[Buttamama28]

#1072790

Welcome…I assure you-support must be everyone’s middle name, because that’s all going around here. I had all those symptoms years before I was diagnosed and I dropped out of college because of them. I wish I would have known sooner as well!

But, now that you know don’t ignore anything. If it don’t feel right; it probably isn’t. Ask questions, if you have a doctor who doesn’t like questions- get a new one. You are you’re best help…..

[RhondaG4]

#1072791

Welcome Jo…I hope you find what you need here. It has been a great source of info for me, and at times I’m not sure what any of us would do without it…any of us newbies anyway. We have some great "parents" here that know so much about this, and if they aren’t sure, they will tell you as much, which is great. Rhonda

[PixieJo]

#1019598

Hello everyone!!

I just wanted to introduce myself after lurking for a few days! I was recently diagnosed (end of January) with Graves after spending Christmas vacation with my family….having hot flashes!! hahaha! I was of course reassured, no its probably NOT early menopause (I’m 29) and the shakiness, insomnia, palpitations, elevated heart rate, mood changes..etc etc..was just stress and I needed to relax. Thankfully, I don’t hesitate to use my insurance plan for anything!

For the first month I did take propranolol along with methimazole, my endo said to listen to my body and I would be able to wean myself off the BB. I am no longer taking that and I have my first follow up visit on the 31st. I was very relieved to find out it wasn’t all in my head! Had a really rough past year, separating from my husband and all, so I thought I was just in a depressive, anxious, miserable funk. Wish I would’ve gone to the dr sooner!!

Most of the physical symptoms that were bothering me have eased (shakiness, nervousness, panic, heartrate/palps, heat intolerance and hot flashes) and it has really made me aware of how important it is to listen to your body and TAKE CARE of ME!! I started slowly going back to the gym, water aerobics, yoga, light walk/jogging or elliptical and eating better. I gained over 50lbs the past year – where’s my darn weightloss was my first question!! Hehehehe

Anyways, just wanted to give a quick bio and say hello. I plan to be very active on the boards as i think its a great way to give and get support!

peace and love

jo

[Ski]

#1072792

Hi Jo,

We’re so glad you found us! I must admit, it’s pretty rare to read a "newly diagnosed" post that’s as cheery. ” title=”Very Happy” /> We’ll be here for you, feel free to ask any questions you have as you go through this process.

[PixieJo]

#1072793

Ski – I have my bad days, but I’m generally a cheery person, which was why when i realized there was an actual medical, physical reason I hadn’t been myself for a year or so, it was more a relief than upsetting news. I also am terrified of cancer, so learning it wasn’t cancer helped ” title=”Smile” /> I can get better, I can feel better..and it will take some work, but after learning that your body isn’t working the way it "should" it makes me want to do everything I can to help it out ” title=”Smile” />

It is also nice to tell my boss and others that I need as little stress as possible while striving for remission ” title=”Wink” /> SO BACK OFF!! hehehehe

[dmh43]

#1072794

I too have been recently diagnosed with positive antibodies for GD, however my TSH levels are normal. I spent 2 years on PTU after finding out I was hyperthyroid. Once off the PTU, my weight that I had lost before finding out I was hyperthyroid has come back and I am having an extremely difficult time getting rid of it. Does anyone have any suggestions???? I have a lot of the symptoms of GD, but only tested positive for the antibodies. Does this mean I should have the iodine test to see how bad it is? I want the weight off very badly as it is making me feel very sluggish and depressed because I cannot lose it. Any suggestions??? I have tried to eat better; go on Weight Watchers and even exercise more, but nothing is helping. I am currently not taking any medications and my Doctor told me that I shouldn’t do anything but come back and see him in 6 weeks to have another blood test to see where my levels are and then he will decide from there. I just want to feel better and have more energy so that I can work out or diet to get the weight off.

[hyperm]

#1072795

Welcome!

I think you will find so much support on here – they are all amazing. Sorry to hear you had such a hard time before but glad you are on the mend. Yeah I think we all have had those symptoms and like you thought it was all in the head!

My endo said today that my levels were so off the scale the last 2 months that if I had comitted murder I would have gotten away with it – well at least I think that is funny?????

Anyhow, its great to have another member and hope to hear how you are getting on with the meds etc…

xx

[PixieJo]

#1072796

Thanks hyperm!! Good to be here! Was a little panicky today when i couldnt get to the board!! hahahaha

Glad its still here ” title=”Smile” />

[PixieJo]

#1072797

dmh ~ the weight thing and "feeling better" is tricky. Simple to say, burn off more than you take in…but the types of food you are eating can really affect the way you feel. Try cutting out sugars, processed junk – eat whole natural foods. Lots of fruits and veggies. I dont really eat dairy much at all, maybe special occasions. I also dont eat much meat. I lost over 75 lbs just by doing that and walking…then running. (that was PRE-GD though). For sure find at least one way to de-stress. The mental and physical exhaustion stress can cause is insane!

Hope that helps ” title=”Smile” /> Sorry i dont have much input on the dr situation!

[DianneW]

#1072798

dmh,

The antibody situation can be complex. Thyroid Stimulating antibodies (TSI) can take several forms, and some of them actually block production of thyroid hormone during some phases of Graves’ Disease, so the overall picture isn’t as simple as measuring the levels and deciding that you have this disease and have to be treated. It might be important to know where your actual Free T3 and Free T4 levels are, since the TSH reading itself can be affected by the antibody levels and the TSH itself isn’t always a completely reliable indicator of whether your thyroid levels are where they should be.

Discuss this issue with your doctor at the next visit, and be sure he’s aware of your symptoms. If he’s only testing your TSH, ask if he will test your actual thyroid hormone levels (Free T4 and Free T3). If you aren’t feeling well it may be related to your thyroid levels, but if not, it’s important this is ruled out so that you can be tested for other conditions that might be causing your symptoms.

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