[cathycnm]

#1074738

Tara – Welcome to the board. It takes time to bounce back – and I am beginning to see from these posts that the longer you are sick before diagnosis the longer the healing phase.

I am a nurse practitioner and my mom had Graves – and I knew little about it before this, really. I agree on the misperceptions. People where I work (nurses with advanced degrees) actually heard "thyroid" and thought I would go get a pill and be fixed. When I had symtoms and could not give my normal amount at work – people got mad. I even sensed that I was not to talk about it to anyone at work – kind of like how girls use to be told not to talk about their periods or something. I honestly think they were just ignorant about how it all works with hyper thyroidism/Graves. The cell healing takes time. It is OK to talk about it. It is also good to focus on the positives in our lives so we can stay more resilient through all of it – and to surround ourselves with supportive friends. It made me realize how important it was for me to be informed and to have clear boundaries about creating a healthy environment for me healing. I think the best people to enlighten others are those who have walked or are walking the path. We know because we live it.

I hope you get feeling better soon. I felt aweful for 2 months after RAI until I started my replacement thyroid. I have never felt so aweful for such a long time in my life – I can empathize with anyone going through that. I assume you let your doctor know how you are feeling? They may want to do more labs to see where you are at. Cathy ” title=”Smile” />

[TaraPetit]

#1019877

Hello Everyone!

I just found this site and board and I am so grateful to find it. I was finally diagnosed with Graves this September, although I really suspect I have had it for a really long time.

The letters I find here are so helpful, because it helps me to realize that the symptoms I am going through are real, and not in my head. I have exhaustion, stomach aches and severe lower spine ache. The spine ache is new since being on meds for about 2 months.

I am also one of the ones that gain weight while hyper, instead of losing it.

I can really identify with the depression of Graves. I feel worthless because I am always tired, in pain, sick to my stomach and am definately not accomplishing what I used to acccomplish before starting the meds. Sometimes I am really tempted to just stop taking the meds. I am so sick of feeling sick!

I am also finding that there isn’t a whole lot known about Graves, even by the average Dr, and a whole lot of misinformation. Like all Grave’s is is hyperthyroid and simply taking a pill will make everything okey dokey!!!

TTYS

Tara

[sarabear0508]

#1074739

Tara,

One things that stood out to me was your spine aches. I would make sure to follow that closely. I know what you mean about ACHE! I have been on PTU for 2 and a half wks. Several days ago I began having unbearable pain in my lower legs and my knees would give out. It’s was out of the blue that this all began happening. When I talked to the pharmacist she said it’s a side effect of the meds. Considering your spine is hurting make sure you follow up with your doctor. You may be able to try a different route if you find it’s from the meds.

Best of luck.
Keep in touch.

Ps: I recommend this book to literally EVERYONE. It will give you SO many solid answers and comfort.

THE THYROID SOLUTION by, Rhida Ahrem M.D

Here is what the book covers. Each chapter is jammed packed with great information and many sub-topics also.

PART 1
* THE EMERGING MIND-THYROID CONNECTION: HOW A TINY ENDOCRINE GLAND INTIMATELY AFFECTS YOUR MOOD,EMOTIONS AND BEHAVIOR!*
~ Thyroid Imbalance: a Hidden Epidemic
~ Stress and Thyroid Imbalance:
~ Hypothyroidism: When the Thyroid is Under active
~Hyperthyroidism: When the Thyroid is overactive
~ Thyroid Imbalance- Beating Depression, Anxiety and Mood Swings
~Medicine from the Body: Thyroid hormone as an anti-depressant.

PART2
*NO- YOU’RE NOT MAKING IT UP! COMMON EMOTIONAL AND PHYSICAL INTERACTIONS.*
~Weight, Appetite and Metabolism: The Thyroid and your sex life
~Hormones of Desire: The thyroid and relationships collide.
~Overlapping Symptoms and Syndromes: Fatigue-Chronic Fatigue Syndrome-Hypoglycemia and Fibromyalgia

PART3
*WOMAN’S THYROID PROBLEMS. YOU’RE SYMPTOMS ARE NOT ALL IN YOUR HEAD!
~ Premenstrual Syndrome and Menopause: Turning the cycles
~ Infertility and Miscarriage: is your thyroid a factor?
~ Postpartum Depression: The hormonal link

PART4
*DIAGNOSING AND TREATING COMMON THYROID DISORDERS; THE JOURNEY TO WELLNESS
~ What you need to know about thyroid tests
~ Treatment and Imbalance
~Curing the lingering effects of thyroid imbalance
~ The New t4/t3 Protocol- " It made me feel better ALL over!"
~Living with thyroid eye disease
~ Thyroid Cancer: Curable and Anguishing
~ Eight Steps for the future- How to promote a better understanding of Thyroid,Mind, Body and Mood.

I hope this helps!

[sarabear0508]

#1074740

PS: What meds are you on?

[TaraPetit]

#1074741

the meds are methimazole (tapazole) The Dr knows. I just had a nerve conductivity test and are due for a bone density test next week.

Sometimes it is unbearable. My dh bought me a Connair chair mat that has three different zones of vibration and heat. Sometimes I sit on it for HOURS, and sometimes it really helps.

TP

[Ski]

#1074742

Hi Tara,

I’m sorry you have to go through this, but I’m also glad you found us. This is definitely not an easy road, but you CAN get through it. Please resist all temptations to quit the meds ~ the meds are NOT what is making you sick, it’s the hyperthyroidism and the amount of time you spent being hyperthyroid. Discontinuing treatment will only make you sicker and increase your risk for all kinds of problems (bone density issues, heart problems, for example).

The MOST important goal is normal thyroid hormone levels. Be a pit bull about finding your normal. Try and be patient, because this is not something we can accomplish quickly. But we are all evidence that you’ll get there. Promise.

Go easy on yourself for now. Do only what you must do, and besides that, do only the things that give you LOTS back, lots of joy, satisfaction, fulfillment. Ditch those things that drain you.

[gemsile]

#1074743

Tara,

I’m glad you found this group. I’ve only been around for a few days, but I can already tell its a really good, supportive place.

It’s ridiculous how ignorant people are about Graves. When I was diagnosed a few years ago, we had so much trouble finding information on it. Everything just directed to info on hyperthyroidism. Which was helpful to a point. But like you said, Graves’ is NOT hyperthyroidism. Hyperthyroidism is a symptom of Graves’. Some doctors even seem not to get that point, and its impossible to explain the distinction to people who think they know about Graves’ because they know about hyperthyroidism. In a conversation with my mom today, I mentioned that problem and she even said, after all this time, "You mean its not?" Graves’ is so much more, and we have to deal with so much more than just some high blood counts.

What you’re feeling is very real. Trust me, no one knows what your body is feeling better than YOU! Even if you don’t know why its doing these things. I pray that you get the best treatment. I too am on Tapazole and it worked really well. Give it time. Also, if the depression is really getting to you, try to seek help in that area too. It may be a "symptom" but it still needs to be addressed as what it is, depression. We’re here for you!

Jessica

[Author]

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