, as well I bruised easy yesturday, so I am discontinuing the meds for now.

[jjuel]

The good news is I do not have Hep C, that was a mis-diagnosis.  I have started the Tapazole again, but have developed another chest cold.  Is it common for people with Graves to catch colds easily?  I was at a health food store recently and was looking at a natural product which boosts the immune system, would it be wise to take something like this?  My concern was that my immune system is already attacking my thyroid, would a product like this just give it more juice to attack my thyroid, or would it actually be beneficial in helping me fight off colds etc?