[Madame_X]

#1075242

It may very well be that everyone is different.

I was diagnosed about 3 weeks ago — I have a lot of the same symptoms you have and it’s going to be day to day for quite awhile. Today I took a relative to the doc’s and now I’m exhausted.

[Ski]

#1075243

Hi jlolsen40,

First, technically (I know, I’m being rather ridiculous) a remission is defined as a period of one year or more in which you do not take any medication, and still retain normal thyroid hormone levels. If you are still taking ATDs, you are not in remission. If you have not been off them for more than a year, you cannot define your status as in remission (yet).

You say your thyroid hormone levels are "within the normal range," but that range is truly enormous. People have their own normal "point" along that range, and finding it is one of our tallest challenges. If you have thyroid tests that were done prior to your illness, that’s a great way to find your own personal normal. If not, it can take some trial and error.

In addition, you are early on in this process. It’s quite possible that some symptoms will linger as your body continues to heal (I am sure it’s not finished healing yet). It can only begin to heal when you arrive at normal thyroid hormone levels, and the process can a long time. Every cell in your body was under assault when you were hyperthyroid.

One thing we have found that can help as you go through this process is to keep a symptom journal. You can note episodes of certain bothersome symptoms, rate them perhaps on a 1-10 scale, and note your thyroid hormone levels when you get them tested. Doctors love data, and this gives them a much better window on your progress than saying "I’m tired all the time," or "I got mad at my xxx yesterday without provocation."

It is possible, if you are on meds, to slightly adjust them and still remain in the normal range. Drilling down to YOUR normal will be well worth the time spent.

[mamabear]

#1075244

I am currently in remission, so there is light at the end of the tunnel!!! I have been without medication for 18months and My TSH levels are within normal range.

Like Ski said your body is healing and it will take time. Some things might take longer to heal then others and everyone is different.

Remember that PMS is REAL and before your menses you might feel cranky even angry and yell, you might cry for the stupidest things and get mad at someone even when it is your own fault.(been there myself ) But that is just being a woman and having PMS. Men have to learn to cope and we have to learn that right before our periods we need to be aware that we can/do have pms and we have to learn to not eat the junk that will make it worse. (Like….chocolate, caffeine of any sorts, chips …any junk food). Hydration is key for PMS in fact your entire body is key on hydration especially while going through thyroid issues.

If you are looking to get pregnant and cant’ it will take time, although if you are looking to get pregnant you should tell your dr. so he may talk about being on Tapazole and might switch you to something else. Just make sure you dr. knows if you are looking to do that.

Healing takes time so take it day by day and you will see results.
Prayers for continued healing!!

[jlolsen40]

#1019953

I was diagnosed with Graves about a year ago. I was feeling “weird” but was able to come up with reasons for all of my symptoms and never went to a doctor. During my annual exam, the nurse practitioner felt my throat and suggested that I get my TSH measured. My levels were undetectable and my road to a graves diagnosis began. I realized that my “weird” feelings were all symptoms of graves. I was extremely anxious and easily irritable, I was hungry all the time and if I didn’t eat I became nauseous, and I couldn’t exercise because that made me really nauseous too. I sometimes had the “jitters” (and a racing heart rate), I would be out of breath after a short walk, my legs would sometimes hurt for no reason, and my menstrual periods were coming later and were lighter than ever before.
I am lucky in that my methimazole (tapazole) treatment was very effective and I have been in remission now for 5 months. Most of my symptoms are gone, but some of them have not recovered. The one symptom that I know for sure is still with me is the unusual menstrual periods. Sometimes I feel jittery and anxious when I really shouldn’t be, and I can get really moody for no reason. I often wonder if these “symptoms” are just in my head and I’m just being paranoid about having a flare-up. I’m still getting blood work done about every 8 weeks and all of my levels have been in the normal range for the past 5 months. I guess I’m just wondering if anyone else has had a similar experience, and if maybe I just need to wait a little longer for everything to return to “normal”.

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