[Kimberly]

#1066508

Hi Brooke – Welcome aboard! No worries…I deleted the extra post. Our board requires that a moderator approve each member’s first post as a way to try and keep SPAM off the boards. You wouldn’t believe how many spammers post here, thinking we will buy their stuff or visit their illicit web sites. We just want to FEEL BETTER — and shouldn’t have to put up with all their nonsense!

I’m sorry you are going through such a frustrating time. Yep, most of us on this board have experienced the emotional rollercoaster that you described. You should start to see some improvement when your levels are stabilized.

In terms of dealing with stress, there is no "one-size-fits-all" solution. It’s about trying different techniques, and figuring out what works for YOU. Some patients have found relief by doing a formal meditation or yoga practice, but start with a list of the things that bring you joy in life. Maybe it’s reading, walking, playing with a pet, visiting a friend, or taking a bubble bath. (A word about exercise: make sure you clear any activity program with your doctor first, as we are usually cautioned against doing intense excersise while we are stilly hypER).

In terms of diet, again, there is no "one-size-fits-all" approach. But in general, focusing on whole, fresh foods and limiting processed foods is a great start. If you are dealing with weight loss, be sure to get plenty of protein in so you can start re-building that lean muscle mass. Although I have not heard of a specific issue with alcohol and Graves’ — women are usually cautioned to limit alcohol to one drink per day or less as a general guideline for good health. (And no, we can’t save them up throughout the week and drink them all on Saturday. ” title=”Very Happy” /> )

As for the issues with your boyfriend, can you have him visit this site to get an idea of what you are going through? Also, you didn’t mention where you live, but if you go to the GDF home page by clicking the butterfly logo at the top of the page, you can see a listing of cities that offer in-person support groups. Also, this is a ways away, but I would encourage you both to attend our annual conference, which is usually in the fall and includes breakout sessions for friends and family members.

Best of luck!

[BrookeRN]

#1018692

Hello. I just joined this site and I just tried to post my question but couldn’t tell if it went through or not so I apologize if I post this same question twice.

I was diagnosed with GD in November and have been taking Methimazole. My lab values are normalizing but I am still struggling emotionally and physically. I have been very tired, depressed, achey, and my eyes have been burning. I have been reading information about GD and assumed all of these things were normal and have been trying to remain patient. Then this past weekend, I experienced something that scared me and prompted me to reach out for help/advice/guidance.
I am 30 and have a social circle that likes to drink. On Saturday I drank more than I should have and became violently angry. I am not a violent person and typically not an angry person. My emotions have been extremely labile over the past 6-12 months and after reading some posts on this forum see that alcohol can cause tachycardia. I have to assume that this combination of excessive wine and GD caused this. It was so so scary and I don’t want to experience this ever again. My boyfriend has considered leaving me and my friends think I’m crazy. I realized that I can’t drink like that again. I just want to know if there is anyone out there that has experienced anything like this. I feel so alone and frustrated and misunderstood and crazy.

I also want to know what I can do in addition to taking meds to help with the anger and to help with the intense depression. I would really appreciate ANY feedback. Thank you so much.

Brooke

[Bobbi]

#1066509

I cannot remember where it came up, but I do remember that the issue of drinking while on the antithyroid meds came up sometime in the past. The logic had to do with the fact that the antithyroid meds are metabolized in the liver, and produce by-products that are toxic to the liver. The liver needs to be able to eliminate those by-products quickly in order to avoid damage. Alcohol is also metabolized in the liver, and produces by-products that are liver toxins. So drinking, while on ATDs is putting a double load on the liver, and might lead to serious problems. Obviously, the dose of ATD can make a difference. So it is wise to talk over with a doctor or pharmacist whether drinking is advisable on the specific dose of ATD you are on.

[mamabear]

#1066510

I used PTU which is what Tapazole does. I was also told to watch what I drank. Mood swings are hard while our levels are off, a patient caring boyfriend might not understand unless he understands that this is a very serious disease and can change a kind hearted person into a monster at any given moment. Some say that is a bit harsh of me to say(friends) but the truth is the truth. Think of PMS two fold !
This is only my personal experience, stay away from the alcohol. No wine at all as it seems that that is the worst one. If you drink socially have a gingerale or clubsoda on the rocks. They will put a little straw in it and you wont feel "out of place". Or go the route that I would….. Tell your friends you have a serious health issue, you don’t want to stop hanging out with them but you wont be drinking anymore while with them. If they need a designated driver you’re it! Even the truest of friends might not understand what you are going through but they wont know unless you tell them. If they want to help then they get listen to you while you explain the situation and explain that you’re on meds and you have to watch yourself.
Even telling them, I’m on medicine that might make me react a certain way, can you tell me if you see anything different about me so I can note that and tell my dr., it’s really important for me to know that you all understand and you support me on this.
Some will say ok and some will not know what to say because they are scared. Your boyfriend will be the one who is most scared.
Take a look from his point of view;
Gotta girlfriend, she isn’t well, not sure why, she flips out and acts like a nut, why should I stay with her?

I have said this several times before but will say it here… when it is the woman who has the problem a man will want to fix it. That is what men do, they fix things we as women nurture things. So he is thinking all that I typed up plus he is thinking why can’s she just be normal? Why can’t I help her so she can just be fine again? What did she do to get this way? If we have kids will they get it?

It’s crappy to think that that is what he is thinking but he is and he has every right to think any of it. YOU need to keep him informed of what you are feeling and how he can help and assure him that you do care and that this will take time.

Have him come on here to if you wants to ask his own questions or just to vent. It’s not easy having the disease and it’s not easy living with someone with it.

I am curious, "BrookeRN" are you a nurse?

[BrookeRN]

#1066511

Thank you all for the replies. I’ve certainly taken something from all of them – I’ve been eating a much much healthier diet. I’ve started juicing in the mornings and eating fresh foods throughout the day. I haven’t had anymore alcohol and I cut out aspartame. I was drinking several diet sodas a day and I’m curious to see if I notice a difference after a couple of months. From what I’ve read aspartame stays in the body for quite awhile.

In regards to my boyfriend, I have told him about this website – whethere or not he will use it is another story. I totally agree men try and look for solutions and I see this in him. I can tell that he acknowledges my efforts to become well by making dietary and lifestyle changes in addition to taking the medication and that he’s being patient. I do feel lucky to have a supportive person in my corner. It’s still difficult for me to discern if my emotions and reactions to everyday things are valid or if they’re heightened because of GD. I am just trying to not react to the first feeling that surfaces and to look at the big picture.

I went to the endocrinologist yesterday and my TSH was normal. She didn’t change my antithyroid medication yet and didn’t offer much of an explanation as to why I am still symptomatic. Is it normal to still have symptoms even though the lab values normalize? I’m still having insomnia, tachycardia, light sensitivity with my eyes/burning eyes, and mood swings. Does acupuncture help? Are there supplements that are good to take? I’ve read that balancing trace minerals like copper can make a difference but that a hair analysis is recommended first.

To answer the question, yes I am a nurse ” title=”Smile” /> Ironically I’m a psychiatric nurse so I have to be very calm and grounded at work despite all the stress and chaos that my patients are bringing to the table. I can certainly relate to them but I need to be sure I don’t let the stress affect my health… I also have to not take my stress out on my friends and family.

Thanks again for your support.

[Kimberly]

#1066512

BrookeRN wrote: I went to the endocrinologist yesterday and my TSH was normal. She didn’t change my antithyroid medication yet and didn’t offer much of an explanation as to why I am still symptomatic. Is it normal to still have symptoms even though the lab values normalize? I’m still having insomnia, tachycardia, light sensitivity with my eyes/burning eyes, and mood swings. Does acupuncture help? Are there supplements that are good to take? I’ve read that balancing trace minerals like copper can make a difference but that a hair analysis is recommended first.

Hello – Did your doc also order a Free T3 and Free T4 test? Many patients have to *demand* these tests, as they are more expensive and some docs won’t automatically order them. However, since these tests measure the actual level of thyroid hormone in your body, they really give you the best picture in terms of whether your levels are stabilizing and whether your dosage of Anti-Thyroid Drugs needs to be adjusted.

The eye problems are actually a separate issue, and won’t necessarily correspond to your thyroid levels. However, if your Free T3 and Free T4 are in the "normal" range, you should start to see some relief from the tachycardia, insomnia, and mood swings. If this isn’t the case, definitely check with your doctor.

As for supplements, I would check with your doc on this as well. There are tons of different opinions as to which supplements are best for Graves, so you definitely want an experienced doctor or nutritionist on your team to help with this issue.

[BrookeRN]

#1066513

Thank you for your response. My Free T3 and Free T4 are within normal limits now. My TSH was low for a few months but it is now within normal limits. I have been diligent about assuring that the right labs are drawn since I’m a nurse… a nurse who overthinks EVERYTHING thanks to GD. I have found that my doctor isn’t very helpful with the nutritional component. That’s why I thought I’d ask on this forum. I know that you can’t give medical advice but I’m looking for individual responses or experiences from people that have actually gone through this.

When does the eye disease improve?

[snelsen]

#1066514

I definitely am not the person to address diet and supplements, for other than calcium and vitamin D, that is the extent of my supplements. Pretty much the same with food. I eat well, eat anything I want, and portion control is easy for me. I think you are doing a great and wonderful thing for yourself by eliminating aspartatane.(SP) I don’t a lot about it but, it is my impression that there is some compelling evidence that it is not a good choice for anyone.

There are numerous posts on this site about TED. I am in the middle of TED. I am sure the facilitators will comment on this subject, also. It is not clear to me if you re seeing a neuro-ophthamologist, or an eye doc specializing or familiar with TED.
That is a must. The course of TED has two phases, inflammatory called the hot phase, and fibrotic, called the cold phase. It can last as much as three years. After the cold phase is stable, depending on your needs, OD and/or strabismus surgery, followed by eyelid surgery is frequently done. Scratchy eyes, dry eyes, double vision, bulging eyes (proptosis or exopthalmus) are all part of Ted. Not everyone has all the symptoms. I however, do have all of them.

I am an RN, too, and an information freak! I love copies of everything, and think it is wise for everyone to do this. I just had and OD three weeks ago, it was a good experience. When I leave the house, I need my billfold, car keys, eye drops and eye ointment!

[Author]

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