Recently Diagnosed

Hello Everyone!
I was recently diagnosed with hyperthyrodism just a few days ago. I have to go back to get more blood tests to figure out my levels and all that good stuff. I was just wondering if any of you had any advice with dealing with Hyperthyrodism. What have you struggled most with? How have you dealt overcoming obsticales that it brings? Im not really sure what to expect with starting medicine, or really what the next steps are. Any advice would be great.


Thank You

Replies

  • Hi,
    I was recently diagnosed myself (in February). After being sick for six months and seeing every doctor imaginable, they finally figured out I had hyperthyroidism and it was the root of all my problems.

    I'm new to this myself, but here's what I can share:
    Some days will be great, others will be terrible. Don't let it get to you too much. It's trying, and exhausting -- but as your levels get better -- you will feel A LOT better. It's been a roller coaster ride for me so far that's for sure. I was told that I'd notice a difference in a few days, and it would take me about three months to start feeling better once I was on the medicine -- I'm currently at the almost two month mark.

    Was your pulse rate high? I was put on Atenolol for a month because my pulse was as high 160-180 a lot of times. If your's is high and you aren't on medicine yet for the pulse (different from anti-thyroid medicine), try and take it easy and not wear yourself out.

    The biggest struggle for me personally has been the lack of energy, constant fatigue (a lot of days I just wake up tired and am laying down most of the time), and lack of appetite.

    Once you start the anti-thyroid medicine, try and avoid being around sick people -- I'm sure your doctor will tell you as well, but any signs of infection and/or fever of 101+ means you need to go to the ER for blood work.
  • tecallahan
    tecallahan Posts: 732 Member
    Fast heart rate may be a symptom of hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid), but I have not heard of it from hypothyroidism. In hypo, your heart rate might be slower because your metabolism is suppressed.

    I took Atenolol many years ago, and it sure did slow down my heart rate, but I also gained a lot of weight!! I wanted to start exercising about 10 years ago, and told the doctor I did not want to take it. He weaned me off and my high heart rate eventually went away.

    There are many things that can cause fast heart rate: Stress, anxiety, vitamin deficiency, some medications (such as antihistamines), stimulants (ie, coke, coffee) You may want to ask your doctor to help you figure out the root cause, but I'm pretty sure it is not caused by your thyroid. You can just google "high heart rate" and you will find tons of data.
  • robynrae_1
    robynrae_1 Posts: 712 Member
    Hello Everyone!
    I was recently diagnosed with hyperthyrodism just a few days ago. I have to go back to get more blood tests to figure out my levels and all that good stuff. I was just wondering if any of you had any advice with dealing with Hyperthyrodism. What have you struggled most with? How have you dealt overcoming obsticales that it brings? Im not really sure what to expect with starting medicine, or really what the next steps are. Any advice would be great.


    Thank You
    I think the first thing you need to figure out is what test they are going to do. Most likly they already did a TSH (thyroid stimulating Hormone.) Find out if they are doing a test for antibodies, if the antibody test is positive you most likely have Hasimottos hypothyroidism. If you have any Blood test questions just ask, I am a lab tech so I might be able to help.

    When you start medication, make sure to take it on an empty stomach, it makes a huge difference. I would also start a multivitamin for a couple of months. Your body hasn't been working right. You haven't been absorbing all the nutrients from your food the same as a "normal" person would.

    Also some people have a "honeymoon" phase when they start the medication. You'll have a couple of weeks of feeling great, then you might feel crummy again. It takes anywhere from 6 weeks to 3 months to get the full effect of a new dose. When you get to this point you should feel prety good.

    Hope this helps some,
    Robyn
  • Emery313
    Emery313 Posts: 33
    Thank you all so much for your advice and tips. I will definately take them all in and it really helps knowing that theres hope! I have always felt like the laziest person ever because I never have energy ....ever! When I exercise it does help, but I still fell tired throughout the day no matter what. Now that I have been diagnosed I realize why. I will start taking a multi vitamin and watching what im eating alot better. Again thanks for all the advice.