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Can I be experiencing symptoms despite medication and normal bloodworks?

Posted , 6 users are following.

AnnaL
AnnaL

Hi smile

Before I ask my question I would like to stress that I easily get scared hearing about disease, so I am asking that please, no one begin telling of anyone having the symptoms I have and then it turns out to be xyz terrible disease that they died from, because then I will just get so extremely scared. My question is strictly regarding hyperthyroidism.

I am hoping someone can calm me sad I am new to the forums and new to hyperthyroidism. I have been on medication for 2,5 months and mostly feel just fine, but in the early mornings, from about 05 am, I feel symptoms, which wake me up- heart racing, feeling anxious, a little shaky, preventing me from going back to sleep. It seems to peak at about 07.30 am, and then gradually lessens until it is completely gone at about 09-10 am. But during my period and ovulation and also if I have not slept well (I suffer from insomnia) it seems to linger somewhat longer, sometimes through the afternoon or even the entire day.And this scares me, because I am medicated and my bloodworks say I'm within normal range.

One doctor said yes, I can be feeling symptoms despite medication/normal bloodworks and then another doctor said no I cannot, so now I don't know what to think :'(

The doctor who said I cannot be experiencing symptoms suggested it is mental anxiety, but that just does not match what I am experiencing, because if I get anxious about something, there is always a trigger that will get my mind going and then my body follows. But this is right opposite- it is my body that starts going and then my mind follows. It feels just like the symptoms I had before I was diagnosed and got treatment, it does not feel like getting anxious about something, it starts in my body, not my mind.

Sorry for my ramble.

Best regards,

Anna

1 like, 31 replies

31 Replies

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  • emmaj43
    emmaj43 AnnaL

    Posted

    Hi Anna

    it sounds like anxiety which is heightened with this stupid disease.  Also at that time in the morning it is when your body is being told to get ready for the day and you get extra surges of hormones to give you a kick start so to speak.  Are you on beta blockers?  I would not worry at all, it will all be related to your condition as it sorts itself out.  Speak to your doctor again and have adrenal tests if worried and cardio tests, will ease your mind. X

    • AnnaL
      AnnaL emmaj43

      Posted

      Thank you so much for your answer. I have had both cardio oand adrenal test, all of which were normal. 

      Would you happen to know if there is there anything that could help, beside beta blockers (which I use on occassions when it is a bad day), could I maybe need to have my medications increased a bit or something?

  • emmaj43
    emmaj43 AnnaL

    Posted

    Hi

    Sorry I have no idea - I myself am trying to work out why I have subconscious anxiety and high blood pressure - it is a case of working through everything.  Remember it does effect every cell in your body and your body is just starting to recover.  Are you on any anxiety medication?  When did it start and what medication are you taking?   

    • AnnaL
      AnnaL emmaj43

      Posted

      No, not any anxiety medication, as the anxiety came about with this disease, so the doctors felt it was the disease that needs to be sorted out. And I am not at all keen on anxiety meds, not at all. I have been medicated for 2,5 months. I am in Denmark and on a medication called Thiamazol.
  • emmaj43
    emmaj43 AnnaL

    Posted

    I really think your body just needs to start recovering, you have not been on the medication that long.  You could maybe consider taking beta blockers while your body recovers.  Speak to your doctor again about your concerns.  When you wake with it try relaxation breathing and don't worry about it, reassure yourself your body is healing and it is nothing sinister.   I do think it is the surge of hormones - your bloods might be fine, but it is still early days and you are moving in the right direction. X
  • linda187
    linda187 AnnaL

    Posted

    Hyperthyroidism has different causes.  Some people have plain thyroiditis which is an inflammation of the thyroid gland due to a recent viral illness.  Most people on this Board have hyperthyroidism due to autoimmune disease, that is the immune system is attacking the thyroid gland and causing it to produce too much thyroid hormone.  It is important for your doctor to determine the cause of your hyperthyroidism.  The treatment however can be the same, no matter what the cause which is medication given to block the excess thyroid hormone that is produced.  One person who posted to this Board had a similar story to yours and she had the autoimmune disease of Hashimoto's.  She was able to get good control by learning all she could about her disease and adding supplements to her treatment regimen.  I think the first step for you is to ask your doc about your diagnosis, whether you have Hashimoto's disease, Graves disease (another autoimmune disease causing hyperthyroidism) or just thyroiditis that is not autoimmune.  Then you need to familiarize yourself with the three tests that are usually done to follow a patient, i.e. TSH, FT3 and FT4 and always get a copy of your lab results because the normal range differs slightly from lab to lab.  If you have an autoimmune problem, blood work will show antibodies so ask your doc if you have them.  So find out your diagnosis.  If it is the same as this other poster, she has given me permission to share her postings.  But you need to know what you have that is causing your hyperthyroidism.  Most hyperthyroid patients are deficient in Vitamin D.  You can ask your doc to test for that and if deficient, add vitamin D to your treatment regimen.  As well, most hyperthyroid patients lose carnitine from their muscles (an amino acid normally found in the body) (there is a test for this as well) and that can be replaced (L-Carnitine is a supplement found in health food stores).  Your doc will not be familiar with the supplements but the patients who become educated in their disease and are the most pro-active are the ones who get the best control of their symptoms.
    • AnnaL
      AnnaL linda187

      Posted

      I believe my vitamin D level is normal, had that tested right before I was diagnosed. I spent many hours outdoor every day, get tanned by the sun and I take a vitamin d supplement already.

      I am waiting for results on antibodies as they have to be sent from another doctor where I had the test done. 

      The carnitine test- is that also through bloodtests? 

    • linda187
      linda187 AnnaL

      Posted

      Yes, the carnitine test is for Total Carnitine and Free Carnitine.  I had to ask my GP to do it.  It is not normally done as a treatment in thyroid disease but I did not want to take supplements unless I knew what my levels were.  Like I said, your doc may balk at this.  Mine is great and he obliged me.  Other people will just take the supplement without the testing and will do well on it.
    • AnnaL
      AnnaL linda187

      Posted

      Thank you, I will try to mention it and see what they say.
  • lilian05079
    lilian05079 AnnaL

    Posted

    Hi Anna,

    I think the simple answer to your symptoms is to take the beta blockers on a regular basis. Take them as your doc prescribed I should imagine 2-3 per day...spread them out every 8 hrs..especially the night one which will help you sleep and stop the palpitations and calm you. You did mention that you only take them when needed, but try them on a regular basis  until you feel your other meds have kicked in...I know the beta blockers work because my mum had thyroid probs and they helped her relax...hope this helps...best wishes...

    • AnnaL
      AnnaL lilian05079

      Posted

      Yes, I would like to, but the doctor (endocrinologist) didn't seem to agree, she said I should not be taking them on a regular basis...
    • linda187
      linda187 lilian05079

      Posted

      I was given the beta blocker Propranolol before all tests were completed for diagnosis on me.  If I take a 10 mg tablet (the lowest dose), my blood pressure drops to 90/50.  I don't know where it would be if I took it all the time.
  • lilian05079
    lilian05079 AnnaL

    Posted

    Hi Anna,

    Did your endocronologist say why you should not take them on a regular basis?

    There must be a reason why, because I know that the beta blockers will stop the palpitations and help you relax.....I find it odd that the Endo said that...Oh well she/he is the professional I suppose...hope you find an answer to your probs......best wishes...

    • AnnaL
      AnnaL lilian05079

      Posted

      No, she just said I shouldn't be taking them, because since my bloodtests are normal I should not be experiencing any symptoms, so she thinks I am feeling mental anxiety unrelated to my thyroid. But I just find it odd if I should suddenly, right at the same time as I get hyperthyroidism, also get an urelated anxiety disorder. And that that anxiety should always appear almost like clockwork at 5 am mornings and without any triggers.
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