[ewmb]

#1070627

Since I have had Graves I have had "allergies" but the allergist told me that I’m really not allergic to much of anything. I use a nasal irrigator now every night and it has really helped. It helped me with the off balance feelings too in my ears. Didn’t really have too many sinus infections. I had RAI a month ago and am hoping that some of my allergy symptoms will disappear soon. I am feeling a lot better now.

ewmb

[lizlair]

#1019295

Well, the good news is that I had an appointment with the eye specialist last Monday and it appears that my TED has finally entered the "cold" phase. The bad news is that I guess I no longer have any excuses to avoid RAI this summer. After two years on Methimazole with varying degrees of success, my endocrinologist would really like for me to take the next step. My next visit with him is the end of June and it will probably be decision time.

In the meantime, I have read some earlier posts regarding a correlation between Graves and chronic sinusitis. I am curious if others have experienced this problem. Since childhood, I have suffered from various nasal allergies. About ten years ago, I developed asthma. Along with the usual drippy nose, I have a history of nasal polyps which have required four surgeries in the past ten years (talk about fun!) Anyone else have a similar history?

[Ski]

#1070628

There was an interesting comment made at our last conference, that it appears people with chronic sinus problems are more likely to present with the more severe symptoms of TED. Perhaps this has to do with the antibodies taking advantage of prior weakness in the body.

[Kimberly]

#1070629

lizlair wrote:Well, the good news is that I had an appointment with the eye specialist last Monday and it appears that my TED has finally entered the "cold" phase. The bad news is that I guess I no longer have any excuses to avoid RAI this summer. After two years on Methimazole with varying degrees of success, my endocrinologist would really like for me to take the next step.

Hello – It doesn’t sound like you are sold on RAI. For those who can maintain their thyroid levels on a lower dose of ATDs, many patients to continue to safely use these drugs past the traditional "2-year mark". If you personally are unhappy with your results from ATDs, then RAI or thyroidectomy are certainly other options…but unless there are complicating factors, the choice should be yours, not your endo’s.

Best of luck!

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