[Anonymous December 23, 1997 at 10:55 pm Post count: 93172]

#1153875

I’m am curious what your doctor meant about your eyes, but if your doctor meant that you have grave’s eye disease, than the RAI will probably not improve it. My opinion (and just an opinion) would be to stay it out if the meds are working…The meds will only indirectly help your eyes, but if your hormone levels are within normal, then perhaps what is happening is not thyroid related, but perhaps it is related to grave’s eye disease or something else which is not treated in the same fashion.
PS- even when your hormone levels are normal, you still have Grave’s, you will have it for the rest of your life, but hopefully it can be controlled go into remission…

Good Luck, and feel free to email me.

Ron

[Anonymous December 24, 1997 at 2:31 am Post count: 93172]

#1052405

I had no idea there were so many of us with Graves’ disease! Could some of you
who know more about this tell me if your experiences/ideas coincide with
mine?
I had all the classic symptoms of Grave’s disease–weight loss,
weakness, rapid pulse–and I actually figured out what was going on and
asked my doctor for a blood test, which confirmed my diagnosis. I’m
seeing an endocrinologist, who seems very good, and who is eager to have
me swallow that killer dose of iodine and do my thyroid in for good.
However, I am reluctant to destroy any part of myself for good, unless
it’s absolutely necessary, and I’ve opted to take the drugs (Tapazole).
My blood tests have looked very good for the past few months, with my
thyroid levels down in the normal range. However, my endocrinologist did
note during my last recent visit that my eyes are still too “bright,”
and she feels that I still have Grave’s. Right now the plan is that I’ll
continue to take the drugs for 18 months or so. So, what do you think? Should I bite the
bullet and swallow the iodine? Am I being silly to resist this very
standard treatment? For any advice or similar experiences you can relate,
I am grateful!

[Author]

Posts