[Ski]

#1067461

If your thyroid hormone levels test outside the normal range, that is conclusive. If you feel that you may have slipped into being hypothyroid, then you can ask to have another blood test done in 4 to 6 weeks and see what it says. If you still test hyperthyroid, that would indicate that your body has simply changed the way it responds to hyperthyroidism. One of the hardest things about Graves’ is that we have patients who are raging hyperthyroid who lose weight, and others who gain weight. It’s odd to hear that you’ve changed from one type to another, but it’s not unheard of.

Having surgery is absolutely a valid option for treatment, and will return you to health. It’s true that some people experience increased symptoms of Thyroid Eye Disease (or Graves’ Ophthalmopathy ~ it goes by different names in different circles) after RAI, so if that is a concern for you, surgery is a perfectly good choice. Just so you know, typically there is a very small percentage of RAI patients who experience worsening of TED symptoms, but if you’re in that percentage, it wouldn’t make much difference to hear that you are in the minority. If you already have rather significant symptoms of TED, then it would absolutely be prudent to choose another treatment. It IS your choice. We have people here who have chosen all three treatments, and people in each camp are very happy with their results. In my experience, those who have made an informed choice are the most likely to be pleased when all is said and done, so you’re doing the right thing. Whatever you need to do to make sure you are having a necessary, therapeutic treatment, do it so you can be at peace with the decision.

[Anonymous]

#1018846

Hello. I am new to the forum. I have been dealing with Graves for about three years. I opted for medical management hoping for a cure. I was on PTU for six weeks before having a reaction (clawing my skin off from severe pruitis/itching). Have been on methiamazole since. My endo attempted to wean me after the first normal TSH level. I really think too soon-too fast (took me off the medication all together). Have never been able to get it under control again. About three weeks ago had a reaction I to methiamazole when she bumped my dose up to 40 mg a day. Broke out with rash on trunk, hands and feet. It was not painful just not pleasant to look at. Stopped the medication she told me. Most of the lesions are finally gone due to hydrocortisone cream in the last three days. I’m wondering if it was a reacton to the medication as the lesions did not go away for three weeks. My TSH was .006 with FT4 1.3 down from 2.9. She says I must do RAI or sugery. I’m scared of the RAI due to increased risks of Graves Orbitopathy (GO) with RAI. I work with an eyemuscle surgeon who has Graves and underwent RAI twice. He said he regrets it and would do surgery if he had the choice again (he had to have orbital decompression due to GO post radiation). His daughter had Graves and had surgery instead of RAI. He has the credability with me as he has been through it.
Here’s the confusing part. Early and in the past I had symptoms of Graves. Now I do not. I have gained weight 7lbs recently, I am tired all the time, sleep like a baby. No flashing, raging, tremors, or cramps. I am on one 20mg propranolol in the am (early in the diagnosis I was on three). I only have tachycardia in the am-don’t know why. I really don’t want to do anything. I feel like we are treating numbers and not the whole picture. I feel like my symptoms are more hypo. Anybody else out there have this. When I talk to doctors they give me blank stares or tell me that I must do something even though it doesn’t make sense. I don’t really want to do something that will make me feel worse, and that is permanent. Why can I not keep up the status quo if my symptoms are not bad? I am not trying to be difficult patient. I have an appointment with surgeon on 11/5 despite my reluctance.
I apologize for the long post and appreciate any input.
Carrie

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