[awojo]

#1059119

Hello all, I just found this forum while researching Grave’s.

I was diagnosed with Graves just over a week ago and started Tapazole that day. I am feeling better but still have fine tremors and a bit of nervousness and palpitations. Are the symptoms supposed to disappear completely and if so, how long did it take for you on Tapazole?

My family doctor offered me beta blockers but I chose not to take them. Do they make you feel normal? Is it better to be on them while also on the anti-thyroid meds? I really need to get a handle on this as it’s affecting my work and being self-employed that gets really serious. So I’m wondering if I should get the beta blockers after all.

Also, has anyone tried changing their diet along with the anti-thyroid meds, and did it help? I found there to be so much confusing information on the net about this.

I’m sure I’ll have a zillion more questions in time.

Thanks!!!

Adele

[Kimberly]

#1172350

Hello and welcome! Tapazole starts working right away to block production of *new* thyroid hormone, but you might feel symptomatic until your body burns off its existing stores of excess thyroid hormone, which can typically take a few weeks.

Beta blockers can potentially give you some relief from the tremors and rapid heart rate that come with being hypER, but it’s up to you and your doctor whether these are needed in your particular case.

For the most part, Graves’ is not a condition that can be impacted by diet, although patients who are hypERthyroid are advised to avoid foods that have tons of iodine, like the seaweed wrap that comes with sushi. Many patients also choose to minimize processed foods with unpronounceable ingredients and instead focus on eating whole, unprocessed foods: fruits, veggies, lean sources of protein, and whole grains.

Take care!

[adenure]

#1172351

Hi Adele

It took about 2 weeks for me to start to notice feeling better on methimazole (Tapazole)- 5 mg. daily. I decided not to take the beta blockers either. My heart rate came down from hovering around 100 to 62. I did lose hair and it thinned out. Unfortunately the big kicker was I am the 1% (hee hee- excuse the poor attempt at humor) and the methimazole was damaging my liver- so I had to stop taking it. I did not experience any of the symptoms you’re supposed to look for (yellow skin, sore throat, fever etc). I asked my doctor to order a liver function test at my first labs- 7 weeks after starting the meds- just to check- and low and behold! Anyway… again it’s only 1% who have that happen, so I wouldn’t worry, but maybe order a liver function test just to be sure. I’m going into surgery next Friday bc I didn’t want to risk trying PTU (especially since methimazole is considered the safer of the 2). I’ve been off the meds. 5 weeks and I’m still normal thyroid wise, so that’ encouraging. Hopefully surgery will go smoothly! I have to take the betablockers for a week or so before surgery- so that will start soon just to protect my heart; my heart rate is in the 70s these days- not too bad. I did cut out high iodine foods- I even limited my dairy (has iodine) and didn’t eat any seafood. I figured it might help some.

Alexis

[Ski]

#1172352

Hi Adele,

We’re glad you found us! Sorry you had to join the club.

Graves’ can be quite an adventure — some people find their best form of treatment quickly, others have more trouble and need to explore other options, but we are very fortunate to HAVE more than one option, and you’re doing the right thing by doing research. When you’re online, try to make sure that you’re visiting sites with some kind of medical “seal of approval,” because literally anyone with a computer can launch a website and say anything they want to say, without having to prove it. A lot of junk can SOUND plausible. We try to err on the side of “proven,” though of course discussions about how to make your body healthier overall are helpful in any case. A healthier body can handle things better, no question.

Let us know as things come up, we’ll be happy to help!

[catstuart7]

#1172353

Hi Awojo, it took me about three weeks to start to feel a lot more close to normal. The beta-blocker will help with tremors and heart symptoms though I find the brain fog from it a bit much. You can always try it and see how you do.

And on diet does anybody know about fish? I know ocean fish has some iodine but is it enough to matter?

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