[Edy]

#1059587

Hi everyone,

My Endo called. She already has the results of the RAIU scan from this morning. My uptake was 47% It needed to be less than 30%

So she said I have GD. Especially with my TSI being 4.3

I am NOT pleased. How could I take medicine to stop Hepatitis C from continuing to kill my liver cells and end up with this?

I am not asking for an answer to that question. It is a question I am asking myself I can’t answer.

She wants me to start taking 30 mg of Methimazole a day. And come back in a month.

I could be moving to the east coast soon.

I really don’t want to take the meds. I have already gained weight 52 pounds this year after taking the meds before.

What can I do to curtain me gaining weight while I take these meds? I don’t want to weigh over 200 pounds.

I am really glad I have this support group

[Bobbi]

#1175961

Hi, Edy. Take a deep breath, and do not panic. Our disease is treatable. And we do get well again with the proper treatment.
Weight gain is not something you should factor into your treatment decisions. The weight we lose (or gain) while hyperthyroid are complicated by losing muscle. Muscle weighs more than other tissues, but it also burns more calories than other tissues do. So having more muscle will “look” like weight gain, but will mean that you can eat more without gaining weight. Some of us actually gain weight while hyperthyroid, though, due to lost muscle (at least in part), and our weight issues tend to go back to whatever normal was prior to the problem.
When we regain normal levels of thyroid hormone, lost muscle slowly comes back.

I would have a serious discussion with my doc if I had hepatitis C and was diagnosed with Graves. My questions would be about whether or not the antithyroid drugs — which can adversely affect liver function — are appropriate. I do not have an answer to this. But it is an issue that should be explored.

I do wish you good luck, and better health soon.

[Caffer1962]

#1175962

In 2005, I was treated with radioactive iodine for my hyperthyroidism, and it worked very well. I ended up becoming hypothyroid, or under active, and take thyroid meds daily now. Everything was fine. I would discuss radiation with your doctor. My brother was diagnosed with Grave’s before me, and had a horrible allergic reaction to the hyperthyroid meds so I chose to go the radiation route.

Good luck and let us know how you make out. Always remember–if you don’t like what your doctor is suggesting, and he/she won’t work with you, find someone else. Do your research!

[adenure]

#1175963

Hi,

I’m sorry about the news. I know how hard it is to hear. I cried the whole way home after my scan results (I was really hoping it was postpartum thyroiditis), but I just wanted to say that once you find the right treatment, you will get better. I was on 5 mg of methimazole for 7 weeks before having to stop it bc it caused liver problems for me (which is now totally fine- no long term problems). They figured out I had problems with methimazole from liver labs. I had a thyroidectomy 6 weeks later and am now 6 months post surgery and doing pretty well!!! I did not gain any weight on methimazole nor have I since my surgery. I take Synthroid everyday and live my normal life. It’s not perfect, but I’m much, much better now than I was before. I work out and do hard cardio 5 days a week for 30-40 min., eat healthy, sleep pretty well for the most part and am grateful to be well again. I get tired more easily I guess than I did before, but it forces me to slow down, which isn’t a bad thing. It will be okay.

[conniesteelejd]

#1175964

Dear Eddy,
I am so sorry to hear that you received the diagnosis of GD today. I do not have that one but Hashimotos, but I have had states of hyperthyroidism. My fraternal twin sister recently got diagnosed with it and I wonder if perhaps I started out with it and actually switched to GD.
I have gained weight on medications before and I know the horrible feeling that causes. Not all meds cause weight gain, however. I always try to do a good and regular exercise problem, and to date, discovered that Russian Kettlebells work for the best cardio and weightlifting combined workout. Also, a low carb diet and eating small meals tends not to spike up insulin and cortisol, which put weight on a person and can cause both viseral fat (that dangerous fat under the stomach and around one’s vital organs) and metabolic syndrome disorders, i.e. diabetes. I know, it is like Rosanna Dana, “If it is not one thing, then it is something else.” and somehow, with our health, that just seems to be the case. The good thing, Eddy, is, you are NOT alone. Many have gone through this before you and many will experience it in the future. I know, however, that probably does not help out when the gravity of having this chronic illness for the rest of your life is right there in you face. That is why it is best to take it “one day at a time,” and I have with severe hypothyroidism had to even take it one minute at a time. Best of luck and please know that you can make it through this. Sincerely, Connie

[Edy]

#1175965

Hi again,

My Endo in Illinois was aware of the Hep C. Actually, the study drs found the non-existent TSH. So she prescribed Methimazole because it has a lower chance of causing liver problems.

I talked with my study nurse today and she said that my liver is a good as cured. The study drug along with the standard treatment meds knocked the Hep C out of my system. In other words, the Hep C is no longer attacking my liver.

That is a good thing. Having GD is better than having Hep C killing my liver. So, I guess if I had to pick one of the two, I pick GD….

Did I SAY THAT?

Yes, because Hep C could kill my liver. GD options to cure could kill my thyroid. I would rather be minus a thyroid.

Ok, I will start taking the GD meds soon.

Thanks everyone
Edy

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