[runlacie]

#1068555

You should make your own decision and do what you want. Certainly, if you are having good results with the ATD’s and no side effects, and you want to try for remission, you ought to do just that. I know they used to hesitate doing RAI unless you were "older" than 40, and then that changed and it became the norm for even those over 20. Now it is even sometimes used in older children, though maybe not as a first choice. I have read that going into a long remission with ATD’s is more common if you are younger, have mild disease, small goiter and lower antibody levels. But I certainly wouldn’t let age alone alter any decision to continue with ATD’s and try for remission. And being 38, I don’t think even makes you considered "older." One thing you might consider is if you are done having children- with RAI you have to wait a certain length of time following treatment to conceive. And at 38 that might not be something you want to wait very long to do. BUT possibly you can only use PTU when TTC or pregnant, so there’s that, too. Good luck and keep us posted!

[Rfayley]

#1019027

Hi All,

While at my primary care doctor’s office the other day for more bloodwork to check how the Methimazole (been on it 3wks since diagnosed) is working, I told my doctor that I would like to stay on them and try to reach remission in lieu of having RAI done. He stated that that is something I should discuss with my endo (appt on Sept 1) but he believes the best course for me would be the RAI due to my age. I am only 38. Is this something anyone has heard of before? Does a persons age have any bearing on what treatment they should choose?

Thank you!
Gayle

[Bobbi]

#1068556

Some background on age and medications in general. You may be aware that the older the patient, the more likely it is that they will have adverse side effect issues from drugs. This is because as we age, our livers and kidneys (the organs that help to process waste products out of the body) become less and less efficient. The articles I’ve read indicate that this process can start as early as in our 30’s.

Many — if not most — drugs are metabolized in the liver. As the drugs are metabolized into a usable form in the liver, by-products are often produced, and sometimes these by-products are toxic to the body. If the liver can process these by-products out quickly enough, they won’t make us ill. But as we age, and as the liver becomes less efficient, the by-products can build up and cause problems for us. This can happen even with drugs that we used to be able to take with no problems.

[debrahaller]

#1068557

Hi,
I am new on this site and I was just dignosed with graves and my endo (who saw me for 6 minutes) told me to go right for the iodine I left his office and went to the healthfood store and got on line. So what is the thoughts on my short story and by the way I am 51. I wish the best of luck to all of us. Going crazy deb

[runlacie]

#1068558

Hi Deb! Keep doing research until you figure out what YOU want to do. I am 41 and it has been 5 weeks since I had RAI- it was my choice. So far, so good. The different options in treatment all can be successful but each has it’s own risks and benefits, it’s a very personal decision.

[Rfayley]

#1068559

Thanks for the responses Laci & Bobbi. I’m unable to have more children due to other medical procedures I’ve had, so that really isn’t an issue for me. I am going to talk with my endo on Sept 1 and see what she says about staying on the ATD’s. My doctor hasn’t specifically come out and said this, but based on what I have read & the posts on this site, I am thinking I just have a mild case. While I know Graves affects everyone differently, I am having a hard time relating to everyones stories about it. Since I have been on the Methimazole, I don’t feel like there is anything wrong with me. Other than weight loss, I didn’t have any symptoms before hand either. Could this just be the calm before the storm? Should I expect a bomb to drop?

[Ski]

#1068560

It’s hard to know ~ it’s possible that you didn’t have it long, and the ATDs have brought you quickly under control, which would mean that you spent very little time being hyper, and you’d have less "trauma" getting back to normal. If you experience a spike of hyperthyroidism (it can be triggered by other stress events), you may have a surprise, but maybe not. It’s also possible that some of the classic symptoms have worked their way into you thinking "that’s just how I am," but either way, if you’re feeling good now, REJOICE. ” title=”Very Happy” />

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