[DianneW]

#1074288

Hi Nina,

Glad to see you back, and that your thyroidectomy and eye radiation went well. Do you still need a decompression, or did the radiation help enough that you don’t?

You probably should tell your doctor that you’d like to have your Free T3 and Free T4 levels tested as well as your TSH, if you’re not comfortable with just the TSH test. Tell him you’re not feeling back to full wellness and you’d like him to find the reasons.

I don’t know of any reason to think that treated Graves’ Disease is related to the other problems you mention, but you should certainly ask your doctor if he knows what could be causing those problems as well. There is a recent thread on this board with a discussion about acid reflux and thyroid levels in case you’re interested.

[nina]

#1074289

Hi Diane, Thanks much for your response; it was great to hear from you as you were very helpful to me in the past when I was in a crisis. No, orbital decompression surgery is not being recommended at this time, as, other than the dryness, my eyes seem to have stabillzed. I’m not sure how long this will last, however. I still see the eye MD every 4 months or so. I would be interested in reading more about Acid Reflux and thyroid disease, but I’m not sure how to access this topic on this new bulletin board format. Are there some basic directions I could read re the new bulletin board? Thanks again. Nina

[Sjefferys]

#1074290

I had radioactive treatment 2003, my eyes start protruding 2004 experienced dark circles, tired looking. 2005 the bulging and eye dryness, headaches started. My Enc. Dr Berlin referred me to Dr Hudak trained ophthalmologist for Graves’s patients. She worked with Dr. Berlin to ensure TSH levels maintain 6months normal. I was approved for Eye Surgery and had the procedure Aug 2008. The sockets were reset, fat upper and lower removed. It’s been 6 months and I no longer have the eye stress symptoms experienced in 2005-2006. I feel so much more confident looking people in the eye. I did have to fight insurance company and the last hour they approved to pay half cost for this procedure. Most will think it’s cosmetic and you have to stay on top of your medical history; my case had to prove eye symptom was due to Graves.

UPDATE:
I come from appt with OPH. Dr. Hudak follow up appt last Friday and learned there are not many ophthalmologists trained and continues training for Graves patients. It is very hard to find dedicated trained doctors in this field. The main problem is the dedicated, honorable doctors are going out of practice, they are sad to do this however insurance companies and economy is taking toll.
SURGERY UPDATE
Since having procedure Aug 08, continued follow up appt. 2 weeks ago Dr. Hudak diagnosed I now have Blepharitis (Middle Age Acne) the margins of the eyelids where the eye meets the lid has lead to dry eye, styes, chalazion and eye infection, redness, itching, crusting especially in the morning, burning, sharp pains in the eye, reflex tearing, fluctuation in vision and tired eyes.
Prescribed treatment hot moist compresses this will soften up the thickened oil deposits that are congesting the pores of the glands. Next gently scrub the lids in the lash line with OcuSoftplus pads this is to help work off the deposits. Then rinse again. She also prescribed the best eye drop ever for Thyroid, Graves OPTIVAR 0.05%; Refresh can’t touch this eye drop or night time ointment. Also because infection I’ve been taking DOXYCYCLINE HYCLATE 00mg for 3 weeks 2x a day, then I take 50 mg 1x a day. Not only is the prescription working for eyes it has started to clear the body rash. Most importantly it does not affect my daily Synthroid 175 mg pill.

REQUIRED FOLLOW UP SURGERY
Since having the eye procedure and healed quiet nicely. But I have air pockets that set in on the upper lid and small white bump determined to be sys. The procedure will not be as evasive the 1st surgery, it sill take 3 days before I can become pirate and take care of myself.

Again, I am so happy to have this networking site to share, learn. With this condition and also recently diagnosed perimenopause oh boy not another hormone condition to deal with. Well this site has helped me express and not feel emotionally crazy.

My new steps:
1. take synthorid every morning at same time with 12 oz glass water
2. take B-12 pill 1 hour later with 12 oz glass water
3. take Doxycycline 2 hours later with 2 12 oz glass water

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