[beebello]

#1058702

Hello there. I’m new to the board and Graves’ Disease. I was diagnosed last month after a routine doctor appointment. My heart rate was 130 and blood pressure was too high so my gynecologist sent me to the ER. I’ve been on Metoprolol and Methimazole ever since and really feel good – hands are not shaking anymore, heart no longer racing & sleeping better. I’ve seen an endocrinologist, opthamologist and my GP and know I’m on the right track. My endo spent over an hour explaining the thyroid in great detail and said he’s 95% sure I have Graves’. He ordered another blood test and will call me with my results and I might not even have to go in to see him – we’ll see what the blood work results are.

There is only one endo in my immediate area and I really liked him, but he is very hard to get in touch with. I have so many questions since my visit with him. I was totally surprised/in shock when I was told it was Graves’. I’ve ordered some books to learn as much as I can about autoimmunity and Graves’ on my own, but don’t want to diagnose myself – I trust my doctors.

My question here is, will I definitely have to go through radiation or have my thyroid removed to solve my hyperthoidism? Are those the only options? Can the methimazole solve it? I’m feeling good since I started the meds – will this last?

I’m so relieved to have found this site! Thank you for any help!
Becky

[beebello]

#1169460

So, I’ve been searching around here for the past couple hours and think I’ve found some answers. I am looking forward to the next time I see my endocrinologist. I feel like I will ask informed questions.

I’m still wondering, though, when do you get to the point that radiation or surgery becomes necessary? I’ve noticed some people seem to go through one or other very soon after being diagnosed and others are on antithyroid drugs for a longer period of time.

I really appreciate any input.
Thank you!
Becky

[Kimberly]

#1169461

Hello – Sorry, I thought I had responded, but my post must have gone “poof”. Hate when that happens!

A certain percentage of patients will go into remission after a course of Anti-Thyroid Drugs, and other patients are successful at controlling their hyperthyroidism using a low dose of the ATDs on a longer-term basis. (Not all doctors in the U.S. will support this approach – longer term use of ATDs is much more common in Europe and Japan than in the U.S.).

Some patients prefer a "definitive" treatment right away such as RAI or surgery; others prefer to stay the course with ATDs rather than destroying/removing the thyroid gland. The following link is to the new guidance from the ATA and AACE on treating hyperthyroidism. The link is to an abstract; you can view the text as html or in PDF format. It’s a very long document, but page 9 of the PDF document (page 601 of the actual journal) goes into some of the reasons that might impact patient preference of the selected treatment option.

Note: You will need to click your browser’s “back” button to return to the bulletin board; otherwise closing the new window will log you out of the bulletin board.

http://www.liebertonline.com/doi/abs/10 … .2010.0417

Bottom line, all three options have risks and benefits, so it’s important to do your own research and make an informed choice.

[beebello]

#1169462

Thank you for your reply Kimberly! I appreciate it! It’s starting to sink in more & more that this really isn’t going to be a quick & easy fix. It’s a new reality for me. I’m concerned with some of the stories I’ve read & trying not to get scared. There have to be some positive stories out there though, right? I haven’t seen too many.

Today was the first day that I haven’t felt right – light headed & kind of spacey. I’m calling my doctor first thing in the morning. I’ve been on meds for just over 5 weeks now.

Thanks again,
Becky

[Kimberly]

#1169463

Hello – There was actually a similar discussion over on the Foundation’s Facebook page yesterday! The vast majority of posts that you read online are going to be from patients who had a *negative* experience with a particular treatment option. You just don’t see many posts saying, "I was treated with [insert treatment option here] and I feel great!!!" For the most part, these people move on with their lives and don’t stay involved with the Graves’ community.

We do have some patients on this board who have had success with the various treatment options — and still continue to check in. Their input is really valuable for others who are just starting the process!

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