Question:
My mother wakes up every morning with major swollen hands( her wedding band now is on her pinky finger) & her face is so swollen it almost closes her eyes. She does not use salt or alcohol. She is 61 years old. Do you know what this may be a sign of? Thank you, Joy

Answer:
The greatest word is God. The deepest word is Soul. The longest word is Eternity. The swiftest word is Time. The nearest word is Now. The darkest word is Sin. The meanest word is Hypocrisy. The broadest word is Truth. The strongest word is Right. The tenderest word is Love. The dearest word is Mother. (Unknown Author)

Hey Joy (Guest), how are you doing?

The purpose of this article is to actuate the benefit of seeking immediate attention at a hospital's emergency department to undergo investigation for signs and symptoms associated with thyroid problems in your mom. Heart failure, bowel obstruction, and serious respiratory depression are additional complications of severe hypothyroidism. (Park Hypothyroidism)

Frequently in adults with hypothyroidism, the hands, face, and eyelids become puffy, the fingernails discolored, and muscles weak. Weight gain is also common, as are heavy menstural periods, constipation, and anemia. (Park Hypothyroidism) (Lee Thyroid Problems Overview)

Thyroid hormones are important in regulating body energy, the body's use of other hormones and vitamins, and the growth and maturation of body tissues. The thyroid gland needs adequate amounts of dietary iodine to be able to produce T4 and T3 (L-thyroxine [T4] and triiodothyronine [T3]). (Lee Thyroid Problems Causes)

Medication called L-thyroxine is the mainstay of thyroid hormone replacement therapy in hypothyroidism. Another medication for thyroid replacement is L-triiodothyronine, but is rarely used alone as thyroid hormone replacement, because it has less uniform potency than L-thyroxine and its use can cause rapid increases in L-triiodothyronine concentration, which can be dangerous in the elderly and in people with cardiac disease. (Lee Thyroid Problems Treatment)

In most cases, a single lab test [Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH)] is useful in diagnosing thyroid disease. When there is too little thyroid hormone, as in hypothyroidism, the TSH is high. (Lee Test and Exams)

Best wishes,

REFERENCES

1. Benjamin N. Park, M.D.: Hypothyroidism (myxedma, cretinism). [Unknown Publishing Date]. Funk & Wagnalls Family Medical Guide, ch. 19; sec. 339 HYPOTHYROIDISM. (Eds.) Sigmund Stephen Miller. Toronto, Canada. Fitzhenry & Whiteside Limited. p. 490-1.

2. Stephanie L Lee, MD, PhD, FACE: Exams and Tests
eMedicine.com, Inc.; Patient Education Article, 2003-5.

3. Stephanie L Lee, MD, PhD, FACE: Thyroid Problems Causes
eMedicine.com, Inc.; Patient Education Article, 2003-5.

4. Stephanie L Lee, MD, PhD, FACE: Thyroid Problems Overview
eMedicine.com, Inc.; Patient Education Article, 2003-5.

5. Stephanie L Lee, MD, PhD, FACE: Thyroid Problems Treatment
eMedicine.com, Inc.; Patient Education Article, 2003-5.

The Prison Hospital

Prisoner: Look here, doctor! You've already removed my spleen, tonsils, adenoids, and one of my kidneys. I only came to see if you could get me out of this place!

Doctor: I am, bit by bit.





Answer:
Having her Thyroid checked is a good idea. Also, her heart function should be evaluated.


Answer:
Thank you so much for your replies.
I have purchased a thyroid book for my mom.
Thanks again,
Joy