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I have recently been diagnosed with a hyperthyroid due the the usual symptoms: Tremors, high pulse, severe headaches, constant sweating and overheating, and weight loss (From 225 Lbs down to 185 Lbs since Christmas). I don’t feel that I have a severe case, but I am confused about a few things. First, What is the difference between Graves’ disease and a hyperthyroid? Are they the same? At this point, my Military doctor want to do the RAI, but I very concerned about this. Is this the right step? He has not tried any other form of teatment except giving me beta blockers. I am very concerned about the thought of “killing” my thyroid. I realize that this form of treatment has been in use for many years, but how do you know if it’s the right path for you? The next question is, how effective/efficiently does the hormone replacement medication work? How hard is it to balance your system once the the thyroid is dead? Thank you for your help in advance. I’m still new to this and am feeling a little lost. My Dr. hasn’t been much help, but I’m limited due to being active duty military.
Travis
I have had ptosis,proptosis,tremors and severe headaches for 3 months now. My MRI showed massive swelling in my right orbit last week but my thyroid test a month and a half ago was normal. Anyone else have these things going on? The headaches are 24/7 and sometimes hurt so bad they make me cry.
Hi there,
It sounds as if you may be experiencing symptoms of Thyroid Eye Disease (TED), which are not dependent on thyroid hormone levels. It is referred to as Thyroid Eye Disease because it usually occurs in people with thyroid conditions (not necessarily just Graves’), but sometimes it precedes the thyroid symptoms and other times the patient never develops thyroid disease at all, just the eye disease. So it’s not so unusual that your thyroid test is normal while you continue to experience eye symptoms. Are you seeing an opthalmologist for your eyes?
Unfortunately, a sometimes all an opthalmologist can do is wait through the worst symptoms of TED, but there are some treatments available and they are worth discussing. It would be worth consulting with an opthalmologist, especially since you’re in such severe pain.
In the meantime, it may help to raise the head of your bed (put a brick or similar object under the frame at the head), and frozen bags of peas (in a Ziploc so you know not to cook them later) can help by conforming to the shape of your eyes and providing some relief from the pain and swelling.
I hope you get some help soon, that constant pain is truly debilitating.
Wishing you the best,
Ski
NGDF Assistant Online FacilitatorI have just been referred to a neurophthamologist by my neurologist. I have been shuffled around so much I hope this is the last shuffle and I can get help. Do you think they should order a second thyroid test to be sure? I have had to push to get this far and I will keep pushing now that the MRI shows orbital swelling. I have a little discoloration under and around my right eye as well as measurements have consistantly shown protrusion and drooping of both eyelids.
Hi supercalif,
Unfortunately, thyroid levels have nothing to do with the eye disease. They don’t affect the eye disease and they don’t give any information about the severity or progression of your eye disease. So, even if you are concerned that you may be beginning to see thyroid symptoms and your levels may need testing, that test won’t help anyone treat your eyes.
It is probably a good idea to start a relationship with an endocrinologist so that you can periodically get your thyroid levels tested, for your own sanity. It is possible that thyroid symptoms and imbalances could occur with you in the future, and it’s much better to be proactive about that.
In the meantime, it sounds like treatment for TED is your top priority. The neuro-opthalmologist is the perfect doctor to treat you for that.
Wishing you luck!
~Ski
NGDF Assistant Online Facilitator -
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