[cheermom60]

#1060201

Hi all, I’ve been MIA for almost 3 years due to the hectic lifestyle I’ve had. Got married, moved clear across the country (from CO to NC), had a child miraculously (after being told I couldnt by even fertility drs) and then moved back to CO due to missing my family here and the lack of a good endocrinologist in my area back in NC. I was only being treated by my lab results and NOT by my symptoms or how I felt as a whole. I’ve been a miserable mess and gained 60 lbs over the past three years, extremely tired, emotional wreck (not to mention a royal you-know-what).

I had RAI done years ago (I believe 4 or 5 now, my memory sucks too) as I was ill advised to do this and regret it. My Synthroid is always being adjusted the past three years and my endo even let me be way off the charts when I got pregnant and I worried the entire time because I was off the charts with my TSH, T3 and T4 results and I read that is not good for the baby. Well she is fine so far but I know there is some learning level there I will need to work with. I have been waiting three months to get into my endocrinologist here in Colorado as I really liked her approach when I saw her twice before I moved. She is always open to different treatments and doesnt just treat with lab results but as a whole person too. Im currently on 135mcg of Synthroid but wanting to try something else. I’m always moody, extremely tired (and have been before I had my latest child) and the weight just will not come off even though I have started eating more fruits and veggies than anything else the past 6 months. I’m actually gaining again. I had a fasting TSH done and it was .06 (that was part of a physical work required for a disount in health insurance and I figured its free and my endo will do the T3/4 when I get to her office on monday). so I know that result is useless. Does anyone know what diet works best for people with Graves? I’ve tried ww and lost 80 lbs but its all back and I’ve tried others but wondering if vegetarian or gluton free work well with our autoimmune disease. Any advice is welcome Sure glad I have somewhere to turn.

[cheermom60]

#1181218

Oh and the past 6 months I (and everyone else ) has noticed I have skin discoloration. I used to have freckles all over my arms and legs and now its like I have patches of them and the rest are gone. I look awful and people always ask what I did as my freckle patches are darker than how my skin is fading.

[Kimberly]

#1181219

Hello – I’m sorry to hear that you are still struggling after all this time. Hopefully, getting back in to see that endo you had a good track record with before will get you started back on the path to reclaiming your health and your life.

I’ve heard of patients trying various dietary approaches (vegan, gluten-free, paleo, anti-inflammatory, low iodine, eliminating food sensitivities), but unfortunately, I haven’t seen any good studies to determine if one of these approaches is better than the others for Graves’. This definitely needs more research!

Making sure that your TSH, Free T4 and T3 are normal and stable is definitely key. Another thought would be to ask your PCP for a complete physical to rule out any other possible medical causes. Sometimes bringing a written journal to a doctor with your food/activity plan will help them realize that you are already working hard to lose weight – and that they need to help you look for any other potential causes.

Here are a few additional suggestions from a presenter at one of our past patient conferences:

1. Include breakfast daily within 2 hours of waking up.
2. Don’t go longer than 5 hours in between meals
3. Select “high volume” and “high fiber” foods such as fruits, veggies, and whole grains
4. Limit servings of healthy fats to 1 per day
5. Prioritize at LEAST 7 hours of sleep a night

Once a doctor’s clearance is obtained to engage in activity, she also recommended 150 minutes per week of physical activity, plus strength training 2 times per week.

I’m not familiar with the skin issue that you are describing. Perhaps an appointment with an experienced dermatologist would help shed some light on this.

Take care – hope that you can see some relief soon!

[cheermom60]

#1181220

Thank you so much for replying Kimberly. I just posted again with my findings of my skin issue. Guess its called vitiligo (I have the universal form is what my Dr said). I’m going to cut out alot of junk (not bad foods but processed foods) as its too easy to grab that processed foods. I am making an effort to eat more fruits and veggies instead.

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