Atrial Fibrillation (AFib) Support Group
Atrial fibrillation (AF or afib) is an abnormal heart rhythm (cardiac arrhythmia) which involves the two small, upper heart chambers (the atria). Heart beats in a normal heart begin after electricity generated in the atria by the sinoatrial node spread through the heart and cause contraction of the heart muscle and pumping of blood.
Background: I've had AFIB for decades, diagnosed about six years ago. Metoprolol for five years. Stroke last December, ablation April 7, 2014. NSR for the next four months. Beginning in August I started having events again, although not as debilitating as last year. Now I take metoprolol PIP and the event stops with 1/2 hour. I have copies of my blood work going back to 2001, never had thyroid issues.
In mid September I saw my PCP for my 'Welcome to Medicare' visit. My TSH was 0.048 (acceptable range of 0.45-4.5) not good. The TSH is one of those reverse indicators (low means hyper). My PCP sent me to an endocrinologist (who specializes in thyroid and worked at the Cleveland Clinic ... guess she knows AFIB). She did a battery of blood work, and guess what, I came back hyperthyroid. So next I need to go for an Iodine Uptake Test at the hospital. Then decide on a course of treatment.
The good thing is that thyroid problems are readily treatable (hyper a little more difficult that hypo). Also, we all know the hyperthyroid is directly related to AFIB (and anxiety ... thought I should just throw that in). So maybe this can explain the return of my AFIB after the ablation. Just looking on the bright side.
On another bright note, my implant when in this morning, only a little pain and minimal blood. Sitting here with an ice pack. I six months the new tooth goes on the implant.
In mid September I saw my PCP for my 'Welcome to Medicare' visit. My TSH was 0.048 (acceptable range of 0.45-4.5) not good. The TSH is one of those reverse indicators (low means hyper). My PCP sent me to an endocrinologist (who specializes in thyroid and worked at the Cleveland Clinic ... guess she knows AFIB). She did a battery of blood work, and guess what, I came back hyperthyroid. So next I need to go for an Iodine Uptake Test at the hospital. Then decide on a course of treatment.
The good thing is that thyroid problems are readily treatable (hyper a little more difficult that hypo). Also, we all know the hyperthyroid is directly related to AFIB (and anxiety ... thought I should just throw that in). So maybe this can explain the return of my AFIB after the ablation. Just looking on the bright side.
On another bright note, my implant when in this morning, only a little pain and minimal blood. Sitting here with an ice pack. I six months the new tooth goes on the implant.
Hey Paul, how long since you had a blood test for thyroid before this recent one?
It is interesting how it works differently for each of us~
I am NOT sure even why they are doing the Radioactive Iodine test. My understanding is that if the endo doctor finds a nodule, then she/he orders the test for more info. Did your endo say anything when she was feeling your thyroid? Usually you have to swallow some water during the touch test. Did she do that?
May be the radioactive test is a new procedure to test the thyroid, is it? I was diagnosed with Hashimoto's 12 years ago and I have never had a radioactive iodine test. During each exam, the doctor just feels the thyroid and looks for nodules.
Just food for thoughts, why the test?
Also, good luck with everything and hopefully you will not need a biopsy.
By the way, my endo doctor sent me for a biopsy since my thyroid felt hard to her, but the specialist for biopsy did NOT perform it after he felt my thyroid and kicked the tire several time :-) He said biopsy is NOT necessary in my case. That was 12 years ago. So, even if the endo doctor orders a biopsy, it might NOT be performed by the biopsy doctor :-) so, hang in there and hope for the best.
Good luck with everything,
Scott
petey
Take care!
atp