[Anonymous]

#1076306

You are, in essence, getting a second opinion already, by going to an endocrinologist.

Second opinions can be helpful in certain cases, but are not always necessary. I would suggest that you spend the next two weeks reading up on things in the books recommended on this website. They will not tell you “what” to do, but they will explain the normal options that we are given, and they will also tell you what various terms mean, and how the thyroid normally acts, etc. This type of reading can help you a lot when you discuss things with your endo.

I hope you are feeling better soon.
Bobbi – NGDF Online Facilitator

[Anonymous]

#1076307

Thank you! I am doing just that…reading, reading. The part that scares me is the eye issue, but I just read someones comments that it is not always a given that you have that too.

[Anonymous]

#1076308

Hi DBrennen,

The overall diagnosis for Graves’ is pretty straightforward ~ a blood test provides confirmation of hyperthyroidism, and an uptake/scan can give conclusive results for Graves’ Disease. By and large, GD is the most common reason for hyperthyroidism, just so you know. There is a blood test for Graves’ antibodies that can confirm the diagnosis, but there are circumstances where that blood test gives a negative result and yet the patient does have Graves’. The antibody levels rise and fall over the course of having Graves’ and no one really knows why. If you process that antibody blood test when the levels are low, you may believe that you have no antibodies when in fact you do.

The second opinion for Graves’ is more common when it comes to choices of treatment. There are certain doctors who believe that every single Graves’ patient should have the same treatment, and in our experience that is simply not so. If your doctor has an opinion about the “best” treatment, please pursue the topic further to find out why the doctor has that opinion, but keep in mind that the ultimate treatment choice belongs to YOU, the patient. If you have a doctor that is resistant to allowing you that choice, then it’s a good idea to find another doctor. Treating Graves’ and maintaining healthy thyroid hormone levels can be a lifelong effort, and you will find it much easier if your doctor allows you to have input and opinions of your own.

Let me finish by saying that, though you DO have the choice, there are really only three treatments for Graves’ Disease that are proven to reduce thyroid hormone levels: RAI, ATDs (anti-thyroid drugs, like PTU and methimazole), and surgery. There is NO “natural” therapy that can actually reduce thyroid hormone levels. There are some natural therapies that can reduce your SYMPTOMS, but they are not proven to reduce the thyroid hormone levels, and that is at the root of your illness, so that MUST be accomplished before your body can even begin to truly heal.

Stick around ~ read some old posts, get some good books (we have great ones in the “reference list”), and ask any questions that come up. We’ve all been where you are, and we’ve come through to the other side. We can help.

Oh, one last caveat ~ as you read posts here, you may form an opinion that we are all very sick and that your future is bleak. NOT SO. The bulletin board is, by its very nature, skewed toward illness. In other words, people write who are not feeling well or who are new to the disease. Once they have pursued and successfully completed treatment, they fade back into their normal lives and do not often return to say HEY, I’m feeling GREAT! It happens occasionally, but is not the norm. So, know in your heart that you will get there. It will definitely take time. That is the nature of the Graves’ Disease beast. In the meantime, take good care of yourself. You may not look ill, but you are, and giving yourself a break, allowing yourself all the rest and comfort you need, will go a long way toward getting you through this with your sanity and attitude intact.

Welcome!

~Ski
NGDF Assistant Online Facilitator

[Anonymous]

#1076309

Hi-

I wanted to say welcome and to tell you that my GP said he was pretty sure I had Graves but the endo has confirmed it by checking my antibodies and by having an uptake and scan done. Just thought you might like to know that there are test that can be done to confirm it.
I hope you are feeling better soon.

Renee

[Anonymous]

#1076310

Hi DBrennen, I really liked Ski’s answer about second opinions. I finally went to another Endo after about 6 months of treatment because I was going to someone where there was only one answer for treatment. I wanted someone who was willing to travel this journey with me and found someone like that. Our treatment discisions are very important and we have to have confidence in the doctor that is helping us make those decisions. You may be fortunate and find one you really like from the get go….

[Anonymous]

#1020196

I was just diagnosed with Graves by my GP. Im going to an Endocrinologist on April 12. Does “a second opinion” mean I should see another Endocrinologist after the first one? Or is diagnosis pretty straight forward?

[Anonymous]

#1076311

Wow…what a magnificent response, “ski”, thank you. I never expected to deal with anything like this, particularly not at age 42!, but it is absolutely fantastic that NGDF exists and I thank you all, from the bottom of my heart, for what you are doing! All the Best, Danamichele

[Anonymous]

#1076312

Thanks Renee, In some ways just knowing that there is something definable helps! It was the not knowing what the heck was wrong which was driving me up the wall! My GP put me on PTU…and im not seeing my Endo until April 12…that won’t screw up any other tests, I hope!

[Anonymous]

#1076313

Thanks, Ohio Mom…this is all great advise. I just can’t wait to get some energy back…and to sleep well!

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