Re: Hyperthyroidism and heart failure

Dear JennyD,
I realize this message is a little late but I want to keep you from worrying. I was diagnosed with Grave's Disease
(hyperthyroidism) in May of 2001, my sophmore year in college. They had no idea what was wrong with me until the
symptoms got so bad and my heart rate started to reach 170bpm. I really cannot remember exactly when I began
to notice something was wrong but I think it was about October of 2000. Apparently I had let things go too long.
Just so you know it has been about two years and I'm doing great!! I am currently taking PTU (propylthiouracil)
to slow down my thyroid and like you I went from a negative TSH and T4 count to a normal range again! Everything
will be alright I promise. The hard part is over, you've been diagnosed. It will take a while (depending, because
everyone is different) and sometimes it is really frustrating, but you will get back on track. It took about a year and
a half for me, but I went from 24 pills a day to 1! If you have any questions please do not hesitate to ask, I am
very open about this and would love to help you get through this. Good luck~ Rachel