[michelle36]

#1060188

Hi there, I am new to this forum. I got a book from the library today called “Graves Disease in our own words”. It referred to your website so thought I would check it out.

I was diagnosed with GD in 2004 and have been on carbimazole on and off since. I have two girls, 6 and 3 years, and whilst pregnant I was on little (5mg per day) or no carbimazole. I would be interested on your view of carbimazole as a treatment plan. I have read in your book that PTU and tapazole are the main thyroid drugs used oversease. I am from New Zealand, so wonder why carbimazole was the drug of choice by my Endo. I am currently taking 5mg of carbimazole per day and have had a goiter for ages.

I am starting to adjust my diet so that I cut out chocolate, processed sugar and alcohol (but I like a few wines on the weekend so not overly happy about that one!)

TSH is 2.6 (0.4-4.0) and FT4 is 12 (10-24)

I have also been told to cut out any vigorous exercise if I want to shrink my goiter. I had a test done at the doctors in June which showed below average muscle. I also have yellow palms.

I look forward to your replies.
Thanks!
Michelle

[Kimberly]

#1181092

Hello and welcome! Tapazole (the generic version is Methimazole) is the most commonly used anti-thyroid drug in the U.S.. A few years ago, doctors discovered that PTU had a greater risk of liver side effects, so it is only used now in very specific circumstances (primarily the first trimester of pregnancy and in patients who have had minor allergic reactions to Tapazole). Other *very* similar drugs are used outside the U.S. – carbimazole is one, neomercazole is another.

I am not familiar with any links between goiter and exercise. However, patients are generally advised to refrain from strenuous exercise while hypER, as this puts extra stress on the heart. Once levels stabilize, patients can resume their normal activity routines, although it’s a good idea to start *small* and work back up *slowly*. One of our former facilitators began doing bicep curls with paperback books, as that was all that she could lift to start with!

Yellowing skin in general can be a sign that liver function should be checked, but I’ve not heard of this just being on the palms. Has your doctor been able to shed any light on this?

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