Hyperthyroid / carbimazole

Treatment and medication
1

I noticed a lump in my neck around 4-5 months ago. I ignored it for a month (stupid I know) and then went to the doctor who suspected thyroid goitre and sent me for blood tests, ultrasound scan and referred me to a specialist. Following a thyroid uptake test the consultant confirmed that I have a multi-nodular toxic thyroid goitre and am hyperthyroid.

When I went to the doctors originally I told them that my only symptom was the lump. However, I now realise that the anxiety / irritability, tiredness / lethargy that I'd put down to being stressed at work are probably actually related to my thyroid. It's also slightly depressing that the weight that I thought I'd lost through my sensible eating efforts is probably thanks to a faulty thyroid gland. It never occured to me to mention heat intolerance to the doctor either - I thought that was just me.

I started on a lowish (10mg) dose of carbimazole 3 days ago. Since then all of my symptoms have been exagerated and I have never felt so tired, lightheaded and emotional / weepy.

I found this forum this morning and it's a comfort to see on this forum that I'm not alone and my experience isn't that uncommon. I just wouldn't have expected the medication to have such an effect in this space of time. No-one warned me!

My husband and I wanted to start trying for a family but the consultant has told me I shouldn't until my thyroid is under control. Early menopause runs in my family. I have been advised that the best course of action is radio-iodine treatment as soon as posisble or a partial thyroidectomy. The choice is mine. I'm thinking of Radio-iodine treatment but am worried about long term impacts.

I don't know what to do.

2

You may wish to look at the Hyperthyroidism forum as well if you haven't already done so. It is at http://experience.patient.co.uk/discussion_list.php?d=287

EMIS Moderator

3

Hi littleO,

Just reading your message sounds so like my case, how have you gotten on since?

4

Hello LittleO,

I am sorry to hear of your problems with your Thyroid...I too have a multi-nodula goitre,  I first noticed mine about 20years ago or so!  So, if you say you were stupid to ignore yours, what on earth was I??!!!  I went to the hospital.......eventually for an ultrasound, plus blood tests, but, then you will know all about those?!    Nothing was done, because it was multi nodula, no one could decide what to do, so I was left waiting for another appointment, it hasn't come yet!    Two years ago I noticed that the lump in my throat was getting very big and it was also restricting my breathing!  Off I went to the docs and was sent off to the hospital again, this time I was given a 25mg. dosage of Carbimazole, that made me feel so ill...dosage was reduced to 20, then 15, then 10 and now I'm on 5mg, once a day,  my lump has diminished considerably I'm happy to say!  my voice has deepened...not good really as I sing!  just have to put the music down an octave or two!   My speaking voice has also deepened!   I haven't felt ill now that I'm only taking 5mgs. a day, the higher dosages were making me feel much worse, it was quite a nightmare to begin with, but, things seem to have stabled somewhat.

I do have to have blood tests every 2 months, trouble is I forget!!!   Apparently, the tablets can have a bad effect on the kidneys...I daren't look it up just in case I get scared!!   

I do have lots of back pain, but, that is a very long standing problem I have, I just hope it isn't masking kidney problems!!   I am due another blood test, I am going to be brave and tell the nurse or doctor about my back pain and hope and pray it isn't the kidneys!!  Can't really do with any more problems!

Anyway, I don't know if I've helped you or just gone on about my problems??!!  Sorry if that's how I've come across.

 I have just remembered,  I used to get the shakes, nothing would them away apart from eating!!  Apparently, that too is one of the symtoms of the Thyroid trouble...but, no one told me that either.

I do wish you well,  if I were in your situation, I too would go for the iodine treatment !!   It doens't seem so drastic does it?   It could just be the thing that makes the difference for you, I do hope so anyway.

You are right, no one warns us about the way we could feel on this medication!  I am one for never feeling well, so, like you I think, " Well, it's me " !  when it probably isn't all me !!

I had better go now,

Take care and be assured that you are not alone!

 Best wishes,

 catsmother