[DianneW]

#1073382

What do you mean that the PTU doesn’t work? Do you mean it didn’t achieve remission? It should bring down your thyroid levels if you take it properly.

Besides RAI, Surgery, and PTU, the only other treatment is Methimazole (brand name Tapazole), which is an antithyroid drug similar to PTU. The main difference is that it doesn’t have a bad taste and you can take it once daily.

RAI does not poison your body, but it will no doubt make you hypothyroid. It’s your choice whether to take it or not.

The only treatments for GD are antithyroid drugs (PTU or methimazole), RAI, or surgery. You’re not alone in wishing there were other choices, but this is what we have. Fortunately, all of them work, and for this we can be grateful.

Best wishes in making a choice that you’re happy with.

[Ski]

#1073383

Dianne gave you great information ~ I just wanted to add that the beta blocker might make you feel better, but it is not addressing the underlying problem (hyperthyroidism), so your body is still under attack until you get some sort of treatment to bring your thyroid hormone levels down. Hyperthyroidism is stealthy, it can destroy all KINDS of body tissues, ruin your muscles, your bones and your heart, but slowly enough that you may not notice until it’s too late and the damage is irreparable. It is CRITICAL that you find the right amount of thyroid hormone, not too much, not too little.

[candyshell]

#1019679

Hi
I was diagnosed w/ graves disease nov . 07 my gyno found a lump on my throat.
I had never noticed it and since then it seems to be getting larger.
I have seen many doctors and they all want me to have rai.
I don’t want to poison my body.
the ptu doesn’t work and I will not have another surgery , what else is there?
I recently started my beta blocker and I do seem to sleep better while taking those.
I really love this site it is very informative.
thanks

[Author]

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