Hello all.

On 6/8/04, I had a total abdominal hysterectomy including ovaries.  I
developed complications (wound infection/celulitis), and pseudomembrane colitis from
the IV antibiotics.  I was in the hospital one week.  Once home, rather than
start to feel better, I began to suffer from severe anxiety attacks.  I was
constantly hot and sweaty, continued to have diarrhea, fatigue, rapid heart rate,
and developed a constant tremor.  It felt like my entire insides were
shaking.  I was out of breath with the slightest exhertion and when I tried to work,
found it very difficult to concentrate.  I've lost about 15 lbs. in a few
weeks.

I initially thought it was due to the estrogen replacement patch, and
eventually discontinued its use.  My sypmtoms progressed, and I went to my
gynocologist for bloodwork...estrogen levels and thyroid panel.  I had a normal thyroid
panel one year ago, and the panel done one week before surgery was also
normal.  The new panel came back with non-existent TSH, Total T4 of 20, and Total T3
of almost 600.

I was seen by an endocinologist the next day.  My heartrate was 146 and my bp
was raised systolically.  She prescribed Tapazole, Toprol and Ativan.  (I was
very worried about the Toprol (beta-blocker) because I have a history of
asthma.  She also prescribe Advair, a steriod inhaler to prevent asthma symptoms.

She feels certain that it is Graves Disease.  She said her immediate concern
to was to control my cardiac symptoms, and I eventually would be having
additional tests.  I am due to see her again the end of the month.

Questions:  Aren't there blood tests to determine the likelyhood of Graves?
She drew blood at my visit....when I got the results, I was surprised that
they did not include ANY thyroid tests.  I'm also wondering if this could be some
type of transient disorder caused by something I was given at the hospital
(drug for anesthesia....or the oral Cat Scan contrast I drank).  The doctor said
absolutely not.  How could that determination be made?

I will ask all of these questions again at my next visit, but any input
members could supply would be appreciated.
Thank you,
Cheryl H., NJ

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