[jlw]

#1019891

So I learned I had Graves. I spent three months learning about it and what I should do to improve my odds of feeling "better" (whatever that feels like – I can’t remember). I take my meds and added some flax, took out the iron and iodine from my multi vitamin. I continued to exercise at least four times a week, adding more yoga for relaxation. I continued to eat a balanced diet, changed a few things, still balanced, just more specific. So Happy Thanksgiving – "You’re normal," the endo says – [TSH with T4 reflex 4.397 and now on 20 mgs methimazole and no longer on atenolol] okay – Yes it has taken me a month to understand and, I guess, accept this. Not sure what it all means though.

So now, what? If my body was on overdrive before, I feel like I am stalled (Could someone restart or shift gears, please!). It seems more difficult to exercise, but I continue to make my body do it. I feel better when I do – physically and emotionally – it keeps me sane. I am freezing all the time! Honestly, it was nicer being warm, not the sweating part, but cold is worse.
I know that I am still hyper until I have been off meds and in normal range for a year, but what do I do in the mean time? Now what? as I am feeling in limbo and have to figure out how to stay here for another 13 months?
jlw

[cathycnm]

#1074846

JLW – "Stalled" is a good way to put it. I did RAI and not ATDs – but I remember feeling totally like a robot for several weeks while my TSH climbed to 18 within 5 weeks of RAI. Stalled, for sure.

It takes time to heal. Graves impacts every cell in our body – so even though your blood levels may be normal things are still healing. During my time with Graves – one of the biggest issues I had was that my bone cells were not responding to my med for osteoporosis – it will take months to heal the damage done to those cells. While my osteoporosis was there before the Graves – having the bone scans has really helped me to understand that it is EVERY cell and organ system that are impacted. Healing takes time.

I also continued to exercise during my Graves and hypoT stages – though cut back and watched pulse closely. I also felt better doing it – though somedays it was hard to get moving. I do feel that I was blessed to be healthy enough to continue exercise even through all of this – I also know we have to be careful to not overdue and to progress slowely. I am back to 3-5 mile runs just recently!!!

I can only tell you that limbo started to feel better for me once I started healing enough to feel normal again. Not to say there is still not some work to adjust meds and my eyes and bones are still healing. But my routine is normal again and I feel like me. I suggest just maximizing your support systems during this time and doing all you can to focus on positive healing. Let us know how if goes – and welcome! ” title=”Smile” />

[Kimberly]

#1074847

JLW – You didn’t mention how frequently you are having labs run, but if you are feeling really miserable in between labs, it’s worth it to call your doctor and have another set run.

Some people respond FAST to ATDs (I did) and your Free T3 and Free T4 can fall into the hypo range if the meds aren’t reduced accordingly.

There is some controversy over what a "normal" range of TSH would be — some medical professionals believe that the existing range is too broad and should be narrowed.

Good luck,
Kimberly

[jlw]

#1074848

I was surprised about how quickly I was "normal". I also thought 4.397 (range 0.3 to 5.5) was a bit high for me because I did not feel well at all that month (November). My endo dropped my dosage to 20 mgs after the normal range was acheived. I think that I am at a better number now, but don’t go til the end of the month to check again – unless things change more drastically. I was going each month to have my levels checked, but am now at every two months. I have been trying to pay attention to my symptoms, and I guess I’m feeling a bit of the emotional side more now than the physical – besides exercise taking more energy from me. If that makes sense.
My sister-in-law asked me if I kind of feel like a science experiment. I guess that is how I feel. I think it’s just this limbo stage or healing stage.
Thanks for your thoughts.
jlw

[Author]

Posts