[jillschulties]

#1060618

Hello- Does anyone have concentration issues despite having their thyroid levels “normalized” with methimazole? My 17 year old daughter has been on this med for years and her levels are “normal”. However, she seems to always be distracted, and unable to completely concentrate for long period of time. Does anyone else with Graves and taking methimazole have these issue? Did anyone have the Radioactive Iodine treatment and these symptoms went away after treatment?

Jill

[Kimberly]

#1183672

Hello – Hopefully, others will chime in here, but I do know that for some patients, memory/concentration and other emotional issues can linger even after levels are stabilized.

The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia has actually just started a research project on this, so we are looking forward to seeing the results. We partnered with them last fall on a seminar in Graves’ in Children & Adolescents. You can view the content here; the links to the different segments are on the right-hand side of the screen:

(Note on links: if you click directly on the following link, you will need to use your browser’s “back” button to return to the boards after viewing, or you will have to log back in to the forum. As an alternative, you can right-click the link and open it in a new tab or new window).

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gFhwrM4N6yA&list=PLUv9oht3hC6R5DWZUY-LVnLfQXqUocVdl

[Raspberry]

#1183673

Yes. I consider the effect on my mind/emotions the highest ongoing cost of Graves’ for me. I’ve experienced the whole range upper and lower of the thyroid levels, so I know it’s just not a matter of being wrongly medicated. I wish this issue had higher prominence. I do think it hits some people harder than others for reasons they don’t understand just like TED.

Jill I’m sorry your daughter got this so young and I would encourage you to investigate all possibilities. For some people being medicated too high or low (with methi. or synthroid) really is the problem. Sometimes it’s something else – low iron or vitamin d. And if it can’t be found then all you can do is adapt and use what you’ve got to the best of your ability….that’s about it for me.

Kimberly, the link looks interesting I hope to check it out later!

[Tkiv]

#1183674

Hi Jill,

I too have had methimazole as well as RAI. The brain fog and concentration have not cleared for me. I was diagnosed about 5 years ago. I dont know if it will ever clear, after this long….I wish and hope that it will. But it has improved.

But like Raspberry said, don’t give up the search. For me – going gluten free, adding yoga and meditation and regular exercise have helped. As well as getting enough sleep. But all have been done with my doctor’s ok. I wish you and your daughter success in this fight. I hope you can get some answers that help her. Take care,
Terry

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