[saratoga17]

#1017933

Hi all,
I really enjoy this board, it helps me through some tough times, and I really appreciate it! I am a type 1 diabetic and also was diagnosed with Graves a little over a year ago. My orignal lab values were T4Free 6.70 T3total 6.01 and TSH 0. I was told I was extremely hyper, higher than my endo had ever seen. I had all the symptoms. After months on Methimazole, my levels came down but still hypo, so I opted for RAI in January because I was having trouble distinguishing between hypoglycemia, anxiety and my thyroid issue. It seemed to be working but my TSH remained suppressed, I know that is a lagging indicator but it had been 3 months, so I was put on 2.5mg of methimazole per day. In the last couple months I have developed what I can only describe as brian fog, a strange light headedness sometimes a tingling of the head that feels like I may faint but never do. My short term memory is shot. It is disconcerting to be dizzy all day every day. My levels as of April were T4Free 0.82 T3Total 1.23 and TSH .28 Which is very close to the "normal range". I have had a CT scan for the dizziness and it came back normal, as did a full panel blood test so it is not a vitamin def. My question is has anyone had this symptom while their levels were returning to normal but not yet hypo? Is it possible to have hypo symptoms while my thyroid is correcting because the levels were so high? I really appreciate any input, as the dizziness and brain fog is making things tough. If anyone on the board has Type 1 or has a family member with it, I have been dealing with for 35 years, so if you need someone to bounce things off feel free to use me for that. Thanks again, the knowledge on this board is amazing.

[LoLo1957]

#1061713

Hi Saratoga17

I’m new to this board too. Also, I am a Type 1 Diabetic – since 1975, so like you I’ve had it for 35+ years. Two years ago I was diagnosed with Hyperthyroidism – Graves Disease. My endo put me on Tapazole for 18 months (said that was the maximum it could be taken) and I’ve just stopped. We are waiting to see if I go into remission (30% chance, but even then it would be temporary – 3 to 5 years). Initially, prior to diagnosis, I had all the symptoms, including weight loss (which was great!), but no eye problems. Tapazole stabilized my symptoms and I slowly gained some of the weight back. Since stopping Tapazole I have really started to put on the weight, despite no change in eating habits. My first blood work is coming up and I’m anxious to know the results. If remission doesn’t happen I will definately have the RAI but am very concerned about the post-treatment weight-gain, not to mention the adjustment period to determine how much thyroid supplement I will need. Plus, after reading your post I’m questioning if brain fog/dizziness and short term memory loss is normal after RAI — think I’ll start a list of questions for my Doc. As if diabetes isn’t enough, thyroid problems just make everything harder to control. Good news is my endo treats me for both.

Let me know how things go for you.

[saratoga17]

#1061714

Hi LoLo
Looks like we are in the same boat. It is insane with diabetes and hyperthyroidism. Seems like everyday is an adventure. I try to tell people it is like having another job, a constant worry. Is it my thyroid or my diabetes that’s making me feel this way. Let’s just say I have used a ton of blood strips over the last 18 months ” title=”Very Happy” /> I’m not sure why the brain fog and disorientation is happening I honestly hope it is my thyroid so it will correct at some point. I have gained 15 pounds post RAI but have leveled off and actually am starting to take it off. I really hope you go into remission so you don’t even have to make the choice. Let me know how the results come back. Best of luck

[Victoriar7]

#1061715

Hi,
I am also a type 1 diabetic, and have been for 25 years. I was diagnosed with subclinical graves 2 years ago. My TSH has been consistently low, .010 most recently with normal t3/t4. My doctor was just keeping an eye on my numbers, no treatment given or offered until last week when he recommended RAI. I was pretty surprised and am very uncertain about going there when I don’t really have many symptoms, just palpitations/feeling anxious/gi issues. So I guess I’m wondering if my Endo is going straight to RAI because of my diabetes. Have you guys had the same experience? Any reason, as a diabetic, that I can’t continue to wait it out or try beta blockers or antithyroid meds first? Also, what effect has Graves had on your glucose control?
I would appreciate any and all advice!!!
Thanks,
Victoria

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