Okay, here's an update!

I left a message for my endo regarding beta blocker, splitting my Methimazole 10mg in half to take 1/2 twice daily in am and bedtime, and exercising.I explained that I found a support group and had research a lot about GD and these questions had come up. He called me back a couple hours later!

I was very happy that he thought exercising as I'm doing is fine, I can split the Methimazole in half, and he prescribed Atenolol 25mg for me to take to relieve the rapid heartbeat I've been having. I asked my pharmacist if I can split the Atenolol in half to start with, and she said that was fine. I'm having enough weird things going on with my body I didn't want to throw something extra full blast at it. I'm going to try with the half pill twice a day of Methimazole for a few days before I try the Atenolol. Then I'll start with half a 25mg pill for a few days and go from there.

Thank you all so much for providing me with ideas, information and support while I figure things out!

This makes me feel like I have a bit of control over my treatment. Thank you, thank you, thank you!

Amy LC

Hello Amy,

I'm so glad you have gotten some answers from your Dr. I was splitting my Metoprolol (beta blocker) and I told my Dr. about this and she suggested getting me a prescription for 25mg instead of 50mg. So that is what I'm doing now. I started with the 50mg b/c my heart was going 124 bpm but now that the Methimazole has lowered my thyroid hormone enough for me to even be hypothyroied, I'm on the 25mg.

I've started walking. I used to walk miles before all of this but when I became sick walking was no longer an option for me. With my heart rate being so elevated and loosing weight so fast, my Drs told me to wait. I actually went walking a couple of times before they gave me the okay (walk around the block) and I felt sick afterwards. Now is not so bad so I'm building up to walking like I used to.

I wish you the best with splitting the pills. I hope the changes will help you feel better soon. Take care of your heart (it is recommended to keep it between 60-90 pbm when at rest - the beta blocker will help you with this).

Caro

Hi, Caro–
I noticed yesterday that my heart rate is dropping. And this is without the beta blocker. Right now sitting in my recliner, it's only 68. It tends to spike in the evening for some reason.

I haven't noticed much improvement yet in splitting the Methimazole to twice a day. It does interfere with my sleep, but Im hoping that will go away after a while. I've always felt good after walking. I was hoping to take dance lessons, but I just know that wouldn't be good for me yet. Maybe later this Fall when things have stabilized.

I'm hoping not to get too hypo. I felt bad for so long being just subclinucally hypo, when my labs were normal. But, again it's a waiting game.

Does your endo say how long before your heart rate returns more to normal, now that you're hypo?

Take care, Amy

Hi Amy - Just a quick note that the goal is to adjust your dose quickly enough that you don't go hypO. Every patient is different, but most will experience common symptoms of hypo that can include fatigue, joint pain, unexplained weight gain, constipation, dry skin, cold intolerance, and slow pulse.

If you feel these coming on prior to your next scheduled appointment, definitely call your doc's office and tell them you need a new set of labs ASAP.

Take care!

Hi, Kimberly–

Thanks for your reply! The only thing I've noticed that stands out is I feel like my blood sugar is crashing the past few days. I don't know why that would be connected to being hypo or hyper. I had tended towards hypoglycemia in the past from eating the wrong type of food for breakfast, but that hasn't happened in a long time. The fatigue is directly related to starting the Methimazole 2 weeks ago.

I'll keep an eye on the other hypo symptoms. Cold intolerance was a big one for me when I was hypo. When people were in shorts and t-shirts, I was in jeans and sweatshirts and a coat.

This has been an interesting past couple of weeks, I have to say. Just will roll with things until they stabilize.

Amy

I have been on Methimazole for 4 days now. I take 3 10mg pills each morning. I have also been having this foggy/tired feeling. I just got permission today to start taking them at night. I take Valium to help me sleep at night. I hope switching doesn't keep me awake… I will me taking my first night dose tonight.

Definately, mine was at 115 on propranolol so they switched me to atenolol which is much better. Reading the previous comments, I've noticed everyone spreads there medication throughout the day. Why is my doc having me take it all at once (3 10mg pills) in the morning. Because of the fogginess he told me I could take it at night now.

Hi, Currietm,

I would ask your doctor about spreading the dose out over a 24 hour period. I felt a lot better after splitting mine into 2-5mg doses, one in the morning and one at bedtime. I couldn't imagine taking 30mg all at once when just taking 10mg once a day made me feel so horrible.

It has gotten a lot better for me, the fogginess and fatigue. I didn't notice significant improvement until week 3.

I'm glad the Atenolol is working for you. I ended up not needing it.

Hope things get better for you soon!

Take care,
Amy