[bellatini]

#1059083

First of all I would like to thank the moderators for taking time to help others. I am scheduled for TT on 6-8-12 but not sure if my FT3 will be down enough. I have been on Methimazole 40mg daily for about a month and my Dr. says that my FT4 was in line two weeks ago but my FT3 is still double what it needs to be. I am so ready to have the surgery! Has anyone had to longer that a couple of months to get their numbers down for surgery?

[snelsen]

#1172029

did he indicate that was a deal breaker for the surgery? Is it you who is worried about this? Or him. Ask him. I suspect not. He’ll figure it out, deal with it. Are you talking potassium iodide now?
I had a TT, super glad I did.
shirley

[Robboford]

#1172030

Hi bellatini,
I have been on meds for almost 9 months now in an effort to get my levels down to enable surgery to take place. Over here in Australia we seem to take a lot different approach to the US with Treatment options etc., Not sure why or what the thinking is but for me my journey has always been aimed towards stabilising my levels and then proceeding with Total Thyroid removal. In stating this though, I have a wonderful band of Health Professionals guiding me on my journey and have the utmost trust and faith in their efforts to get me back to “Normal”. Every case is different and although I haven’t gone into too much detail previously, I presented at hospital in a severe life threatening state of Thyrotoxicosis (hindsight is a wonderful thing). Even 9 months on, I am struggling to remember when I felt normal previously – I had always placed myself last in priorities and just battled on regardless. I was in absolute shock (and denial) when told I was in Heart Failure and had this incurable Disease. The weight loss didn’t affect me, quite the opposite in fact. Due to the Heart Failure fluid had invaded my body which masked some of the Graves symptoms. I had in fact put on 18kgs in 2 weeks (approx 40lbs) and although my clothes were a bit tight, having previously lost a lot of weight 7 years earlier scales don’t mean anything to me. If I hadn’t been able to fit into my clothes, maybe I would have jumped on the Scales – but there is that wonderful hindsight again. The bulging eyes had never worried me because as long as I can remember (as far back as 6 or 7 years old) I have been told that I had “Don Knotts” eyes. Over half of my Medical support staff are too young to even know who I am referring to as I am sure a lot of the “younger” (I am only 46 years young) Forum Members have no idea who Don Knotts is! I am looking forward to my next Endo visit (1 week from today) as it will be interesting to see where my levels are now. I am currently seeing my Endo every 4 weeks after upping meds even though my Liver was reacting to the medication. (T3 is just not getting low enough). So here’s hoping my Liver is still relatively Ok and my Levels are getting closer to “Normal”. Hang in there, there is light at the end of the tunnel (admittedly the light goes out some days and it is hard to see the end of tunnel), I know I am not alone on this journey and have been sent on it to hopefully impart some knowledge and support to others along the way, the same way the support and understanding of Forum members like yourself and many others have lifted my spirits and given me hope (and guided me back to that light at the end of the Tunnel).
Take care
Cheers, hugs and smiles
Debbie

[bellatini]

#1172031

Thank you for your words…I am just anxeous to have the proceedure. Once I make a decision it is like I cannot move this along fast enough. I will have to ask about the potassium iodide. Can I take this with TED?

[bellatini]

#1172032

Thank you Shirley & Debbie! You have comforted me during this waiting period. Only you can understand this journey.

Well, I received a call from the surgeon and my FT3 is 3.2 (normal = 2-4) and my FT4 is 0.77 (normal = 0.82 low end). The dr. has reduced the Methimazole for maintenance. Scheduled TT ob 6-8-12.

[Kimberly]

#1172033

bellatini wrote:

I will have to ask about the potassium iodide. Can I take this with TED?

Hello – I have not heard of any issues taking potassium iodide for patients with TED. The potassium iodide (often prescribed in conjunction with beta blockers) is an option for reducing the risk of thyroid storm in patients who require surgery, but are still hyperthyroid.

[bellatini]

#1172034

Thanks Kimberly! I talked to the Dr. this morning and he is not prescribing the potassium iodide. Thanks everyone for your knowledge! Now just waiting…I’m not real good at that!

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