[Kellzbellz]

#1017917

Just thought I would pop in to say hello, I am very newly dx, so this is still all kinda a blur to me, which given the fact I have been in the medical field for 15+ yrs, but giving most of it has been spent on an ambulance this isnt my area of expertise. I am very impressed with the amount I have read about people knowing their levels, whats normal, what isnt.. I walked into the endo earlier this week and when he asked me if I knew why I was there.. my reply " Ya.. my THC levels are off" ..lol.. SO now that he thinks Im a pothead..lol… thankfully first meeting with him and I really did like him.
All if this started with me 2 yrs ago with my doc choking me, as she was checking my thyroid, send for an ultrasound and told I was fine. Apparently that wasnt the case, it was within "normal" but on the larger side. 2 yrs have gone by all of a sudden my TSH was low (got it right this time..lol) and off I go for thousands of dollars worth of tests. To have all this slammed on me last Tuesday. I am thankful though, I coulda been told worse news, I guess thats the way ya hafta look at things, its not going to kill me, it may be aggrivating at times, but I will live.
I will say though I am glad there is finally a reason I have been feeling the way I have, I work alot of wonky hours, 24 at a time, and alot of things get blamed on that. But when I dont even have the energy to wash a few dishes, its more than being overtired. What I do find odd is all signs lead to graves, but all symptoms lead to being hypo… Im ALWAYS cold, gaining weight ( which after having a lap band I am less than thrilled about ) dry skin, memory loss, muscle aches.. and irribility( thats hard to tell, Im always cranky..lol )
So… I guess now that I know what is wrong, its time to attempt to fix some of the problems, I know it never goes away, but even feeling a little better is a step in the right direction.

[Kimberly]

#1061627

Hello and welcome to the boards! Don’t worry, you’ll soon be spouting TSH, TSI, T3, and T4 jargon like a pro…especially with your medical background.

As you start down this path, most patients find it helpful if they can get labs run in advance of their actual doctor’s appointment, instead of having labs done *at* the doctor’s appointment and then waiting for a follow up phone call. This allows you to spend the appointment time actually looking at the results with your doctor…and discussing any issues or dosing changes in person. It’s also a good idea to ask for hard copies of your labs, so you can track the results over time.

Some patients end up on a bit of a hypO/hypER rollercoaster before developing full-blown Graves’. Also, in rare cases, the antibodies that cause Graves’ can actually block thyroid hormone production instead of revving it up. So definitely pay close attention to both what your labs say *and* how you feel as you begin the treatment process.

Take care – and keep us posted!

[WendySue]

#1061628

Greetings and welcome from another newbie!

I was recently diagnosed on May 2, 2011 and have been on meds for a month, lopressor, potassium and topazole. This week I am noticing a difference in my symptoms for the better!

Since I am not used to taking meds on a regular basis and my short term memory was not functioning well, I programed my blackberry phone to remind me to take my meds at the scheduled times, as well as placed my meds in one of those pill boxes so I could see if I actually took them. Remembering to bring the pill box with me was a bit of a challenge in the beginning, but I am getting better, I keep another set of all of my meds for the day in a special bag in case I forget or have to stay someplace unexpectedly.

I also purchased a BP machine to track my pressure and a finger pulse machine which is easier to transport when I am on the road so I can monitor my heart rate. For me not being able to control the situation going on inside of my body is very aggravating, so I am attempting to do my best to help the meds help me by following the guidelines on diet, taking my meds at the scheduled time and trying to reduce the stress in my life or how I react to the stress. Sleep was another adjustment, I am attempting to get at least 6 hours if possible, now that the meds are kicking in that goal is getting easier to attain. Before dx I got about 2-3 hours max of sleep per night and didn’t think anything was wrong with that.

I go for my blood work next week and have an appointment with the endo the following week.

Take Care, good luck and best wishes for a speedy remission! These boards have given many of us hope and encouragement, remember, you are not alone.

[SallyB62]

#1061629

Hello and Welcome! I am not a moderator, but am happy that you found this website. I just joined in April 2011, and I wish that I had found this site years ago. The people on this website are very knowledgable.

All I can advise is for you to do tons of research and bring many questions to your doctor. I believe that informed treatment is essential, especially with this disease.

And, I personally know that a person can have Grave’s disease (even high thyroid hormones and antibodies) and show the symptoms of hypothyroidism. The different and changing symptoms can drive you nuts (figuratively, of course).

But, glad you are here.

[Author]

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