[Ski]

#1062751

Good luck!! If you haven’t already committed to discontinuing the meds, you may want to get an antibody level blood test first ~ there is some evidence that patients with low antibody levels have a better chance of achieving remission when ATDs are withdrawn.

We’re pulling for you!!

[Ewenme]

#1018112

Background: diagnosed March 2010, on Methimazole since then, in varying dosages. After my last lab tests (TSH=1.04; Free T4= 0.65) my endo said to stop taking the ATD. This happened to me last August, too. I stopped cold turkey and I went hyper again in a month. So I am a little reluctant to stop taking the meds– I may take 2.5 (half of a 5 mg tab) a day anyhow just as insurance.
I know one thing–if/when I go hyper again (I am almost certain I will) I am definitely going for the RAI. Had an appt with my GP today for an unrelated issue, and he agreed it was a good strategy. So, wish me luck, guys–thanks!

[Ewenme]

#1062752

Hello, my Graves’ friends,
Checking back in to tell you I had an appt with my endo today and was declared to be in remission. Labs were within normal ranges, after discontinuing the ATD’s a few months ago. I am cautiously optimistic that this will last. Maybe it will be encouraging to know some people do go into remission–I will continue to update if things change.

[snelsen]

#1062753

Hi, it’s nice to hear from you again! I have learned that in the past, that remission is usually defined as at least a year.
Glad the labs say that you are–but how do you FEEL? Are the hyper feelings gone? Do you feel "just like you" again?
Hope so. Best wishes with your goals!!
shirley

[James]

#1062754

Ewenme,

As an aside, Graves’ afflicts woman far more often than men, but at the same time (according to the panel at last years’ conference), stated that in general terms, men typically have a harder time with the disease when afflicted. My point being that even when the odds seem so stacked against you, there is still plenty of hope for a positive outcome. My situation is different than yours in that I was on ATD’s on and off for many years (mostly off). For over 7 years now, I have been off all meds with normal thyroid results. My latest physical indicates that my thyroid is of normal size and texture. For quite a few years now, I have engaged in a number of lifestyle changes which I believe helped, although It cannot be proven with any certainty that lifestyle changes alone will bring about remission and keep you there. I merely bring this up to encourage you and others.

We don’t always see people coming back and posting when they are doing well. So thanks for sharing.

James

[Ewenme]

#1062755

To answer your question, Shirley, I have been feeling quite ‘normal’ for the last few months. Occasionally, felt a little hyper, but think this was something other than thyroid (i.e. anxiety, etc). Of course, I’m paranoid now that "it" is back every time I feel a little ‘off,’ but my endo said unless these feelings stick around, it’s probably not the Graves. I have a lab slip so I can go have my blood drawn if I feel it necessary. I monitor my pulse/BP quite regularly, also, and have been within normal ranges.
My endo said that my thyroid is not enlarged, which may indicate that I am more apt to stay in remission longer.
Happy to hear of your success, James. By lifestyle changes, I assume you mean diet and exercise? I attempt to live a healthy lifestyle–always have, and will continue to do so.
Not sure what the future holds, but happy to have reached this milestone. I will continue to check in now and then to report on my status and see how everyone else is doing. Very thankful for the support and encouragement of all of you.

[Kimberly]

#1062756

Congrats! Thanks so much for checking in with the positive report!

[Author]

Posts